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5th African Regional Conference of Vice Chancellors,Provosts and Deans of Science, Engineering and Technology
(COVIDSET 2013)
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Enhancing capacity in science, technology and innovation in responseto emerging industrial and socio-economic needs of Africa:
The role of universities
DATE: 6-7 NOVEMBER 2013,
GABORONE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER
GABORONE, BOTSWANA
R
A I S
T
AN S T
I
Programme and Abstracts of Papers
5th
African Regional Conference of Vice
Chancellors and Deans of Science
Engineering and Technology
COVIDSET 2013
Enhancing Capacity in Science, Technology and
Innovation in Response to Emerging Industrial and Socio-
economic needs in Africa: The Role of Universities
Gaborone International Convention Centre
Gaborone • Botswana
6 -7 November 2013
ii
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BACKGROUND 1
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3
CONFERENCE AGENDA 4
ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS 10
A. ABSTRACTS FOR SUB-THEME 1 11 A1. MAKING EDUCATION, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND ENGINEERING TRAINING WORK FOR AFRICA’S
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES 14
A2. STATUS OF RESEARCH IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA: IMPLICATIONS ON SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT 15
A3. THREATS TO THE DEEP OCEAN BIODIVERSITY: A FORGOTTEN/IGNORED ENVIRONMENT 16
A4. ROLE OF NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION IN RESEARCH EXCELLENCE 17
A5. GENDER DIMENSION IN RESEARCH AND CURRICULA: A CASE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA
18
A6. THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AT THE INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN RESEARCH AND STUDIES: EGYPT, PRESENT
AND FUTURE PLANS 19
A7. AFRICAN SCIENTIST AS ACTIVIST 20
A8. HIGHER EDUCATION LEARNING INSTITUTIONS AND INNOVATION IN TANZANIA 21
A9. UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION PROGRAMMES IN AFRICA: THE CASE OF SASOL (PTY) LTD 22
A10. THE SUSTAINABILITY OF RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE IN
CHADEREKA WARD I OF MUZARABANI RURAL DISTRICT IN ZIMBABWE 23
A11. NEW PERSPECTIVES OF ECONOMIC DYNAMICS EMERGING AS CITIES EMBRACE THE GREEN ECONOMY:
CASE OF POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA 24
A12. REVITALIZING POSTGRADUATE ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES IN AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES FOR RESEARCH
CAPACITY BUILDING 25
A13. ENHANCING AND STRENGTHENING WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN REGION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THROUGH NETWORKS: A CASE OF WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN REGIONAL INITIATIVE IN MARINE SCIENCE
AND EDUCATION (WIORISE) NETWORK 26
A14. THE INNOVATIVENESS OF THE METAL ENTREPRENEURS WHO HAVE ACQUIRED SKILLS THROUGH
VOCATIONAL TRAINING AGAINST NON-VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN TANZANIA 27
A15. EDUCATIONAL IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN AFRICA: THE ROLE OF
THE UNIVERSITY 28
ii
A16. INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PEDAGOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE POLICIES FORMULATION IN
AFRICA 29
A17. CHALLENGES FACED BY GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT IN FULFILLING THE ROLE OF GEOSCIENCES IN THE
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ZIMBABWE 30
A18. BUILDING A REGIONAL INNOVATION PLATFORM FOR AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES: THE CASE OF THE AFRICAN
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING CONSORTIUM (ABEC) 31
A19. ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF KENYAN UNIVERSITIES IN ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE 32
A20. DESIGN AND STUDY OF AN EXPERIMENTAL SOLAR POWER TOWER IN NIAMEY 33
A21. KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND UTILITY OF ECG AMONG FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENTS IN NIGERIA 34
A22. UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE’S NATIONAL POVERTY REDUCTION POLICY
AND HIGHER EDUCATION PRACTICES TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN TANZANIA 35
A23. PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS FACING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA IN AFRICA: INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES 36
B. ABSTRACTS FOR SUB-THEME 2 37 B1. RESEARCH LINKAGES BETWEEN AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA: OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LIFE SCIENCES 39
B2. CHALLENGE OF EQUITABLE UTILIZATION OF SHARED WATER RESOURCES IN THE MARA RIVER BASIN 40
B3. ELECTROSPUN BIO-BASED NANOFIBERS: OPPORTUNITIES IN HEALTHCARE APPLICATIONS 41
B4. CHALLENGES OF COMMON BEAN PRODUCTION IN A WORLD OF CHANGING CLIMATES 42
B5. EFFECTS OF CHARCOAL BURNING ON SOIL NUTRIENTS 43
B6. PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NAMIBIA BY USING SOLAR ENERGY 44
B7. CRITIQUE OF THE EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICAN NATIONAL ADAPTATION PROGRAMMES OF ACTION
(NAPA): URGENT AND IMMEDIATE CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION NEEDS 45
B8. FACTORS THAT AFFECT HEALTH SERVICES DELIVERY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS: A CASE STUDY
OF EMBU COUNTY, KENYA 46
B9. INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INFORMATION DIFFUSION TO ENHANCE CLIMATE CHANGE
MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION POLICY INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA 47
B10. NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY TRAINING AND SPINOFFS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 48
B11. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION TECHNOLOGIES: DIFFICULTIES, BARRIERS, SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCES
AND OTHER POTENTIAL METHODS 49
B12. DATE OF PLANTING, LOCATION, YEAR AND/OR DROUGHT STRESS EFFECTS ON ELITE LINES OF
GROUNDNUT REFERENCE COLLECTION GROWN IN SAHELIAN ZONES 50
B13. DEFECATION PRACTICES IN SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS IN RURAL KENYA: A CHALLENGE TO ATTAINMENT
OF OPTIMAL SANITATION 51
B14. CLASSICAL BIO-CONTROL OF DIAMONDBACK MOTH IN ETHIOPIA 52
B15. THE POTENTIAL FOR A TANZANIA WIRELESS TELEMEDICINE NETWORK: AN OVERVIEW 53
iii
B16. COMPUTER-BASED APPROACH TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS ON ELECTRICITY
CONSUMPTION IN COMPOSITE HOT CLIMATES 54
B17. INNOVATIVE USE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IN ENHANCED RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE AND
HEALTHCARE DELIVERY 55
B18. COMMUNITY PERCEPTION ON WEATHER VARIABILITY AND THEIR COPING STRATEGIES WITHIN THE LAKE
VICTORIA BASIN, EAST AFRICA, UGANDA 56
B19. LOCAL USES OF INDIGENOUS FRUIT TREES IN LAKE VICTORIA BASIN, RWANDA 57
B20. MOLECULAR TOOLS IN PLANT VIRUS RESEARCH 58
B21. INVESTIGATION OF ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF RAW WATER FROM THE RECLAIMED EFFLUENT WATER FROM
CONSTRUCTED WETLAND DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS,
NIGERIA 59
B22. INTERFACE OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND EMERGENCE OF UNKNOWN
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS: A CASE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 60
C. ABSTRACTS FOR SUB-THEME 3 61 C1. CREATING AN EFFECTIVE SYNERGY BETWEEN ENGINEERING AND INNOVATION, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT,
ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH 63
C2. AGNES IN ACTION 64
C3. AFRICAN NETWORK OF EARTH SCIENCE INSTITUTIONS (ANESI): VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES 65
C4. ADDRESSING CHALLENGE OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT THROUGH CREATING SYNERGY BETWEEN SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION: PRACTICAL LESSONS FROM BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY 66
C5. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY AND INTER-INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATION TO ENHANCE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS: CASE OF
HARARE POLYTECHNIC 67
C6. ALIGNING EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYERS AND GRADUATES WITH INSTITUTIONAL CURRICULA 68
C7. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN NIGERIA: THE MISSING LINK 69
C8. THE NEED FOR ESTABLISHING NATIONAL PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN AFRICA: THE
CASE OF KENYA 70
C9. SYNERGY BETWEEN ENGINEERING, INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR HIGH-END ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT 71
C10. LINKING TRAINING IN AGRICULTURE TO AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA 72
C11. ROLE OF MEN IN WOMEN’S STEM EDUCATION 73
C12. THE EDUCATION WE WANT: YOUTH AFRICAN VISION 74
C13. NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLIED IN WATER PURIFICATION FOR REMOVAL OF METAL AND PERSISTENT
ORGANIC POLLUTANTS 75
D. ABSTRACTS FOR SUB-THEME 4 76 D1. NEED FOR NATIONAL NETWORKS OF AFRICAN NETWORK OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
INSTITUTIONS 77
iv
D2. SETTING THE AGENDA FOR TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH IN AFRICA 78
D3. THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITY SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY OUTREACH POLICY IN COMMUNICATING SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT 79
D4. PRACTICES AND HURDLES FOR THE TRANSFER OF PUBLICLY FUNDED TECHNOLOGY IN AFRICA: THE CASE
OF GHANA, KENYA AND ZAMBIA 80
D5. ECONOMICS ANALYSIS FOR SUSTAINABLE CASSAVA PRODUCTION IN IKWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF
EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA 81
1
BACKGROUND
This is the fifth in the series of the bi-annual African Regional Conference of Vice
Chancellors and Deans of Science, Engineering and Technology (COVIDSET2013) being
organised by the African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) project in
partnership with German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the University of
Botswana. The Conference is affirming UNESCO/ANSTI’s commitment to make this forum
for Africa’s leaders responsible for university training, research and innovation and policy
makers an important platform for exchange, debate of ideas, capacity building and design of
concrete actions to improve the impact of high-level training, research and innovation on
Africa’s sustainable development and socio-economic transformation
The theme of COVIDSET2013 follows the logic of previous ones in strengthening teaching
and research and in preparedness for post millennium development goals, dubbed Post 2015
Development agenda. The theme for COVIDSET 2013 is ‘Enhancing Capacity in Science,
Technology and Innovation in Response to Emerging Industrial and Socio-economic needs in
Africa: The Role of Universities and Research Institutes’.
The role of universities in the generation of knowledge for driving the socio-economic
development of Africa is more urgent now than ever before. Economies of sub-Saharan
African countries are growing at a very fast rate (World Bank Africa Pulse, 2012).
Discoveries of new oil, gas, and minerals in the last ten years are bringing the prospects of
large revenue for newly resource-rich countries. At the same time, Climate change with its
adverse effects on basic needs of health and nutrition, food security, energy access and
efficiency, water availability and environmental sustainability; youth unemployment,
sprawling urban development and global fragile economy pose threats to Africa’s economic
resilience if appropriate measures are not taken to curb them. Africa must harness the
opportunities that these challenges bring and be ready for this new economic insurgence.
The new world economic paradigm shift presents Africa with new challenges and
opportunities which necessitates the strengthening of Africa’s human and institutional
capacities in teaching research and training in science, technology and innovation so as to
influence human capital, youth employment, industrial and socio-economic development and
inclusive growth. The expected outcome of COVIDSET 2013 calls for astute innovative
measures in harnessing science, technology and innovation in response to these emerging
socio-economic, industrial and environmental needs of the continent. And universities and
research institutions have an enormous responsibility in driving this process.
2
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this conference is to provide a forum for university leaders, policy makers,
academics, development partners, international scientific and engineering networks and
private sector to deliberate on why, what and how to forge ahead in providing solutions to
incipient challenges and opportunities the new wave of economic resurgence of Africa
presents under the strategic intent:
Enhancing capacity in science, technology and engineering in response to emerging
industrial and socio-economic needs of Africa
Subthemes:
1. Making education, science, technology and engineering training work for Africa’s
sustainable development: the role of universities;
2. Innovative use of science and engineering in: enhanced research infrastructure,
climate change mitigation and adaptation; Sustainable environmental and ocean
management; access to water, efficient energy, food security and healthcare delivery;
3. Creating an effective synergy between science, engineering and innovation, youth
employment, entrepreneurship development and inclusive growth; and
4. Science technology and innovation policies for sustainable development of Africa.
Expected outcomes:
Capacity of university leaders and policy makers strengthened to develop effective
synergies between all stakeholders to enhance Africa’s economic growth, youth
employment, human capital and entrepreneurship development through the use of
science, technology, engineering and innovation.
Innovative science engineering and technology training policies and programmes
identified and designed for implementation in readiness for Africa’s industrial, social
and economic resurgence
A strategic action plan responsive to science, technology and innovation needs of
Africa developed for implementation.
Proceeding of the conference published and disseminated.
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our sincere gratitude goes to the Government of Botswana, Vice Chancellor of the University
of Botswana and the entire Local Organising Committee for hosting the 5th Conference of
Vice Chancellors and Deans of Science, Engineering and Technology. We appreciate the
financial contribution of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO), ANSTI and its members, DAAD, EXCEED and priceless dedication of time of
all those who have made this conference a success.
We value the partnership with the private sector, BG Energy Holdings Limited, United
Kingdom and Sasol Technologies, South Africa, the United Nations Agencies Queensland
institute of Medical Research (QIMR), Australia and all international engineering and
scientific organisations.
ANSTI dedicates this COVIDSET2013 to all those who have worked so hard to establish this
as Africa’s biannual conference of high level university decision makers especially Professor
Joseph G. M. Massaquoi, former UNESCO-ROSTA Director and Coordinator of ANSTI for
over 14 years. His legacy will continue to live on even when he is no more.
Finally, I would like to thank the Director and staff of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern
Africa and all ANSTI staff who have made it possible.
Peggy Efua Oti-Boateng (PhD)
Senior Programme Specialist for Science and Technology
UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and
Coordinator of ANSTI
4
CONFERENCE AGENDA
5
Conference
Agenda
5th
Conference of Vice Chancellors
and Deans of Science Engineering and
Technology (COVIDSET 2013)
Theme 1 Making education, science, technology and
engineering training work for Africa’s
sustainable development: The role of
universities
Theme 2 Innovative use of science and engineering
– Climate change sustainable environment;
ocean management; water; energy, food
security and health
Theme 3 Creating an effective synergy between
science, engineering and innovation, youth
employment, entrepreneurship
development and inclusive growth.
Theme 4 Science, technology and innovation
policies for sustainable development of
Africa
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
2:00 - 8:00pm ARRIVAL AND REGISTRATION
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
8:00 - 9:00 am REGISTRATION
9:00 – 10:30 am OPENING SESSION – Grand Ballroom
Ex
hib
its
Op
en
Chairman, Dean of Faculty of Science, University of Botswana – Prof.
