Role In Africa Research Articles

A comprehensive review of integrating biostimulants and biopesticides for organic berry farming: exploring challenges and opportunities for Africa

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Africa, contributing significantly to sustainable farming practices and the establishment of resilient food systems. Within this context, the use of various types of biostimulants, including microbial biostimulants such as Plant Growth-Promoting microorganisms (PGPM) and non-microbial products like Algal extract, humic acid, and protein hydrolysates, as well as biopesticides, emerges as a promising strategy to bolster sustainable agriculture, particularly in the realm of organic berry production. These substances have the potential to enhance crop growth, fortify stress tolerance, and optimize nutrient absorption, benefiting both human health and the environment. This paper aims to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating plant biostimulants into organic berry production within the African agricultural sector. To achieve this objective, an extensive and comprehensive review encompassing scientific literature, policy documents, and global data was conducted. The primary focus of this review was to investigate the current state of biostimulant adoption in organic berry farming within the African agricultural sector, with a specific emphasis on identifying potential opportunities and discussing the benefits derived from their application. Additionally, we addressed the challenges encountered and proposed practical approaches to achieving sustainable agriculture. The findings and conclusions of our review reveal the transformative potential of biostimulants in organic berry production. The evidence points to remarkable advancements in plant growth, plant health, overall yield, and fruit nutritional quality. By implementing these substances, we can also minimize the ecological footprint of agricultural practices. However, several challenges remain, including limited accessibility, insufficient awareness and knowledge regarding biostimulant usage, and a shortage of research specific to African agriculture. To overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable agriculture, this paper recommends practical approaches such as raising awareness, investing in research and development, and promoting the use of biostimulants through policy interventions and capacity-building programs. We underscore the importance of stakeholder participation and local adaptations for effectively integrating biostimulants in African agriculture. The significance of integrating plant biostimulants in organic berry production lies in advancing sustainable agriculture. This paper aims to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating plant biostimulants into organic berry production within Africa.

Africa-China Relations and the Issue of South-South Cooperation

Africa-China or Sino-African relations continue to grow stronger. Africa sees China as a partner in development with the global South-South Cooperation. As a measure of friendship, China constructed the African Union headquarters at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for free. There has been cooperation between China and African countries. China’s role in Africa during the independence struggles is well noted and its development assistance to the continent has been phenomenal over the years. As Africa and China relations continue, several bottlenecks continue to mar the relationship. This paper highlights the bottlenecks of Africa-China relations by tracing the historical ties between China and African states. It delves into Africa-China relations in terms of South-South Cooperation and China’s foreign policy of non-interference in internal matters of other states. It uses 2019 data to analyze China-Africa trade, investments and revenues accruing to both partners. It concludes with how China-African states can achieve mutual benefits.

Evolving Partnerships: Assessing BRICS’ Strategic Role in Africa’s Socio Economic Development

Evolving Partnerships: Assessing BRICS’ Strategic Role in Africa’s Socio Economic Development

E-Governments in Africa

Multiple authors have come to view Africa as a victim of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), a continent which has not been able to take part as one of the driving forces of this technological advancement. This is more so true when considering the state of the African continent during the first, second and third industrial revolutions where Africa's role had been of a more minimal nature. This assumption is however not true when considering how multiple countries in Africa have embraced and entrenched technology into the daily operations of their government institutions during the 4IR. Furthermore, it can be identified that the introduction of the 4IR has only led to an increase in the efficiency and effectiveness of African governments and their institutions in the act of service delivery. This illustrates that not only is the African continent ready for this revolution but that it has also been able to take advantage of it. This paper aims to illustrate the growing potential of digitalisation and e-government in African states. It will do this by providing an observation of the development that technology has fostered better service delivery using five African states as case studies, namely South Africa, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tunisia. It aims to analyse the transformations that have taken place from the periods of 2000 to 2022 whether they be an increase in the overall quality of the services provided, or a reduction in time required for the execution of those said services. The paper uses secondary sources as a mechanism to analyse the impact that the introduction of technology has had on government systems in the five African countries. The main focus will be on the ministries of home affairs, finance, education, transport and health and how the incorporation of technology into these departments and departments that are of similar interests in the other countries has assisted in the improvement of the effectiveness of service delivery of these departments.

