Technology In Africa Research Articles

Multidisciplinary approach towards training of the next generation of forensic DNA analysts in Africa; a Kenyan perspective

The uptake of forensic DNA testing technologies in Africa has been slow despite the revolutionary technology being discovered and adopted 3 decades ago. African governments and partners have invested in construction and equipping of forensic laboratories in Africa but the benefits are yet to be realised as the laboratories are still faced with the challenge of shortage of adequately trained personnel.This paper describes an innovative multidisciplinary training approach that was developed and used to train officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Kenya.We report on the structure, implementation and effectiveness of the training. It is expected that with the increased number of trained forensic DNA analysts, there will be an improvement in quality of forensic DNA evidence presented in courts and a reduction in backlog in the forensic biology laboratories in Kenya.

Learner-driven innovation in the stone tool technology of early Homo sapiens.

Current perspectives of stone tool technology tend to emphasize homogeneity in tool forms and core reduction strategies across time and space. This homogeneity is understood to represent shared cultural traditions that are passed down through the generations. This represents a top-down perspective on how and why stone tools are manufactured that largely restricts technological agency to experts, adults and teachers. However, just as bottom-up processes driven by children and youth influence technological innovation today, they are likely to have played a role in the past. This paper considers evidence from the archaeological record of early Homo sapiens' lithic technology in Africa that may attest to our long history of bottom-up social learning processes and learner-driven innovation. This evidence includes the role of emulative social learning in generating assemblages with diverse reduction strategies, a high degree of technological fragmentation across southern Africa during some time periods, and technological convergence through the Pleistocene. Counter to some perspectives on the uniqueness of our species, our ability to learn independently, to 'break the rules' and to play, as opposed to conforming to top-down influences, may also account for our technological success.

Desirable or debatable? Putting Africa's decentralised solar energy futures in context

After decades of terrible ecological impacts, inefficiencies, corruption, and spatial injustices associated with dependencies on both centralised power generation and distribution in Africa, decentralised solar photovoltaic (PV) electrification is presented in the literature as an ‘irresistible’ alternative or complement necessary for a just, development-oriented and low-carbon energy transition. Affordable decentralised solar energy systems, however, currently have restrictive usage whereas systems with a larger capacity are accessible to a few richer social groups. The massive promotion of decentralised solar electrification does not even guarantee energy justice for all. This is due to contested notions of entitlements to and use of grid-based and off-grid electricity, relative spatial advantages or disadvantages, practical constraints linked to the pursuit of low-carbon energy solutions – particularly in situations where people/governments do not feel (morally) obliged to make commitments to climate change mitigation, and monopolistic tendencies of electricity distributors/suppliers. Furthermore, many electricity users in Africa lack the technical know-how and financial resources required for efficient self-organisation of decentralised solar PV electrification. Meanwhile, paradoxically, global north actors championing low-carbon energy technologies in Africa are sustaining their economies via massive use of fossil fuels – a behaviour referred to as ‘energy bullying’. Nonetheless, these quandaries should not be taken to imply ‘throwing away the baby with the bathwater’. Evidence presented from four idiographic cases suggests even that though context/country-specific conditions are decisive of the desirability of decentralised solar energy systems, certain general conditions necessary for the wider development of the technology in Africa are still discernible.

The Applied Mathematical Simulation Modeling Algorithm for a Multi Aircraft Landing Dynamic System at Bujumbura International Airport Mathematics and Innovative Technologies in Africa

The aim of this paper is to set up an efficient nonlinear application algorithm simulation model for a multi aircraft landing dynamic system in one Runway when considering Bujumbura International Airport. The mathematical modelization of the solved problem is a non-convex optimal control governed by ordinary non-linear differential equations.The dynamic programming technic is applied because it is a sufficiently high order and it does-not require computation of the partial derivatives of the aircraft dynamic. This application is be coded with Linux operating system, but it can also be run on the windowssystem. High runing performance are obtained with results giving feasible trajectories with a robust optimizing of the objective function. The user interfaces designed in Glade are saved as XML, and by using the GtkBuilder GTK+ object these can be loaded by applications dynamically as needed. By using GtkBuilder, Glade XML files can be used in numerous programming languages including C, C++, C#, Java, Perl, Python,AMPL,etc.. Glade is Free Software released under the GNU GPL License. The algorithm is implemented when considering discrete mathematics while using Bujumbura International Airport Geographic Information System.

