Research Articles (Future Africa)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/81896

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From crisis to action : a new shared vision for the future food system
Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe (BMJ Publishing Group, 2026-01)
We need to reimagine and reshape global food systems, writes Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi.
Transdisciplinary reflections for assessing the mental well-being of university undergraduates within the African context for sustainable problem-solving
Oladele, Jumoke Iyabode; Omotoso, Ayotunde Bolatito O.; Victor-Aigbodion, Vera; Onyishi, Charity Neejide; Adeosun, Oluwatosin Adebowale; Amaeze, Eze Fidelis; Otu, Mkpoikanke Sunday; Sowunmi, Emmanuel Tolulope (Springer Nature, 2026-02)
Collaboration is the currency of the 21st century. It is becoming increasingly obvious that collective efforts are required for addressing contemporary problems. This is especially underscored for multifactorial problems like mental health problems. The heart of research is problem-solving. A transdisciplinary approach is a sine qua non for sustainable problem-solving in mental health research. The aim of this study was to understand the concept of mental well-being through the lens of experts in the field and to explore how it can be effectively measured in the African context, particularly among university undergraduates. The study was designed as action research and carefully deployed using a transdisciplinary research model. Experts in behavioural psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, medical research, educational sociology, and educational measurement were contacted, and a one-on-one interview session was scheduled with 13 consultants who consented to participate in the study via Doodle. The collected data were subjected to the analytical framework approach, which falls within a broad family of analysis methods also termed thematic analysis or qualitative content analysis. Through this approach, the data were systematically reduced to a meaningful form using jointly agreed-upon codes and quotes on mental health assessment, as supported by the literature and the World Health Organisation. Findings from the exercise unanimously revealed that the mental well-being of university undergraduates is a multidimensional construct comprising coping strategies, potential realisation, academic productivity, social interaction, school-life balance, emotional stability, healthy living, and belief systems, all of which must be considered for effective measurement. This transdisciplinary method is hoped to create a novel path for researchers by merging various forms of knowledge and closing gaps in school mental health constructs. Understanding how experts view mental health is a relevant step for sustainable problem-solving among undergraduates in Africa.
Climate-smart food systems : integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies for sustainable agriculture in South Africa
Mudzielwana, Rudzani Vhuyelwani Angel (Frontiers Media, 2025-08-14)
AIM : Climate change presents significant challenges to food security, particularly in vulnerable regions like South Africa. This review examines climate-smart food systems (CSFS) as an integrated approach to enhancing agricultural resilience, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring sustainable food production. INTRODUCTION : The agricultural sector must simultaneously adapt to shifting climatic conditions and reduce its environmental impact. METHODS : This study synthesizes current literature on adaptation strategies, such as drought-resistant crops, precision agriculture, and agroecological practices, alongside mitigation efforts, including carbon sequestration, emissions reductions in livestock, and circular food systems. RESULTS : Findings highlight key barriers to CSFS implementation, including financial constraints, inadequate technical support, and fragmented policies. Policy interventions, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and emerging technologies are crucial in overcoming these challenges. DISCUSSION : Strengthening governance, financial mechanisms, and knowledge-sharing platforms is essential for the widespread adoption of climate-smart strategies. CONCLUSION : By aligning adaptation, mitigation, and policy efforts, South Africa can foster a resilient agricultural sector that supports food security and sustainable development in the face of climate change.