Motsoptse P. Modisi
Welcome Address – Vice Chancellor of University of Botswana Prof. Thabo
Fako
Good will message from partners: UNECA, AfDB, DAAD, EXCEED, IEEE,
ASME
Address by Chairman of ANSTI Governing Council and Vice Chancellor of the
University of Nairobi, Kenya – Prof. George Magoha
Address by Director, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Nairobi,
Kenya – Mr Mohamed Djelid
Address by Assistant Director General of Natural Sciences, Sector, UNESCO,
Paris, France – Prof. Gretchen Kalonji
Official Opening Address – Minister of Science and Technology, Botswana
Keynote Address: Enhancing capacity in science, technology and innovation in
response to emerging industrial and socio-economic needs of Africa: The role
of Universities
6
10:30 - 11:00 am COFFEE BREAK AND GROUP PHOTO
11:00 am - 12:30 pm PLENARY SESSION 1 – Grand Ballroom
Chairman: Prof. George Magoha, Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Rapporteur: Dr. Victor Konde, UNECA, Ethiopia
Speaker 1: Dr. Derek Hudson, CEO BG Energy Holding Limited, United Kingdom
Harnessing Africa’s energy potential for economic and social transformation: The
East African experience
Speaker 2: Prof. Greg Anderson, Deputy Director, Queensland Institute of Medical
Research, Queensland, Australia
Research linkages between Africa and Australia: Opportunities in the life sciences
Speaker 3: Prof. Esi Awuah, Vice Chancellor, University of Energy and Natural
Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
Creating synergy between engineering, engineering education and youth
employability
Speaker 4: Dr. Lidia Brito, Director, Science Policy and Capacity Building,
UNESCO, Paris, France
Shaping STI Policy system and governance for sustainable development in Africa:
The role of UNESCO
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Round Table of Ministers of Science and Technology
Chairman: Minister for Science and Technology, Botswana
Discussant: Dr. Peggy Oti-Boateng, Senior Programme Specialist, UNESCO,
Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
1:00 pm- 1:30 pm Discussion
1:30pm - -2:30 pm LUNCH
Side meeting: EXCEED DAAD International Water Programme
Engineering Education in Response to Industrial and Infrastructure
Development of Africa
2:30pm – 4:00:pm PARALLEL TECHNICAL SESSION 1
Theme 1 – North
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Bartholomew
Okolo, Vice
Chancellor,
University of
Nigeria, Nigeria
Speakers:
Prof. Francisca
Theme 2 – South
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Mary Okakol,
Vice Chancellor,
Busitema
University,
Uganda
Speakers:
Prof. Iro Ong’or
Theme 3 – East
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
James Epoke
Speakers:
Prof. Ernst Uken
Prof. Felix Toteu
Dr. Edward
Andama
Theme 4 – West
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Fredrick Otieno,
Deputy Vice
Chancellor, DUT,
South Africa
Speakers:
IEEE
ASME
7
Okeke
Dr. Peter Ngure
Dr. Agnes
Muthumbi
Prof. Pushpendra
Jain
Rapporteur: Dr.
Agnes Muthumbi
Dr. Valencia Jacob
Prof. Beatrice
Anyango
Dr. Akrasi Edem
Rapporteur: Dr.
Valencia Jacob
Dr. Collence
Chisita
Rapporteur:
Prof. Daniel
Asiedu
GhIE
SAICE
Discussant: Prof.
Patts Meshack
Odira
Rapporteur:
Felix Atume
4:00pm- – 4:30pm COFFEE BREAK
4:30pm- 6:30 pm PARALLEL TECHNICAL SESSION 2
Theme 1 – North
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Francis Idike,
Vice Chancellor,
Ebonyi State
University,
Nigeria
Speakers:
Prof. Verdiana
Masanja
Dr. Kholoud
Mohamed
Pius Kamau
Prof. Bavo
Nyichomba
Rapporteur:
Prof. Samuel
Mensah
Theme 2 – South
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Dominic
Makawiti
Speakers:
Anna Kapulwa
Todd Ngara
Nancy Madigu
Wilson Okaka
Rapporteur:
Prof. Olalekan
Fatoki
Theme 3 – East
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Jonas Redwood-
Sawyerr, Vice
Chancellor,
University of
Sierra Leone,
Sierra Leone
Speakers:
Prof. Jonas
Redwood-Sawyerr
Samuel
Uniamikogbo
G. O. Amolo
Rapporteur:
Prof. Retta
Negussie
Theme 4 – West
Hall
Engineering
continued
Chairman: Prof.
Fredrick Otieno
Speakers:
IEEE
ASME
GhIE
SAICE
Discussant: Prof.
Patts Meshack
Odira
Rapporteur:
Felix Atume
END OF DAY 1
Thursday, November 07, 2013
8:00 am – 9:00am REGISTRATION
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Ex
hib
its
Op
en
PLENARY SESSION 2 – Grand Ballroom
Chairman: Prof. William Otoo Ellis, Vice Chancellor, Kwame Nkrumah University
of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Rapporteur: Prof. Elijah Omwenga, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Speaker 1: Dr. David Phaho, Group Functional Manager, Refinery Technologies
Group, Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa
University Industry collaboration: the case of Sasol Ltd
8
Speaker 2: Prof. Francis Idike, Vice Chancellor Ebonyi State University, Nigeria
Nigerian university training and spinoffs: Implications for sustainable development
Speaker 3: Ms. Kotb, President, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Synergy between engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship for high-end
economic development
Speaker 4: Dr. Mohammed Ouedraogo, African Union Commission, Addis Abeba
Science, technology and innovation policies for sustainable development of Africa
Side meeting: EXCEED DAAD International Water Programme
10:30am -11:00am COFFEE BREAK
PARALLEL TECHNICAL SESSION 3
11:00 - 12:00 pm Theme 1 – North
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Burton Mwamila
Speakers:
Dr. Albert Manyani
Dr. Chipo Nyamwena
Mukonza
Dr. Falowo Olabisi
Musa Chacha
Rapporteur:
Rosemary Nkang
Theme 2 – South
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Roland Ndlovu
Speakers:
Prof. Johnny
Ogunji
Dr. Falalou
Hamidou
Wilkister Nyaora
Dr. Gashawbeza
Ayalew
Rapporteur:
Jonny Ogunji
Theme 3 – East
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Bamitale Omole,
Vice Chancellor,
OAU, Nigeria
Speakers:
Anderson K.
Kipkoech
Pius Kamau
Janice Soria
Fortes
Dr. Catherine
Ngila
Rapporteur:
Prof. Abdul
Karim
Theme 4 – West
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Sulaiman
Gbadegesin
Speakers:
Joseph Obofoni
Odigure
Francis C.
Ezeonu
Wilson Okaka
Rapporteur: Dr.
Mahamma
Ouedraogo
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm LUNCH
THEMATIC DISCUSSIONS ON THE WAY FORWARD
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Theme 1 – North
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Burton Mwamila
Theme 2 – South
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Dominic
Makawiti
Theme 3 – East
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
Jonas Redwood-
Sawyerr
Theme 4 – West
Hall
Chairman: Prof.
George Magoba
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
CLOSING CEREMONY
Chairman: Vice Chancellor University of Botswana
Remarks – Dr. Lidia Brito
Summary THE WAY FORWARD – Prof. Elijah Omwenga
9
Closing Address – Minister of Science, Minister of Science and Technology,
Botswana
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm COFFEE BREAK
7:00 pm – 10 pm CONFERENCE DINNER
10
ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS
11
A. ABSTRACTS FOR SUB-THEME 1
Making education, science, technology, and engineering training
work for Africa’s sustainable development: the role of universities
SPEAKERS
1. Francisca Nneka Okeke
Making education, science, technology, and engineering training work for Africa’s
sustainable development: The role of universities
2. Peter Ngure
Status of research in private universities in Kenya: Implications on sustainable
development
3. Agnes Muthumbi
Threats to the deep ocean biodiversity: A forgotten/ignored environment
4. Pushpendra K. Jain
Role of networking and collaboration in research excellence
5. Verdiana Grace Masanja
Gender dimension in research and curricula: A case of the National University of
Rwanda
6. Kholoud Abd El-Mkaosud, Riham Abudonia, Marowa Tohami & Sherien Mubark
The educational system at the Institute of African Research and Studies: Egypt,
present and future plans
7. Pius Kamau
African scientist as activist
8. Bavo B. Nyichomba
Higher education learning institutions and innovation in Tanzania
9. David Phaho
University-industry collaboration programmes in Africa: The case of Sasol (Pty) Ltd
10. Albert Manyani
The sustainability of rural livelihoods in the face of climate variability and change in
Chadereka Ward I of Muzarabani rural district in Zimbabwe
12
11. Chipo Nyamwena-Mukonza
New perspectives of economic dynamics emerging as cities embrace the Green
Economy: Case of Polokwane, South Africa
12. Olabisi E. Falowo
Revitalizing postgraduate engineering programmes in African universities for research
capacity building
13. Musa Chacha
Enhancing and strengthening Western Indian Ocean Region in science and technology
through networks: A case of Western Indian Ocean Regional Initiative in Marine
Science and Education (WIORISE) Network
14. Heric Thomas
The innovativeness of the metal entrepreneurs who have acquired skills through
vocational training against non-vocational training in Tanzania
15. John C. Aguiyi
Educational impact and sustainability of science and technology in Africa: The role of
the university
16. Joseph Obofoni Odigure
Innovative science and technology pedagogy for sustainable policies formulation in
Africa
17. Manuel Isidro & Meck Maideyi
Challenges faced by Geology Department in fulfilling the role of geosciences in the
sustainable development of Zimbabwe
18. Victor Konde
Building a regional innovation platform for African universities: The case of the
African Biomedical Engineering Consortium (ABEC)
19. Jokastah Wanzuu Kalungu & Duncan Onyango Mbuge
Assessing the impacts of Kenyan universities in adapting to climate change
20. Habi Moumouni
Design and study of an experimental solar power tower in Niamey
21. Isiguzo Godsent, Iroezindu Michael, Muoneme Adesua, Eze Chukwuemeka &
Okeahialam Basil
Knowledge, attitude and utility of ECG among family medicine residents in Nigeria
22. Maduekwe Catherine Chinenye
Understanding the relationship between the state’s national poverty reduction policy
and higher education practices towards sustainable development in Tanzania
13
23. Joshua A. Obaleye & Babatunde L. Adeleke
Prospects and problems facing the use of electronic media in Africa: Information and
communication technologies
14
A1. Making education, science, technology, and
engineering training work for Africa’s sustainable
development: The role of universities
Francisca Nneka Okeke
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria
P.O. Box 3238-410001, Nsukka, Nigeria
Phone: +234 8035 079 686
E-mail: franciscaokeke@yahoo.com; francisca.okeke@unn.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
The role universities are expected to play in building education, science, technology and
engineering training for Africa’s sustainable development cannot be overemphasized. It has
been noted that sustainable development of education, science, technology and engineering
needs to start from the grass root in Africa. We have examined the contributions of some
basic factors that influence a high and quick development of a nation. Such factors include,
among others, culture, innovation, research in basic science, science policy, and the role of
universities. We have equally looked at the challenges facing Africans in trying to achieve
this goal. Strategies have been mapped out that will help in achieving this goal. Also, our
local available resources must be mobilized in striving to achieve our set goal. Suggestions
have been made on effective roles universities can play in attaining the desired goal in
achieving the sustainable development in Africa. At the end, our ideas on the sustainable
development for Africa will no longer be a concept but a reality.
Keywords: education; science; technology; engineering; sustainability; Africa; universities;
society; environment; economy; climate change
15
A2. Status of research in private universities in Kenya:
Implications on sustainable development
Peter Ngure, PhD
Daystar University
E-mail: pngure@daystar.ac.ke
ABSTRACT
The Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya requires private universities to
remain active in research and commit at least one per cent of their budgets to research
activities. However, none of the universities has achieved this level of funding from internal
sources. Research is considered a peripheral issue while teaching is considered to be the core
business. There is a dearth of information on the status of research in private universities in
Kenya. This paper will present the status of research in twelve leading private universities in
Kenya. Recent studies paint a grim picture of the situation with 70% of lecturers not having
published articles in journals or books and over half of the population having attended only
one or two conferences in their career. The challenges facing research in private universities
include heavy teaching load, low funding levels internally and limited access for external
funds, limited research facilities, limited collaborations in research, loss of highly qualified
staff, fear of new technologies used in research, and significant disinterest in research among
lecturers. In spite of the challenges, in the recent past, there is an increase in number of
publications and patents, hosting of new journals, establishment of new networks,
development of research policies and availability of internal grants for research in these
universities. Private universities have recently formed a consortium to help address the
common challenges and advance their research agenda.
Keywords: research; private universities; funding; workload; sustainable development
16
A3. Threats to the deep ocean biodiversity: A
forgotten/ignored environment
Agnes Muthumbi
School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi
P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 722 249 506
E-mail: amuthumbi@uonbi.ac.ke
ABSTRACT
Deep Ocean is the zone beyond the continental shelf and extends from 200m to the ocean
floor, 4-5km deep. Although originally assumed to be a homogenous, cold and stable
environment harbouring low biodiversity, recent studies with advance technologies have
revealed a high habitat and consequently high species diversity. The environment is important
as a source of resources such as fisheries, pharmaceuticals, detergents, energy and minerals.
Ecologically the environment is important as nursery ground, refugia for species and feeding
ground. The human footprint in the deep ocean is becoming an issue of concern. Oil and gas
extraction with its accompanying hydrocarbon stress resulting from oils spills and leakages is
one of the major threats. Minerals and rare earth mining have the consequence of disturbing
the habitat and releasing of unwanted chemicals. Fishery, particularly with the use of bottom
trawl, leads to loss of habitat leading to low fisheries production. The deep ocean is also
impacted by climate change leading to ocean acidification, reduced dissolved oxygen and
increase in sea surface temperatures leading to loss of biodiversity in the ocean. There is
therefore an urgent need to put mechanisms in place to help halt loss of biodiversity, such as
applying principles of sustainable development, precautional approach and ecosystem-based
management. There is also need to review the current tools of environmental management
such as the guidelines for environmental impact assessment and monitoring with a view to
align them with the developmental needs and activities that are impacting the environment
such as oil and gas exploration, mining, deep-sea fishing etc.
Keywords: deep sea; fisheries; oil and gas exploration; mining; environmental degradation
17
A4. Role of networking and collaboration in research
excellence
Pushpendra K. Jain
Department of Physics, University of Botswana
P.O. Box 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
Phone: +267 71 519 489
Fax: +267 318 5097
E-mail: jainpk@mopipi.ub.bw
ABSTRACT
Africa lags far behind the developed countries in research and innovation driven
development. This paper examines the current status of research and the root causes of
underdevelopment of science and technology in Africa. According to a Royal Society report,
there has been a steady growth in regional and global collaborations over the past two
decades, resulting in high quality and quantity of research outputs and an increase in the
citations received by collaborative publication. Following this global trend, it is proposed that
the impediments to scientific development in Africa can also be resolved to a fair extent by
networking, and mutual sharing of facilities and skills amongst the countries of Africa and
beyond. Five topical networks in Africa, which have been funded by the Carnegie
Corporation of New York since 2008 through the Regional Initiative in Science and
Education (RISE) at the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS), Princeton, USA, tell a success
story of research networking in Africa. The African Materials Science and Engineering
Network (AMSEN) is one the five RISE networks, with the University of Botswana as one of
the nodes. Achievements and contributions of the UB Node of AMSEN are presented to
exemplify the role of networking in the development of research skills, capacity and
manpower in Botswana and the partner universities.
Keywords: research excellence; networking; collaboration; research facilities; AMSEN
18
A5. Gender dimension in research and curricula: A case
of the National University of Rwanda
Verdiana Grace Masanja
National University of Rwanda
B. P. 117, Butare, Rwanda
Phone: +250 788 494 984
E-mail: vmasanja@nur.ac.rw
ABSTRACT
A study carried out in 2011 aimed first, to comment on how the national University of
Rwanda (NUR), at the institutional level, deals with gender issues in general, and among the
academic staff in particular; and second, how factors operating outside the institution were
recognized as influencing individuals’ strategic choices and actions. The overall objective was
to illuminate factors that have prevented female academic staff members’ career aspirations,
research and publishing. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The results
show that existing gender discrepancies arise largely from barriers at the institutional level.