The feasibility of electronic voting technologies in Africa: Selected case examples

The use of electronic voting technologies (EVTs) presents hurdles to election management bodies (EMBs) and other election stakeholders in Africa. The constitutionality and feasibility of such technologies provoke several questions that are tackled in this article. A key question is whether voting technologies such as electronic voting machines (EVMs) comply with national election legislation. The article’s methodology includes a review of the literature, official reports and policy documents, media and other articles, including public pronouncements on such technologies in Africa’s elections. These are supplemented by case examples of interviewees from selected African countries, including Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana. Its main contention is that African countries should evaluate the constitutionality and legitimacy of EVTs before their use. Finally, it will conclude that any use of voting technologies that does not meet constitutional and legal obligations will render the outcome of elections thereof flawed or dogged by irregularities, with questionable legitimacy, as seen recently in a few African countries.

Science, Technology and Innovation: Implications for Africa

The article makes the case for the precautionary principle, where the balance of nature needs to trump the immediate profit of innovation. The penetration of technology in Africa revives old stereotypes about the continent, hegemonic dynamics reminiscent of colonization, and stir a verity of social conflicts as profits and corporate interests come before the people and the environment.

Beyond the Card Reader: Anti-election Rigging Technology and National Security in Nigeria

With the increasing spread of information technology in Africa, digitalisation of elections is gradually becoming a popular phenomenon in the continent. However, there has not been sufficient awareness on the potential dangers in the process of digitalising elections. In this regard, this article provides analysis of the connection between the use of technological model in elections and security using the Nigerian example. The article acknowledges the potency of the technological model to solve the problem of electoral malpractices and ultimately address issues concerning electoral violence over claims of fraud. Notwithstanding its usefulness, the article analyses the challenges associated with the technological model and how this represents a major security threat. In this regard, the key question is: does Nigeria have the technical capacity to manage effectively electronic devices that have the potential of being used to unleash massive electoral fraud that could completely undermine peaceful coexistence within its fragile and sensitive electoral context? Following this, the article advances a number of policy recommendations on the measures to put the technological model into an effective use in order to promote peaceful elections in Nigeria.

Evaluation of Extension Agents’ Communication Strategies in Promoting the New Rice for Africa Technology Among Rice Farmers in Ofada, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of extension agents’ communication strategies in promoting the New Rice for Africa Technology among farmers in Ofada , Ogun State, Nigeria. Hinged on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the study adopted the survey research design using structured questionnaire and focused group discussion sessions to elicit data from extension workers and rice farmers respectively. Findings from the study revealed that extension agents employed communication strategies such as one-to-one, group gatherings, radio jingles, short sms, and video demonstrations among others to promote NERICA among rice farmers in Ofada. It was also gathered that these communication strategies were effective in passing across required information however; the farmers prefer the one-to-one than the group gathering communication strategy which was more often used by the extension workers. This preference was premised on the inherent advantage of interactivity which the adoption of the one-to-one technique could provide. In the light of these findings, it was recommended that, more needed to be done by the extension agents and the government to ensure adoption of NERICA technology. With the right seedlings, good preservation techniques, and other backup supports such as availability of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, adopting NERICA technology would be easier for farmers. The study recommended use of the one-to-one communication strategy and periodic evaluation of the extension worker’s activities by government. Keywords: Communication; Communication Strategies; Agricultural Extension Agents, NERICA, Rice Farmers DOI : 10.7176/DCS/9-6-06 Publication date :June 30 th 2019

OC 8715 GOING FURTHER TOGETHER: THE ROLE OF THE EU IN SUPPORTING REGULATORY HARMONISATION OF HEALTH TOOLS IN AFRICA

BackgroundOn May 20, 2018, African governments adopted the Treaty for the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) as a stepping stone in the strengthening and harmonising of medical products regulation on the continent. Many countries in Africa lack robust and comprehensive regulatory systems supporting the research and registration of health products, hampering the translation of health research and innovation into public health impacts. The AMA could substantially improve the access to quality-assured, safe and’effective health solutions and technologies in Africa and around the world. As the main trade partner and donor to Africa, the European Union (EU) has a key role to play in supporting this effort.MethodDesk research and case-study analyses of key initiatives to strengthen medicinesregulation in Africa were conducted. Specifically, the EDCTP, the African Vaccine Regulatory Forum (AVAREF), the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation Programme (AMRH) and the Zazibona Process; to assess the gaps, needs and opportunities for EU collaboration using actual and reconfigured EU-Africa funding and policy cooperation mechanisms.Results and conclusionsThis presentation will explore initiatives aimed at regulatory strengthening and harmonisation in Africa and propose policy recommendations on how to improve EU efforts in order to support these initiatives in a more systematic and synergetic manner. The recommendations fall into four categories: EU-Africa priority-setting, coordination, funding and capacity-building actions. Recommendations explore, for instance, advancing the national implementation of the African Union Model Law on Medical Products Regulation by all African countries, enlarging the scope of EDCTP regulatory strengthening actions to include Africa’s Regional Centres of Regulatory Excellence (RCOREs) or improving the attractiveness and incentive system of the EMA’s article 58 procedure for African governments, researchers and manufacturers.

