Sustainable Development Goals In Africa Research Articles

A framework for assessing the effects of shock events on livestock and environment in sub-Saharan Africa: The COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Kenya

CONTEXTLivestock are the primary source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture in most African countries, but there is a paucity of baseline data and monitoring of GHG emissions from livestock in Africa, particularly for extreme or shock events. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a novels shock to livestock systems and may result in indirect effects on livestock emissions and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Due to the pandemic in 2020, extensive pastoralist livestock systems in Northern Kenya were subjected to restrictions on movement, increased costs of transportation, and closure of livestock markets. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to assess the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on GHG emissions from livestock systems in Northern Kenya using proxy data and a three-part framework based on changes in 1) herd size, 2) feed availability, and 3) livestock movement. METHODSWe evaluated changes in GHG emissions from livestock systems in Northern Kenya due to the COVID-19 pandemic based on proxy data from crowd-sourced market data, household panel surveys, and remote sensing data on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Proxy data were obtained before the pandemic in 2019 and after the pandemic in 2020 to compare between years and evaluate the indirect effects of the pandemic and associated restrictions on livestock GHG emissions using the three-part framework. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOverall GHG emissions from livestock in Northern Kenya have decreased due to the pandemic and this was largely driven by reductions in herd size. This reduction in GHG emissions occurred despite an increase in GHG emissions from livestock associated with higher feed availability. Decreased livestock movement due to the pandemic contributed to reductions in GHG emissions from livestock, but such reductions were likely to be small due to limited need for livestock to travel longer distances under the prevailing conditions of high feed availability. SIGNIFICANCEThis research shows that assessments of changes in GHG emissions from livestock systems due to shock events can be conducted successfully based on proxy data and the three-part framework developed here. We found that shock events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may lead to unexpected results with respect to the direction and magnitude of changes in livestock emissions depending on contextual factors and environmental conditions. Thus, we call for more spatially explicit and continued data collection to assess and monitor the consequences of shock events on GHG emissions from livestock and related SDGs in Africa.

Paradigm Shift for Food Sovereignty and the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

Paradigm Shift for Food Sovereignty and the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

Food Systems as Drivers of Optimal Nutrition and Health: Complexities and Opportunities for Research and Implementation.

ABSTRACTThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are intricately linked to food systems. Addressing challenges in food systems is key to meeting the SDGs in Africa and South Asia, where undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies persist, alongside increased nutrition transition, overweight and obesity, and related chronic diseases. Suboptimal diets are a key risk factor for mortality and 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet; in addition, food systems are not prioritizing environmental sustainability. Optimizing food systems and increasing agricultural productivity beyond calories, to nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits, legumes, and livestock, and sustainable fishing, are required. Strengthening of research around food systems—on pathways, value chains, and development and validation of metrics of diet quality—is required. The development of new technology in crop management and pest control and addressing natural resource degradation is key. Engaging with the public and private sectors, outreach to donors and policymakers, and strengthening cross-disciplinary collaborations are imperative to improving food systems.

