What Kenya’s government can do to protect, and benefit from, ocean resources
Kenya can explore at least four key actions, based on past commitments and institutional structures, to transform the economic future of its oceans.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
Conflicting laws keep Nigeria’s electricity supply unreliable
The centralised regulation of electric power in Nigeria is stalling progress in the sector. To achieve stable power supply, the country must obey its constitution and decentralise regulation.
Growing more plants and trees can cut down the heat in Nigerian cities
Greening cities have a huge impact. The trees go beyond just lowering temperatures. They help decrease the demand for indoor cooling like air-conditioners saving money.
Why flooding in Nigeria is an increasingly serious problem
Heavy rains, poor and clogged drainage systems have made many towns and cities in Nigeria susceptible to massive flooding.
Conservation versus profit: South Africa’s ‘unique’ game offer a sobering lesson
Rare colour variants of hunted African species have been known for a long time. Trophy hunters seeking novelty might pay more to hunt these unusually coloured animals.
New study: pesticides increase extinction risk for bumblebee populations
Exposure to neonicotinoids could lead to fewer bumblebee colonies, less pollination, and ultimately to population extinctions.
Fences are an increasing threat to Africa’s migratory wildlife
Many mammals depend on large areas and trans-boundary conservation for their survival. When this is obstructed it can have a catastrophic impact on animal populations.
Forest conservation approaches must recognise the rights of local people
Conservationists need to assess costs which allow for the adequate compensation of communities on protected lands, whose livelihoods are deeply entwined with forest use.
Why controlling rats on small-scale African farms is vital for food security
Agricultural pests are one of the key factors affecting small holder farmer production. Focus is normally put on invertebrate pests, but rodents can do severe damage to crops as well.
Africa’s cities face unique risks. What can be done to manage them?
Most African cities are expensive, informal and non-industrial. This has produced unique socioeconomic and environmental risks that must be carefully considered in policy development.
What’s driving Cape Town’s water insecurity, and what can be done about it
Early warning signs of a pending drought are difficult to recognise but cities will have to be better prepared for prolonged changes in weather patterns, so that it can respond quickly.
What camera traps tell us about elephants eating crops
Elephants feeding on crops poses a challenge to their coexistence with humans. Farmers must introduce strategies to reduce losses and avoid lethal action against the endangered species.
The global food system still benefits the rich at the expense of the poor
Global food system issues can be traced to colonial history. It's time food production became more sustainable so that it meets the needs of people - equally.
Lifting the lid on how frogs find their way to foreign lands
Invasive frogs can have a major impact on the environment. Some move continents by human trade or travel. But determining how to control them can lead to policies that limit their spread and effects.
Goldfinches need protection – migrating songbirds might be vanishing from North Africa
The European goldfinch, with its wonderful coloration and melodic singing, is a favoured pet for people living in the western Maghreb. But continued poaching is putting the species in danger.
Cheetahs often don’t thrive in captivity. We set out to find out why
Captivity isn't kind to cheetahs where most develop diseases that are unusual in big cats. It's never been clear why this is the case, but understanding their metabolism might provide the answer.
Why adopting biodegradable plastic bags in Kenya may not work
High costs, poor performance, a lack of manufacturing capabilities and local perceptions prevent biodegradable bags from taking root in Kenya.
Snakebites still exact a high toll in Africa. A shortage of antivenoms is to blame
The best cure against a snakebite is to avoid being bitten at all. Here is what you need to know about snakebites, antivenom, and what you need to do if bitten.
Why deeper insights into the Agulhas Current can shed light on climate patterns
The Agulhas Current plays a critical role in global ocean circulation that influences climatic conditions across the world.
Maputo’s residents can now use gas. But dropping charcoal is proving hard
Gas is cheaper, but charcoal continues to be the fuel of choice for most households in Mozambique's capital.
What Cape Town can learn from Windhoek on surviving droughts
Windhoek can teach Cape Town on dealing with drought. Technology alone is not enough.
Explainer: unpacking the issues around fracking in South Africa
South Africa has been considering shale gas development in the Karoo region. The gas, will be expensive to explore and extract, will be used as part of the country's energy mix.
Foreign ‘conservation armies’ in Africa may be doing more harm than good
Protecting rhinos and fighting terrorism are both noble causes, but there isn't much evidence of a link between the two.