Projected regional changes in mean and extreme precipitation over Africa in CMIP6 models

Precipitation plays a crucial role in Africa’s agriculture, water resources, and economic stability, and assessing its potential changes under future warming is important. In this study, we demonstrate that the latest generation of coupled climate models (CMIP6) robustly project substantial wetting over western, central, and eastern Africa. In contrast, southern Africa and Madagascar tend toward future drying. Under shared socioeconomic pathways (defined by Shared Socioeconomic Pathways SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5), our results suggest that most parts of Africa, except for southern Africa and Madagascar, will experience very wet years five times more often in 2050–2100, according to the multi-model median. Conversely, southern Africa and Madagascar will experience very dry years twice as often by the end of the 21st century. Furthermore, we find that the increasing risk of extreme annual rainfall is accompanied by a shift toward days with heavier rainfall. Our findings provide important insights into inter-hemispheric changes in precipitation characteristics under future warming and underscore the need for serious mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Exploring banana production in Africa for food security and economic growth—A short review

Food insecurity is a critical global issue, but it is far more visible and challenging to address in Africa. Millions of Africans suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Food security programs are an essential part of human survival, and for that to happen, food that is nutritious and safe must be readily available to people. A society that will be well fed requires not only a strong policy framework but also institutional reforms that promote production and make agriculture more attractive to young people. In this context, sustainable production of banana crops could play a critical role in Africa’s food security and advance economic growth. Bananas have an important position in human nutrition all over the world; they are a staple fruit consumed by many. A banana is a storehouse for minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates and is regarded as a reserve of energy. It has a great prospect for foreign earnings through exports. The continuous growth in Africa’s population, with its attendant increase in food demands, calls for a radical transformation in its agricultural production system. There are land and human capital resources that could be engaged. The estimated cultivable land mass in Africa for banana production is estimated to be around 50 million hectares, with over 60% of its population below the age of 25. Africa could achieve a decent society that is free from the burden of hunger and attain economic prosperity by leveraging on massive banana production for local needs and exports. Bananas have enormous potential as a recipe for food security and economic prosperity if well harnessed.

The Declining Role of Nigeria As Africa’s Peacekeeper in the UN Security Council

ABSTRACT Africa is the epicenter of conflict in the world. Seven of the 12 current United Nations peacekeeping operations are in Africa, and 80% of its peacekeepers are deployed on the continent. Nigeria is one of the largest troops contributing countries to the UN. This article interrogates Nigeria’s peacekeeping role in Africa and its voting pattern at the Council. Founded on unstructured interviews, it offers deep insight into Nigeria’s leadership role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping during the 2010/2011 and 2014/2015 tenures. Nigeria has declined in influence and is unable to provide the robust conflict resolution that Africa needs.

THE SHIFT OF POWER: ANALYSING THE DECLINE OF USA'S INFLUENCE IN AFRICA IN FAVOUR OF CHINA

In recent years, the African continent has emerged as a key arena in the global power rivalry between the United States and China. This study delves into the shifting power dynamics in Africa, with a focus on the increasing influence of China amidst receding American dominance. The research employs document review to analyze the multifaceted nature of China's engagement in Africa, encompassing trade, infrastructure investments, and diplomacy, establishing China as Africa's primary trading partner. Notably, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) plays a pivotal role in reshaping Africa's infrastructure and economic landscape. Conversely, the United States has witnessed a decline in diplomatic presence, foreign aid reductions, and a diminished focus on economic engagement, leading to a decrease in its influence. The outcomes of this evolving dynamic are far-reaching. While Africa stands to benefit from potential economic transformation, concerns regarding debt sustainability and reliance on Chinese support persist. Geopolitically, Africa's strategic significance has triggered competition between China and the U.S., with potential implications for regional security. Moreover, Africa's critical role in global supply chains, particularly in resources such as minerals and energy, amplifies China's influence in global markets. African nations face the challenge of balancing economic growth, sovereignty, and regional stability. To counter China's expanding presence and enhance relations with African countries, the United States should prioritize revitalizing diplomacy, formulating a comprehensive trade policy, emphasizing development assistance, and collaborating on regional security initiatives. Cultivating cultural exchanges and respecting African agency are equally imperative steps in this endeavor.

