Projects In Africa Research Articles

Renewable energy projects in Africa: A review of climate finance strategies

This paper provides a concise overview of the comprehensive examination undertaken to assess climate finance strategies associated with renewable energy projects in Africa. The continent, endowed with abundant renewable resources, faces the dual challenge of meeting its rising energy demand while addressing climate change concerns. This review delves into the diverse landscape of renewable energy initiatives across Africa, emphasizing the pivotal role of climate finance mechanisms in driving sustainable development. The study explores a myriad of renewable energy projects, encompassing solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal technologies, implemented to mitigate the environmental impact of conventional energy sources. It investigates the financial instruments deployed to support these projects, including international funds, grants, loans, and public-private partnerships. The analysis considers the effectiveness of climate finance in fostering the adoption and scaling-up of renewable energy solutions within the unique socio-economic contexts of African nations. Furthermore, the research investigates challenges and opportunities associated with climate finance strategies in the African renewable energy sector. Common barriers, such as regulatory frameworks, institutional capacity, and market dynamics, are examined, alongside success stories that highlight innovative financing models and project implementations. The study also sheds light on the role of regional collaborations and the involvement of local communities in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of renewable energy projects. In addition, the review critically assesses the alignment of climate finance strategies with international climate goals, including the Paris Agreement. It analyzes the extent to which these strategies contribute to both mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting adaptation measures in the face of climate change impacts. The findings aim to provide policymakers, investors, and stakeholders with valuable insights into refining and enhancing climate finance strategies for a more impactful and inclusive renewable energy transition in Africa. This review synthesizes a comprehensive understanding of the current state of renewable energy projects in Africa, emphasizing the critical role played by climate finance in advancing sustainable development. The insights generated from this analysis contribute to the ongoing discourse on effective climate finance strategies, offering a roadmap for fostering resilient and low-carbon energy systems on the African continent.

Engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Africa: Lessons from the Canadian Red Cross supported programs.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will not be achieved if health care worker shortages, estimated to increase to 18 million by 2030, are not addressed rapidly. Community-based health systems, which pivot to effective engagement of community health workers (CHW), may have an essential role in linking communities with health care facilities and reducing unmet health services needs caused by these shortages. The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) has partnered with different National Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies and Ministries of Health in Africa in the implementation of programs where CHWs contributed to the provision of various health services. This study reports on key findings (i.e., beneficiaries reached, CHWs engaged, programs implemented, intervention outcomes) and lessons learned from CRC supported CHW programs in Africa over the last 15 years (2007-2022). Qualitative methodology was employed to conduct document analysis on 17 sets of reports from each CRC-supported community health worker project in Africa over the past 15 years. Focus was on identifying challenges, facilitators, and lessons learned. CRC supported projects have trained over 9000 CHWs, benefiting nearly 7.5 million people across Africa. Key success factors include adaptability and agility in programming and project management, and considering contextual factors (political, social, and cultural systems). Investing in essential training for CHWs, staff, and volunteers is crucial, alongside employing an evidence-based approach to inform all aspects of programming and implementation. Additionally, projects prioritizing protection, gender and inclusion (PGI) while leveraging existing community structures and partnerships important for successful implementation. Despite challenges (i.e., weak health systems, lack of political commitment, insufficient funding, inadequate training) CHWs are recognized as crucial in promoting community-based health, improving access to care, addressing disparities, and contributing to achieving (UHC). Their unique position within communities enables them to provide culturally appropriate and localized primary health care- particularly in remote, resource limited and poverty-stricken regions.

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute: implications, negotiations, and mediations

ABSTRACT The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has created disputes between the Nile River's lower and upper riparian zones in North Africa. Ethiopia sees the GERD as a project to prosper, while Egypt considers that it will imperil the country’s economy. After the African Union (AU) failed to resolve the disputes over GERD, the matter reached to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which, after discussions, stated that the matter should be resolved at the regional level. This paper examines the theoretical and conceptual aspects of transboundary river waters and why riparian states shy away from cooperative arrangements. The paper then discusses the history of water disputes in the Nile Basin region and analyses the history of water distribution and projects in North and eastern Africa. Finally, the paper analyses the role of other countries, the AU, and the UNSC in disputes over the GERD project.