A place-based assessment of biodiversity intactness in sub-Saharan Africa
Clements, Hayley S.; Biggs, Reinette; De Vos, Alta; Do Linh San, Emmanuel; Hempson, Gareth P.; Linden, Birthe; Maritz, Bryan; Monadjem, Ara; Reynolds, Chevonne; Siebert, Frances; Stevens, Nicola; Child, Matthew; Di Minin, Enrico; Esler, Karen J.; Hamann, Maike; Loft, Ty; Reyers, Belinda; Selomane, Odirilwe; Singh, Geethen; Skowno, Andrew L. (Nature Research, 2026-01-01)
Maintaining biodiversity is central to the sustainable development agenda. However, a lack of context-specific biodiversity information at policy-relevant scales has posed major limitations to decision-makers. To address this challenge, we undertook a comprehensive assessment of the biodiversity intactness of sub-Saharan Africa using place-based knowledge of 200 African biodiversity experts. We estimate that the region has on average lost 24% of its pre-colonial and pre-industrial faunal and floral population abundances, ranging from losses of <20% for disturbance-adapted herbaceous plants to 80% for some large mammals. Rwanda and Nigeria are the least intact (<55%), whereas Namibia and Botswana are the most intact (>85%). Notably, most remaining organisms occur in unprotected, relatively untransformed rangelands and natural forests. Losses in biodiversity intactness in the worst-affected biomes are driven by land transformation into cropland in grasslands and fynbos (Mediterranean-type ecosystems), by non-agricultural degradation in forests and by a combination of the two drivers in savannas. This assessment provides decision-makers with multifaceted, contextually appropriate and policy-relevant information on the state of biodiversity in an understudied region of the world. Our approach could be used in other regions, including better-studied localities, to integrate contextual, place-based knowledge into multiscale assessments of biodiversity status and impacts.
Transforming African food systems : perspectives from the Food Systems Network for Africa (FSNet-Africa)
Dorvlo, Selorm Yaotse; Mkandawire, Elizabeth; Mentz-Coetzee, Melody; Dougill, Andrew; Swanepoel, Frans; Emmambux, Mohammad Naushad; Boakye, Abena; Anim-Jnr, Antoinette Simpah; Lungu, Nobuhle Sharon; Tchuwa, Frank; Kwapong, Nana Afraana; Isingizwe, Frederic; Jokonya, Osden; Maina, Joyce Gichuku; Du Toit, Andrea; John, Innocensia; Mwanri, Akwilina Wendelin; Mzumara, Tiwonge I.; Holt, Diane; Jordaan, Daniel Du Plessis Scheepers; Schonfeldt, H.C. (Hettie Carina); Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed; Sait, Steven; Greathead, Henry; Vilakazi, Nokuthula; Jew, Eleanor; Nkukwana, Thobela T.; Papargyropoulou, Effie; Alphonce, Roselyne; Quinn, Claire Helen (Elsevier, 2025-10)
African food systems face significant challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and unsustainable practices. To ensure access to safe and nutritious food while addressing socio-economic and environmental issues, fundamental changes are necessary. A collaborative and inclusive research agenda that engages diverse stakeholders through case-study research, aligning with continent-wide frameworks such as Agenda 2063, the CAADP, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is vital. There are few cross-case analyses that bring together empirical case study research to evaluate and provide holistic appraisals of African food systems. This perspectives paper aims to provide such a synthesis from the empirical case studies generated under the Food Systems Research Network for Africa (FSNet-Africa) project. 19 case study projects in six African countries, were conducted by 83 researchers. Five key focus areas were identified: food system governance, indigenous crops and African foods, innovations for sustainable production among small-scale farmers, consumer preferences, and food loss and waste. The findings emphasise an urgent need for collaboration to address food security and nutrition challenges in Africa. Major priorities for transforming African food systems include inclusive engagement and the integration of indigenous knowledge to improve local food choices and resilience, and reducing food loss through capacity-building efforts and changing perceptions of waste. Future research should focus on governance, indigenous crops, and innovations in sustainable production to drive a transformative shift in African food systems. These priority areas will be critical for the next global and regional development agenda, reflecting the needs and aspirations of underrepresented communities across Africa.