PO 8300 REGIONAL CENTER FOR REGULATORY EXCELLENCE IN CLINICAL TRIAL OVERSIGHT – TRAINING 2017

BackgroundThe competencies of the various national medicines regulatory agencies (NMRAs) in Africa vary which leads to generally porous regulatory systems for clinical trial oversight. Consequently, many trials have been conducted under unacceptable conditions compromising participants’ safety and data credibility and resulted in questionable outcomes that are used for making scientific judgement in addressing issues of public health in Africa.To improve the safety and quality of health technologies in Africa, the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) agency launched a programme to designate Regional Centres of Regulatory Excellence (RCOREs) with the specific objective of bridging existing gaps between African NMRAs through strengthening regulatory capacity of African Union member states. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana, was designated as RCORE for Clinical Trials oversight in May 2014.MethodsTo achieve the RCORE objectives, the FDA collaborated with the School of Public Health (SPH), University of Ghana to develop a training manual and piloted a training programme with funds from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) through NEPAD.The programme, consisting of 4 compulsory modules, was organised from 6–30 November 2017 for 10 participants from Zambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda and Ghana. Interactive training methods in the form of theoretical and practical sessions were employed.ResultsThe pilot RCORE training was successful with expected training objectives achieved. Participants gained hands-on experience through activities like observing Good Clinical Practice inspection and a Technical Advisory Committee Meeting. Participants were given template tools to assist in developing regulatory guidelines and forms in their respective countries.A follow-up questionnaire was circulated to participants to assess the impact of the training on their work. Feedback „indicates that regulation of clinical trials has improved in their respective institutions.ConclusionThis pilot fellowship training was successful, „leading to the improvement of clinical trial regulation in the participating countries.

Opening Futures for Nigerian Education – Integrating Educational Technologies with Indigenous Knowledge and Practices

This paper highlights some key historical perspectives and antecedents of African Indigenous knowledge (AIK) and practices while identifying ‘open’ futures and opportunities for the application of digital technologies for educational opportunities that build on this cultural base. The role and negative impact of colonialism in the under-development of AIK is examined in this context together with the impact of post-colonial and contemporary corruption in further undermining the value of Indigenous knowledge systems. Two key concepts are identified as a counterpoint to this: the resilience of AIK and ‘local wisdom’ and the openness underpinning much of the ongoing digital revolution. This natural alignment can help guide the integration of Indigenous-based knowledge and practices and the deployment of open and distance learning in the re-birth of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS). Openness is a pivotal concept here for it is integral to both the architecture of the Web and in its ongoing evolution. Given the identified opportunities associated with digital technology, and despite the challenges, it is argued that there is an unequivocal need for AIKS to explore the advantages of open education resources and practices in promoting this rebirth that is also consistent with modern science and technologies in Africa and beyond.

Financial de-risking to unlock Africa's renewable energy potential

African countries are in a unique position to reap the socio-economic and environmental benefits of renewable resources as a means for meeting increasing energy demand in a sustainable way. A critical obstacle for the deployment of renewable energy technologies in Africa is the difficulty of attracting sufficient and affordable finance. This paper compares the impact of financial conditions on the cost of electricity generation across six renewable and three fossil-based technologies in 46 African countries. The results show large cost variations and highlight the extent to which renewables are disadvantaged by current financial practices. The energy-economy-environment model TIAM-ECN is used to show how lowering financing costs results in a much higher deployment of renewables. For example, solar PV could account for 10–15% of total electricity generation by 2050, even without explicit climate policy, thanks to financial de-risking programmes. The results demonstrate that changes in financing schemes could outweigh the impact of technology learning. This paper also demonstrates that, once ambitious climate policies are in place, reducing financing costs for renewables could be an efficient way to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Financial de-risking is thus a key ingredient for unlocking the renewable energy potential in Africa.

The Politics of Technology in Africa: Communication, Development, and Nation-Building in Ethiopia. By Iginio Gagliardone. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016. 190p. $99.99 cloth.

The Politics of Technology in Africa: Communication, Development, and Nation-Building in Ethiopia. By Iginio Gagliardone. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016. 190p. $99.99 cloth. - Volume 16 Issue 4

Assisted reproductive technologies in Africa: first results from the African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology, 2013.