Findings from this research suggest that practices instilled in the institutional culture
contribute to the creation of different educational achievements and career aspirations of men
and women. Both female and male teachers were unsure as to how gender could be integrated
in research, curricula, teaching and classrooms situations, especially in the areas of science,
mathematics and technology, as these were considered as gender-neutral contexts. NUR is
now integrating gender into its policy framework, curricula and research to promote gender
equality in staff with PhD degrees, active in research and consultancy and publishing. A
gender baseline study and a gender audit have been carried out, a five years’ gender strategic
plan has been developed, and gender is streamlined in the organs and committees. Curricula
of two Science based Masters Programs are piloting gender integration into curricula and
research. The Gender Strategic Plan includes gender capacity building, gender training,
evaluation of gender aspects in research proposals, in recruitment, promotion, career
development, and in PhD and Masters Scholarships. The Gender Committees are tasked to
analyse all activities from a perspective of gender equality and follow up on the extent to
which targets have been achieved.
Keywords: gender integration in research and postgraduate curricula; academic and research
career aspiration for women; gender equality among PhD holders
19
A6. The educational system at the Institute of African
Research and Studies: Egypt, present and future plans
Kholoud Abd El-Mkaosud, Riham Abudonia, Marowa Tohami & Sherien Mubark
Institute of African Reseach and Studies, Cairo University, Egypt
E-mail: kholoud.mohamedali@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
In the age of science, education in Africa is a goal of great importance, in spite of the
difficulties and problems which African citizen is going through, Hence the importance of
studying the education system in Africa, so This article attempts to study the education
system for one of the oldest research institutions in Africa interested in studying the African
continent from all its aspects. It is The Institute of African Research and Studies. This
institute is considered a unique institution in Egypt and the Arab world. Is the educational
system at the Institute on the right path? This study will deal with the present methods of
education in the six departments of the institute, mastering information and communication
with students to measure their satisfaction about this method, and students will fill in
questionnaires to assess their satisfaction and highlight the drawbacks of the educational
system in each department and at the institute as a whole unit. Finally the article is an
endeavor to provide answers to the following questions: Does the present educational system
have an impact on the competence and performance of students? Can we promote
coordination between various African institutes of various academic institutions in Africa?
Can we devise a future plan to enhance the performance of the institute? Can we make
education more interesting? Can we engage students in meaningful activities related to
Africa? How will the plan be implemented? These questions are of pivotal importance and
finding the appropriate means and methods will be a promising seed for change in the
educational system and the academic relations between Egypt and Africa.
Keywords: African institute; education in Egypt; educational system
20
A7. African scientist as activist
Pius Kamau, MD
President, African American Higher Education Partnerships
1411 South Potomac Street, Suite 320, Aurora, Colorado 80012, USA
E-mail: kamaupk@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
African scientists were not at the vanguard of the freedom movement in Africa. Given their
intellectual gifts they must be part of the change that takes place in Africa. They must be
activists, and engage in the political life of Africa. Universities must embrace their Africa and
endeavor to solve the problems of the community they are part of: population control, urban
planning, energy, Internet connectivity and community healthcare.
Keywords: African scientists; scientific independence; role of science
21
A8. Higher education learning institutions and innovation
in Tanzania
Bavo B. Nyichomba
Coordinator Enriching Engineering Education in Tanzania
College of Engineering and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam
P.O. Box 35131, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Phone: +255 784 272 341
E-mail: nyichomba@udsm.ac.tz; bavonyichomba@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Higher learning institutions (HEIs) by their nature are institutions where a nation invests
highly in terms of knowledge production and intellectual training for purposes of producing
enlightened, creative and productive individuals as human resources for national
development. Experiences from other countries have shown that no country has attained any
breakthrough in its socio-economic development without developing a minimum innovative
scientific and technical capacity base, capable of producing an array of economic activities. It
is unfortunate that in Tanzania and most African countries, the full potential of the scientific
and technical capacity has yet to be developed due to the existence of a number of constraints
including Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) deficient education and training systems.
This is occasioned by several factors, ranging from low student intake at primary and
secondary levels and hence enrolment and graduate output in science-related fields, little
science education promotion and meagre science training facilities, to ineffectual teaching-
learning methods, funding etc. This has resulted into the country having a low number of
qualified STI human capacities capable of developing innovative solutions to local problems
as well as translating research results into new economic activities. Using experiences from
other countries, this paper proposes mechanisms aimed at strengthening the STI subsector.
Such mechanisms include the Government measures of attracting the private sector and other
stakeholders such as Diaspora, international research and other knowledge-based institutions
to inject significant proportions of starter-capital, jerking-capital or supplementary funding
into STI education and training and some well-defined research ventures in the country. Other
strategies include establishing Technology and Business Incubators that will assist students,
staff and other individuals to translate their own research results into new economic activities.
There is also a need for the Government to put in place policies that allow academic staff to
take time off from HEIs or to become part-time lecturers at their institutions so as to support
spin-off firms from their research results. The Government also needs to put up mechanisms
for spurring endogenous innovation, using public procurement as a catalyst.
Keywords: technical capacity; diaspora; innovative solutions; incubators; spin-offs;
endogenous innovation
22
A9. University-industry collaboration programmes in
Africa: The case of Sasol (Pty) Ltd
David Phaho, PhD
Group Functional Manager, Refinery Technologies Group, Sasos Technology R&D
P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa
Phone: +27 16 960 3666
Fax: +27 11 522 0365
E-mail: david.phaho@sasol.com
ABSTRACT
Universities, as producers of knowledge make an important contribution to economic growth
through their support for research, development and innovation. In Sub-Saharan Africa, which
is poised for high economy growth due to its vast mineral and energy resources, increasing
cross-border trade as well as rising entrepreneurship, universities will become pivotal in
spurring sustainable growth through the provision of skilled graduates as well as industrially
relevant knowledge. However, most of the educational institutions in these emerging
economies face a myriad of challenges to meet the needs of society, industry as well as
ensuring their global competitiveness. Chief amongst them is the lack of capacity in key
teaching areas as well as modern research infrastructure, which underpin a knowledge driven
economy. In this presentation, an overview highlighting how Sasol, a Johannesburg and New
York Stock Exchange listed petrochemical company has developed innovative collaboration
models to leverage synergies with universities in South Africa is given. The strategic intent of
these initiatives was to enhance competency building, the quality of research as well as
teaching facilities in the Science and Engineering disciplines at these universities. The
envisaged outcomes were among others, high quality research outputs from supported
universities as well as a long-term supply of highly trained technical postgraduates for Sasol
and the country. The presentation will also focus on how Sasol addressed the challenge of
differentiated types of South African universities, a legacy of the country’s political past. The
talk will conclude with some key lessons for future Industry-University collaborations within
the context of African economies.
Keywords: collaboration; capacity building; innovation; research; critical skills
23
A10. The sustainability of rural livelihoods in the face
of climate variability and change in Chadereka Ward I of
Muzarabani rural district in Zimbabwe
Albert Manyani
Bindura University of Science Education, Geography Department
Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 773 099 436
E-mail: amanyani@buse.ac.zw; albertmanyani@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The sustainability of rural livelihoods in the face of climate variability and change in
developing countries like Zimbabwe remains debatable. The climatic variations adversely
affect agriculture, which is the main rural livelihood in Chadereka Ward I of Muzarabani
Rural District making its sustainability limited to a greater extend. Besides assessing the
sustainability of the rural livelihoods practiced in the area, the study further observed the
challenges faced by the inhabitants of Chadereka Ward I as they try to adapt to climate
variability and change. Flood recession cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) known as
mudzedze, wild fruit (ziziphasmauritiana) (masawu) gathering, drought tolerant rain-fed crop
(sorghum) and livestock (hard mashona cattle) production and livelihood diversification
(informal trade) were the rural livelihoods assessed as not fully sustainable. The challenges
faced include water scarcity, lack of constant institutional support, inaccessibility of the area
during the rainy season, poor infrastructure, and poor marketing services for their
commodities. Finally, the role played by major stakeholders in the area studied was
established. The whole purpose of the study was to generate more information and knowledge
about rural livelihoods and their sustainability in Chadereka Ward I of Muzarabani Rural
District in Zimbabwe. In order to accomplish the study, both qualitative and quantitative
research approaches employing key informant interviews, focused group discussions, review
of literature and household interview-questionnaires were used in data gathering. The
sustainable livelihood framework was used in the analysis of the data. The study implies that
tackling climate change phenomenon at local level especially at household level increases the
participation from the grassroots making it understandable to many. This paved the way for
fostering climate change awareness and adaptation strategies within the poverty-stricken rural
communities.
Keywords: sustainability; rural livelihoods; adaptation and climate variability and change
24
A11. New perspectives of economic dynamics emerging
as cities embrace the Green Economy: Case of Polokwane,
South Africa
Chipo Nyamwena-Mukonza
Tshwane University of technology
159 Nana Street, Pretoria, South Africa
E-mail: chiponyam2@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
There is no agreement when it comes to the definition of a green economy but the common
goal is to achieve equitable improvement in living standards without eroding environmental
assets. Cities are expected to be main drivers for a greener economy. However, the
implications of the expected new urban landscape are profound for both governments and
businesses. Cities are facing challenges that range from inadequate supply of infrastructure,
housing and water, to waste management systems. Consequently, investment opportunities
are being created as governments and municipalities recognize that they must transform
themselves to accommodate the population growth. The United Nations Environmental
Programme Green Economy Report (2010) states that the green economy is meant to improve
well-being and bring social equity while reducing environmental risks and ecological
scarcity. General characteristics of a green economy include low carbon energy production,
efficient lifecycle use of materials and more inclusive sharing of economic wealth. Some of
the economic instruments that have been used to alleviate the impacts include resource
quotas, environmental taxation, investment in innovative technologies and strategic alignment
of public subsidies. This paper seeks to analyse some of the micro economic dimensions that
have emerged in Polokwane Province of South Africa as it embraces the green economy
agenda. Critical discourses analysis is employed to understand the historical perspectives,
structural changes and emerging dimensions. The paper is epistemologically founded in
interpretivisim. Interpretivisim, in contrast to positivism, presents multiple realities, which
validate the internal research design through the subjectivism that will permeate the analytical
assessment.
Keywords: green economy; cities; structural change; economic dimensions
25
A12. Revitalizing postgraduate engineering
programmes in African universities for research capacity
building
Olabisi E. Falowo
Centre of Excellence in Broadband Networks and Applications, Department of Electrical
Engineering, University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 650 27 88
Fax: +27 21 650 34 65
E-mail: olabisi.falowo@uct.ac.za
ABSTRACT
Having vibrant postgraduate engineering programmes in African universities is essential for
building research capacity and generation of skills required for the development of African
economy. Increasing demand for university education has led to a situation where some
African universities mainly focus on undergraduate training at the expense of postgraduate
training and research. Consequently, there are no vibrant postgraduate engineering
programmes in a number of African universities. This paper discusses some of the problems
affecting postgraduate engineering programmes in African universities. The problems include
inadequate funding of research, poor research facilities, inadequate supervision, lack of access
to relevant scientific publications, unavailability of bursaries and scholarships for
postgraduate studies, inadequate exposure of students to the larger research community,
complex and time-consuming administrative process of admission, thesis registration and
thesis examination, long time-to-degree completion, and low degree completion rates. The
paper then suggests ways of revitalizing postgraduate programme for research capacity
building in Africa.
Keywords: postgraduate programmes; university; postgraduate students; research capacity;
research supervision; scientific publications
26
A13. Enhancing and strengthening Western Indian
Ocean region in science and technology through networks:
A case of Western Indian Ocean Regional Initiative in
Marine Science and Education (WIORISE) Network
Musa Chacha
Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology
P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
Phone: +255 753 458 177
E-mail: chachamusa@yahoo.com; musa.chacha@nm-aist.ac.tz
ABSTRACT
Economic development is a goal of all nations and a life necessity for less developed
countries. Strategies for economic development stress the importance of Science and
Technology in accomplishing such goals. Effective strategies to develop sustainable science
and Technology, research and development in the western Indian Ocean Countries include
pooling of resources from each country especially on skilled human capital with the view of
reaching international standards. With the state-of-the-art research facilities and analytical
equipment to support training and cutting edge science & technology and research &
development in strategic areas the Western Indian Ocean Regional Initiative in Marine
Science and Education (WIORISE) has catalyzed and stimulated scientific and educational
development in the Western Indian Region. Countries that have benefited from this initiative
include Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. This
presentation will highlight on the role of networks in pooling resources especially human
capital in enhancing, strengthening and advancing science and technology in the WIO-region.
Keywords: science and technology; Western Indian Ocean Regional Initiative in Marine
Science and Education
27
A14. The innovativeness of the metal entrepreneurs
who have acquired skills through vocational training
against non-vocational training in Tanzania
Heric Thomas
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Research Organization (STIPRO)
P.O. Box 75027, Dar as Salaam, Tanzania
Phone: +255 713 169 547
Fax: +255 222 771 949
E-mail: heric.thomas@stipro.or.tz
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates the innovativeness of the metal entrepreneurs who have acquired skills
through Vocational Education and Training (VET) against non-VET in Tanzania. In this
paper, entrepreneurs are considered to be innovative if they have introduced new products to
the market, or have adopted new products, or have improved the existing products and
process in the past five years. Evidence from field suggests that entrepreneurs who have
acquired skills through VET are less innovative compared to non-VET. A number of key
constraints make entrepreneurs who acquired skills though VET to be less innovative as
follows: (1) during training, they lacked enough training equipment and tools for
demonstration, (2) they also lacked enough trained teaching staff together with enough field
training. All these make them rely more on theories rather than practical experience, resulting
in getting little practical skills and knowledge necessary for building capacity for innovation.
As such, entrepreneurs who acquired skills through VET are forced to attend more practical
training in informal settings (apprenticeships) on the street so as to get more skills and
knowledge before starting up their businesses. On the other hand, non-VET entrepreneurs
who attended informal technological training in apprenticeships are the ones that demonstrate
high entrepreneurial innovative skills and knowledge. Thus, apprentices are better in
providing innovative practical skills and knowledge to entrepreneurs than VET.
Keywords: innovation; vocational training; metal entrepreneurs; Tanzania
28
A15. Educational impact and sustainability of science
and technology in Africa: The role of the university
John C. Aguiyi
Faculty Of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, University of Jos
Jos, Nigeria
E-mail: jca757@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The need to focus on reviewing Africa’s indigenous knowledge in order to participate and
compete in the knowledge driven economy across the globe, a paradigm shift in University
education becomes necessary to promote institutional strengthening, capacity building and
mentoring for regional growth. The major challenge that education, science and technology
presently face is the dearth of skilled manpower, and the lack of policies and strategies: where
they exist, they are rarely implemented. The University as a citadel of intellectualism
dedicated to the pursuit of academic and moral excellence should pursue activities and
develop skills that will enable them to engage in services to improving the economic social
and knowledge base of the people. The present economic conditions of the world should
awaken Africa and all stakeholders towards making concerted efforts to bring about the
necessary sustainable development through training of skilled manpower in education,
science and technology. The African intelligentsia should network through research and
collaborations with the advanced countries to provide the needed synergy for technological
growth and development. The government and private sector has pivotal role in funding
research and providing opportunities for researchers to be exposed to new trends. The paper
addresses strategic questions regarding the renaissance of African Universities and sustainable
development as it affects research, science and education in the continent.