Suitability of incorporating plantain stem cellulose nanocrystals into cmc/gelatin film for packaging applications
Nwanna, Emmanuel Chukwudi; Eze, Paul Chukwuka; Orakwe, Louis Chukwuemeka; Chukwuma, Emmanuel Chibundo; Nwachukwu, Chike Pius; Maduegbuna, John Ikedinachukwu (Nature Research, 2025-09-29)
Plastic waste littering from food package poses severe pollution on the streets of most countries. Research on the high-value application of plantain stems, an abundant, easily available, and renewable agricultural waste for alternative bio-packaging is urgent and imperative. The present study investigated the application of natural waste products with outcomes of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) content on various physical properties of CNC, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin barrier layers, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water absorption, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) moisture uptake and total dissolved solid (TDS) as well as mechanical properties like thickness (THS), tensile strength (TNS) and elongation at break (EAB). The solution casting approach was effective in producing gelatin/CMC nanocomposites reinforced with CNC. According to the study’s findings, the CMC/gelatin and CNC films were needle-shaped, with lengths ranging from 81 to 286 nanometers, cross-sections from 8 to 21 nanometers, a dimensional proportion of 17, and a degree of crystallinity of 0.82 when observed under scanning electron microscopy. When 5 and 10 weight per cent of CNC were added, the CNC was proportionally dispensed throughout the network to produce equal barrier layers, showing that CNC and CMC/gelatin were well matched. The thickness (THS) of the nanocomposite films grew from 0.1 μm to 0.11 μm, and their tensile strength (TNS) also grew from 4.27 MPa to 7.22 MPa with the supplement of CNC. Additionally, their elongation at break (EAB) dropped as well, falling from 94.36 to 57.21%. The nanocomposite films TDS dropped from 70 to 63% as well. The outcomes show that using gelatin/CMC reinforced with CNC has several benefits because it is a naturally occurring, affordable, and plentiful material that can replace a lot of products with petroleum and non-degradable bases.
Introducing indigenous and orphan crops (IOCs) in a menu : ac ase study inquiry into the attitude formation of diners
Fisher, Hennie; Hay, Richard Lee (Elsevier, 2025-12)
The global agricultural system is reliant on an increasingly smaller number of species, reducing resilience. Shifts to simplified diets have increased non-communicable diseases in consumers, and there is an urgent need for transitioning to an alternative food system to provide food and nutritional security in an environmentally sustainable manner. Despite their potential at building resilience and addressing poor nutrition, Indigenous and Orphan Crops (IOCs) are largely underutilised due to a lack of knowledge amongst consumers. This case study, conducted in two distinct sections, illustrates the incorporation of IOCs in a set menu, whereafter diners were asked to share their attitudes towards IOCs. All seven steps of the Culinary Innovation Development Process were followed in the conceptualisation of the set menu, while diners' attitude formation (cognitive experience, emotional experience, conative behaviour) is described along the three-component (ABC) model of attitude formation. The dinner was successful in exposing attendees to a broad range of new IOC species and associated flavours, with more than 90 % of respondents being exposed to at least 15 new species in a single sitting. Most of the diners indicated that, following the dinner, they would be likely consumer more IOCs in the future with the majority (97 %) indicating that they would be at least likely to order dishes which include IOCs in restaurant settings, 87 % at least likely to buy ready-made meals which contain IOCs, and 91 % at least likely to buy IOCs from a greengrocer.
Potential of citizen science to advance urban planetary health research in low and middle-income countries : a scoping review
Ambole, Amollo; Anditi, Christer; Oni, Tolu (Public Library of Science, 2025-05)
Planetary health has emerged as a transdisciplinary field to capture the interdependencies between environmental changes and human health. Nowhere is this more critical than in the low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings where the majority of the world’s population live. These settings are undergoing rapid urbanisation that could further threaten planetary boundaries. The collaborative and societally engaged nature of planetary health means more participatory and dynamic methods are needed to better characterise these exposures. Citizen science has the potential to enable the co-production of community-relevant evidence but the extent to which this is being deployed for planetary health in LMIC cities has not been synthesised. To synthesise evidence on the use of citizen science for planetary health-relevant studies in urban LMIC settings, we conducted a scoping review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and Joanna Briggs Institute’s stages of conducting a scoping review. Inclusion criteria included empirical studies in LMICs, with a focus on cities and published in English within the last 10 years. Of the 31 eligible studies included, the majority focused on biodiversity, illustrating the unharnessed potential of deploying citizen science to advance understanding of a broader range of planetary health variables in LMIC cities. Our finding of a predominance of Global North funding for these studies highlights the need for greater diversity of funding sources and for a shift in the centre of gravity of funding decisions to optimise alignment of research priorities with contextual realities in the Global South. To inform future research, we propose a standardised reporting format for citizen science planetary health projects and guidelines to optimise data reliability and validity.