Pioneering Digital Transformation in African: The Path to Maturity Amidst Unique Challenges and Opportunities

This paper employs a scoping review methodology to thoroughly investigate the distinctive challenges and opportunities that define digital transformation in African organizations. By examining critical dimensions, including technological infrastructure, governmental commitment, organizational culture, human capital development, regulatory environments, market dynamics, and economic factors, the study provides an in-depth analysis against the backdrop of Africa's burgeoning economies and the transformative aftermath of COVID-19. The scoping review methodology facilitates a comprehensive and expansive approach to literature examination, aligning key variables and essential terms with relevant literature sources. Drawing insights from a diverse range of materials, the findings illuminate both the transformative potential of digital technologies in Africa and the persistent hurdles, such as the digital divide, skills shortages, and infrastructure deficits. The synthesis of these insights not only underscores the imperative for innovation and widespread adoption but also emphasizes the necessity of societal restructuring to fully realize the impact of digital technologies in Africa. In conclusion, the paper offers recommendations that advocate for holistic, collaborative solutions, bringing together governments, private entities, and educational institutions in strategic alignment with the global discourse on Africa's role in the digital economy.

Nurturing Development Administration in South African Local Government

This paper aims to unpack the relationship between the development administration and local government in fostering socio-economic development. the paper argues that the effective implementation of the development administration sufficiently contributes to local government productivity in delivering government development-oriented services and programs. Development administration includes strengthening administrative capabilities. Development administration covers a wide range of techniques used by large organizations, most notably the government to implement plans and policies that are meant to assist them in achieving their developmental objectives. The main goal of development administration is to create a better social, political, and economic environment. The local government plays a crucial role in Africa's economic development trajectory. the paper is conceptual in nature as relies heavily on secondary data and existing literature to address the answer to the inherent argument. from the literature, authors derived findings such as a lack of adequate political capability and politicization of development, corruption, lack of accountability, low priority of quality assurance, poor monitoring, and evaluation of socioeconomic policies, excessive political control, poor capacity development, nepotism, lack of community participation, resources constraints, inter alia. the study recommends that further research should be conducted in all municipalities within South Africa to detect the problem associated with development administration for effective enhancement of socio-economic development as well as reinforcing and easing the sustainable development in local government. since public administration is regarded as a social science discipline the study contributes to the field of public administration and development as it deals with assessing and resolving the social, political, and economic problems that affect day to day life of communities. Development administration also contributes to the National Development Plan as it enhances the social, political, and economic arena. the study can also influence public officials to be equipped with more skills to meet the socio-economic needs of the communities.

Developments, bottlenecks, and opportunities in seed markets for improved forages in East Africa: The case of Kenya

AbstractBackgroundCattle farming plays a pivotal role in Africa's agricultural and livestock sector, poised for growth due to population expansion and rising per capita consumption of animal‐sourced food. Forages are a primary source of feed for dairy cattle, significantly impacting production costs. While local forage varieties are preferred by dairy farmers, there has been an increase in the adoption of improved forages in recent years. However, the overall adoption rate is still low, for example, due to underdeveloped forage seed markets.MethodsThis study describes the dynamics, challenges, and potential of these markets in Kenya and selected East African countries, focusing on (i) market evolution over the past decade, (ii) forthcoming market prospects, and (iii) bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Data were gathered in 2022 through qualitative interviews with stakeholders representing six segments of the forage seed sector across six countries.ResultsWe found a sustained growth of the improved forage seed market in recent years. The main challenges for further growth are high seed prices, regulatory difficulties, and limited producer knowledge.ConclusionsThe findings unveil positive dynamics in the region's forage seed market, fueled by the engagement and determination of stakeholders who recognize the manifold benefits that it holds for both the dairy industry and economic growth. The realization of this market's potential requires addressing prevailing challenges, including elevated seed costs, intricate variety registration processes, and a pervasive lack of awareness among farmers.

