News

2023-11-28


There’s more to poverty than meets the eye: Reflections on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023

Dr Irene Nyakagere Thomas, Postdoctoral fellow within the Future Africa Global Equity in Africa Research Chair reflects on this year's #EndPovertyDay by looking at the complex topic of poverty, especially in Africa.

2023-11-22

Climate Change: Addressing the Cow in the Room

Dr Pamela Pophiwa, postdoctoral fellow within the Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainable Food Systems writes about the collaborative forum, Qinisa, which aims to promote the coordination of agricultural GHG-related research between relevant research organisations in Southern Africa and provide a platform for knowledge sharing on appropriate GHG-mitigation technologies and practices.

2023-11-21
PROMOTE THE SWITCH

Since the television was invented, it has maintained its long-standing role as a medium of education, information, communication and entertainment. Through these, public opinions have been shaped, diversity has been promoted, and knowledge has been spread globally.

2023-11-21
Protect Our Forests

Forests and trees play a crucial role in human society and are cited as key elements in the strategy towards sustainable development for the African continent. Forests and tree-based systems also support the development of other sectors, such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries, that contribute to rural livelihoods and local and national economies. (IUFRO 2021).

2023-11-20
Every Child Every Right

November 20th marks the anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Today marks 34 years since this groundbreaking milestone convention.

2023-11-14
UP and Nestlé forge a transformative partnership to advance food research and education

The University of Pretoria (UP) is proud to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nestlé, the world's leading food and beverage company. This marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at fostering academic excellence, research development, and technical cooperation in the field of sustainable food systems and nutrition.

2023-11-13
Pan-African collaborative avenues for strengthening African science

Latest developments from the collaboration between Future Africa (FA) and the International Science Council (ISC).

2023-11-10
Future Africa Congratulates Prof Dire Tladi on Historic Appointment as Judge of the International Court of Justice

Future Africa congratulates Prof Dire Tladi, UP Professor of International Law and Future Africa's Research Chair in Global Equity in Africa, on his appointment as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

2023-11-07
Including Traditional Crops in the African Research Agenda for Sustainable Food Systems

Research by Dr Sussy Munialo, postdoctoral fellow within the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS) – hosted by Future Africa, sought to understand if including traditional crops such as finger millet, amaranth, nightshade, yam, sweet potatoes, Marama bean, and soybean in the African research agenda can improve the nutritional profile and benefits of our diets.

2023-11-03
Building a Healthier Future Together: Future Africa Commemorates One Health Day

Future Africa joins the global community in celebrating the eighth annual “One Health Day” on 3 November. This day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a One Health approach to address shared health threats at the intersection of humans, animals, and the environment.

2023-11-02
Future Africa appoints Prof Frans Swanepoel as Research Chair for the Sustainable Food Systems Domain

Future Africa, the pan-African collaborative research platform at the University of Pretoria (UP), is pleased to announce the formal appointment of Professor Frans Swanepoel as the Research Chair for the Sustainable Food Systems Domain, effective from 1 November 2023.

2023-11-01
YOUTH-LED MOVEMENT THAT TRANSCENDS BORDERS

The Africa Youth Day is celebrated on the first of November annually since it was proclaimed when the African Union adopted the African Youth Charter during the Banjul Summit 2006. The theme of this year, 2023, is: “1 million Next Level is knocking: Youth-led Movement that Transcends Borders.” This day was set aside annually to promote the increased recognition of youth as critical agents for...

2023-10-31
EXPLORING CITY-HINTERLAND LINKAGES

Cities emerged in the hearths of civilisation around the world. Its origin can be traced to the Neolithic revolution, when humans transitioned from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a sedentary life of farming.

2023-10-31
FINANCING A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FUTURE FOR ALL

On World City's Day, we recall that while the road is long and the obstacles are many, the potential for positive transformation is within our grasp. With suitable investments, policies, and improved urban governance, we can create sustainable cities that thrive, providing economic growth and improved quality of life for all, securing a more sustainable and inclusive future for generations.

2023-10-30
FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH IN AFRICA

The latest food security report, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, highlights that millions worldwide suffer from hunger. The situation is particularly dire in Africa, where it is predicted that over 600 million people will be food insecure by 2030.