Preface

Proceedings of the 4th International Conference/ Training Workshop on Energy for Sustainable Development in Africa being held at the National Center for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.It is our pleasure to welcome you to the 2020, 4th International Conference/ Training Workshop on Energy for Sustainable Development in Africa (ICTWESDA 2020) aimed at fostering advancement in energy in all ramifications and knowledge transfer in Africa through various contributions by experts in engineering and sciences. This event is structured to hold along with a professional training workshop on solar PV systems design, installation and maintenance being organized by the NCERD in collaboration with the German International Cooperation (GIZ), for individuals with engineering and science background, and electricians with adequate technical experience.The major goal of this conference/ workshop is to promote high quality research and practical impact of science and technology, and innovations in an atmosphere of international co-operation among the scientists, engineers and industries by bringing together the topnotch scholars and institutions to discuss recent advancement in energy sector as well as knowledge transfer in Africa in a single platform of mutual understanding.The training workshop is structured to impact on the shortlisted participants’ technical competence in planning, designing and installation of solar PV systems and capacity to conduct troubleshooting, repair and maintenance, and economic analysis in conformity with the requirements of the 2016 Nigerian Competency Standards for Clean Energy. A Certificate of Competency in solar PV system installations will be awarded to participants who satisfy the minimum requirement. The training is being conducted by solar PV experts from NCERD in collaboration with GIZ at the National Center for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, with only 20 shortlisted participants, under strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.However, in view of the current Covid-19 pandemic issues and the consequent restrictions on large gatherings, the Conference is rescheduled to hold virtual. All the participants and invited guest speakers were requested to prepare and make video/slide presentations of their papers and speeches via the virtual ZOOM platforms adopted for the conference. The zoom links have been provided to all the participants and speakers to enable them participate and make their presentations. The participants are urged to login to any technical sessions of their interest to interact, exchange ideas and knowledge with other scholars working in the same or similar research areas.The programme of this conference has the opening session, plenary and technical parallel sessions. Highly distinguished scholars are invited to speak and discuss the theme of the conference: energy solutions for attainment of sustainable development goals in Africa. The technical parallel sessions chaired by distinguished scholars cover the following areas: solar thermal, thin films, solar photovoltaic and energy storage, energy efficiency and management, biofuels, wind energy/technology, energy and environment, climate change and energy in education, energy and other related issues. The activities of this conference are very adequate to offer you the expected wonderful opportunity to interact extensively and share ideas with your peers and other eminent scholars working in your similar research areas. We are confident that your effective participation in the ICTWESDA 2020 activities will offer you a very rewarding technical and scholarly experience.We are very grateful to members of the organizing committees and the reviewers of the technical papers. They worked tirelessly in organizing this event and the reviewers made critical reviews of all the submitted papers as well as giving valuable suggestions to enable the authors improve their work. We would also like to appreciate the authors for contributing their research result to the conference and the GIZ for providing technical equipment needed to facilitate the solar PV training workshop practical demonstrations.We remain very grateful to our invited guests and all the participants for their contributions in hosting this event and wishing them a very memorable experience as they enjoy their participations in the activities of this conference. We look forward to having you participate in the next coming ICTWESDA.List of ICTWESDA 2020 Committees, (A) Local Organizing Committee (LOC), (B) Technical/Scientific Steering Committee, Local:, (C) Technical/Scientific Steering Committee, International:, are available in the pdf

COVID-19 pandemic: impacts on the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.

Since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, Africa has made some progress towards its achievements, particularly in the area of gender equality- SDG 5, climate change -SDG 13 and preserving life on land- SDG 15. Although, some African countries have made tangible impact on the other goals such as health, food production and economic growth; these efforts experienced some setbacks with attention shifting to curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus. As much as mitigating the spread of the spread of COVID-19 is important, so is ensuring efforts made on other goals are not lost, as the SDGs are much interconnected, and failure in one impacts others. For the African continent to achieve sustainable development beyond COVID-19, strategic actions which will involve innovations, evaluations and strong political will towards implementations must be taken by relevant stakeholders, so the continent is not left behind in the global goals achievement by 2030.

Threats of COVID-19 to Achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

.The negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been exacerbated in Africa by hunger, poor health care, poor educational systems, poverty, and lack of potable water and sanitation. With the pandemic and a worrying global recession as a result of COVID-19, our ability to achieve the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the post-pandemic era has been questioned. There is concern that the economic stagnation caused by COVID-19 will not only push more populations below the poverty line but also limit international support to ensure progress toward achieving the SDGs in Africa. This article highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic could threaten the actualization of the SDGs in Africa. We assessed relevant published literature, observations, and current global trends. Our results suggest that although the improvement of healthcare systems has become a priority in Africa, there is a need to ensure that some SDGs are not sacrificed to achieve control of the pandemic. Despite the pandemic, African countries need to identify policies that will not compromise the implementation of the SDGs and/or jeopardize previously achieved SDG targets.