Keywords: indigenous knowledge; university education; sustainable development; capacity
building
29
A16. Innovative science and technology pedagogy for
sustainable policies formulation in Africa
Joseph Obofoni Odigure
Covenant University, Chemical Engineering Department, Ota, Nigeria
Phone: +234 8033 787 849
E-mail: josephodigure@yahoo.com; josephodigure@futminna.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
Scientists and Technologists (S&Ts) in the political field are eliminated before they get to the
top. Sustenance of polices in most African countries have being very difficult to achieve
because people do not appreciate the documented evidence of the cumulative effects of nature
and human induced changes on living and non living things. Processes and their technologies
can be politically and commercially marketable if scientifically researched evidence is
presented as cost effective and suitable for national development. Failure of most projects in
the Africa countries have been linked to the poor understanding of their scientific impacts.
The level of S&Ts participation in national development is very limited. This paper seeks to
promote the need to modify the pedagogy of S&Ts training; to imbibe the national culture and
ability to communicate embedded scientific principle and sustainability of proposed projects.
Institutions need to develop postgraduate program for brilliant and politically inclined
students that will encourage their active participation in political discussions of their nations
and the African continent. They should be equipped with skills to develop socio-engineering
risk assessments and predict acceptance, marketability and sustainability of S&T projects.
S&T Schools must be pedagogically innovative and multidisciplinary in content to remain
relevant.
Keywords: curricula; pedagogy; policies; sustainability
30
A17. Challenges faced by Geology Department in
fulfilling the role of geosciences in the sustainable
development of Zimbabwe
Manuel, Isidro1 & Meck, Maideyi
2
1 Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe
PO Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare /
Geology Department, Eduardo Mondlane University
Praca 25 de Junho Caixa Postal 257, Maputo. Mozambique
Phone: +263 779 546 104; +263 712 060 767
E-mail: isrvm@yahoo.com; isidauane@gmail.com
2 Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe
PO Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 303 215 027; +263 772 906 612
E-mail: maideyimeck@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Zimbabwe possesses a diversified and notable geology where many metallic and non-
metallic mineral deposits with relevance to diamonds, gold, coal and platinum occur.
Currently, there is an enormous need for geoscientists to work in the country in geological,
mining, environmental and water fields. The mission and vision of University of Zimbabwe
clearly state their goal as making meaningful contribution to sustainable development
working for prosperity, peace and dignity. This paper outlines the role of geosciences in the
sustainable development of Zimbabwe and analyzes the challenges faced by the Geology
Department, at the University of Zimbabwe in trying to contribute towards sustainable
development of the country. An analysis of the outputs/results required to realize the mission
is done. Among the challenges are things like limited financial resources, competent teaching
staff, field equipment, laboratory equipment, compromised infrastructures, limited linkages
with relevant institutions and organizations. The paper also proposes policies that can be
adopted to ensure quantity and quality that can sustain this much-sought skill in the country.
Keywords: geosciences; sustainable development; challenges; Zimbabwe
31
A18. Building a regional innovation platform for
African universities: The case of the African Biomedical
Engineering Consortium (ABEC)
Dr. Victor Konde
New Technologies and Innovation Section (NITS), Special Initiatives Division (SID), United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
P.O. Box 3001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
E-mail: VKonde@uneca.org
ABSTRACT
This paper addresses the opportunities and challenges in building dynamic regional
innovation platforms in Africa. It draws lessons from the pilot project that UNECA and its
partners launched in 2011 to build the technical, innovation and entrepreneurial competencies
needed to install, maintain and upgrade or produce medical devices. So far, nine universities
are participating in the pilot phase and three universities are running diploma, graduate and
post-graduate programmes. In addition, students have submitted over 50 innovative healthcare
concepts. To encourage innovation among the member institutions and expand the
programme, participating universities formed the African Biomedical Engineering
Consortium (ABEC) in 2012. ABEC seeks to create a platform for building a robust and
dynamic biomedical device sector. Specifically, ABEC serves as a multidisciplinary platform
for articulating healthcare challenges, promoting excellence in human capital development
and research, encouraging entrepreneurship, mobilizing resources and stimulating
partnerships among key stakeholders to nurture a seedbed for innovative medical devices.
This paper discusses some of the main challenges and opportunities of the regional platforms.
Keywords: biomedical engineering; human capital; innovation; entrepreneurship; regional
platform
32
A19. Assessing the impacts of Kenyan universities in
adapting to climate change
Jokastah Wanzuu Kalungu1 & Duncan Onyango Mbuge
2
1 South Eastern Kenya University
P.O. Box 20190-00200, Kitui, Kenya
Phone: +254 712 625 546
E-mail: jwanzuu@yahoo.com
2 University of Nairobi
P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
E-mail: duncan.mbuge@uonbi.ac.ke
ABSTRACT
The input of the local universities to climate change is still low or largely undocumented and
uncollected in Kenya despite the general expectation that they should have taken lead on
climate change research, education, innovation and extension. Moreover, research in this area
by different actors is not well coordinated and documented. With the establishment of more
than fifteen universities in the last five years in addition to the earlier ones there is the danger
of duplication. There is also need to bring together researchers working on related issues so as
to benefit from the synergy and relative advantages of different institutions. This research
aimed at documenting the contribution the local universities have made to climate change
research and to identify the outstanding gaps in the thematic areas of climate change. Five
universities were selected on the basis of region and years of existence. This was done using
information on their websites as well as interviewing key informants at the University.
Parameters used for comparison include number of funded research projects specifically for
climate change, staff establishments, patents, papers published in refereed journals and
number of stand-alone courses offered that specialize at climate change. The results revealed
a general deficiency in climate change education, extension research and innovation and
showed possible areas of collaboration among universities. The study revealed the key
findings made by Universities in this field.
Keywords: universities; climate change; gaps; impacts
33
A20. Design and study of an experimental solar power
tower in Niamey
Habi Moumouni
Centre National D’Energie Solaire
BP 621, Niamey, Niger
Phone: +227 96 06 25 01; +227 20 72 39 23
E-mail: moumouni_habi@yahoo.com; cnes@intnet.ne
ABSTRACT
A solar thermal 50Kwth project was designed, under construction and characterized in order
to study the optical and thermal parameters to the focal point. The project was abandoned due
to lack of funding. At this stage, it is necessary to complete the construction and study the use
of thermal power at the focal point to produce electricity. The main aim of the study is to
design, construct and determine the thermal performance of an experimental concentrated
solar power tower for electricity generation. The main objective focuses on manufacturing of
the optimum design of heliostats consisting of reflective surfaces with tracking mechanism for
capturing the direct normal irradiation. The experimentation implies the projection of the
solar rays from two heliostats to the parabolic concentrator, which will provide high
temperature at the focal point. The follow up consists of developing a mathematical model to
determine the four following parameters: optical and thermal performance indicators; sun
tracking device parameters; useful heat at the focal point; the efficiency. The methodology
adopted consists of building a prototype of this project and use simulation to validate the
model.
Keywords: design and study of solar power; simulation and validation of model
34
A21. Knowledge, attitude and utility of ECG among
family medicine residents in Nigeria
Isiguzo Godsent, Iroezindu Michael, Muoneme Adesua, Eze Chukwuemeka & Okeahialam
Basil
Corresponding author
Godsent Isiguzo
Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Phone: +234 880 354 198 35
E-mail: isiguzogodsent@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Background: There is limited information on the utility of electrocardiogram (ECG) in
General practice in Nigeria. We assessed the knowledge, attitude and utility of ECG among
Nigerian Family Medicine residents.
Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation was conducted in four Family Medicine training
centres in Nigeria. Using a self-administered questionnaire information on the resident
doctor’s ECG requests, preferred source of interpretation, most common ECG diagnosis and
update of ECG knowledge were obtained.
Results: Only 61 out of 120 questionnaires (50.8%) were returned. The respondents were
mostly between 31-40 years (54.7%); predominantly males (73.8%) and senior residents
(65.6%). Fifty four (88.3%) made <5 ECG requests/week and the commonest indication was
hypertension (50%). Their ECG interpretation was mostly self-reported (41%), followed by
cardiologist (26.5%) or automated reports (21.3%). Self-reporting of ECG was commoner
among senior residents (p<0.01). Left ventricular hypertrophy was the commonest ECG
diagnosis (55.8%). Majority (69%) did not update their ECG knowledge. Half of them desired
further learning on basic ECG interpretation. Teaching ECG in updates/CMEs was adjudged
the best way to improve knowledge/utility (61.1%).
Conclusion: The attitude and utility of ECG among Family Medicine residents in Nigeria is
poor. Improvement through curriculum revision, hands-on tutorials and CMEs is highly
recommended.
Keywords: electrocardiogram (ECG); family medicine; residents; Nigeria
35
A22. Understanding the relationship between the
state’s national poverty reduction policy and higher
education practices towards sustainable development in
Tanzania
Maduekwe, Catherine Chinenye
University of the Western Cape
Modderdam Rd, Cape Town 7530
Phone: +27 746 460 650
E-mail: kmaduekwe@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Most policy documents in Tanzania make reference to poverty reduction and view education
as a tool for national economic and sustainable development. The MKUKUTA policy and
vision 2025 are two main documents that provide this East African Country with a framework
to alleviate poverty. These policy documents serve as instruments for mobilizing efforts and
resources towards targeted poverty reduction outcomes, economic and sustainable
development. The MKUKUTA policy document serves as a vehicle for national development
and sees public universities as strong institutions that can contribute towards poverty
reduction. This research evaluates the strategic plan document of the University of Dar es
Salaam in Tanzania to understand the nature and the extent of its social responsiveness with
special reference to the national priority policy paper. It is a qualitative study within an
interpretive paradigm, using both primary and secondary data as well as individual
interactions with the staff of the university and the higher education institutions supervising
ministry. Foucault’s govermentality will be the lenses through which this study will seek to
interpret responsiveness as well as literatures on strategic planning, planning processes and
poverty reduction. Purposive sampling includes; management members, Deans of faculties
and senior academic staff of the university under study.
Keywords: university; strategic planning; strategic planning process; institutionalisation;
MKUKUTA policy
36
A23. Prospects and problems facing the use of
electronic media in Africa: Information and
communication technologies
Joshua A. Obaleye & Babatunde L. Adeleke
Faculty of Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
E-mail: jobaleye@yahoo.com; jobaleye@unilorin.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
Since the advent of computer, numerous technological tools have been invented to aid
effective teaching and learning. Even though many of these tools are being maximized to
disseminate knowledge by institutions of higher learning in developed countries, their
counterparts in Africa are still lagging behind in tapping into these invaluable teaching and
learning aids. In this presentation, we will discuss numerous types of media aids,
technological applications and processes that deliver text, audio, images, animation, streaming
video, etc. which are valuable and affordable e-learning tools that can also be exploited in
developing African countries. Leveraging visual, auditory and interactive features of these
tools will save cost and reduce inefficiency associated with conventional teaching methods in
Africa. However, the problems associated in using these tools particularly in developing
African countries and likely ways to solving these problems are also presented.
Keywords: e-learning; multimedia; ICT; African countries; teaching aids; technology
37
B. ABSTRACTS FOR SUB-THEME 2
Innovative use of science and engineering in: enhanced research
infrastructure, climate change mitigation and adaptation;
sustainable environmental and ocean management, access to
water, efficient energy, food security and healthcare delivery
SPEAKERS
1. Greg Anderson
Research linkages between Africa and Australia: Opportunities in the life sciences
2. Ong’or B. T. I., Oloko M. O. & Kiluva V. M.
Challenge of equitable utilization of shared water resources in the Mara river basin
3. N. Valencia Jacobs
Electrospun bio-based nanofibers: Opportunities in healthcare applications
4. Beatrice Anyango & George Ouma
Challenges of common bean production in a world of changing climates
5. Akrasi Edem
Effects of charcoal burning on soil nutrients
6. Anna Kapulwa, Puleni Petrus, Smita Francis & Penda Shilongo
Promoting sustainable development in Namibia by using solar energy
7. Todd Ngara
Critique of the eastern and southern African National Adaptation Programmes of
Action (NAPA): Urgent and immediate climate change adaptation needs
8. Josphat M. Mutua & Nancy O. Madigu
Factors that affect health services delivery of community health workers: A case study
of Embu County, Kenya
9. Wilson Okaka
Innovative science and engineering information diffusion to enhance climate change
mitigation and adaptation policy infrastructure in Africa
10. Isaac I. Osakwe & Francis I. Idike
Nigerian university training and spinoffs: Implications for sustainable development
38
11. Johnny O. Ogunji & Happiness O. Oselebe
Climate change adaptation technologies: Difficulties, barriers, successful experiences
and other potential methods
12. Falalou Hamidou
Date of planting, location, year and/or drought stress effects on elite lines of
groundnut reference collection grown in Sahelian zones
13. Wilkister Nyaora Moturi, William A. Shivoga & Francis K. Lelo
Defecation practices in selected households in rural Kenya: A challenge to attainment
of optimal sanitation
14. Gashawbeza Ayalew
Classical bio-control of Diamondback moth in Ethiopia
15. Daniel S. Kayange, Ramadhani Sinde & Anael Sam
The potential for a Tanzania wireless telemedicine network: An overview
16. Amina Batagarawa, Neveen Hamza & Steve Dudek
Computer-based approach to study the impact of Phase Change Materials on
electricity consumption in composite hot climates
17. Samuel Fatoba
Innovative use of science and engineering in enhanced research infrastructure and
healthcare delivery
18. C. Bigirimana, F. Omujal, P. Isubikalu, E. Bizuru, J.G. Agea, A. M. Malinga & J. B.
L. Okullo
Community perception on weather variability and their coping strategies within the
Lake Victoria basin, East Africa, Uganda
19. C. Bigirimana, F. Omujal, P. Isubikalu, E. Bizuru, J.G. Agea, A. M. Malinga & J. B.
L. Okullo
Local uses of indigenous fruit trees in Lake Victoria basin, Rwanda
20. H. K. Were
Molecular tools in plant virus research
21. Adeniran A. E., Aina A. T., Oshunrinade O. O. & Akanmu J. A.
Investigation of additional source of raw water from the reclaimed effluent water from
constructed wetland domestic wastewater treatment plant in the University of Lagos,
Nigeria
22. N. Musee & L. Sikwhivhilu
Interface of technological development, economic growth, and emergence of unknown
environmental risks: A case of nanotechnology
39
B1. Research linkages between Africa and Australia:
Opportunities in the life sciences
Greg Anderson
Deputy Director, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
300 Herston Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3362 0187
E-mail: greg.anderson@qimrberghofer.edu.au
ABSTRACT
Despite its small population (23 million), Australia has a very active scientific research
culture and it performs well above global averages in terms of research output and quality.
Australia’s performance in the biomedical sciences is particularly notable. Most research in
Australia is funded directly or indirectly by federal and state governments, with a focus on
universities and the flagship federal government scientific research establishment the CSIRO.