Comparative analysis of five African traditional multipurpose crops using a food systems approach
Munialo, Sussy; Madzorera, Isabel; Lartey, Anna; Abdallah Noor, Ramadhani; Thiam, Aboubacry; Covic, Namukolo; Amos, Laar; Adelheid, Onyango; Baye, Kaleab; Nikiema, Laetitia Ouedraogo; Wafaie, Fawzi; Sibanda, Lindiwe Majele (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
Diversifying food systems with traditional multi-purpose crops like sorghum, cassava, and amaranth is key to improving food security and nutrition. However, studies focusing on a variety of nutrient-dense crops, addressing research, policy, and practice, are missing. Most research focuses on cereals like sorghum, overlooking other crops such as vegetables, root crops, legumes, and nuts, limiting nutrient diversity in food system. A review of five traditional crops—sorghum, amaranth, cassava, cowpea, and cashew nuts—assessed research, policy, and practice, aiming to enhance food systems. The review found that existing initiatives on traditional crops are mainly production-focused and region-specific, with gaps in processing, value addition, marketing, nutrition, consumption, and transport. Limited policies and stakeholder involvement has hindered commercialization. Key recommendations should be implemented across research, practice, and policy along the food systems. Research actions include improving taxonomic classification, developing modern breeding programs, researching yield gaps, and enhancing understanding of transport and logistics. Practical strategies involve improving field management through training, integrating informal and formal seed systems, and promoting commercial use. Policies should address all food system aspects including processing, consumption, marketing, and transportation. Increased stakeholder engagement across the value chain is essential for unlocking the potential of traditional crops.
Operational approaches and recommendations to interrupt transmission of Mycobacterium leprae
Van Brakel, Wim; De Jong, Bouke; Kunju, Jayashree; Mistry, Neeraj; Cruz, Alice; Nugus, Peter; Fastenau, Anil; Miranda, Angelica Espinosa; Johnson, Christian; Mieras, Liesbeth; Prendiville, Sharon; Fleming, Joy; Trienekens, Suzan; Schoenmakers, Anne; Modali, Sunil; Vollset, Magnus; Warne, Geoff; Oraga, Joshua; Hasker, Epco; Vedithi, Sundeep Chaitanya (Lepra, 2025-06)
The Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL) Zero Transmission Symposium (May 23–25, 2024, Bergen, Norway) brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss developments over 10 years to interrupt Mycobacterium leprae transmission, both in research and operationally. Through a well-structured and participatory agenda, research and operational approaches were discussed. The operational approaches from the symposium are described here and focus on defining optimal methods for monitoring infection transmission and prevalence using current tools; additional tools to customise implementation based on local context, such as mapping; identifying critical gaps and interventions to accelerate transmission interruption through scaled-up programmatic implementation; and expanding community coverage of interventions. Recommendations were developed in diagnostics, active case detection, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and treatment, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, vaccination, and social determinants of health. Recommendations in diagnostics included forming a diagnostics consortium, global initiatives (including updating WHO Guidelines) and national initiatives to optimise availability of ‘point-of-care’ tools, active case detection, including contact tracing, integrated programmes, and cluster-based campaigns considering strategic alignment with other disease consortia/initiatives; maximizing the use of molecular techniques and genotyping technologies; and improving epidemiological surveillance. Overall, considerable progress has been made in interrupting transmission in the last 10 years, especially at the sub-national level. Implementing symposium recommendations will further accelerate interruption of M. leprae transmission.
Farmers' willingness to pay for agricultural extension services in Limpopo province, South Africa
Mudzielwana, Rudzani Vhuyelwani Angel; Phophi, Mutondwa Masindi; Mafongoya, Paramu (African Association of Agricultural Economists, 2025-04)
The provision of agricultural extension services in South Africa has transitioned from state-funded systems to privatised models, raising questions about smallholder farmers’ willingness to pay for such services. This study employs a binary probit model on a sample of 319 smallholder farmers in Thulamela and Collins Chabane municipalities to examine their willingness to pay for agricultural extension services. The results show that marital status, farm size, perceived improvements in production output, privatisation of extension services and proximity to extension officers significantly influence farmers’ willingness to pay for extension services. Notably, although annual income was anticipated to influence the likelihood of payment, it exhibited minimal effect. The findings emphasise the importance of enhancing the quality of public extension services and adopting pluralistic approaches to effectively address farmers’ diverse requirements. Future research is needed to explore more robust theoretical frameworks for likely-to-pay analyses of smallholder farmers in developing countries.