East Africa's Potential Role in US Graphite Supply Chains

East Africa's Potential Role in US Graphite Supply Chains

Perspectives of Local Communities on the Impact of Chinese Aid: A Case Study of China's Aid Projects in the Education Sector in Guinea

China's re-emergence as an aid donor has attracted the attention and criticism from Western donors, academia, and the media. In contrast to traditional donors, China's aid has been portrayed as anti-poverty aid, mainly due to its combination with other instruments, such as investment, and the absence of any political or economic conditions. This paper examines the impact of Chinese aid projects in Guinea's education sector from the perspective of the beneficiaries. The author collected data from both primary (interviews) and secondary (document analysis) sources. The present study concludes that China's aid projects in the education sector have received both positive and negative feedback, mainly because the recipients' needs have not been appropriately targeted. This study contributes to the literature on China's role in Africa. More specifically, it discusses the conditions for aid effectiveness in the field of education. Moreover, in the context of the globalization of aid practices, the study proposes best practices for China to adopt in order to improve the practices of its aid delivery. The novelty of this study lies in the methodology (qualitative method) used to understand China's aid from the perspective of the beneficiaries of its aid.

Liquid Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer: Its Present State and Future Role in Africa.

The rising mortality and morbidity rate of head and neck cancer (HNC) in Africa has been attributed to factors such as the poor state of health infrastructures, genetics, and late presentation resulting in the delayed diagnosis of these tumors. If well harnessed, emerging molecular and omics diagnostic technologies such as liquid biopsy can potentially play a major role in optimizing the management of HNC in Africa. However, to successfully apply liquid biopsy technology in the management of HNC in Africa, factors such as genetic, socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural acceptability of the technology must be given due consideration. This review outlines the role of circulating molecules such as tumor cells, tumor DNA, tumor RNA, proteins, and exosomes, in liquid biopsy technology for the management of HNC with a focus on studies conducted in Africa. The present state and the potential opportunities for the future use of liquid biopsy technology in the effective management of HNC in resource-limited settings such as Africa is further discussed.

Unveiling Neocolonialism in Sino-African Relations

This article examines the artistic and political implications of Femi Osofisan’s All for Catherine, an adaptation of Cao Yu’s play Thunderstorm. Although the dialogue remains largely faithful to the original, the characters, settings, and historical contexts are artfully shifted to the Nigerian cultural context. The original play by Cao Yu primarily offers a profound critique of capitalist society, a sentiment Osofisan carries forward in his adaptation. By analysing the play’s postcolonial narrative and its portrayal of China’s image, this article provides a literary and textual analysis of African perspectives on Sino-African relations. While China may intend to play a supportive role in Africa, extending its influence and contributing to economic growth, Osofisan’s adaptation suggests a more nuanced perspective. It raises concerns about the potential for neocolonialism, where China’s investments might sometimes prioritise its own interests over the genuine development of African nations.

Sub‐Saharan Africa's participation in global value chains: 1995–2021

AbstractThis paper examines Sub‐Saharan Africa's (SSA) role in global value chains (GVCs) through a new comprehensive country‐sector level database. It reaffirms known aspects: SSA's involvement in GVCs has grown but still trails other regions, especially in manufacturing. Typically, SSA is involved in upstream production stages, exporting commodities that are later processed and re‐exported by other countries. Only few SSA countries have integrated into manufacturing GVCs, importing inputs for export production. SSA also engages more in GVCs with external partners than with other SSA countries. Yet, new insights also emerge. SSA increasingly provides inputs for its own export products, though not for domestic sales. Additionally, African GVCs are shifting alliances; China and India are rising as sources for supply of inputs and final demand, overtaking Europe. However, the United States and Europe remain pivotal final destinations for African goods and re‐export hubs of African value added.