2023-10-26
Future Africa and ISC Co-Host Roundtable on Mobilising Science and Research Funding for Development in Africa

Future Africa, in collaboration with the International Science Council (ISC), recently co-hosted a roundtable event on the topic of "Mobilising science and research funding for development: Transforming African science systems to promote sustainable development."

2023-10-25
ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS) welcomes new ARUA-CCNY early-career research fellow

In October, the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS) welcomed Dr Selorm Dorvlo for a 12-month residential early-career research fellowship opportunity.

2023-10-24
Professor Wanda Markotter Talks about Viral Spillover and One Health Approach on SAFM

Future Africa Research Chair in One Health, Professor Wanda Markotter, recently shared valuable insights about viral spillover and the importance of proactive measures such as a "One Heath" in a radio interview with SAFM's Stephen Grootes.

2023-10-19
Professor Wanda Markotter Joins Global Lancet-PPATS Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover

Future Africa Research Chair - Professor Wanda Markotter, a leading expert in zoonotic diseases and One Health from the University of Pretoria joins the newly established Lancet Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover, a global team of experts tasked with developing an action plan to reduce the risks of virus transmission between animals and humans - the primary cause of most pandemics.

2023-10-18
LAUNCH OF AFRICA JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND CULTURE

The Theology and Religious Studies Department at the University of Malawi has launched a new publication, The Africa Journal of Religion and Culture, with, as Editor-in-Chief, Dr Dorothy Tembo. This new journal replaces a previous publication, Religion in Malawi, which focused solely on this country’s diverse and complex religious landscape.

2023-10-17
MAGNETRON SPUTTERING METHODS AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr Tabitha Amollo has been awarded a visiting research scholar position at Michigan State University (MSU) in the African Futures Research Leadership program. She is one of the ten fellows in the fourth cohort of this program, drawn from member institutions. At MSU, she is hosted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

2023-10-16
RAINWATER HARVEST CULTURE COULD BE A SOLUTION TO WATER CHALLENGES

A preliminary analysis of rainwater systems in various parts of Nigeria indicates that groundwater exploration is under pressure in urban areas, and most residents in urban areas still need rainwater systems installed. This situation of not deploring rainwater harvesting systems is quite different in most rural communities where most residents depend majorly on rainwater and have various water har...

2023-10-16
FOOD AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Food quality is the quality characteristics of food that is acceptable to consumers. Food fraud is a well-documented crime, and the quality requirements for food are rapidly increasing. An important stepping-stone to monitor and guarantee high-food quality is tracking all elements through the complete production chain, from the base material overall processing steps to the final wholesale and reta...

2023-10-16
INTERSECTING REALITIES: RETHINKING THE VALUE OF WATER

Water, the lifeblood of our planet, is often taken for granted, and its value in the context of world water and food resources remains underappreciated. As the global population continues to rise and climate change disrupts established weather patterns, we must reassess our understanding of water's significance in the interconnected systems of agriculture, food production, and the sustenance of li...

2023-10-15
Hope gleams in the form of digital transformation

As Kisii County and the broader African continent celebrate the International Day of Rural Women on 15th October, the theme, "Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All", stands out prominently.

2023-10-11
ONE FOR THE GIRLS | MENTORING IN STEM

Girls remain underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Mentoring is an effective tool in sparking and sustaining girls’ interest in STEM courses. Dr Tabitha Amollo mentor girls in STEM at Egerton University and in her community.

2023-10-10
CELEBRATING WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY THROUGH A NON-ILLNESS INTERVENTION LINK

The World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, is a global event that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote the importance of mental well-being. World Mental Health Day 2023 is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the positive aspects of mental health and encourage practices that can help maintain good mental well-being.

2023-10-09
HOPES OF REFRIGERATION AT AN OFF-GRID HEALTH DISPENSARY IN KENYA

Dr Tabitha Amollo fabricated and recently installed a solar-powered refrigerator at Madding Health Dispensary in the interior off-grid part of the Kacheliba sub-county of West Pokot, Kenya.

2023-10-05
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS: A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

Teachers are the key to the attainment of any development objective, whether national or global. They build the knowledge, skills and attitude that societies need for its development. Teachers can help achieve the various sustainable development goals (SDGs), national development goals (NDGs), and individual development goals (IDGs) at both low and high levels within society, country, and the glob...