Solving climate change requires changing our food systems
Feigin, Svetlana V.; Wiebers, David O.; Blumstein, Daniel T.; Knight, Andrew; Eshel, Gidon; Lueddeke, George; Kopnina, Helen; Feigin, Valery L.; Morand, Serge; Lee, Kelley; Brainin, Michael; Shackelford, Todd K.; Alexander, Shelley M.; Marcum, James; Merskin, Debra; Skerratt, Lee F.; Van Kleef, Gerben A.; Whitfort, Amanda; Freeman, Carrie P.; Winkler, Andrea Sylvia (Oxford University Press, 2025-01)
Humanity is facing an important existential threat—irreversible climate change caused by human activity. Until recently, most of the proposals to address climate change have downplayed or ignored the adverse impact of food systems, especially intensive animal agriculture. This is in spite of the fact that up to a third of global greenhouse gas production to date can be attributed to animal agriculture. Recent developments at COP28 have signaled that the tide is turning, however, and that food systems are becoming part of global discussions on climate change solutions. The pressing nature of irreversible climate change requires rethinking our food systems. To solve the climate change crisis, we propose transitioning to a predominantly plant-based diet, and phasing out intensive animal agriculture as diets shift, without increasing pastoral farming. We suggest that such transformations in global food systems can be accomplished largely through education and large-scale public information campaigns, removal of subsidies, taxation to account for externalized costs of animal agriculture, improved labelling of products, and various investment/divestment drivers. Better metrics and industry benchmarks involving food and agriculture-specific performance indicators that reflect food system sustainability will be important. Increased global awareness of these issues and a change in mindset (which will drive political will) also are needed. Our current trajectory is untenable, and we must begin to turn the ship now towards sustainable food systems and diets.
Developing Africa’s next generation of scientists for sustainable food systems transformation
Swanepoel, Frans; Mentz-Coetzee, Melody (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2025-08)
SIGNIFICANCE : We reflect on the FSNet-Africa model of strengthening research capacity for food systems transformation in Africa. By equipping early-career researchers with skills to undertake engaged, transdisciplinary research and fostering collaborations with stakeholders, the model has led to context-relevant innovations and strengthened policy linkages. Outcomes include improved researcher competencies, international partnerships, and tangible tools for food system resilience. The FSNet-Africa approach demonstrates how locally grounded, stakeholder-informed research can drive sustainable change, offering a replicable model for building the next generation of African scientists committed to equitable and inclusive food systems development.
Adaptation to climate change in pastoral communities : a systematic review through a social-ecological lens
Cho, Matilda Azong (Emerald, 2025-12)
PURPOSE : This paper aims to apply a socio-ecological systems framework to demonstrate that pastoral adaptation to climate change necessitates a comprehensive approach. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The authors evaluated the depth of knowledge regarding pastoral adaptation in Africa using bibliometric and content-based analyses. FINDINGS : The analysis of 40 eligible articles, conducted through R Studio, revealed a significant emphasis on climate change adaptation measures. However, there was a noticeable scarcity of research on the role of governance, policy and institutional interventions. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The scope of the research is limited to the African continent. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : This research shed light on how inadequate governance structures and insufficient institutional support, particularly in terms of skills and capacity-building, hinder pastoral communities’ resilience. These limitations may potentially affect pastoral livelihoods adversely, with severe consequences for food security and poverty levels in Africa. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS : A comprehensive understanding of the challenges pastoralists face in Africa to adapt to climate change will assist in defining high-level policies and interventions to improve pastoral communities’ adaptation actions. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach to ensure a thorough and systematic investigation. Furthermore, using an established framework and clearly defined methods will greatly aid in replicating the research.