Kenya Psychosis-Risk Outcomes Study (KePROS): Development of an Accelerated Medicine Partnership Schizophrenia-Aligned Project in Africa.

The Accelerating Medicines Partnership Schizophrenia (AMP SCZ) funds a longitudinal study of 43 research sites across 5 continents to develop tools to stratify developmental trajectories of youth at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) and identify homogenous targets for future clinical trials. However, there are no sites in Africa, leaving a critical gap in our knowledge of clinical and biological outcomes among CHR individuals. We describe the development of the Kenya Psychosis-Risk Outcomes Study (KePROS), a 5-year NIH-funded project in Kenya designed to harmonize with AMP SCZ. The study will recruit over 100 CHR and 50 healthy participants and conduct multiple clinical and biomarker assessments over 2 years. Capacity building is a key component of the study, including the construction of an electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory and the upgrading of a local 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. We detail community recruitment, study methodologies and protocols, and unique challenges with this pioneering research in Africa. This paper is descriptive only. Planned future analyses will investigate possible predictors of clinical outcomes and will be compared to results from other global populations. KePROS will provide the research community with a rich longitudinal clinical and biomarker dataset from an African country in the developing Global South, which can be used alongside AMP SCZ data to delineate CHR outcome groups for future treatment development. Training in mental health assessment and investment in cutting-edge biomarker assessment and other technologies is needed to facilitate the inclusion of African countries in large-scale research consortia.

A RHETORIC OF CHINA’S EXPLOITATION OF RELIGION IN WEST AFRICA

This paper attempts to deconstruct Chinese business agents’ exploitation of religion as an economic resource in West Africa. Focusing on three cases from Ghana sampled on YouTube, the paper argues that China’s religion project in Africa involves three rhetorical strategies. These are reverse proselytization, repackaging of African/Ghanaian Christian gospel songs, and enstoolment of Chinese as African chiefs. The analysis reveals that Chinese foreign workers employ this capitalist model based on the working hypothesis that the average African of the postcolonial/neocolonial epoch is economically vulnerable and yet passionately religious, and, thus, would look to religion for solutions. Implications of the findings are reported in the paper.

Africa’s Railway Renaissance: Continental Aspirations vs. National Realities

As per the African Union’s 2016 prescription, most new rail projects in Africa are greenfield standard gauge railways (SGR) that cost billions of dollars, which, if successfully implemented and well run, can offer better services than road transport. However, to be viable, SGR investments must have adequate freight traffic, provide reliable services, and charge much lower tariffs than the trucking industry. This means that SGRs will very likely have to be subsidized, which most African governments cannot afford to do. Based on the rail economics for SGRs, this article argues that it would be more feasible for most African countries to invest in upgrading and expanding brownfield rail infrastructure in the short-to-medium term. Using Kenya’s Nairobi-Naivasha SGR as a case study, this article contextualizes and critically analyzes the greenfield vs. brownfield rail infrastructure debate that underpins Africa’s railway renaissance and demonstrates that SGR investments may not necessarily be the most feasible rail projects for developing African economies.

The New Development Bank in Africa: Mid‐term evaluation and lessons learned

AbstractThe New Development Bank (NDB) launched its first project in Africa on April 13, 2016, and on August 17, 2017, the Bank opened its Africa Regional Centre (ARC) in Johannesburg, South Africa. This article assesses the NDB's presence in Africa. It addresses the following questions: what role is the NDB playing in Africa? What is the ARC and why was its created? How well have the NDB and the ARC been performing? Have they delivered on their intended purpose? If the NDB or the ARC have not performed as well as hoped, or expected, what has stood in their way? We assess the NDB and the ARC within the context of the general experience of some of the projects that the NDB has been financing in Africa and determine whether there are lessons that can help the NDB as it expands further into the continent. The main policy recommendation is that the ARC be strengthened in ways that enhance the NDB's transparency and make it a truly new type of multilateral development bank.

