For decades after sub-Saharan Africa’s emergence from the colonial era, its universities were weakened by civil strife and political turmoil.
Faculties of science and engineering declined as older professors retired faster than they were replaced; young graduates lacked financial support to complete their PhDs; professors lacked the resources to do research; and students and faculty alike found themselves professionally and geographically isolated from their peers.
by Lauren Everitt
When John Mwero looks at charred sugar cane ash he sees sturdy bridges, soaring skyscrapers and stable roads. He's convinced that bagasse ash - the residue that's left after processors suck out the sugar and burn the cane, has the potential to make cement stronger and cheaper.
Researchers in Malawi have developed tea clones able to withstand the worst droughts in the country in recent years, a meeting on natural product development has heard.
Chris Kamlongera, principal of Chancellor College, University of Malawi, said the Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa, whose members are Malawi and Zimbabwe, used genetic biomarkers to develop the drought-resistant cultivars.
The Science Initiative Group (SIG) has been dedicated to fostering science in developing countries since its founding as an IAS outreach program in 1999. For the past five years, its main project has been the Regional Initiative in Science and Education, known as RISE. With funding from Carnegie Corporation of NewYork, RISE supports five university-based research and training networks in science and engineering in sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative is designed to address Africa’s urgent need for qualified research and teaching staff in subjects relevant to the continent’s development.
The Regional Initiative in Science and Education, or RISE, a programme aimed at boosting higher education in Africa in the sciences and engineering through postgraduate training, is likely to continue as the major donor has indicated the possibility of renewing its support that ends next year...
.png_pagespeed_ic_F3J9Nok1Eh.png){kind=logo}
.png)