Research in the biomedical area is conducted primarily by universities, but medical research
institutes (MRIs) make a major contribution to research effort in this area. The QIMR
Berghofer Medical Research Institute is one of the largest and longest established MRIs with
particular research strengths in the areas of cancer (from epidemiology through to basic
molecular studies) and infectious diseases. Our Institute regularly hosts African students in
the infectious diseases area, and our scientists have been active in malaria and schistosomiasis
research projects in Africa. Some important research linkages currently exist between
Australia and a number of African countries, but there is considerable capacity to strengthen
ties in biomedical research in several areas: (1) Australia is able to provide high quality
educational training for both undergraduate and postgraduate students; (2) Exchange of staff
between educational and research institutions in Africa and Australia will help develop the
skill base of African researchers; and (3) Australian researchers have the capacity to bring
specialist research skills to bear on biomedical problems of particular relevance to the African
people.
Keywords: epidemiology; biomedical research; skills development; capacity building;
funding
40
B2. Challenge of equitable utilization of shared water
resources in the Mara River basin
Ong’or B. T. I.1, Oloko M. O.
2 & Kiluva V. M.
3
1Faculty of Engineering. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
P.O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
Phone: +254 722 498 774
E-mail: basil_iro2@yahoo.com
2School of Engineering and Technology, Jaramogi Oginga University of Science and
Technology
P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya
3Centre for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. Masinde Muliro
University of Science and Technology
P.O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Equitable and beneficial utilization of shared natural resources is an established principle of
international law that impacts directly on transboundary natural resource management.
Whereas mechanisms for utility of water resources have been established in some shared river
basin management, its application in most cases is yet to be realised. The current utilization
and management of water resources is an emerging challenge to the riparian states even after
the ratification of a number of treaties established for the same. This paper attempts to
evaluate factors leading to none equitable distribution of water resources in Mara River Basin,
East Africa. It argues that in pursuit of national self-interest, sovereignty that is exercised by
the two states coupled with the extractive effort of the non-state actors on the Mara River
Basin, there is negative influence on the realisation of equitable and sustainable utilization of
water resources on the Basin. To some extent, the riparian partner states in the region are
exercising hegemonic influence over the resources found on each state’s territory. This has
partly contributed to the decline in the quality and quantity of water resources in the basin.
The consequence of this has elicited accusations of water related diseases, drought, water
deficit, water scarcity, reduction in number of wildlife and decline in tourism activity in the
basin. In an attempt to resolve the engineering and hydrological issues from a scientific and
engineering perspective, the absence of clearly defined numbers is also a sited as a challenge
to the researchers from the universities in the region.
Keywords: water resources; transboundary; hegemony; utilization; equitability
41
B3. Electrospun bio-based nanofibers: Opportunities in
healthcare applications
N. Valencia Jacobs
CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers and Composites
P.O. Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa
Phone: +27 415 083 229
Fax: +27 415 832 325
E-mail: vjacbs@csir.co.za; vjacobs27@yahoo.co.za
ABSTRACT
Innovative technologies focused on bio-based materials are of great importance due to their
potential to minimize dependency on fossil fuel. Biopolymers are derived from natural
resources such as exoskeleton of crab shells, woods and mushrooms. While microbial
infections remain one of the major complications in many areas, biopolymers are renewable
and possess antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability which make them
ideal for healthcare applications. Through electrospinning process, biopolymers can be spun
into nanomaterials composed of fibers with large surface area and nanosized diameter.
Electrospinning is a fabrication technique that uses electrostatic force to fabricate nanofibrous
nonwovens from a variety of materials. The physicho-chemical structures, morphologies,
thermo-mechanical properties of electrospun nanofibers can be modified to suit a variety of
applications. This paper focusses on nanofiber-based biopolymers prepared by
electrospinning technique, with emphasis on healthcare applications. The biopolymers
discussed include cellulose, chitosan, a chitin derivative, their blends and hybrids.
Keywords: electrospinning; nanofibers; biopolymers; chitosan; properties
42
B4. Challenges of common bean production in a world of
changing climates
Beatrice Anyango & George Ouma
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
P.O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya
E-mail: banyango@jooust.ac.ke; banyano@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Legumes form an important part of the diets of people in developing countries. Specifically
common beans, Phaseolus vulgaris, have been referred to as the poor mans meat in countries
like Kenya. There are other important legumes, for example groundnuts, cowpea, pigeon pea,
and green grams. The production of legumes in the tropics depends heavily on rainfall and
this has negatively impacted the availability and market prices, this paper will concentrate on
beans. In East Africa, common bean is the most important grain legume and has a relatively
high commercial value in addition to nutrition. They are a good source of proteins, calcium,
iron, thiamine, and Riboflavin. In addition, bean crop residues are used as green manure and
livestock feeds. Erratic rainfall does not help the crops to reach their potential in terms of
growth and seed yield. Drought and delayed rainfall results in crop failure while heavy rains
and floods result in crops being washed away and poor pod/seed set. In some cases too much
water leads to water logging, which cannot support plant growth. This paper reports on case
studies in Lake Victoria basin since 2012.The study involved two farming villages each in the
two study sites, which were medium potential with high rainfall and a semi arid area, which
embraces the two planting seasons. Heavy rains in April-May 2012 improved production in
three villages (200kg/h). One of the villages from the high rainfall areas lost most of their
crop due to heavy rains during flowering time. Production in the short rainy season was low
(20 kg/) while the semi arid zone lost their entire crop to erratic rainfall and prolonged
drought. Long rains (March-May) of 2013 have spoilt most of the crops according to our
records. Bean prices in Kenya hardly drop below $ 1.18, a figure the rural communities
cannot afford: the May 2013 price is at $1.8, the price of half a kilogram of meat. Here we
present mitigation and adaptation options to farmers in this region, which can sustain family
livelihoods.
Keywords: phaseolus vulgaris; common bean; production; L. Victoria Basin; climate change;
climate adaptation and mitigation
43
B5. Effects of charcoal burning on soil nutrients
Akrasi Edem
Department of Renewable Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture
University for Development Studies
Phone: +233 245 741 582; +233 205 963 925
E-mail: edemakrasi@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out within the catchment of Dawadawa No. 2 to assess the effect of
charcoal burning on soil nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon and soil
pH. The effect of charcoal burning on soil nutrients was studied in both the charcoal burning
site (CBS) and non-charcoal burning site (NCBS). Core and composite soil samples from 18
purposively selected sites were taken at the depth of 0-20cm at the CBS and NCBS. The soil
samples were analysed in the laboratory to assess the effect of charcoal burning on soil
nutrients. The collected data were analysed using Genstat by running ANOVA to test for
significant differences at 5% level of significance to help compare the levels of nutrients for
the CBS and NCBS. The results showed highly significant amounts of nutrients (N, P, OC
and pH) for the CBS than the NCBS. However, no significant levels were recorded in K for
CBS and NCBS.
Keywords: charcoal burning; soil nutrients; Dawadawa No. 2; Kintampo municipality
44
B6. Promoting sustainable development in Namibia by
using solar energy
Anna Kapulwa, Puleni Petrus, Smita Francis & Penda Shilongo
Women in Engineering, School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Namibia
P.O. Box 13388, Windhoek, Namibia
Phone: +264 (61) 207 2539
Fax: +264 (61) 207 2142
E-mail: sfrancis@polytechnic.edu.na
ABSTRACT
Namibia is a young democratic country with a population of 2.1 million. According to the
2011 national census 55% of the population is rural, spread over an area of 825,615 sq km.
Some areas are sparsely populated. Namibia faces a dilemma of providing electricity to the
citizens. Currently, more than 60% of the electricity used in Namibia is being imported from
South Africa and Zimbabwe. However, about 70% of the 2.1 million Namibia’s population
has no electricity coverage. Due to the critical power situation in the region, there is a
possibility that the electricity imports could be reduced. This critical state of electricity in
Namibia made it necessary for the researchers to investigate and improvise use of renewable
sources of energy for use in Namibia. Currently, Namibia operates on four power stations,
‘The Ruacana Hydroelectric station’ on the Kunene River, which has a capacity of generating
249 MW hydro electric power. Due to unpredictable rainfall, the flow in the Kunene River
has been variable making hydro generation unreliable. The coal-fired Van Eck thermal station
based in Windhoek has a generating capacity of 120 MW. The coal used at the Van Eck
thermal station is 100% imported from South Africa. The price of coal has increased
worldwide making it uneconomical to continue with this method of power generation. The
Paratus in Walvis Bay is a heavy fuel-oil station with a generating capacity of 24 MW. The
new Anixas diesel-powered station at Walvis Bay is commissioned to generate 22 MW and
serves as an emergency standby fuel station. This paper investigates the feasibility of
designing a freestanding solar light to alleviate the critical situation of electrical power in
Namibia using appropriate renewable technology suitable for Namibian weather conditions.
Keywords: diesel power generation; hydroelectric power; renewable energy; solar
streetlights; shack fires
45
B7. Critique of the eastern and southern African National
Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA): Urgent and
immediate climate change adaptation needs
Todd Ngara
UNEP Risø Centre, Management Engineering Department, Technical Unversity of Denmark
Denmark
Phone: +45 46 775 191
E-mail: todn@dtu.dk
ABSTRACT
A critical analysis of the prioritization of climate change adaptation needs on economic
sectors is attempted on the basis of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) NAPA submissions from fifteen Least Developing Countries (LDCs)
from Eastern and Southern Africa. Together with these submissions, the analysis also takes
into account studies that consider the value of the Human Development Index (HDI) as a
proxy for climate change vulnerability. This analysis is used as a basis for pointing out some
strengths and weaknesses in the NAPA process. The analysis concludes that the process has a
net positive effect (i.e. identifying urgent and immediate needs and emphasis on capacity
building through a multidisciplinary participatory process at national and sub-national levels).
In addition, the ranking of projects together with their estimated costing facilitates
mobilization of resources at both national and international levels. The other positive aspect
brought out by the analysis is that it lays out a clear picture of comparative prioritization of
urgent and immediate needs (sector wise) across the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in
the region. Weaknesses exposed by the study include weak linkages between the NAPAs
process and existing national development plans; programs such as Multilateral
Environmental Agreements (MEAs) with a goal of attaining sustainable development;
inappropriate national institutional drivers of the NAPA process and low prioritization of
some important sectors such as energy and health. Gender and population issues are not
prioritized at all. Lastly, the analysis also proposes that a regional approach in prioritizing
urgent and immediate climate change adaptation needs could have presented a more
comprehensive picture in the Eastern and Southern African LDCs.
Keywords: climate change adaptation need; Least Developing Countries; National
Adaptation Programs of Action
46
B8. Factors that affect health services delivery of
community health workers: A case study of Embu county,
Kenya
Josphat M. Mutua1 & Nancy O. Madigu
2
1 Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation
P.O. Box 43319-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 0721 568 299
E-mail: jmmutua08@yahoo.com
2 Great Lakes University of Kisumu
P.O. Box 60827-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 0722 251 420
E-mail:ojemo@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa face the problem of organizing health service delivery
in a manner that provides adequate quality and coverage of health care to their populations. In
response to these challenges, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and South Africa are implementing
national programmes of Community Health Workers (CHWs). In Kenya, CHWs are designed
to provide basic community health service which are preventive and simple curative services.
However, there have been concerns on whether the involvement of the CHWs leads to better
delivery of health care services. The current study, aimed at identifying health systems and
community factors that affect delivery of health services by CHWs in Embu County. A cross
sectional study design was used. The quantitative data was analyzed for significance at
p<0.05 using SPSS version 17. Qualitative data was analysed manually by themes, subthemes
and thematic objectives. The study found the success of health service delivery at level one
was dependent on CHWs income, refresher course, use of feedback information, appreciation
by community and knowledge on signs and symptoms of disease. Providing refresher course
and income are crucial in enhancing quality service delivery. Development of contextualized
guideline on the motivation of CHWs was recommended.
47
B9. Innovative science and engineering information
diffusion to enhance climate change mitigation and
adaptation policy infrastructure in Africa
Wilson Okaka
Coordinator, Research and Education Network for Uganda
Faculty of Education, Kyambogo University
P.O. Box 29, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 782 588 846
E-mail: okaka.wilsonprof@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper presents how innovative science and engineering information diffusion to enhance
climate change mitigation and adaptation research can empower people for resilience. It is
vital to create an effective communication strategy for delivering innovation diffusion. In this
review, the paper elaborates on the adverse consequences of climate change effects in Africa,
the efforts so far taken by the East African community (EAC) sub-region, common barriers,
national and regional responses. The consequences of climate change disaster risks from a
science and engineering research policy perspective, social, economic, political, and
environmental aspects, call for early adoption and widespread diffusion of science technology
innovations in Africa. Likewise, there is more urgent need to plan national, sub-regional, and
regional strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and to develop effective
regional policy strategy. Africa is already facing gloomy social, economic, political, and
environmental impacts of climate change risks. The foci are to: strengthen the database to aid
climate change research, raise knowledge and awareness of climate change mitigation and
adaptation, enhance gender mainstreaming, curb gas emissions, technology transfer,
communication strategy, theory, ethics, and develop collaborative research.
Keywords: adaptation; communication; diffusion; mitigation; engineering; science
technology
48
B10. Nigerian university training and spinoffs:
Implications for sustainable development
Isaac I. Osakwe1 & Francis I. Idike
2
1Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University
PMB 053, Abakaliki, Nigeria
E-mail: osakwe_i@yahoo.com
2Vice-Chancellor, Ebonyi State University
PMB 053, Abakaliki, Nigeria
E-mail: frankidike@ebsu-edu.net
ABSTRACT
Institutions are the vehicles that enable the expression of Science, Engineering and
Technology (SET) potentials, thereby contributing to the improvement of agricultural
productivity and food security. African countries today typically have a complex array of
institutions responsible for the planning, funding and conduct of agricultural research and the
dissemination of technology options arising from it. These include National Agricultural
Research Institutions (NARIs) Universities, International Agricultural Research Centers
(IARCs) to mention but a few. These institutions are undergoing reforms as their role and
relevance as champions of recent innovative use of SET in sustainable development and
meeting the MDGs is under critical examination by stakeholders. University spin-offs are an
important vehicle for knowledge dissemination and have the potential to generate jobs and
economic growth. A number of outstanding practices and initiatives in Nigerian Universities
aimed at exploiting research and innovation capacities to generate new products thereby
creating jobs and economic growth have been identified. This paper discusses some of the
identified outstanding practices and initiatives in Nigerian Universities and presents a case
study of Ebonyi State University, and concludes with the way forward.
Keywords: university training; spin-offs; initiatives; sustainable development
49
B11. Climate change adaptation technologies: Difficulties,
barriers, successful experiences and other potential
methods
Johnny Ogunji1 & Happiness O. Oselebe
2
1Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
2Department of Crop Production and Landscape Management
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
E-mail: ogunjijo@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Climate change is already affecting millions of people and is increasing risk of hunger and
food insecurity. Without appropriate responses, climate change is likely to derail development
and poverty reduction efforts of many developing countries. In response to changing climate,
adaptation is becoming an urgent priority. Various adaptation options in agriculture have been
suggested, but development and diffusion of technologies are considered as one of the most
relevant options. It is unfortunate that several huddles are still unsurmounted in the stride to
develop, apply and deploy invaluable technologies for climate change adaptation and
mitigation. Such huddles as discussed in this paper include; lack of information concerning;
climate change forecasting, adaptation options and other agricultural production activities.