An appraisal of Nigeria's foreign policy role in Africa's development, 2010-2022

Nigeria's foreign policy is a strategic instrument intricately woven into the fabric of its national interests. Since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has steered an external strategy with the African continent at its nucleus, emblematic of its steadfast commitment to nurturing stability and prosperity across Africa. Through varying administrations, the Nigerian government has consistently upheld the core tenets of its foreign policy, steadfastly adhering to its Afrocentric orientation. This study examined Nigeria's foreign policy's role in the developmental trajectory of Africa during the period from 2010 to 2022. Employing a qualitative methodology, it harnesses secondary data from a comprehensive review of esteemed academic sources, including textbooks, scholarly journals, authoritative reports, and online repositories. Systems theory was applied to guide the research. The findings clearly illustrate Nigeria's pronounced contributions through its Afrocentric foreign policy paradigm – engendering unity, catalysing collaboration, nurturing peace and stability, and directing developmental resources to regions characterized by harmonious relations. Ultimately, this study illuminates the comprehensive spectrum of Nigeria's impact on Africa's developmental odyssey, ranging from active regional leadership participation to counter-terrorism endeavours and poverty abatement. Consequently, this research advocates for a sustained optimization of Nigeria's contributions, thereby fortifying internal tranquillity and urging a meticulous evaluation of the underlying socio-political tensions within Nigeria.Nzewigbo A. A. (2023). An appraisal of Nigeria's foreign policy role in Africa's development, 2010-2022. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(3), 57-67. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i3.2
 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

Editorial

Editorial

Investigating the Impact of Education and Women in Agriculture on Human Capital Outcomes in Africa: An Interaction Analysis

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Africa's economy, and women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce in the region. Impact of women's role in farming and women education in Africa is significant for the human capital development. Furthermore, women's engagement in agricultural activities has increased with time, leading to improved contributions to food security and livelihood. Against this background, this study investigates the impact of women's participation in agriculture and women education interaction on human capital in Africa with the data obtained from the World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank and Human Development Index (HDI) covering 33 African countries for the time frame 2000 to 2018. To control endogeneity that may be present in fixed effects model, the study applied the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM). The results show that, across African sub-regions, while women's participation in agriculture has a significant negative effect, education has a significant positive impact on human capital outcomes. Additionally, the interaction between women participation in agriculture and education has a significant positive impact on human capital across sub-regions in Africa. The findings underscore the need for policies that promote gender equality, as this has the potential to significantly increase human capital formation and sustainable development. The study, through the the interaction between women's in agriculture and education highlights the contribution of these factors to various goals, such as no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5) and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).

Systems View of BRICS Value Chains, South Africa and BRICS participation in African Continental Free Trade Area

Global value chains have shaped world production and trade. This research article examines the connections between the value chains of the BRIC economies and South Africa's role in positioning BRICS-Africa trade as a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) using BRIC value chains that has been tailormade to increase BRICS share of the AfCFTA market. It argues that in order for BRICS's to increase its competitiveness in AfCFTA and the global market, intra-BRICS trade should be based on value chains that has been developed specifically to support BRICS and provide it with the competitive leverage necessary to explore new market opportunities. AfCTA presents such a market. Additionally, the article reveals that for BRICS to succeed in AfCFTA through its value chains, it must recognise South Africa's potential (to host some of these) and its geographic location on the African continent. Furthermore, BRIC needs to appreciate that South Africa can successfully host some of BRIC nations' value chains. This indicates that South Africa's membership of BRICS and AFCTFA provides an opportunity that can benefit BRICS through its participation in AfCFTA using value chains approach. This however requires academic interrogation, which will yield information and knowledge that can be used to formulate programmes, policies and strategies of how BRICS value chains can be of significant support to AfCFTA.