Innovative Management of Agricultural Projects in South Africa: Issue for Consideration

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating natural resources to sustain human life and provide economic gain. It blends innovative production techniques and cutting-edge technologies with the creativity, inventiveness, and expertise required for raising animals and cultivating crops. Agriculture has long been regarded as a major source of employment and revenue in rural areas, as well as a contributor to the spread of rural agriculture. Unemployment is a major issue in the country, notably in the Polokwane Local Municipality. It is worth emphasising that the country’s high levels of poverty and unemployment are getting worse every day. Agricultural farming is well-known for their contributions to job creation, increased farm revenue and poverty reduction. As a result, smallholder farmers can boost their production and revenue by forming cooperatives and jointly negotiating cheaper rates for inputs such as seeds, fertiliser and transportation. This paper sought to analyse innovative management of agricultural projects in South Africa. The study adopted a conceptual approach to analyse agricultural projects on sustainable community development. In the process, the literature has revealed that South Africa is facing a major challenge is the development of rural areas, many of which are seriously disadvantaged. Agricultural economists are well-placed to meet these challenges and to work with governments to develop agricultural policies to promote income growth in poor areas. The national and provincial departments of agriculture are both important employers of agricultural economists, who are involved with many varied tasks. Agricultural economists participate in the development of strategies designed to assist farmers who may previously have received little assistance from agricultural extension workers. Working on developing such strategies has many elements from promotion and market development through to pricing policies and agricultural finance. The study concludes with strategies for effective agricultural projects in South Africa.

Language as a bridge: Exploring the role of Kiswahili in fostering inclusion

The study broadly conceptualises humanities as the study of human interactions, experiences and human transformations which occur at both the individual and collective levels. I argue that at the center of diverse human interactions is the tool of language which plays an important role of bridging the communicative gaps which occur across multifarious communities. In an attempt to make sense of the intimate correlation between the humanities and the democracy project in Africa, I make a case for the study of the role played by language to foster democratic features of inclusivity and diversity. Particularly, the study investigates the role of the Kiswahili language in bridging and connecting individuals, academics, communities, cultures, nations and cultivating a sense of inclusivity. Kiswahili is the most widely spoken and studied African language and this makes it a strategic tool for creating inclusive societies. Specific reference is given to Kiswahili academic Associations across Africa which are formed by students, teachers, lecturers and other stakeholders, with the primary goal of promoting research and the development of Kiswahili in Africa and beyond. Therbon’s framework of inclusivity and the Social Role Valorisation theory are the guiding analytical frameworks of the study. The study reveals various dimensions of inclusion and exclusion in Kiswahili academic associations as well as its underlying intricacies. I argue that while Kiswahili is strategic in promoting inclusive societies, barriers of inclusion still exist as a result of socio-cultural and political institutions. The study provides recommendations and conclusively emphasises the significant role of Kiswahili as a strategic language in fostering inclusivity of African citizenry as well as bridging communication by connecting individuals of diverse cultures, religions, ideologies and languages.

New Media, Women Empowerment, and Community Development Projects in Africa: Insights from Nigeria

New Media, Women Empowerment, and Community Development Projects in Africa: Insights from Nigeria

China’s hidden role in malaria control and elimination in Africa

BackgroundInsufficient funding is hindering the achievement of malaria elimination targets in Africa, despite the pressing need for increased investment in malaria control. While Western donors attribute their inaction to financial...