Detailed background and justification of the technologies deemed successful are also
discussed. Level of success, constraints and recommendation are indicated. Considering the
very severe effect of Climate change on fisheries, and their contribution to local livelihoods,
national economies and global trade-flows, the issue of wild fish domestication as a climate
change adaptation method is here highlighted as a potential adaptation method. Use of
Housefly Maggot meal as alternative protein source is also suggested, to discourage reliance
of capture fisheries on fishmeal and oil.
Keywords: adaptation; climate change; technologies; fish domestication; Housefly Maggot
meal
50
B12. Date of planting, location, year and/or drought stress
effects on elite lines of groundnut reference collection
grown in Sahelian zones
Falalou Hamidou
Regional Scientist (Crops Psysiologist), ICRISAT
P.O. Box 12404, Niamey, Niger
Phone: +227 2072 2626; +227 2072 2529
E-mail: falalouh@yahoo.fr; hamidoufalalou@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Integration of drought related traits in groundnut breeding program for improving
productivity and adaptation to climate change remains great challenge in semi arid tropics
particularly in Sahelian zones. Identification of drought tolerant lines and relevant traits
associated to drought tolerance could contribute to take up this challenge for successful
breeding program. 64 contrasting genotypes from groundnut reference collection along with
17 farmers preferred varieties and breeding lines were assessed in alpha lattice design in
Maradi and Sadore locations for investigating drought and environment effects on a sub-set
of groundnut reference collection compared to farmers preferred varieties. During two years
in Sadore, an intermittent drought consisting of skipping irrigation was imposed to stress
plots while in Maradi two planting dates were imposed in rainy season 2012. Our findings
showed no significant effect of late planting on 50% time to flowering while haulm and pod
yield decreased up to 67 and 70% respectively. A significant genotype and locations
interaction (F value = 3.96) was observed for pod yield indicating that genotypes performed
differently from one environment to another. Genotype and genotype by environment (GGE)
biplot analysis revealed also that Maradi and Sadore are two different environments. Under
WW conditions, GGE biplot indicated that genotypes ICG 4598, ICG 3053, ICG 3140, ICG
5663, ICG 7878, ICG 5286 and ICG 2772 revealed high yielding in both Maradi and Sadore
environments. Our findings indicated that ICG 12697, ICG 15287, ICG 3140, ICG 434, ICG
8751, ICGV 02266, ICGV 02290, ICGV 88145 and ICGV 97182 genotypes had highest pods
yield under water stress (WS) conditions in Sadore location. These genotypes revealed higher
pods yield (at least 25%) compared to drought tolerant check (farmers preferred varieties) 55-
437, FLEUR11, JL 24, 47-10 and CG7.
Keywords: drought stress; groundnut; reference collection; Sahel; GxE interaction
51
B13. Defecation practices in selected households in rural
Kenya: A challenge to attainment of optimal sanitation
Wilkister Nyaora Moturi, William A. Shivoga & Francis K. Lelo
Department of Environmental Science, Egerton University
P.O. Box 536, Egertonn, Kenya
E-mail: moturi33@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Kenya appears to be on the right track to achieve the water MDG, while sanitation is lagging.
This raises concern that MDG 7 may not be met. A study was carried out in 350 rural
households in the upper river Njoro watershed, Kenya in 2006, to establish faecal disposal
practices and factors influencing them. Questionnaire and observation were used to collect
data on household socioeconomic and homestead characteristics, presence of latrine and
various sites of defecation for children. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were
used to analyze data. 40.8% of the households did not have any latrine in their homestead.
Conditions in 28.9% of children observed were such that indiscriminate defecation was
encouraged. 80.6% of faecal disposal for children in this age category encouraged
environmental contamination and only 19.4% of faecal disposal practices could be classified
as optimal. In 69.4% and 98.3% of households, human and animal faecal material
respectively was spotted in the yard. Education level of parents was found to be a strong
determinant of faecal disposal practices and the type of sanitation infrastructure in the
homestead. There cannot be real progress towards a reduction in faecal-oral infections, unless
faecal disposal practices are improved.
Keywords: children; contamination; disposal; faeces; households; latrine
52
B14. Classical bio-control of Diamondback moth in
Ethiopia
Gashawbeza Ayalew
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Melkassa center
P.O. Box 436, Nazareth, Ethiopia
E-mail: gashawbeza@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The failure of some programmes using parasitoids has led to classical biocontrol being
classified as inconsistent or unreliable for the control of crop pests. It is suggested that careful
selection of parasitoids with a track record of success in similar environmental conditions
may increase the likelihood of control. Diamondback moth (DBM) population and level of
parasitism were assessed monthly from August 2005 to September 2006, in November 2007
and in January 2008 in brassica fields of Kofele highland in western Arsi region of Ethiopia.
Following the release of Diadegma semiclausum (Hellén), in June 2008, the establishment of
the parasitoid and effect on DBM population, severity of crop damage and locally occurring
indigenous DBM parasitoids were monitored by monthly surveys in the main production
season of June/July to November/December for three years. Before release, DBM numbers
fluctuated between 4.2 and 11.2 per plant and parasitism ranged between 6.5 and 24.7%.
Diamondback moth density declined to 2.8, 0.9 and 0.7 per plant whilst parasitism levels
increased successively to 21%, 39% and 38% in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. A
significant shift in parasitoid guilds was observed after the release of the exotic parasitoid.
The proportion of parasitism accounted by the exotic parasitoid was 18.6, 80.3 and 88.6
percent of total parasitism in the first, second and third year after release. The decline of DBM
density following the release of the introduced parasitoid and its establishment will ensure
production of brassica without pesticide use against DBM in the area. The reasons for the
success of the release programme for D. semiclausum are discussed.
Keywords: Brassica; exotic parasitoid; indigenous parasitoids; Kofele highland; Ethiopia
53
B15. The potential for a Tanzania wireless telemedicine
network: An overview
Daniel S. Kayange, Ramadhani Sinde & Anael Sam
School of Mathematics, Computational and Communications Science and Engineering
Nelson Mandela-African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)
Arusha, Tanzania
E-mail: kayanged@nm-aist.ac.tz; ramadhani.sinde@nm-aist.ac.tz; anael.sam@nm-aist.ac.tz
ABSTRACT
This paper describes an overview approach to building high-quality wireless telemedicine
networks in Tanzania, as one of the ways of mitigating the shortage of medical personnel. The
rapid advances in information technology and telecommunications, and more specifically
wireless, mobile communications and optical fiber and their convergence are leading to the
emergence of a new type of information infrastructure that has the potential of supporting an
array of advanced services for healthcare. The objective of this paper is to provide a snapshot
of potential applications of wireless telemedicine network in Tanzania. A brief review of the
spectrum of these applications and the potential benefits of these efforts is presented;
indication is given on how thriving telemedicine networks could be built. The model focuses
on flexibility of information technology, network density, strength of network ties, and
network diversity as key factors having impacts on the delivery mode. It also views
acquisition, transfer and sharing of medical knowledge and the development of telemedicine
collaborative knowledge as two learning processes occurring simultaneously and recursively,
and reinforcing each other.
Keywords: telemedicine; health systems; GSM; wireless; Tanzania
54
B16. Computer-based approach to study the impact of
phase change materials on electricity consumption in
composite hot climates
Amina Batagarawa
Phone: +44 796 1624070
E-mail: amina.batagarawa@ncl.ac.uk
Neveen Hamza
E-mail: neveen.hamza@ncl.ac.uk
Steve Dudek
E-mail: steven.dudek@ncl.ac.uk
School of Architecture Landscape and Planning, Newcastle University
United Kingdom NE17RU
ABSTRACT
Rising energy costs and climate change are driving the need for energy conservation in
buildings. Electricity shortage in Nigeria, which decreases the level of comfort and
productivity in office buildings, also drives the need to rationalize the available electricity
supplied by the Central Utility Company. In this study, the effect of Phase Change Materials
(PCM) on electricity consumption in office buildings in a composite hot and dry/hot and
humid climate found in Nigeria is evaluated. Electricity consumption is estimated in a
fieldwork exercise in 15 existing office buildings across Nigeria. A correlation between the
climate and electricity consumption shows there is a mis-alignment between the two variables
indicating an opportunity for energy savings. PCM in the building fabric are evaluated as an
Energy Conservation Mechanism using computer simulations in a parametric analysis.
Results show the potential benefit of using Phase Change Materials in buildings in this
climate on thermal comfort and electricity conservation.
Keywords: phase change materials; energy conservation; thermal comfort; Nigeria;
composite climates; buildings
55
B17. Innovative use of science and engineering in enhanced
research infrastructure and healthcare delivery
Samuel Fatoba
Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford
Phone: +44 01 865 617 882
E-mail: samuel.fatoba@phc.ox.ac.uk
ABSTRACT
The increasing rate of preventable mortality from chronic, non-communicable disease
conditions has not only raised the awareness level of the African public, but has created an
ever urgent need for innovative, evidence-based health care delivery service that is both
robust and affordable. Undoubtedly, a healthy continent is a wealthy continent. With the
increasing rural-urban migration rates and ever widening middle class in most African
countries, there is high demand for better healthcare services. However, robust evidence-
based healthcare innovations and services are desperately lacking. In this paper, using
relevant case studies, I will explore potential innovative uses of basic science and engineering
to enhance healthcare delivery with particular bias to the African population. Additionally, I
will address potential difficulties and possible solutions to attaining this innovative prowess.
In global scientific and technological advancement, we have a reliable ally to facilitate our
journey through innovative approaches to better and affordable healthcare delivery services
that is both sustainable and entrepreneurial. Efficient utilization of modern science and
technology for ‘relevant’ problem solving will imminently result to knowledge advancement
and ‘necessary’ innovation. Eventually, this evidence-based framework will help inform
better healthcare solutions, policies and delivery.
Keywords: Africa; evidence-based; non-communicable; diseases; innovation; healthcare;
science; technology; policy; infrastructure; research
56
B18. Community perception on weather variability and
their coping strategies within the Lake Victoria basin, East
Africa, Uganda
C. Bigirimana1, 3
, F. Omujal 2, 3
, P. Isubikalu3, E. Bizuru
1, J.G. Agea
3, A M. Malinga
4 & J. B.
L. Okullo3
1National University of Rwanda, Rwanda
2Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Uganda
3Makerere University, College of Agricultural and Environment Sciences, Uganda
4National Forestry Authority, Uganda
E-mail: celbigirimana@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Communities within Lake Victoria Basin have always faced climatic variability in their life.
The aim of this study was to document community perceptions on weather prediction, its
effects and coping strategies within the Lake Victoria Basin. Interview and Focus Group
Discussion (FGD) conducted to in five districts in Uganda to establish how communities
predict weather variability, their experiences on the effect and coping strategies. The
communities were able to predict weather variability using local knowledge. Specifically,
appearance and behaviour of birds and insects, moon, clouds, direction of wind and
temperature was used in weather variability prediction. There were experiences of
communities on weather variability in the last 5 to 10 years like poor crop harvest, crop and
animal pests and diseases, crop wilting and extinction, soil erosion. Coping strategies used
were; in situ and ex-situ conservation, use of wild fruits as alternative source of food and
medicine, use of manure and fertilizers, use of insecticides and pesticides and anti-erosion
activities. This community knowledge is useful and should be integrated with other
conventional methods to predict weather variability.
Keywords: weather variability; climate change; local community; coping strategies; weather
prediction; livelihood
57
B19. Local uses of indigenous fruit trees in Lake Victoria
basin, Rwanda
C. Bigirimana1, 3
, F. Omujal 2, 3
, P. Isubikalu3, E. Bizuru
1, M. Malinga
4. , J.G. Agea
3 & J. B. L
Okullo3
1National University of Rwanda, Rwanda
2Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Uganda
3 Makerere University, College of Agricultural and Environment Sciences, Uganda
4National Forestry Authority, Uganda
Corresponding Author:
Celestin Bigirimana
Phone: +256 783 262 222; +250 788 764 361
E-mail: celbigirimana@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Rural communities within the Lake Victoria Basin are subsistent in nature and also
traditionally dependent on indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) to partially meet their nutritional,
income and health requirements. Depending on the way the rural communities consider the
IFTs and the information they have, the interaction and the traditional use of IFTs is specific
and valued by some classes of people. The study was carried out in districts of Bugesera,
Kirehe, Musanze and Nyamagabe in Rwanda with aim to identify IFTs preferred and assess
their uses. A total of 816 of farmers who may benefit from IFTs were interviewed during data
collection. FGD was also conducted in two cells in each district to collect data. IFTs such as
Garcinia buchanani, Ximenia caffra, Pappea capensis, Strychnos sp, P. curatellifolia, Lannea
Schimperi, Carica cundinamarcensis and Myrianthus holstii were reported as most preferred
IFTs in the selected areas. These wild plant species are source of food, medicine and income
for communities. Medicine is traditionally prepared mostly by decoction of leaves, bark and
roots. Besides, syrup was also extracted from different parts of the fruit tree to treat a number
of ailments. Infusion is also another way of preparing medicine. IFTs therefore play an
important role on communities’ livelihood.
Keywords: indigenous fruit trees; local knowledge; food security; livelihood
58
B20. Molecular tools in plant virus research
H. K. Were
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
P.O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
Phone: +254 563 0870; +254 724 972 207
E-mail: werehkde@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Vegetatively propagated crops such as cassava, sweet potato, Potato, cocoyams and Bananas
are especially important in sub-Saharan Africa, their combined production exceeding that of
cereals. However, yields per hectare are generally far below world averages. Diseases are
major constraints and most varieties in SSA are badly degenerated by virus-infections.
Economic modelling has indicated that growing disease-resistant material, and clean seed
(disease-free), offer the greatest opportunities for these crops. Tissue culture can eliminate
bacterial, nematode and fungal diseases but it is not a guarantee for viral diseases. The most
important step in disease management is disease diagnosis. The initial form of virus detection
and diagnosis is by observation of symptoms. However, with variation due to cultivars, virus
strains and growing conditions this is not particularly reliable. ELISA readily detects most
viruses, although care has to be taken with possible serological variants. Moreover, some
viruses can be present at too low a concentration for ELISA and more sensitive techniques are
required. Immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) can also be used to detect virus
particles and portable lateral flow devices (LFD) are available for rapid ‘in-field’ testing. The
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to detect DNA viruses and, coupled with reverse
transcription (RT-PCR) RNA viruses can also be detected as well. Different virus strains can
best be detected by analysing sequences of different isolates. In summary, it is important to
have the capacity to employ several different analytical tests for the routine diagnosis and
management of plant viruses.
Keywords: vegetative plants; diagnostic; viruses; sensitive
59
B21. Investigation of additional source of raw water from
the reclaimed effluent water from constructed wetland
domestic wastewater treatment plant in the University of
Lagos, Nigeria
Adeniran A. E.1, Aina A. T.
2, Oshunrinade O. O.
2 & Akanmu J. A.
3
1 Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, Director of Works, University of Lagos,
Nigeria 2 Works and Physical Planning Department, University of Lagos, Nigeria
3 Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Lead Author
Adeniran A. E.