2023-10-03
FAR-LEAF FELLOW SELECTED FOR NIGERIA SCIENCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma has been selected as a fellow of the prestigious Nigeria Science Leadership Programme (N-SLP). He addresses plastic pollution by re-engineering plastic – a critical priority for the African continent. His FAR-LeaF research project is focused on the circular economy from plastic waste and the reengineering of plastics with a community engagement strategy.

2023-10-03
Dr Heide Hackmann to lead new Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence on Politics of Sustainable Development

Dr Heide Hackmann, Director of Future Africa at the University of Pretoria, has been selected to lead the new Cluster of Research Excellence (CoRE) titled “The Politics of Sustainable Development: Squaring the Circle of Science and Democracy” in collaboration with Professor Dan Banik at the University of Oslo’s Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM).

2023-09-21
WOMEN’S LAND RIGHTS AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Women play an essential role in agriculture in Nigeria, as they make up 60% of agricultural labour in this country. Yet, they are considered as farm helpers rather than farmers. This limits their role in decision-making processes and exposure to economic opportunities from active participation in planning processes.

2023-09-21
Celebrating #InternationalDayofPeace 2023: Action for peace as the antidote to violence

In celebration of International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, the Future Africa Global Equity in Africa Research Chair joins the United Nation’s call to take action for peace and recognises the importance of pursuing strategies to address conflicts and state-sponsored violence.

2023-09-14
Governments must seek win-win synergies by tackling climate and sustainable development crises together, urges expert group report

A groundbreaking report by a group of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations outlines steps governments should take to maximise the impact of policies and actions by tackling the climate and sustainable development crises at the same time, creating synergies

2023-09-11
Survey research proved that African voices can rise above ‘expert’ narratives – Afrobarometer Chair Gyimah-Boadi

Afrobarometer co-founder and Board Chair E. Gyimah-Boadi told participants in a dialogue hosted by Future Africa at the University of Pretoria that public-attitude surveys have shown that ordinary Africans have the agency and ability to voice their opinions, regardless of the narratives pushed by experts and pundits.

2023-09-07
Future Africa launches successful Futures Literacy Masterclass

The Future Africa Futures Literacy (FL) Incubator held its first Futures Literacy Masterclass from 15 to 18 August 2023 in partnership with the Wits School of Governance. The masterclass brought together 38 participants from a variety of backgrounds, including academics, practitioners, and students to explore the concept of futures literacy and its application to different fields

2023-09-06
A COMPUTERISED ADAPTIVE SCALE FOR EVALUATING STUDENTS’ MENTAL WELL-BEING

Dr. Oladele is using a transdisciplinary approach that would ensure collaboration between the relevant academic disciplines and organisations to proffer sustainable solutions to the mental health issue, which the Covid-19 pandemic has compounded, as a common goal.

2023-09-05
LEADERSHIP AND ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION

Most PhD graduates in Cameroon are unemployed, yet the demand for a PhD constantly increases. Given that education is a powerful instrument for the economic development of every country, there is a need to consider education as an instrument of economic policy to ensure that resources devoted to education yield expected returns. Applying financial concepts in education enables policymakers to ...

2023-09-01
SAFEGUARDING KENYA'S CORAL REEF FISH SPECIES FOR THE FUTURE

Kenya’s marine and coastal environment is of high ecological and economic value with its natural bounties, including beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, plants, and animal life. However, the increase in the population, unplanned development of towns and the effects of climate change are accelerating environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. This loss is severe in marine ecosystems since coas...

2023-08-31
Women's Month 2023: Dr Matilda Azong Cho

In celebration of Women's Month in South Africa, we are shining a spotlight on the phenomenal women who are making strides in their areas of expertise for the betterment of humanity. Meet the dynamic Dr Matilda Azong Cho, Postdoctoral research fellow, Future Africa Sustainable Food Systems Research Chair (FA-SFS)

2023-08-30
FAR-LEAF HEALTH CLUSTER HOST ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION IN BOTSWANA

Eight FAR-LeaF fellows made their mark at last week’s Climate Health African Network for Collaboration and Engagement (CHANCE) conference in Gaborone, Botswana. The fellows are all part of the Future Africa Research Leader Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) Programme.