Attaining the sustainable development goals in Africa: The new CSR for multinational corporations

The fact that Africa is one of the worst performing regions in global audits about long-term development trends is longer news. The continent has repeatedly missed targets set by the United Nations and there are concerns it might just be left behind in the attainment of the latest 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development set by world leaders in 2015. With a view to complementing states’ responsibilities towards the provision of public goods and social services useful to actualize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, this article interrogates the nature of multinational corporations (MNCs) and juxtaposing the non-state actor responsibilities within wider societal contexts with state duties in advancing the SDGs. The article not only sets the tone for a “new corporate social responsibility” in terms of improved pursuit of sustainability within business communities in corporate Africa, it also recommends workable measures, integrating progressive roles for both the state and MNCs towards the realization of the SDGs on the continent.
 Keywords: Corporate Responsibility; MNCs; SDGs in Africa; New CSR Roles; Regional Integration.

Science and technology development in Africa needs women.

The involvement of girls and women in the development of science and technology is vital to achieving sustainable development goals in Africa. Identifying the barriers preventing their participation and mapping strategies to overcome these barriers could proffer the way forward, explains Francisca N. Okeke

‘COVID-19/Food Insecurity Syndemic’: Navigating the Realities of Food Security Imperatives of Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

Abstract The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting on food systems and has exposed the poor state of food security and lack of food system infrastructures. Consequently, sub-Saharan Africa countries face the compounded risk of COVID-19 and hunger. The syndemic will pose serious challenges for achieving food security imperatives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This article discusses the dynamics of food security imperatives brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the mitigating efforts of sub-Saharan African governments in addressing COVID-19 and how this effort impacts the attainment of SDGs One, Two, Three and 12. It finds that while the pandemic provides an opportunity for governments to strengthen their commitments, it raises questions on the ambitious global efforts to deliver SDGs by 2030. It recommends that African governments need to maximize intra-African trade with investments in agricultural biotechnological infrastructure in order to close the gap between the targets and the realities, in the efforts towards achieving the SDGs.

Relationship between tourism and Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Circular Economy as a future bet

No one has the slightest doubt about the enormous potential that the African continent has as a tourist destination. The diversity of cultures, the great biodiversity that it possesses, the multiple artistic manifestations that it offers and the beauty of the seas that surround it are key pieces in continuing to promote its capacity as a tourist attraction, which is approximately 60 million tourists per year who generate seven percent of exports and employment. However, in order for Africa to take off, it is necessary that a number of conditions related to security, health, education, eradication of poverty, reduction of inequalities, peace and justice and quality of its waters, among others, are intimately related to the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda. In this context, we maintain that the implementation of the Circular Economy in Africa will be a key tool in this process of improving the sustainability of this continent in its three aspects, economic, social and environmental, and raising its level of tourism competitiveness.

REVIEW OF DESIGN RESEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: A DESIGN SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE

AbstractThe design community can contribute significantly to the success of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. Currently, alignment of the design research community on sustainable development goals in Africa is not well understood. In this paper, we review relevant literature and identify trends in research topics studied and in patterns of collaboration between researchers. We find differences in topic representation and collaboration trends between African-based and non-African based researchers. Understanding these differences better will be important for future research.

Poverty Alleviation Pathways for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, Thokozani Simelane, Lavhelesani R. Managa and Muchie Mammo (Eds.) - book review

Poverty Alleviation Pathways for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, Thokozani Simelane, Lavhelesani R. Managa and Muchie Mammo (Eds.) - book review

Will the current coronavirus disease 2019 affect progress in the attainment of sustainable development goals in Africa?

The global coronavirus pandemic which has already caused unprecedented damage and misery has put an almost complete halt to our way of life. The epidemic will have significant and enduring economic and social implications in every corner of the globe. Only through successful cooperation and coordination between scientists, experts, innovators and policymakers can we solve the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing observations and perspectives in real time will be crucial to improving the connection between research , policy and community, and leading to the solutions we need. When the Covid-19 pandemic is under control, and the world economy is back on track, it is important to reassess the status and fate of the 2030 Agenda, also known as Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs). The Decade of Operation was scheduled to kick-off the year 2020. With only 10 years to go, plans have been made to undertake “ambitious global efforts” to deliver the promise of 2030—by mobilizing more governments, civil society, businesses, and calling on all people to make their own the Global Goals.