Phone: +234 803 323 9097
E-mail: eadeniran@unilag.edu.ng; engrea@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The University of Lagos, Nigeria (Unilag) mainly depends on internal boreholes and
municipal supply (the Lagos State Water cooperation) as sources of water supply to the
University. While a number of boreholes water serves as the source of raw water to the
University's water treatment plants, the municipal water is pumped directly for distribution. In
addition to water shortages that do arise occasionally from these sources, the combined
quantities of the internal and municipal water supply are far below the current water demand
of the University. In this study, we examined the quality and quantity of water reclaimed from
the constructed wetland based domestic sewage treatment plant (CWDSTP), which has been
further processed through slow sand filters (SSF), as possible source of additional raw water
for the University Water Treatment plant. The study revealed that the reclaimed water from
the CWDSTP further processed with the SSF is good enough for use as addition source of raw
water and conform with both FEPA and WHO standard for water to be further processed for
drinking with parameters such as pH, Turbidity, total dissolved solids, colour, iron, nitrate and
E. coli. The study also confirms that some additional 200m3/day to 350m
3/day can be
reprocessed from the reclaimed water. The study concludes that the reclaimed water from
CWDSTP and SSF can be recycled as additional source of raw water to reduce the existing
gap between water demand and supply in the University.
Keywords: water supply; water quality; bore raw water; reclaimed sewage effluent; supply
and demand gap
60
B22. Interface of technological development, economic
growth, and emergence of unknown environmental risks:
A case of nanotechnology
N. Museea,b
& L. Sikwhivhiluc
aNanotechnology Environmental Impacts Research Group, NRE, CSIR
P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
bDepartment of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology
Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
cDST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek
Private Bag X3015, Randburg, Johannesburg 2125, South Africa
Corresponding Author:
N. Musee
Phone: +27 12 841 4134
E-mail: nmusee@csir.co.za; museen2012@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
In this paper, the roles of nanotechnology in addressing the biggest challenges facing Africa
today are outlined. These include, among others human health, water quality and scarcity, and
enhanced energy distribution. Moreover whilst the initial costs to set up industrial framework
to exploit nanotechnology capabilities in Africa are likely to appear as high; however, the
adoption of collaborations and partnerships among diverse stakeholders (governments,
venture capital, industry, development banks, academics, researchers, etc.) provide a feasible
approach to make the continent optimize the benefits of this emerging technology. In
addition, there are compelling reasons to suggest that knowledge-based economy is a
modality not only suitable to address the challenges of unemployment but also enhancing a
country’s and regional economic growth. Thus, in this paper, how collaborative training and
research programmes in the domain of nanotechnology including examining its potential risks
to humans and the environment can yield benefits to the African continent where the case of
South Africa is used as an illustrative case study. Finally, the role of diverse partnerships in
enhancing nanotechnology in South Africa including universities will be highlighted.
Keywords: collaborative research; nanomaterials; risk; knowledge-based economy
61
C. ABSTRACTS FOR SUB-THEME 3
Creating an effective synergy between science, engineering and
innovation, youth employment, entrepreneurship development
and inclusive growth
SPEAKERS
1. Esi Awuah
Creating an effective synergy between engineering and innovation, youth
employment, entrepreneurship development and inclusive growth
2. Ernst Uken
AGNES in action
3. S. Felix Toteu
African Network of Earth Science Institutions (ANESI): Vision, mission and
objectives
4. Edward Andama
Addressing challenge of youth unemployment through creating synergy between
science, technology, and innovation
5. Collence T. Chisita & Tafadzwa Mudondo
Building bridges for interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration to enhance
entrepreneurship development through public and private sector partnerships: Case of
Harare Polytechnic
6. Jonas A. S. Redwood-Sawyerr
Aligning expectations of employers and graduates with institutional curricula
7. Samuel O. Uniamikogbo
Science and engineering education and inclusive growth in Nigeria: The missing link
8. G. O. Amolo, N. W. Makau & M. Z. Mapelu
The need for establishing national physical sciences research institutes in Africa: The
case of Kenya
9. Madiha Kotb
Synergy between engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship for high-end economic
development
10. Anderson K. Kipkoech, Aissetou Yaye, Sebastian Chakeredza & James Aucha
Linking training in agriculture to agricultural development in Africa
62
11. Pius Kamau
Role of men in women’s STEM education
12. Janice da Graça
The education we want: Youth African vision
13. J. Catherine Ngila
Nanotechnology applied in water purification for removal of metal and persistent
organic pollutants
63
C1. Creating an effective synergy between engineering
and innovation, youth employment, entrepreneurship
development and inclusive growth
Prof. Esi Awuah
Vice-Chancellor, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
E-mail: esiawuahrt@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Fields of engineering have changed over the years. With the arrival of the computer,
unemployment has become an issue, as machines and robots started doing the work that
several people could do. We are now moving into a new age, which is calling for efficient use
of resources at the molecular and atomic level and at a nanoscale. Manufacturing of products
can be done for many by a few people. With the rapid increase in population growth and with
few people to produce goods and services for several people, the situation of unemployment
will worsen if proper measures are not put in place to curb this problem. According to the
Statistics from the International Labour Organization, one quarter of the world's youth are
neither in school nor employed. Twenty six million people in the developed world are known
as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and 260 million people are not
employed or in School in the developing countries. In the developing countries, which are
home to 90% of the world's youth, half of the youth are employed in the informal sector.
Education provided at tertiary institutions and universities have often not provided the
requisite skills required by industries. Industries are therefore reluctant to employ such
graduates. Employers are looking for graduates who are practical and will bring innovative
ideas and creativity into their establishments. The quality of service provision for
communities has gone down and new technologies, which require continuous development in
skills acquisition keep emerging. This looks at the reasons for the high unemployment among
the youth and calls for measures such as vocational skills development, continuous
educational development in engineering and technology such as intelligent automation,
continuous manufacturing and crystallization, photonics, ultra precision etc. Collaboration
between industry and academia is also recommended. Curricula that will promote creativity
and innovation is recommended at all levels of education for synergies between everyday life
activities and engineering. The youth are encouraged to be versatile and skillful in other areas
to expand their job market and to become entrepreneurs. The paper recommends to
Governments to make policies that will promote youth employment and to produce an
environment that will enhance business development. A course on moral issues with emphasis
on integrity and ecosystem conservation for sustainable development is also recommended for
youth development.
Keywords: entrepreneurship; innovation; technology; unemployment; youth
64
C2. AGNES in action
Prof Ernst Uken
Head, CPUT Energy Institute and Interim-Chair, African-German Network of Excellence in
Science
PO Box 652, Cape Town, 8000 South Africa
Phone: +27 21 460 3127
E-mail: ukene@cput.ac.za
ABSTRACT
At the initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), the ‘African-German
Network of Excellence in Science’ was born in Addis Ababa on 18 November 2011. Invited
Founder Humboldtians from 16 African states and various German agencies participated. It
was decided to officially baptize ‘AGNES’ during the prestigious Humboldt-Kolloquium:
‘The Power of Excellence in Science - enhancing academic capacities in Africa’, to be held in
Nairobi from 6-8 March 2014. The interim AGNES committee was charged with establishing
a Constitution, leading to the official formation and structure of AGNES. In the meantime a
Questionnaire was launched, determining what sort of Research clusters could be expected to
develop south-of-the Sahara. These will be highlighted during the presentation. Funding
remains a problem, so AGNES very much appreciated the Humboldt Institutional Supporting
Partnership between the Yaoundé University1 (Cameroon) and the Rhine-Waal University of
Applied Sciences (Germany). The AGNES Administrative Centre was established in
Cameroon. Here 15 post-doc, AGNES Junior Scientist Grant-holders were chosen from 6
countries during December 2012, enabling them to find host partners in Germany. Their
progress was tracked and reported on by their mentors, during the AGNES ExCo meeting
held in Johannesburg in April 2013. With the continued support from the German Federal
Ministry of Research and Development and lately from ‘The World Academy of Sciences’, it
is anticipated that support can again be given in 2013 and beyond to qualifying new
applicants to study in Germany under AvH Scholarships. TWAS already supports research
centers in Botswana, Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. Humboldtians in
Africa are expected to partner with German scientists and a Yahoo website has been
established to enhance this cluster formation.
Keywords: international research networking; post-doc grants; preparation for Humboldt
scholarships; AGNES newsletter
65
C3. African Network of Earth Science Institutions
(ANESI): Vision, mission and objectives
S. Felix Toteu
UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
E-mail: sf.toteu@unesco.org
ABSTRACT
Investing in human resource capacity development in Earth sciences is crucial if Africa is to
realize its huge earth resources potential and to make this sector a key driver of its economic
growth and in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. Earth sciences also
underpin many other aspects of the economy – infrastructure and agriculture as well as
biodiversity and health, and the prevention and monitoring of natural and human-induced
hazards and disasters. Acknowledging the current challenges of Earth science research and
training in Africa, UNESCO launched the Earth Science Education Initiative in Africa in
2010 to “trigger the development of the next generation of earth scientists in Africa who are
equipped with the necessary tools, networks and perspectives to apply sound science to
solving and benefiting from the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development”.
The Network of African Earth Science Institutions (ANESI) was subsequently launched in
January 2013 in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) as a step toward to achieving the goals of the Earth
Science Education Initiative in Africa through strengthening collaboration, exchange and
partnership between African Earth science institutions, including Earth-related industries.
This paper presents the results of a Working Group set up during the Addis Ababa launch to
prepare the Strategic Plan of ANESI. UNESCO believes that the Conference of Vice-
Chancellor and Deans of Science, Engineering and Technologies (COVIDSET-2013) is the
appropriate forum to endorse this Strategic Plan.
Keywords: earth sciences; institutional networking; Africa
66
C4. Addressing challenge of youth unemployment through
creating synergy between science, technology, and
innovation: Practical lessons from Busitema University
Edward Andama
Dean and Senior Lecturer, Busitema University, Faculty of Science and Education
P. O. Box 236, Tororo, Uganda
Phone: +256 772 464279; +256 704 281806
E-mail: e.andama@sci.busitema.ac.ug; andamaedward@gmail.com
Website: www.busitema.ac.ug
ABSTRACT
All over the world, the challenge of youth unemployment has assumed unprecedented
proportions and has become a priority for all countries and governments with high percentage
of youth populations. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are key components of social
integration, sustainable development, poverty eradication and prosperity creation. This has
direct relevance to provision of employment opportunities for the youth who constitute the
majority of the population. This paper underscores the synergy between science, technology
and innovation as a strategy for national development, focusing on youth empowerment
strategies for inclusive growth. The purpose is to demonstrate the potential that exists in
enhancing creativity, employability and innovativeness of the youth through creating synergy
between STI for national development. The paper illustrates key efforts being made within
Busitema university teaching, research and outreach programmes to instill the habit and skills
of creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, self employment and thus empowering the
beneficiaries to spur local economic growth with “ripple effect” on the national economy.
Keywords: youth unemployment; entrepreneurship skills; creativity; inclusive growth;
science, technology and innovation
67
C5. Building bridges for interdisciplinary and inter-
institutional collaboration to enhance entrepreneurship
development through public and private sector
partnerships: Case of Harare Polytechnic
Collence T. Chisita & Tafadzwa Mudondo
Harare Polytechnic
P.O. Box CY407, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe
ABSTRACT
With the current world recession and limited opportunities for formal employment for the
University graduates, it has become the norm to infuse entrepreneurial skills development in
all curricular ranging from pure to applied sciences. As the country makes strides to
reposition itself on the global knowledge economy, entrepreneurship has a key role to play in
reducing poverty and providing self-employment opportunities. There is growing recognition
of entrepreneurship as a viable policy response to graduate unemployment, for example many
institutions including Harare Polytechnic have infused entrepreneurship into their curricular,
thus training for both employment and self employment. This paper will explore the extent to
which interdisciplinary and inter- institutional collaboration in both pure and applied sciences
has helped to spur creativity and innovation amongst graduates. It will also investigate how
Public and Private sector Partnerships in Higher and Tertiary institutions are helping to create
mutual reciprocal relations between all stakeholders. The writers will explore the extent to
which entrepreneurship is helping to empower communities through community engagement
programmes, like, Integrated School outreach programmes (ISOP) and intrapreneurship
through departmental runned businesses .It will also seek to find out the extent of synergy
between science, engineering and innovation and entrepreneurship. The paper will also
consider the role of research and intellectual excellence as the basis for creativity and
innovation in Polytechnics.
Keywords: entrepreneurial skills development; self employment; community engagement;
creagement; parabiosis; social inclusion
68
C6. Aligning expectations of employers and graduates
with institutional curricula
Jonas A. S. Redwood-Sawyerr
Former Vice Chancellor and Principal
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and
Architecture, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
Mount Aureol, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Phone: +232 76 670 904
E-mail: jasredwood@usl.edu.sl; abiosehrs@gmail.com; jredwood_sawyerr@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
As universities strive to improve their quality assurance in the delivery of their academic
programmes, curriculum developers are constantly struggling with the problems of relevance
of their courses to the job market while ensuring that students wishing to pursue postgraduate
courses are fully equipped with the foundation that will ensure that transition is made
seamlessly. Their desire to fulfill both demands is often constrained by limited resources
available in these tertiary institutions that will fully meet the needs of the profession and
academia. With these constraints, modules such as entrepreneurship, project management and
soft skills required for an immediacy of productive employment in industry are often not
taught or when this is done they are usually very minimal. A questionnaire based survey
carried out in Sierra Leone, involving employers, lecturers and graduate employees, showed
that 57.15% of employers ranked the problem solving skills of their graduate employees as
reasonable, i.e. a grade of 2 on a 6 point scale where the sixth point was Don’t know. While
over 60 % of employers assigned a High to Very Good value to the degree awarded to their
employees, 35.71% felt their research and analytical skills were poor or low. Among the 13
skills sets listed as being desirable of their employees, Oral communications, Loyalty and
integrity, learning abilities, Field specific knowledge and initiative were ranked the highest by
78% of employers that correctly responded. The paper aims at further discussing this topic
within the context of the University of Sierra Leone and makes references to the wider
international situation with some concluding recommendations.
Keywords: aligning; employers; institutions; educational; curriculum; soft skills
69
C7. Science and engineering education and inclusive
growth in Nigeria: The missing link
Samuel O. Uniamikogbo
Department of Economics, Ambrose Alli University
Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
Phone: +23 48 033 910 920
E-mail: uniamikogbo@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Science and Engineering are fundamental factors of inclusive growth. No country can achieve
sustainable inclusive growth without substantial investment in appropriate science and
engineering education with particular reference to Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET). TVET is key to increased productivity and creativity, promotion of
entrepreneurship and youth development. Even the African Union’s Plan Action for the
Second Decade of Education (2006-2015), recognizes the importance of TVET as a means of
empowering individuals to take control of their lives and suggested its integration into the
general education system. However the needed effective synergy in this direction is lacking in
Nigeria. Educational institutions have failed to deliver research for innovations and skills for
inclusive growth due to disconnects between them and other skills and research users and
providers. National policy of ratio 60:40 in favour of science and engineering courses in terms
of students’ enrolment in the University system is currently 67:33 in favour of non-science
and non-engineering courses. TVET has become supply-driven and not demand-driven, with
the products lacking the required skills for self-employment and employment in the private
sector for inclusive growth and national development. The paper brought to the fore the need
for effective synergy of issues among which are the consideration of the disconnection
between the producers and users of the required skills and the deepening of the training
market through private sector partnership.