2023-08-28
EXPERT OPINION: Biofuel investment and women’s land rights: the role of the water, energy, land, and food (WELF) nexus

Biofuel investment in Africa has the potential to harm women's land rights. Dr Matilda Azong Cho argues that policymakers and investors need to take steps to protect women's rights when making biofuel investment decisions. This includes ensuring that women are involved in decision-making processes and that they receive fair compensation for the loss of their land.

2023-08-27
Women's Month 2023: Dr Colleta Gandidzanwa

August is Women's Month in South Africa. This year, we are shining a spotlight on the phenomenal women who are making strides in their areas of expertise for the betterment of humanity. Meet the vibrant Dr Colleta Gandidzanwa, Research and Project Manager for ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS) hosted at Future Africa.

2023-08-25
AGRICULTURAL ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE: LESSONS FROM HAI DISTRICT, TANZANIA

As we mark World Water Week 2023, we explore the experiences and strategies of Hai District's farming communities, showcasing their innovative efforts to adapt to the changing climate and improve their livelihoods.

2023-08-24
MAKING WATER CHALLENGES VISIBLE

Many of the world’s most urgent water challenges are invisible to the naked eye: the availability and state of our groundwater, the global streams of so-called virtual water, and the impact water has on people, nature, and economies.

2023-08-24
Making transdisciplinarity real: transformations supporting transdisciplinary research

In response to today's challenges, institutions are embracing change through the transdisciplinarity (TD) movement. Dr Hester du Plessis, Senior Research Fellow at Future Africa shares her insights into the "community of transdisciplinarians," shown by Future Africa which connects academics and society.

2023-08-22
WATER AND SANITATION GOVERNANCE IN RURAL SETTLEMENTS

A thriving society should promote good governance, accountability, and democratisation by increasing citizens’ participation in planning around social amenities like water and sanitation. A shift toward a bottom-up process could offer several benefits, including stakeholder empowerment, user participation, and good governance of water resources. As a fundamental human right, having access to...

2023-08-20
CHANGES IN RAINFALL AFFECT ALL FARMING ACTIVITIES

Climate change in Ghana has caused crop failures leading to yield reduction and food insecurity in the region. Most vulnerable to this variability and change in climate are smallholder farmers. Changes in rainfall affect all farming activities.

2023-08-18
Women's Month 2023: Dr Sussy Munialo

August is Women's Month in South Africa. This year, we are shining a spotlight on the phenomenal women who are making strides in their areas of expertise for the betterment of humanity. Meet Dr Sussy Munialo, a postdoctoral research fellow at Future Africa who is working to improve food security in Africa and beyond.

2023-08-18
Future Africa to Help Implement Africa Charter on Transformative Research Collaborations

Future Africa, the pan-African platform for collaborative research at the University of Pretoria, has joined the steering committee to implement the Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations.

2023-08-10
FAR-LeaF WRAPS SECOND WORKSHOP

The Future Africa Hub of the University of Pretoria recently hosted the second Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) Workshop. The 24 research fellows from across Africa who attended responded overwhelmingly positively to the event.

2023-08-09
LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: LITERACY LEADERSHIP AMONG RURAL WOMEN

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Hellen Namawejje of Makerere University, Uganda, is teaching rural women to become money leaders instead of money spenders – and her experiences in the field over the past year have led to a further prestigious fellowship.

2023-08-08
INCREASING SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN AFRICA

The phenomenon of climate change and sustainability continues to generate debate among scholars, practitioners and decision-makers across the globe and calls for action among institutions, governments, and stakeholders to develop interventions for mitigation and adaption.

2023-08-08
DEVELOPING A MACHINE LEARNING SYSTEM TO DETECT WATER STRESS ON MAISE FARMS

Agriculture plays a vital role in the economies of many countries. In Tanzania, a developing country, agriculture represents almost 30% of the country’s GDP, with three-quarters of the country’s workforce involved in this sector.