Application of geospatial technology and decision model in the development of improved food security index
Chukwuma, Emmanuel Chibundo; Afolabi, O.O.D.; Okonkwo, C.C.; Olamigoke, O.O.; Okonkwo, C.E. (Nature Research, 2024-12-04)
Most developing countries are currently experiencing a severe food security crisis. A good policy to mitigate food insecurity is dependent on accurate assessment. Therefore, an improved assessment of food situation is important in implementing food security measures. Existing food security assessments are limited in integrating localized variables, often needing more context-specific information. This study proposes a new food security index (Hybrid Food Security Index-HFSI), the Nigerian state was used as a case study. Data used include; food consumption, poverty levels, variability in food prices, inflation, climate variability data and the status of road infrastructure. The study also integrated a hybrid Multi-criteria Criteria Decision Model (MCDM) and geo-spatial technology. The geo-spatial presentation of food security across Nigeria shows that food security is generally better in the Southern part of the country than in the Northern region. Broadly, indicators’ performance primarily improves from the country’s North to South, which suggests that Northern states tend to be less food secure than Southern states. According to the Fuzzy-DEMATEL-ANP model, the Poverty level indicator significantly impacts the food security situation in all focused states, as it received the highest priority weight of 0.1487. The study recommends intensifying poverty alleviation programs to improve food security, and women’s development programs should be prioritized. This study provides policymakers and stakeholders with evidence-based assessments to address food security challenges in Nigeria.
Local knowledge corroborates threats of local extinctions in Kenya's exploited reef fishes
Otwoma, Levy Michael; Obuya, Julia; Mulanda, Christopher Aura; Alati, Victor Mwakha; Munuphe, Iddy; Olunga, Jibril; Wafula, Mathews; Mwaura, Jelvas; Chimimba, Christian Timothy (Elsevier, 2025-07)
Coral reef fisheries play a critical role in poverty alleviation, economic development, and as a primary protein source for over 1.5 million people in Kenya. However, widespread overfishing and use of destructive fishing methods are driving certain fish species to local extinctions. Assessing these extinctions in data-poor regions like Kenya is challenging and current species-at-risk assessments often overlook valuable local knowledge. This study addresses this gap by integrating anecdotal insights from fishers to validate local extinctions and enhance data reliability. Additionally, it examines fishers' perceptions of shifting baselines for 23 species previously identified to be at risk of local extinction. Our findings revealed that most fishermen perceived population decline and rarity in more than half of the species identified as threatened with local extinction by a framework developed in 2019, suggesting that the findings likely reflect genuine ecological patterns, rather than local attitudes about the general state of fisheries. Gear types use appeared to influence perceptions of species rarity and population declines, indicating that fishers using diverse gear types tend to have broader ecological knowledge of reef fish populations compared to those specializing in a single type of gear. However, fishing experience did not affect perceptions of species rarity and population decline, supporting the concept of homophily and highlighting the effective knowledge transmission from older to younger fishers along the Kenyan coastline. Overall, this study demonstrates that local ecological knowledge is a valuable tool for assessing fish species' threat status and offers complementary insights that can enhance fisheries management efforts.
The effect of governance on the relationship between research and development expenditure and economic growth in South Africa
Chagwiza, Clarietta; Owusu-Sekyere, Emmanuel; Kapfudzaruwa, Farai (MDPI, 2024-12)
This study analyzes the effects of governance on the relationship between research and development expenditure and economic growth in South Africa using annual data from 1997 to 2022 using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. The calculated F-tests for the two models in the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration revealed a long-run relationship between the series. In the model without a mediating factor, an insignificant impact of research and development (R&D) expenditure on economic growth is reported. However, when R&D interacted with governance, a positive and significant impact was observed. This implies that for R&D to have a positive impact on economic growth, there is a need for strong and quality governance to provide a conducive productive environment. Furthermore, given the ambiguous relationship between governance and economic growth, the Granger causality test results showed that governance granger-causes economic growth and not the other way round. The findings presented in this paper are expected to provide some useful insights for policymakers in South Africa and the African continent. The findings demonstrate the important role that governance plays in enhancing the developmental performance of critical macro-economic growth factors. The study potentially generates new dimensions (by including governance as a mediating factor) in the understanding of how the impact of R&D and other macroeconomic parameters on economic growth can be promoted.
