The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) wishes to record its grave concerns about the political attack on one of its Members, Professor Glenda Gray, who is also President of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and a member of the Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) appointed by the Minister of Health to advise…
Two decades on, Dr Stephen Mugo exits maize research
After long and distinguished service as a maize breeder and senior manager at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Stephen Mugo has retired from the organization. A Principal Scientist and Maize Breeder at CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program, Mugo also served as CIMMYT’s Country Representative for Kenya and CIMMYT’s Regional Representative for Africa. He…
Three African countries pledge for Vaccines body for the first time
Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Uganda made their first-ever pledge to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance joining world leaders to pledge US$ 8.8 billion for a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate half the world’s children against some of the world’s deadliest diseases. The funding will help immunise 300 million more children in the world’s poorest countries against…
Busia County receives Ksh 30 B to restore battered agricultural sector
By Checky Abuje The National government of Kenya has swiftly moved in to save the collapsing Agricultural sector in Busia County following the devastating floods that destroyed all gains farmers had invested in running into millions of Shillings. The announcement comes a few weeks after the floods, especially in Budalangi, flooded farms leaving farmers…
Nigeria: Extension services providers to resume training of farmers
Extension agents working under the Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM), Oyo and the University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM) plan to resume training activities previously halted by the COVID-19 lockdown across the country. The training activities will adhere strictly to the rules on physical distancing set by the country on COVID 19, coordinators from JPDM…
Governments commit to take forward vital work to tackle Climate Change
At a virtual meeting today, the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC committed to taking forward crucial work to tackle climate change under the umbrella of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), despite the COVID-19 crisis. The 11 members of the Bureau are nominated by each of the five…
Greenpeace lauds Kenya’s move on biodiversity
Greenpeace Africa has commended the Kenya government’s pledge to plant 1.8 billion trees by 2022 as efforts to reverse biodiversity loss in the country. Greenpeace Africa’s Campaigner, Amos Wemanya healthy ecosystems are vital for humans’ survival and wellbeing and added that biodiversity loss and degradation undermine the provision of valuable services such as the supply…
Enabling digitally-led trade growth is a key opportunity
By Vinod Madhavan The Covid-19 outbreak is set to significantly impact trade growth for the year as countries limit physical movement to curb the virus spread. While the health crisis undoubtedly has vast negative implications for global trade processes, it is one that could be turned into an opportunity as it provides the political and…