2023-08-08
EMPOWERING AFRICA'S INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

On August 9th each year, the world unites to honour and celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This day is a crucial reminder of indigenous communities' diverse cultures, rich traditions, and invaluable contributions to our global society. However, it also highlights the pressing need to address these communities' challenges, particularly in the context of technology an...

2023-08-04
Future Africa co-hosts the new Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre

Future Africa at the University of Pretoria, Rhodes University, the NRF, and Future Earth have joined forces to establish the Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre. The Centre will serve as a central hub for sustainability efforts across the continent. Hosted by Future Africa and Rhodes University from 2023 to 2026, its goal is to foster collaboration and coordination among various sustainabil...

2023-07-26
RESEARCH | Politics of Security Sector Reform

RESEARCH | Politics of Security Sector Reform: Violence and the Emergence of Regional Security Outfits in Nigeria Onyekachi E. Nnabuihe | FAR-LeaF Fellow

2023-07-25
CELEBRATING AFRICA DAY OF SEAS AND OCEANS

The African Union launched the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans on July 25th 2015 to raise awareness of the enormous challenges faced by the water sector and the need to harness the rich resources on the continent. The framework was developed to initiate actions on aquaculture and fishery, enhance marine tourism, mitigate human tricking and smuggling through the seas, provide an improved disaster ris...

2023-07-25
RESEARCH | Frontiers of belonging and politics of identity

RESEARCH ARTICLE | Frontiers of belonging and politics of identity: The materiality of funeral rituals and festivals in Nigeria’s urban space Onyekachi E. Nnabuihe | FAR-LeaF Fellow

A Collaborative Effort to Empower Ga Mampa Farmers in Addressing Animal Health Care Challenges
2023-07-18

The Future Africa Research Chair on Health, People and Places (One Health) partnered with the Animal Health Directorate of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to address the critical issue of basic animal health care in rural farmers. Recognising the high prevalence of tick-borne diseases in livestock, which can pose risks to human health, this collaboration aimed to provid...

2023-07-15
DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT: HERDING AND FARMING COMMUNITIES

World Day to Combat Desertification and Droughts is an attempt to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day offers opportunity to address land degradation through cooperation at all levels. Driven by factors such as population growth, which increases demand for energy, food, and other goods and services, climate change in Africa has posed numerous environ...

2023-07-14
World Youth Skills Day: Empowering School Learners through STEM Education

Future Africa's Research Chair on Health, People, and Places has launched a STEM skills programme for school learners. The programme offers practical and theoretical science activities, and career exposure opportunities, aimed at investing in the next generation of African scientists.

2023-07-01
PRESTIGIOUS BANGA-AFRICA FELLOWSHIP AWARDED TO FAR-LeaF FELLOW DR AMANKWAA

The University of Ghana has awarded Dr Ebenezer Amankwaa a Postdoctoral Fellowship for the Building a New Generation of Academics in Africa project (BANGA-AFRICA). He is an urban geographer and lecturer at the university's Department of Geography and Resource Development.

FAR-LeaF PRESENTS SESSION AT SRI PANAMA
2023-06-30

Four representatives from the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship Programme (FAR-LeaF) will present a session at the Sustainability Research & Innovation (SRI) Congress conference hosted in Panama.

2023-06-30
Open Science and its Relevance in the African Context

In a recent interview on Business Talk, Dr Heide Hackmann, Director of Future Africa, shed light on the significance of open science and its potential to catalyse transformative innovation and collaboration in Africa.

2023-06-28
ENSURING MENTAL WELL-BEING THROUGH TRANSDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

Health is more than the absence of illness or disease; it encompasses a holistic state of physical, mental, and social well-being. One must achieve complete well-being, not just a lack of sickness, to be healthy. Similarly, mental health is defined as a state of wellness in which individuals can utilise their abilities effectively, manage everyday stressors, perform well at work, contribute to soc...

2023-06-27
Professor Dire Tladi nominated to serve as a judge at the International Court of Justice

The Future Africa Institute at the University of Pretoria is pleased to announce and extend its congratulations to Dire Tladi, Professor of International Law and Future Africa's Research Chair of Global Equity in Africa, on his nomination as South Africa's candidate to serve as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), commonly known as the World Court.