Keywords: inclusive growth; supply-driven; demand-driven; effective synergy
70
C8. The need for establishing national physical sciences
research institutes in Africa: The case of Kenya
G. O. Amolo, N. W. Makau & M. Z. Mapelu
Computational Materials Science Group, Department of Physics, University of Eldoret
P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
Phone: +254 729 401 249
E-mail: amolo@uoeld.ac.ke
ABSTRACT
The need for centralized and accessible state-of-the-art facilities in the physical sciences in
Africa and especially in Kenya is long overdue in the light of the grand plans of many African
countries like Kenya to attain industrialization in the next two decades. The impacts of the
biological and agricultural science institutions formed several decades back have been felt in
the Kenyan economy but could be much more if cross-cutting approaches to problem solving
with other disciplines are adopted. However, the physical sciences have generally lagged
behind. There is now an immediate need to form National Physical Sciences Research
Institutes (NPSRI) in Africa to support the needs of local industry and other research
institutions for the development of the respective countries as well as being a base for
innovation and technology. Experiences from the developed world indicate that it takes about
10 – 15 years to establish national laboratories and bring them to an international status. A
well equipped NPSRI would be ideal for postgraduate level training and also the attraction
and retention of skilled personnel from the international community as well as Africans living
permanently abroad, who would like to contribute to their countries national development.
The NPSRI would be expected to act as foci points of research and development in areas such
as Green Energy Production, Laser and Optical Technology, Computer modeling of Materials
Science and Epidemic Dynamics as well as other targeted and strategic areas of national
interest.
Keywords: national physical sciences research institutes; centralized facilities; economy;
impact of science; multidisciplinary; scientific work culture; priority and national strategic
areas
71
C9. Synergy between engineering, innovation and
entrepreneurship for high-end economic development
Madiha Kotb
ASME President
Two Park Avenue, NY 10016-5990, United States of America
Phone: 19 175 331 286
ABSTRACT
The links between Engineering, Innovation and Entrepreneurship have been determined to be
clear drivers of high-end economic development, quality of life improvements for people, and
the essential value-add that turns unsustainable raw-material economies into sustainable
product development economies. Challenged by weak systemic connection with industry and
commercial practice, traditional Engineering Education often lacks the perspective of
practicing engineers who are working at the forefront of new product development or with the
complex realities at the intersection of the environment, the market place and the public need.
Data from several research projects and the Engineering for the Americas initiative will be
presented showing cases how National and Regional Policies can help align educational
outcomes with workforce needs and how University curricula can be adapted to better serve
the needs of Industry, and by extension economic growth.
Keywords: engineering education; policy; industry; economic growth; life improvement
72
C10. Linking training in agriculture to agricultural
development in Africa
Anderson K. Kipkoech1, Aissetou Yaye
2, Sebastian Chakeredza
2 & James Aucha
2
1University of Eldoret
P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya 2African Network for Agriculture. Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education (ANAFE),
United Nations Avenue, Gigiri
P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 727 016 844
E-mail: akkipkoech@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Agriculture remains the main economic activity, contributing up to 30% of the GDP of the
majority of African countries. There is an opportunity to increase the contribution by the
agricultural sector through improving production efficiency and ensuring that production is
carried out at the economic optimal points. The subsistence nature of production influences
the farm household decision making to focus more on food security and not income
maximization. Agricultural graduates will be relied upon to provide the critical boost to
agricultural development through developing agribusinesses and improving the efficiency,
thereby enhancing demand and supply for the African agricultural produce. A study
commissioned by the African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources
(ANAFE) aimed at evaluating the training in agriculture in African Universities in order to
recommend ways to enhance graduate agribusiness enterprises, to improve the teaching and
learning of agribusiness and to up-scale innovations in the sector. The study involved a series
of individual and focus group interviews involving staff and students in the Faculties teaching
agricultural disciplines in Universities in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and Zambia. Results show
that the majority of the respondents (81.9%) attained an equivalent of second class honours
(upper and lower divisions) while 7.3% attained first class (distinction). Male students
performed better than their female counterparts. Most of the agricultural graduates work in
their countries of birth. There was a decreasing demand for agricultural training compared to
other disciplines. Employers of agricultural graduates found new graduates to be deficient of
innovative ideas and practical experience. The study recommends that agricultural training
should take place in an experiential learning platform. Modernizing training in agriculture
will address the low demand for agricultural training. Strengthening the role of a professional
body for agriculture will help in developing agriculture as a profession and attract more
students to the agricultural disciplines for training.
Keywords: agribusiness; training; universities; innovation
73
C11. Role of men in women’s STEM education
Pius Kamau, MD
President, African American Higher Education Partnerships
1411 South Potomac Street, Suite 320, Aurora, Colorado 80012, USA
E-mail: kamaupk@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Women must be part of the scientific fabric if Africa is to take its legitimate place among the
world's nations. Sadly the numbers of African women graduating in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics remains small. New methods must be devised to boost numbers
of women at the PhD level joining the ranks of research scientists in Africa. Our group
AAHEP - Africa America Higher Education Partnerships - is made up of a majority of men
scientists and believes that we need to recruit more male scientists to become advocates for
the entry of women into the scientific world - especially PhDs. Our experience shows us that
many young African women are easily discouraged; they find many obstacles on their way to
blazing stellar scientific trails. The job of mentoring must fall on African men and women of
good will - who must actively recruit each other - to remove these obstacles.
Keywords: STEM; education; women; PhD; AAHEP
74
C12. The education we want: Youth African vision
Janice da Graça
AIMS SIDS Youth Network
Mindelo, Cape Verde
Phone: +238 959 8609
E-mail: janicesoraia@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This essay is guided by the following research question: "What is the youth African
perspective about the challenges faced in the educational system and what opportunities are
present in the socio-cultural context of Africa that can improve our educational system in
order to have a system prepared to participate in the build of active citizens in the process of
sustainable development?”. Therefore, the aim is to share the current vision of youth people in
the African countries about the challenges we face in the educational system that can impact
the development of the African countries and suggest new directions, partnerships and
synergies. This paper explores the perspective of youth from Cape Verde, São Tomé and
Principe, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, collected in local and
regional meetings organized to receive inputs to create a participative view of the future we
want and the post 2015 international agenda. The main objective of this essay is to share the
youth perspective about the education seen like a vector of sustainable development, by
valuing of concepts such as education for autonomy, change, democracy, creativity,
entrepreneurship environment, health, economic citizenship, women, interculturalism,
solidarity and development, resulting in a contemporary education system able to work for a
creative, socially and environmentally conscious generation of future leaders.
Keywords: education; sustainable development; youth
75
C13. Nanotechnology applied in water purification for
removal of metal and persistent organic pollutants
J. Catherine Ngila
Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg
P.O Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
Phone: +27 115 596 196; +27 716 320 106
Fax: +27 115 596 425
E-mail: jcngila@uj.ac.za; jcngila2002@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Water pollution is an intractable global environmental problem that emanates from increased
anthropogenic activities. The activities include processing, agricultural, mining,
manufacturing, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries. They lead to the release of raw and
partly treated toxic wastes as effluents or leachates, which find their way into both surface and
groundwater. Another major challenge is the world population expected to double by the year
2050. It is projected that half of the population will not get adequate water. As the scarcity of
water and pollution awareness increases, the use of bottled water from vendors is on the
increase but this is both expensive and unsustainable. Therefore remediation measures for
pollutant removal using efficient low cost innovative methods of purification are inevitable.
The current concern is the presence of several types of metal ions and organic contaminants in
treated effluents as well as in treated drinking water. We have developed a nanotechnology
based on filters for water treatment using natural polymers such as chitin, lignin and cellulose.
These biopolymers that have been modified to improve their performance in removing water
pollutants. The biopolymers were processed through spinning to produce nanofibers with
superior functionalities compared to their starting raw materials. We applied the filters
developed in our laboratories; in real water samples collected from river water and industrial
wastewater and found them to compare favorably with the commercial sorbents when applied
in river water and industrial wastewater.
Keywords: water treatment; nanotechnology; nanofibers; biopolymers; trace metals;
persistent organic pollutants
76
D. ABSTRACTS FOR SUB-THEME 4
Science, technology, and innovation policies for sustainable
development of Africa
SPEAKERS
1. Joseph Obofoni Odigure
Need for national networks of African Network of Scientific
2. Francis C. Ezeonu
Setting the agenda for toxicology research in Africa
3. Wilson Okaka
The role of university, science, technology outreach policy in communicating
sustainable development
4. Victor Konde
Practices and hurdles for the transfer of publicly funded technology in Africa: The
case of Ghana, Kenya and Zambia
5. Okelola, O. E. & Ariyo, O. C.
Economics analysis for sustainable cassava production in Ikwo local government area
of Ebonyi State, Nigeria
77
D1. Need for national networks of African Network of
Scientific and Technological Institutions
Joseph Obofoni Odigure
Covenant University, Chemical Engineering Department, Ota, Nigeria
Phone: +23 48 033 787 849
E-mail: josephodigure@yahoo.com; josephodigure@futminna.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
The ultimate development objective of African Network Scientific Technological Institutions
(ANSTI) is to strengthen the region’s capacity for training, research and establishing services
for intensive and purposeful utilization of science, engineering and technology for
development. The specific objective is to support the process of human resource capacity
building in relevant areas of Science, Engineering and Technology (ANSTI Strategic Plan
2007-2011). An observation of my participation in COVIDSET 2007 was the visible
uncoordinated participation of the Nigerian and other national delegates. Conceptualization,
implementation and management of policies among the Nigerian Universities have being
largely individualistic; with limited collaboration at the CVC and Unions levels. The 21st
century education will be defined by how governments are able to control synergy between
HEIs and industries. An attempt to form Nigerian ANSTI was promoted immediately after the
COVIDSET 2007. The inaugural meeting with 34 Universities, Governmental Agencies and
Private Industries was held on May, 2008. The process is today comatose because of
ownership. ANSTI strategic objectives need to be expounded to include formation of national
networks. Bi-annual meetings are not effective promoters; national networks should be
established to drive the vision and mission of ANSTI.
Keywords: ANSTI; visibility; national networks
78
D2. Setting the agenda for toxicology research in Africa
Francis C. Ezeonu
Dept. of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Awka, Nigeria
Phone: +23 48 036 686 326; +23 47 087 720 000
E-mail: fc.ezeonu@unizik.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
Industrialization and global international trade has enormously increased the burden of
poisons in Africa. Poverty, poor governance, political instability, corruption, unplanned
urbanization, overpopulation, disease, war, and armed conflict further exacerbate public and
environmental health issues. The consequence is that the entire biosphere in Africa – the air,
the water, the land, the food and feeding stuffs are all troubled and diseases once alien to the
continent have crept in devastating our people. Health conditions hitherto alien to Africa is
here with us today. Unfortunately most African countries lack the resources and human
capacity needed to conduct relevant studies on human exposure and health risk assessment.
Consequently these countries lack quality environmental management and regulatory
decisions. Largely, therefore the story of poisons in African is told more from the perspective
of outsiders, foreigners and those in the diaspora. This paper reviews key issues and
perspectives of toxicological research in Africa, discusses the implication of lack of
institutional platform and infrastructural framework for toxicological sciences as well as the
limitations of outsiders setting agenda for toxicological and public health issues for the
continent. The paper reviews the current trends in educational curriculum and research in
toxicological sciences in the continent and suggests ways forward.
Keywords: human exposure; risk assessment; toxicology research; toxicology curriculum
79
D3. The role of university science technology outreach
policy in communicating sustainable development
Wilson Okaka
Coordinator, Research and Education Network for Uganda, Kyambogo University
P.O. Box 29, Kyambogo, Uganda
Phone: +256 782 588 846
E-mail: okaka.wilsonprof@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The paper highlights how science technology innovation (STI) outreaches make the relevance
of university STIs felt by the local communities in Africa. The aims are to: present an
overview of the current status of outreach approaches by East African universities; discuss
effective community STI outreach communication; explain the challenges and prospects of
STI outreaches; outline the key enablers of effective outreaches in the region; and explain
how to infuse outreaches into university STI. There is very low diffusion of university STI
outreaches in the target communities; ineffective outreaches; very low and shallow awareness
of STI outreaches in most communities; weak or lack of specific university outreach polices;
lack of adequate budget support; low access to ICT applications, and poor university research
dissemination culture. STI outreaches are hindered by very weak capacity, limited or wrong
approaches, uncoordinated planning and implementation, lack of sustainability, and field
motivations. The strategy should design participatory approaches to: community STI research
activities; infusion of outreaches into research and education curricula; policy awareness
communication strategy, use of ICTs for early adoption and diffusion STIs for lasting social,
economic, environmental, and policy for sustainable development in Africa.
Keywords: Africa; communication; innovation; outreach; policy; science technology
80
D4. Practices and hurdles for the transfer of publicly
funded technology in Africa: The case of Ghana, Kenya
and Zambia
Dr. Victor Konde
New Technologies and Innovation Section (NITS), Special Initiatives Division (SID), United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
P.O. Box 3001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
E-mail: VKonde@uneca.org
ABSTRACT
The study unveils some of the major hurdles impeding the transfer of publicly funded
technology in Africa by examining the current technology transfer practices and performances
of publicly funded R&D institutions. A pilot survey of selected top R&D institutions in
Ghana, Kenya and Zambia was undertaken to understand the key practice, challenges and
mechanisms, policies and resources put in place to transfer technologies to market. The study
identifies four key challenges that hinder technology commercialization in the target
countries, they include: (1.) Lack of funding for technology commercialization, (2.) R&D
centres do not prioritize commercialization as one of their core activities, (3.) Lack of clear
technology commercialization guidelines, and (4.) Limited private sector interest in R&D
centres. Other key impediments to technology transfer include the limited (in some cases
dwindling) numbers of multidisciplinary teams, absence of key support services in R&D
institutions and poor understanding of markets for R&D products. In general, a R&D center in
the three countries has fewer scientists with the appropriate level of qualifications, a narrow
funding base, extensive but informal collaborative arrangements, limited critical resources in
terms of skills, platforms/networks and funds for technology commercialization, unclear
institutional guidelines for technology commercialization and limited private sector
participation. Policy makers may wish to encourage R&D centers to put in place adequate
measures to ensure research outputs are successfully transferred to the user. These could
include adopting national technology transfer policies, provision of incentives for successful
transfer of technology to the productive sector and encouraging the participation of key
industry players in the activities of R&D centers.
Keywords: technology transfer; innovation; commercialization; publicly-funded; research
and development
81
D5. Economics analysis for sustainable cassava
production in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State,
Nigeria
Okelola, O. E. 1
& Ariyo, O. C. 2
Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu,Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna State
Phone: +234 703 356 5400
E-mail: femijimi@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study reveals the economics of cassava production in Ikwo local government area of
Ebonyi state, Nigeria. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) farmers were randomly
selected through a randomized sampling technique from cassava growing area in the study
area. The aim of this study is to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava
farmers, to determine the profitability of cassava farmers and to identify the constraint
encountered by these farmers. The results of this study show that the male farmers constitute a
higher percentage (66.7%) than the female farmers (33.3%). It was also discovered that most
of the respondents are married (58.3%), having a household size ranging from 12-17 persons.
The following socioeconomic variables that influence output using double log as the lead
equation were significant at different levels of probability (1% and 5%), gender (5%), marital
status (1%), educational level (1%) and labour (1%). The gross margin for cassava production
is #144,000.00, while the net farm income is #77,500.00, which shows that cassava
production is profitable and sustainable in the study area.
Keywords: economics; cassava; farmers; profitability
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