Zambian science events seek to boost women’s STEM uptake

[NAIROBI] Zambian researchers are using three strategic interventions to enhance the participation and hands-on practice of women and young people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The women in STEM conference, the STEM boot camp, and the STEM festival are organised as part of a partnership of the country’s National Science and Technology Council…

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Indigenous plants support nutrition in Southern Africa

Indigenous plants use din making jams and juice

Food recipes developed from indigenous plants and adapted to local climates could improve nutrition and alleviate food shortages in rural households in Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers say. The African researchers created products – including jams, juices, syrups, yogurts, and instant soups – using plants such as wild orange, wild medlar, amaranthus, baobab, hibiscus, and violet tree.…

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Malawi aims to boost ethanol production amid challenges

Gift Kadzamira, Director General, National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST)

Malawi is working to increase its ethanol production through public-private partnerships in a bid to generate cheaper, cleaner transport fuel, a senior official says. Ethanol, which is made by breaking down the starch in maize kernels into sugar and fermenting it, is less polluting than petrol, producing lower carbon dioxide emissions. However, it also relies…

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