2023-06-21
FAR-LeaF HEALTH CLUSTER IMPRESS AT SRI 2023 AFRICA SATELLITE EVENT

Eight fellows of the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship programme (FAR-LeaF) of the University of Pretoria presented their research at this week's prestigious SRI2023 Africa satellite event.

2023-06-18
FAR-LeaF FELLOW PRESENTS AT ACSUS-UP VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Hauwa Mohammed Sani of the Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria participated in a panel discussion and presented a paper at a virtual conference presented by the African Centre for the Study of the United States at the University of Pretoria (ACSUS-UP) in June.

2023-06-16
THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT

Children must use the digital environment to afford crucial opportunities for their voices to be heard in matters that affect them. Digital technologies can help them realise the child’s participation locally, nationally, and internationally.

2023-06-12
CHILD LABOUR IN AFRICA: CALL TO ACTION

World Day Against Child Labour is an International Labour Organization-sanctioned holiday launched in 2002, aiming to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour. Celebrating this day helps create awareness about child labour's educational, mental, economic, socio-emotional, and physical hazards.

2023-06-01
RESEARCH | Community Participation in Water and Sanitation Service Delivery

RESEARCH | COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN WATER AND SANITATION SERVICE DELIVERY: AN EMPIRICAL CASE OF MANTSOPA MUNICIPALITY, SOUTH AFRICA Prosper Bazaanah | FAR-LeaF Fellow

2023-05-29
Director of Future Africa joins global efforts to address climate change and sustainable development

Two experts affiliated with the University of Pretoria (UP) – Dr Heide Hackmann, Director at UP’s Future Africa Institute, and Dr Tolullah Oni, Extraordinary Professor and Chair at Innovation Africa@UP – have joined an international group of 14 experts co-convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ...

2023-05-29
‘Growing anti-intellectual sentiment could dilute universities’ impact’ – Panel discussion at UP Future Africa

A panel discussion on ‘Networking the Networks’ held at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Future Africa Institute observed that societal distrust of intellectualism and experts is a growing trend that could dilute universities’ ability to impact the “grand challenges” of the times. The discussion was hosted by the National Research Foundation on 24 May during Africa Week 2023 and mode...

2023-05-23
INTERSECTION OF FOOD SECURITY AND WATER IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Food security is a fundamental human right. Despite this, there are still over 800 million people around the world who need more food. Over one-third (278 million) of these people live in Africa.

2023-05-23
FAR-LeaF Fellow a CCNY Outstanding Scholar

FAR-LeaF Fellow Dr David Ssekamatte was recently recognised as one of 10 outstanding scholars by Carnegie Corporation New York at the African Studies Association (ASA) annual conference 2022 held in Philadelphia in the United States.

2023-05-23
FAR-LeaF Fellow Published in Three International Journals

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma ended 2022 on a high note: Three studies were published in prominent international scientific research journals.

2023-05-23
Fish Barcoding and Functional Ecological Workshop

Marine and coastal fisheries contribute significantly to Africa’s economy and play significant social and nutritional roles in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, escalation of numerous pressures, including overexploitation, climate change and pollution are immensely threatening marine biodiversity and fisheries in Africa.

2023-05-22
Celebrating the Rich Heritage of Africa: Future Africa Week Kicks Off at the University of Pretoria

Pretoria, South Africa - Future Africa Week, a highly anticipated event aimed at celebrating the vibrant cultures and achievements of the African continent, has commenced with great enthusiasm at the University of Pretoria. The week-long festival, organized by the university's esteemed research hub, FutureArica, promises an immersive experience that showcases the diverse traditions, innovative res...

2023-05-15
Families in Africa: Demographic Trends and Families

The United Nations 1993 set aside 15 May yearly as an international day for commemorating families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of families’ issues and increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. Families exist everywhere in the world to bear and rear children, to care for and protect vulnerable members during childhood, ...

2023-04-03
Strategic Ways to Improve Climate Services in Ghana

Climate change in Ghana has caused crop failures leading to yield reduction and food insecurity in the region. Most vulnerable to this variability and change in climate are smallholder farmers.

2023-03-30
Return on Education Investments

Most PhD graduates in Cameroon are unemployed, yet the demand for a PhD continuously increases. Given that education is a powerful instrument for the economic development of every country, there is a need to consider education as an instrument of monetary policy to ensure that resources devoted to education yield expected returns. Applying financial concepts in education enables policymakers to be...