Measuring success: Evaluating the business model of rural mini-grid ecosystems

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the challenge of widespread electricity access, especially in rural areas, persists, with approximately half the population lacking basic electricity services. To tackle this issue, decentralized energy resource (DER) technologies, including solar home systems and micro/mini-grids, have gained prominence, aiming to revolutionize the SSA energy landscape. This paper aims to introduce a framework for evaluating business models in the context of rural mini-grid ecosystems. Conventionally, developers of rural mini-grids are responsible for all aspects of the project, from conception to operation and maintenance. However, with the emergence of new private sector facilitators, value creation in this ecosystem has become more complex. As multiple stakeholders apply different business models and patterns to create and capture value, evaluating the efficacy of these models is critical. The evaluation framework presented in this paper draws upon various business model theories and evaluation approaches and includes indicators for assessing performance. To demonstrate the framework's usefulness, we applied it to six companies currently operating in rural mini-grid projects in Africa. Consistent evaluation of these business models is essential for adapting to changing conditions, identifying areas for innovation, and sustaining competitiveness, furthering the field of business model assessment. By bridging this gap between business model evaluation methodologies and rural electrification studies, this paper contributes to understanding the transformative effects of mini-grid projects, extending beyond traditional energy access metrics.

Deep histories of food systems in eastern Africa and current patterns of food insecurity.

Central to successful attempts to address food insecurity in Africa are understandings of the historical contexts and meanings of food systems. However, much research into current challenges remains separated from deeper agrarian and alimentary histories. Using qualitative data on food within the historical record alongside the wider multidisciplinary record of the past, this Review traces long-term patterns and drivers of continuity and change in eastern African food systems. Considerable dynamism in place-based and regional trends in the integration of new foodstuffs, agricultural commercialization, resistance and transformations in diets, and diversification and specialization as livelihood strategies is found-each of which emerged within imbricated contexts of African agency, transoceanic exchanges and colonial incursions. Such historical data provide important deep-time perspectives for interventions to address modern food insecurity, as demonstrated through examples of agricultural value chains, 'under-utilized' crops and major infrastructure projects in southeast Africa.

Greenfield project finance loan maturity and the role of multilateral development banks in developing countries

This paper is intended to provide empirical evidence for the financial additionality of multilateral development banks (MDBs) in private sector infrastructure projects. To validate MDBs’ financial additionality, this study uses IJGlobal’s project finance database to examine whether the loan tenor of MDBs’ project finance loans is significantly longer than the average loan tenor extended by commercial banks, using ordinary least squares (OLS) and Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimations. The result of the empirical analysis shows that project finance loans involving MDBs have significantly longer loan maturity than average loans in lower-middle-income and upper-middle-income countries, while projects in low-income countries and Sub-Saharan Africa do not have such a tendency. Furthermore, in host countries where government effectiveness is underdeveloped, the coefficient of project finance loans provided by MDBs is negative with statistical significance. As a policy implication, these findings indicate that for MDBs to ascertain financial additionality in countries where government effectiveness is weak, additional measures such as capacity building of the host government and additional financial intervention are needed.

How Do Ore Deposits Form?

Ore deposits are masses of ore (rocks rich in metal) that are mined to obtain the metals needed for the machines and devices we use in everyday life, but how do ore deposits form, and where do we find them? Nowadays, recycling supplies some metals but by no means all of them, and not in sufficient amounts. So, for many years to come, we will continue to depend on ore deposits. To improve the chances of finding new deposits, geologists need to understand what processes concentrate metals into ores. This is the goal of scientific research on ore formation, and the best method is to drill boreholes through a deposit to obtain a continuous series of rock samples—drill cores—from top to bottom. The Bushveld drilling project in South Africa is described here as an example. This project targets the world’s largest ore deposit of platinum, a key metal for green energy technologies.

Newsbriefs: EH2, Protium, TECO and KBR, plus projects in Australia, Africa and Europe

Newsbriefs: EH2, Protium, TECO and KBR, plus projects in Australia, Africa and Europe

Integral education and Ubuntu: A participatory action research project in South Africa