What were utilization, outcomes and practices in assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Africa in 2013? To initiate a data registry in Africa, retrospective summary data were collected in a cross-sectional survey. Forty ART centres from 13 countries collectively reported 25,770 initiated cycles. Regional ART utilization could not be established due to large inter-country variations and insufficient data. The pregnancy rate per aspiration for fresh non-donor IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection was 28.0% and 35.8%, with a preponderance of women under 35 years (57.3%). Deliveries were reported for only 56.1% of pregnancies; the remainder were lost to follow-up. A mean of 2.41 embryos were transferred. The multiple delivery rate was 26.7% (25.5% twins and 1.2% triplets). Most twins (52.7%) and triplets (73.7%) were born pre-term. Oocyte donation represented 7% of all fresh and frozen transfers. This marks the beginning of an ART registry in Africa, Since ART utilization could not be established, the degree of access to ART remains speculative. Pregnancy rates were favourable but underpinned by a preponderance of young women and the transfer of multiple embryos. Efforts are needed to explore treatment barriers, improve pregnancy follow-up and reduce the high rate of multiples. This inaugural report from the African Network and Registry for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ANARA) indicates a willingness and ability of ART centres to voluntarily report and monitor utilization and outcomes of ART, which reflects a rising standard of ART in Africa. It is anticipated that more centres and countries will join ANARA to continue this trend.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION IN AFRICA - What Do Science, Technology, and Innovation Mean from Africa? Edited by Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT University Press, 2017. Pp. 256. $36.00, paperback (ISBN: 9780262533904).

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION IN AFRICA - What Do Science, Technology, and Innovation Mean from Africa? Edited by Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT University Press, 2017. Pp. 256. $36.00, paperback (ISBN: 9780262533904). - Volume 59 Issue 3

INTRODUCTION Advances in Cement and Concrete Technologies in Africa (ACCTA)

By exploiting resources and defining the shapes and function of our structures and infrastructures, civil engineers are highly responsible for the global challenges of the twenty-first century such...

An integrated assessment of pathways for low-carbon development in Africa

In this paper we investigate the prospects for the large-scale use of low-emission energy technologies in Africa. Many African countries have recently experienced substantial economic growth and aim at fulfilling much of the energy needs associated with continuing along paths of economic expansion by exploiting their large domestic potentials of renewable forms of energy. Important benefits of the abundant renewable energy resources in Africa are that they allow for stimulating economic development, increasing energy access and alleviating poverty, while simultaneously avoiding emissions of greenhouse gases. In this study we analyse what the likely energy demand in Africa could be until 2050, and inspect multiple scenarios for the concomitant levels of greenhouse gas emissions and emission intensities. We use the TIAM-ECN model for our study, which enawbbles detailed energy systems research through a technology-rich cost-minimisation procedure. The results from our analysis fully support an Africa-led effort to substantially enhance the use of the continent's renewable energy potential. But they suggest that the current aim of achieving 300 GW of additional renewable electricity generation capacity by 2030 is perhaps unrealistic, even given high GDP and population growth: we find figures that are close to half this level. On the other hand, we find evidence for leap-frogging opportunities, by which renewable energy options rather than fossil fuels could constitute the cost-optimal solution to fulfil most of Africa's growing energy requirements. An important benefit of leap-frogging is that it avoids an ultimately expensive fossil fuels lock-in that would fix the carbon footprint of the continent until at least the middle of the century.

Acceptance of an Online Voting System at the Catholic University Institute of Buea

Increasingly, more software is developed locally, to address the needs of the developer's immediate community and yet little research has been done regarding their acceptance. The technology acceptance model (TAM), which has greatly been used in literature, failed to consider some cultural particularities of such software. Furthermore, most research has focused on the acceptance of foreign technologies in Africa. The primary objective of this article, is to investigate the validity of TAM for locally developed software within a community. The article utilizes quantitative methodology based on data gathered using a modified version of a published survey instrument; as well as Short Message Service for the collection of qualitative data. The findings concur with previous studies on technology acceptance and the raises interests on the use of qualitative data for understanding the context of technology acceptance.

Western honey bee management for crop pollination

This literature review seeks to provide an outlook of the use of Western honeybee for crop pollination around the world. It was prepared by collecting information on the use of managed honey bees, Apis mellifera in crop pollination from different sources. To address pollination deficits, farmers around the world contract with beekeepers that provide colonies of Western honey, Apis mellifera , in order to perform crop pollination. Some farmers pay for the bee colonies they host in their farms; while others obtain them for free. Apis mellifera is widely used for pollination purposes for several reasons, including its polylectic nature, its wide distribution, its relatively ease and low cost management, and hive products from which the beekeeper get additional incomes. The Western honey bee is used to pollinate 66 commodities on all continents, except Antarctica. A controlled use of Western honey bee for pollination services is reported mainly in developed countries. Because of the low application of this technology in Africa, research must be conducted in order to access the need of pollination service and then the profitability of this technology in the current African entomological fauna context. Despite its benefits, the use of managed Western honey bees can affect native pollinators and contribute to the spread of diseases, parasites and weeds. Key words: Apis mellifera , bee colonies, pollination deficit, pollination services

Biofuels, Bioenergy and the Bioeconomy in North and South.

Biofuels, Bioenergy and the Bioeconomy in North and South.