2023-03-17
Outstanding Performance | Dr Brighton Chunga

Dr Brighton Chunga of Mzuzu University in Malawi is a key researcher for the NORHED II project implemented by Mzuzu University, the University of Malawi, the University of Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), and the University of Oslo (Norway).

2023-03-17
Towards Securing Water Resources for Sustainability

Water resources significantly influence Malawi’s socioeconomic development. As an agro-based economy, the agriculture sector relies on the availability of water resources, either as rainfall, river flows or groundwater, to support crop and animal production.

2023-03-17
ADAPT | Extreme Heat in the Classroom

In close collaboration with diverse stakeholders, a transdisciplinary team from civil and architectural engineering, the social sciences and climate sciences are developing indicators of how extreme temperature and humidity impact low-income residents' physical and mental health. FAR-LeaF Fellow Dr Ebenezer Amankwaa has since January 2023 been disseminating preliminary findings of his research res...

2023-03-14
Countering Islamophobia Through Peace Messaging and Media Literacy

Islam originated from the word Salam which means peace and carries the symbolic meaning of surrender – surrendering to the will of God. A Muslim embraces Islam, the religion of Peace, with guidance from the holy book of Al-Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad – Peace be upon Him. Violence and cruelty are not in the spirit of Islam, nor are they found in the lives of faithful Muslims.

2023-03-13
Nanotechnology with BESSY II

Advances in various fields, including biomedicine, electronics, optoelectronics, energy conversion and storage, are fuelled by nanotechnology. However, there is neither a synchrotron facility in Africa nor many users of BESSY II in Africa. Dr Tabitha Amollo, leader of the materials physics group of Egerton University in Kenya, is changing that.

2023-03-08
Resource for Household Food Security

The 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme highlights efforts to embrace equity. It is a day set aside to draw attention to women's strides and accelerate efforts towards inclusiveness, creating a level playing field for all genders to ultimately benefit the world.

2023-03-07
Financial Muscle | Equality Through Financial Literacy

In Africa, women still need to learn financial literacy skills related to savings, entrepreneurship, record-keeping, budgeting and investment. Financial literacy leadership training programs for rural women provide the skills required for a better standard of living – a life with financial muscle.

2023-03-07
Inclusive Economic Empowerment for Women

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the globe and recognise the importance of promoting gender equality. In the Kenyan context, women are crucial contributors to the agricultural value chain. Digitalization offers an opportunity to encourage inclusivity and economic empowerment for women while integrating sustainability, employability, and clima...

2023-03-06
Fellow invited to 14th HOPE Meeting with Nobel Laureates in Japan

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Tabitha Amollo reported that the 14th Hope meeting with Nobel Laureates held earlier this year at Tsukuba City, Japan, was the experience of a lifetime: “Sharing a platform with the Nobel Laureates and interacting with them so freely was exhilarating.”

2023-03-01
Nigerian Election and Peace Linguistics

Nigeria is awaiting the result of the national elections, and the situation is already heated. FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Hauwa Mohammed Sani recently presented on citizens’ rights to participate in peaceful and violence-free elections in Nigeria. She referred to violence frequently trailing Nigerian elections since independence in 1964 were marred by irregularities. This resulted in violence that claim...

2023-03-01
School Feeding Programmes in Africa

School feeding refers to meals provided at schools at no cost to the child's family.

2022-12-13
FAR-LeaF Fellow Awarded a Place in the Prestigious OWSD Programme

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Anna Msigwa was selected to participate in the 2022 Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Early Career Fellowship programme.

2022-12-13
International Publications on Waste Management | Q&A with Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma ended 2022 on a high note: Three studies were published in prominent international scientific research journals. Dr Chukwuma is a lecturer in the Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria.

2022-12-08
African Early Career Researchers Meeting | Tabitha Amollo

FAR-LeaF fellow Dr Tabitha Amollo of Kenya recently participated in the African Early Career Researchers Meeting (AECRM) at the University of Pretoria.

