insert_link Environment Climate change is a challenge for small-scale farmers – how a mix of old and new techniques produced a superior maize harvest in a dry part of South Africa By Abeeb Babatunde Omotoso, North-West University and Abiodun Olusola Omotayo, North-West University New research into rural small-scale farms in South Africa’s North West province has found that climate-smart farming techniques lead to a better maize yield, a more regular supply of food for the farmers, and a wider variety of crops. Small-scale farmers often produce primarily for their own consumption, but many also sell produce in local […] todayAugust 20, 2024 13
insert_link Africa Mpox outbreak in Africa was neglected – it could now turn into the next global pandemic By Wolfgang Preiser, Stellenbosch University; Cheryl Baxter, Stellenbosch University, and Jean Nachega, Stellenbosch University The mpox outbreak in Africa is yet another example of how infectious diseases perceived to be “someone else’s problem”, and affecting mainly poor, developing countries, may suddenly pose unexpected global threats. Other examples of neglected diseases include the West Nile, Zika and Chikungunya viruses. Mpox was discovered in 1958 (in captive monkeys, hence the […] todayAugust 19, 2024 17
insert_link Africa Genetically modified mosquitoes and malaria in Africa: top scientist shares latest advances By Abdoulaye Diabaté Every year, mosquitoes kill more people than any other animal. According to the World Malaria Report (2023), the African continent bears the brunt of the most deadly mosquito-borne disease, malaria. Africa has 94% of the cases and 95% of the deaths. One tool that’s being considered in the fight against malaria is genetic modification. Several research projects around the world are looking to use […] todayAugust 19, 2024 15
insert_link Africa Russia-Ukraine war spills into west Africa: Mali attacks signal dangerous times ahead By Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University Russia suffered significant blows to its reputation in mid-2024. An attack on its territory by Ukraine came as a surprise. In west Africa, the Wagner mercenary group, supported by Russia, suffered one of its heaviest fatalities in Mali. An alliance of Tuareg rebel groups known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad joined forces in late […] todayAugust 19, 2024 19
insert_link Africa Sex and alcohol in Nigeria: marketing tactics send dangerous messages to young drinkers By Emeka Dumbili, University College Dublin Nigeria has a high rate of heavy drinking among young people. One study found that 55.8% of teenagers between 15 and 19 years old had engaged in binge drinking in the past month. The World Health Organization has shown that strictly limiting alcohol advertising and reducing alcohol availability are among the most effective measures to prevent heavy alcohol consumption. But Nigeria has […] todayAugust 19, 2024 6
insert_link Africa Ethiopia’s bold economic reforms target stability and growth, but they come with risks By Tsegay Tekleselassie, Wellesley College Ethiopia’s recent macroeconomic reforms, supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, could have profound implications for the country and the region. The key reforms include the use of a floating exchange rate system and of interest rates as a policy tool. They were introduced just ahead of the approval of a financial package that could eventually amount to about […] todayAugust 19, 2024 16
insert_link Africa Africa on the UN security council: why the continent should have two permanent seats By Sithembile Mbete, University of Pretoria Africa’s desire to be fully represented in all decision-making organs of the United Nations (UN), particularly in the security council, is informed by three factors. First, repairing the historical injustice of its underrepresentation in global governance. Second, recognising African contributions in shaping the contemporary world order. Third, the urgency of securing the legitimacy of the UN in the face of emerging threats […] todayAugust 19, 2024 9
Opinion Pieces Raising the retirement age won’t defuse China’s demographic time bomb – but mass immigration might Not boxing clever? Is there a better solution to China’s aging population? Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images) By Dudley L. Poston Jr., Texas A&M University Chinese workers may soon have to work just a little bit longer. In late July 2024, China’s ruling Communist Party adopted a resolution that would see the country’s statutory retirement age gradually rise over the next five years. The final retirement age has not […] todayAugust 15, 2024 9
insert_link Africa Supply chains should make the world better, not worse – it’s time for a rethink By Ralph Hamann, University of Cape Town; Chien-Ming Chen, Nanyang Technological University; Jury Gualandris, Western University; Kevin Dooley, Arizona State University; Martina Linnenluecke, University of Technology Sydney; Michael L. Barnett, Rutgers University; Miriam Wilhelm, Vienna University of Economics and Business, and Sergio Lazzarini, Institute of Education and Research (INSPER) Every product or service that you consume is part of a supply chain. Supply chains include an array of […] todayAugust 15, 2024 14