Background: South Africa is beset with violent, antisocial practices and ways of life hindering peaceful co-existence and participatory democracy. This makes a targeted early education programme to develop a socially responsible generation imperative.Aim: Based on a larger research project, this study aimed to highlight the value of participatory action research in determining the outcomes of an early childhood development (ECD) Integral Education (IE) and Ubuntu approach for incorporation in the education and training of practitioners.Setting: Three ECD practitioners were selected to participate in this study, which was located in a township in the south of Durban in three preschools (urban, semi-urban and rural).Methods: Lewin’s PAR method was used to explore, develop and evaluate an intervention for change. Data were collected through focus group and participant interviews, observations and journal entries and then analysed thematically.Results: The findings revealed that, personally and professionally, the practitioners experienced positive changes through adopting an integral approach that included becoming more introspective and reflective in their practice.Conclusion: Educating and training early childhood practitioners to develop the appropriate knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to adopt and implement an ECD IE and Ubuntu approach are essential for developing a new generation of socially responsible citizens for participatory democracy in South Africa.Contribution: The findings highlighted key components of an ECD IE practitioner training programme based on the integrality of the mind, body, heart, spirit and community. Thus, the development of a caring, compassionate and humane society in democratic South Africa can be enabled.

Consolidation of human factors limiting the success and sustainability of e-Agriculture projects in sub-Saharan Africa

Human factors affecting e-Agriculture should be identified and understood to ensure the success and sustainability of e-Agriculture projects. However, specific human factors influencing e-Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa have never been consolidated. In this regard, the current study reviewed diverse literature and consolidated the human factors and gaps limiting the expansion of e-Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa to inform the sustainability of projects millions of people in the region rely on for their livelihood. Employing a systematic literature review method, the study initially retrieved 1624 relevant articles from seven e-databases. The retrieved articles were filtered to the 14 most representative articles using the standard protocol to narrow a database. The results revealed human factors and gaps limiting e-Agriculture projects in sub-Saharan Africa as inadequate education and training, age, gender bias, lack of experience, lack of awareness, exclusion of farmers, lack of user-centred requirements, exaggerated expectations and lack of trust and transparency. Thus, the study enlightens e-Agriculture service providers and policy practitioners on issues about human factors that need improvement to facilitate the success and sustainability of e-Agricultural projects. Likewise, the study draws the attention of stakeholders to devise mitigation measures against human factors affecting e-Agriculture projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

Modelling the domino effect of advance payment system on project cash flow and organisational performance

PurposePrevious studies have postulated that an advance payment system (APS) positively impacts the contractor's working capital and is paramount to ensuring an efficient and effective project cash flow process. However, scant research has been undertaken to empirically establish the cash flow performance and domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe epistemological design adopted a positivist philosophical stance augmented by deductive reasoning to explore the phenomena under investigation. Primary quantitative data were collected from 504 Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registered contractors (within the grade bandings 1–9) in South Africa. A five-point Likert scale was utilised, and subsequent data accrued were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsEmergent findings reveal that the mandatory use of an APS does not guarantee a positive project cash flow, an improvement in organisational performance or an improvement in project performance.Practical implicationsThe ensuing discussion reveals the contributory influence of APS on positive cash flow and organisational performance, although APS implementation alone will not achieve these objectives. Practically, the research accentuates the need for various measures to be concurrently adopted (including APS) towards ensuring a positive project cash flow and improved organisational and project performance.Originality/valueThere is limited empirical research on cash flow performance and the domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance in South Africa, nor indeed, the wider geographical location of Africa as a continent. This study addresses this gap in the prevailing body of knowledge.

Flipping the Thinking on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Why EDI Is Essential for the Development and Progression of the Chemical Sciences: A Case Study Approach.

All learners have a contribution to make to the development of the Chemical Sciences, be that in novel ways to teach, and their perspectives and contexts, but also in research, both in chemical education and the wider Chemical Sciences. Through four case studies, this paper explores interactions with diverse groups and how this has altered perspectives on both teaching and research. The case studies include work with visually impaired adults, a project bringing together First Peoples in Australia with academics to explore old ways (traditional science) and new ways (modern approaches), primary (elementary) school perspectives on teaching science, and a project in South Africa to connect university and township communities. Not only do these case studies demonstrate the immense value these diverse groups bring to our understanding about how to learn, but they also bring new perspectives on how to view and solve chemical problems.