Qualitative study of drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene access : perspectives from the Central Gonja District, Ghana, and Mtubatuba Municipality, South Africa
Bazaanah, Prosper; Buthelezi, Smangele Johanna; Oppong, Dina Afua Kobe (IWA Publishing, 2024-11)
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are essential for human development. Lack of WASH facilities affects livelihoods and health of communities. Assessing the state, availability, and accessibility of WASH systems is vital for identifying gaps and formulating proactive solutions. This study assessed drinking water and sanitation access in the Central Gonja District (CGD) and Mtubatuba Municipal areas, using qualitative methods and in-depth interviews with participants. Findings revealed persistent challenges of inadequate, unaffordable, and inaccessible water, along with subpar sanitation services, negatively impacting community well-being and health. Issues like corruption, favouritism, and social networks influenced distribution of water and sanitation systems. Infrastructure limitations, bureaucratic obstacles, and ineptitude of officials posed barriers to service delivery, exacerbated by rural -urban population shifts. A public -private partnership between Novubu and Mtubatuba Municipality enabled water treatment, showcasing a potential model for sustainable water provision and possible replication for CGD. The study advocates for transparent governance, community-centric solutions, and inclusive strategies to address chronic challenges, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership and maintenance to prevent environmental degradation and health risks. The local governance systems should ensure the distribution and maintenance of water and sanitation systems while emphasizing the need for inclusive, community-driven approaches for lasting improvements.
Shadow of justice : review on women’s struggle against gender-based violence in Ghana and South Africa
Bazaanah, Prosper; Ngcobo, Pride (Springer, 2024-07)
Ghana and South Africa, though distinct in trajectories, share a common commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. This review explores women’s struggle against gender-based violence, contextualizing them within each country’s distinct historical, sociocultural, and legal contexts. A meta-analysis and feminist approach, integrated with historical narratives, legal frameworks, and sociocultural analyses are employed to provide a nuanced understanding of women’s struggle in both countries. Struggles by women’s rights movements against gender-based violence in Ghana reveal a rich tapestry of activism, marked by the resilience of numerous individuals and groups. From the pre-independence struggles to contemporary advocacy, Ghana’s trajectory showcases the transformative power of collective action against gender-based violence. However, challenges rooted in socio-economic and political systems, cultural norms, and institutional barriers persist. In South Africa, the apartheid legacy significantly shaped the nature of women’s rights struggles. The intersectionality of race and gender forms a complex backdrop against which activism has flourished. Landmark legal reforms have catalyzed progress, yet gaps persist, particularly in the realm of implementation. Obstacles faced by both nations include gaps in enforcement, the influence of patriarchal norms, and the need for inclusive policy measures. The review underscores the importance of context-specific approaches in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women in the pursuit of justice while offering valuable insights and directions for policymakers, activists, and scholars working toward gender equality in both countries.
Can energy transition interventions promote financial inclusion? Measuring unintended effects of Ghana's energy transition program
Adjei-Mantey, Kwame; Opoku, Eric Evans Osei (Elsevier, 2024-12)
Global concerns about climate change and its effects and the quest for sustainable development have necessitated policy actions, including energy interventions. Besides the intended goal of energy transition, these interventions often have unintended impacts, which ought to be measured when assessing the overall effects of these energy interventions. This study investigated the impact of a clean cooking fuel transition program in Ghana on financial inclusion. It used a cross-sectional survey of over 900 households in two districts in Ghana where a clean energy transition intervention had been implemented. The study employed linear probability and matching techniques and found that clean energy interventions can promote financial inclusion among beneficiary households. The probability of being significantly associated with financial inclusion is at least 6.6% higher for treated households than it is for households that did not benefit from the program. The findings are robust across different outcome variables and the potential transmission mechanisms are discussed. The study provides evidence for policy makers to count the effect of financial inclusion in measuring the program’s overall impact. Furthermore, the findings underscore the need for policies that provide the needed infrastructure and financial ‘ecosystem’ to support financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas where the energy interventions are implemented.

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