2022-11-08
Best Researcher-Award Goes to FAR-LeaF Fellow

Dr Ebenezer F. Amankwaa was named Best Overall Researcher at the University of Ghana’s 5th International Conference of the College of Humanities in October 2022.

2022-11-08
Tailored Malaria Adaptation Strategies for the Okavango Delta

Malaria, a life-threatening disease, is caused by parasites. These are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitos. Almost half of the world’s population is at risk, but children, pregnant women and non-immune travellers from malaria-free areas are especially vulnerable to the disease when they become infected.

2022-10-24
Peter Berck’s Best Discussion Paper Award 2022 | Dr Nkechi Owoo and Team

FAR-LeaF research fellow Dr Nkechi Owoo was one of three women researchers from Ghana and Nigeria who won the Environment for Development (EfD) Initiative’s 2022 Peter Berck’s Best Discussion Paper Award. The team was recognized for their research on the role of social networks in the diffusion and adoption of soil conservation practices over space and time in Nigeria.

2022-10-19
Nutrition for All: Food Security in Malawi

2022 finds us with many issues affecting global food security: conflicts, climate change, rising prices, and international tensions. Despite this, we need to build a sustainable world where everyone, everywhere has regular access to enough nutritious food – no one should be left behind.

2022-10-10
Resilience Among Children Living and Working on the Streets of Harare

The Emergent Researcher Resilience Lab aims to bring together doctoral and Early Career Researchers in the Field of Resilience to share knowledge and expertise. The Centre, on 5 October, hosted a hybrid Emergent Resilience Researcher Lab session.

2022-10-10
Q&A | FAR-LeaF Fellow Jumoke Oladele

FAR-LeaF Fellow Jumoke Oladele recently had the opportunity to share her research at the 2022 conference of International Associates of Computerised Adaptive Testing (IACAT) at the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Professionals, scholars, and students from all parts of the world converged here to share their knowledge and experiences in workshops, keynote lectures, thematic paper s...

2022-10-10
Emmanuel Chukwuma | Present at Pasae, Ghana

Far-LeaF research fellow Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma has been invited to present his research at the 4th the Pan African Society of Agricultural Engineers (PASAE) International Conference in Kumasi, Ghana later this month. The conference will take place at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST).

2022-10-05
Nanotechnology for Energy Efficiency

On Energy Efficiency Day (5 October 2022) advocacy groups around the world spread their simple message: “Save Money. Cut Pollution. Create Jobs.”

2022-08-04
Life, Love and Breastfeeding: Educate and Support

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in the first week of August to highlight the importance of breastfeeding. This is due to the crucial role that breastfeeding plays in the life of both newborn babies and mothers. Not only does breastfeeding prevent babies from infections and lower their risk of health issues later in life, but it helps the mother's uterus to contract after birth. Breastfeedin...

2022-07-29
African Money | Money Leaders

The African Union (AU) commemorates Pan-African Women’s Day on the 31st of July. The commemoration is linked to the AU Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow campaign. This year focuses on Innovative Solutions for Financial and Economic Inclusion for African Women.

2022-07-28
Taking Stock of Cameroon's Forests

Human activities during the last century have had a devastating impact on nature’s resources. The ever-expanding population, rapid industrialisation and relentless human overexploitation of resources have led to the cutting down of forest cover to make space for urban development and farming – to the extent of causing unusual weather patterns, destruction of wildlife habitats, extinction of sp...

2022-07-22
Blackfly Biting and the Transmission of Onchocerciasis

World Brain Day 2022 is dedicated to “Brain Health for all”. Research Fellow Dr Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo is a medical doctor and research officer at the Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Currently, he is participating in the Future Africa Leader Fellowship Programme (FAR-LeaF) at the University of Pretoria.

2022-07-15
Nurturing STEM Education in Youth Through Robotics

Future Africa recently hosted a group of vibrant and enthusiastic young budding scientists to pilot a Robotics and Coding Course on the 30th of July, 2022.

2022-07-15
World Youth Skills Day Revisited

The challenges facing young people worldwide regarding employment and entrepreneurship are especially severe – traditionally even more so in Africa. The number of youth that are Not in Employment, Education and Training (NEET) has been climbing steadily since 2017. Globally, one in five young people is NEET. Three out of four young NEETs are women.