Assessment of solar energy technologies in Africa-opportunities and challenges in meeting the 2030 agenda and sustainable development goals

Renewable energy sources like solar energy have an important role to play towards the implementation of the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. While renewable energy was not stated as one of the technologies for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), it played an indirect role towards meeting MDG targets especially in the areas such as household application, health, education and poverty reduction in Africa. However, renewable energy's impacts (including solar energy technologies) were not quantified, and lack of performance assessment could be in part attributed to the weak implementation of solar energy projects in the developing world including countries in Africa. The aim of this paper is to conduct meta-analysis of the literature on the performance of solar energy technologies in order to determine solar energy adoption trends in African countries. This is supplemented with expert interviews and data gathered from the World Bank/Global Environment Facility. Using three case studies of Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, this paper examines the benefits and challenges that are associated with the application of solar energy technologies for meeting SDGs in Africa. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting the policy implication for the application of solar energy technologies.

Tourism Governance and Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

ABSTRACT Inclusiveness that improves tourism governance is significant for development if benefits from tourism are distributed equitably. Declaration of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism and adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have seemingly brought tourism to the forefront of development even where the SDGs have limited tourism focus. This paper examines how tourism governance is poorly applied in Africa. It interrogates the challenges of integrating tourism governance, mining, and conservation within the SDGs framework in Africa. Sustainable tourism governance frameworks have not comprehensively inculcated trust, justice, social capital, power, and participation. Using mining and conservation in South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively, it analyses how mining affects sustainability, as actors in tourism are unable to conserve and protect tourism sites. Achieving the SDGs requires collaboration between international actors, governments, the private sector, and locals in an inclusive governance based on justice, inclusion trust and equitable power relations. Highlights Improvement in tourism governance is important for development Challenges of integrating tourism in the SDGs in Africa Tourism governance is however poorly applied in Africa Sustainable tourism governance neglects trust, justice, power and participation. Mining and poor conservation undermines sustainable tourism To achieve the SDGs, collaboration among varied actors is critical

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: A Review

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: A Review

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa in the Context of Complex Global Development Cooperation

Shifts in dynamics complicate the pace and scope of globalization, which has transformed the entire world into a borderless entity, making it very difficult to separate domestic policies from foreign ones. The interdependency of economies has made African countries more vulnerable to any given policy error or economic shocks in a foreign country. Domestic policy decisions have global repercussions. Besides, the unsustainable production and consumption systems (including greenhouse emissions associated with industrialization and urbanization) in the largest economies of the world unequivocally contribute to the rising impact of climate change in Africa – the continent that contributed to climate change the least, yet has the weakest capacity to manage its impacts. How does this dynamically changing development context affect the implementation of SDGs in Africa? What are the emerging opportunities and challenges associated with the rollout and implementation of SDGs in Africa? What specific actions should Africa and the rest of the world take to ensure the objective of ‘leaving no one behind’ in Africa by 2030 is realized? These are some of the questions this paper will address. However, it is first important to know: why are the SDGs important to Africa?

The Challenge of Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: The Way Forward.

Nations of the world met in September 2015 at the UN in New York and adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, the successor framework to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were agreed by governments in 2000 and which came to an end in 2015. The MDGs concentrated largely, though not exclusively, on social outcomes while key development priorities, such as infrastructure and energy, were absent from the list. The SDGs (Table 1) reflect the challenges we face in development, emphasising the underlying drivers of sustainable development and not just measurable outcomes. The SDGs have adopted an all-inclusive approach, taking on board challenges faced by all nations and promoting the cooperation between the private and public sector in the execution of the goals.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Call for a Paradigm Shift.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Call for a Paradigm Shift.

Nutrition Security and Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.

Africa has the potential to feed the world. Agricultural production is up by 160% over the past 30 years. Eighteen sub-Saharan African countries have reached the Millennium Development Goals' first target of halving the proportion of people who are hungry. And increasingly wider efforts are being launched across the continent aimed at improving food security. There is still a long way to go as Africa remains a net importer of food with about 25% of the continent population still living in hunger.