Africa’s tropical forests could be next in line as global food demand grows
There are rising concerns that rapid deforestation across the Amazon and Southeast Asia could spread to Africa. The continent hasn’t yet seen vast agricultural expansion but it could be on the way.
Droughts in East Africa: some headway in unpacking what’s causing them
It's very easy to assume climate change causes droughts, but they are complex extreme events that result from a combination of drivers.
Why the future of Africa’s forests and savannas is under threat
Forests and savannas are expected to be strongly affected in the coming decades by changing rainfall patterns. But land use will also have a major impact.
Water shortages in Cape Town are here to stay. What the city can learn from others
There is an increasing demand for water in cities like Cape Town. The current drought exacerbates this. But there are ways to use and save water sustainably.
Kenya should be focused on recycling, not banning plastic bags
The plastic bag ban doesn't consider the impact it will have on Kenya's economy or consider other environmental alternatives.
Cape Town needs a new approach to manage water
Building resilience in Cape Town's water sector will require addressing risks like climate change, drought and flooding. Stormwater and groundwater are tipped as potential solutions.
How badly implemented land reform can affect wildlife: a Zimbabwean case study
The land reform programme in Zimbabwe has come at the cost of wildlife and opens up the debate on people versus nature. But there is a way forward.
Demonstration farms can help revolutionise African agriculture
Demonstration farms are a key way in which new knowledge can be transferred to farmers around the world.
Nuclear and coal lobbies threaten to scupper renewables in South Africa
Eskom's stand threatens the viability of the entire renewable energy sector in South Africa, something which plays into the hands of those pro coal and nuclear.
Blocking out the sun to reduce global warming - an idea still in the making
Solar radiation management might be able to reduce some of the risks of global warming while countries get their emissions under control.
Africa’s got plans for a Great Green Wall: why the idea needs a rethink
Africa's great green wall suffers from a major mismatch between ambition and effort. But that's not to say it should be ditched altogether.
Why calling for a new climate deal isn’t such a bad idea
US President Donald Trump’s call to renegotiate the Paris Climate Accord is a fresh opportunity to craft a binding and enforceable agreement.
Invasive species
South Africa should sort out the bad from the really bad on its invasive species list
Regulating species in South Africa is difficult. But identifying those creating the greatest tension, would shift focus on the most destructive species.
Invasive species have a massive impact, but wise policy can keep them out
Developing countries have been slow to react to the alien species problem. Its impact can be massively reduced if policies are developed to deal with the issue.
Alien animals and plants are on the rise in Africa, exacting a growing toll
Many alien plants and animals have been introduced to Africa from other regions and spread from country to country, often having devastating effects.
Ocean crime
Organised crime in the fisheries sector starts to get the attention it deserves
Indonesia and South Africa are making strides against transnational organised fisheries crime.
Over-fishing is strangling a key protein source for West Africans
The fisheries sector in West Africa is beset with serious challenges including over-fishing and, in particular, illegal fishing.
Africa needs collaboration and support to tackle crime at sea
Crime on the ocean is not only about illegal fishing – it ranges from drug smuggling to human trafficking and modern-day slavery as well.
Bees
Meeting the dietary needs of honey bees is tough for South African beekeepers
Beekeeping cannot depend on a single forage source. This makes the business of ensuring bees have what they need to stay healthy a precarious business.
Poor nutrition may be another reason for the declining honey bee population
Nutrition is another factor - in addition to pesticides and bee disease - that has led to the dwindling of the global bee population.
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Climate and the G20 summit: some progress in greening economies, but more needs to be done
An expert report shows that the G20 countries are using their energy more efficiently. But there is still a long way to go.
How El Niño forecasts can help prevent cholera deaths in Africa
Cholera kills thousands every year but is treatable if it is caught early. Understanding how El Niño shifts cholera risks in Africa can help countries prepare for outbreaks and save lives.
Earthworms are more important than pandas (if you want to save the planet)
We focus on large, charismatic animals at the expense of these crucial 'lowly creatures'.
Galapagos giant tortoises make a comeback, thanks to innovative conservation strategies
The Galapagos Islands' giant tortoises are one of the world's best examples of evolution. Scientists are pioneering new conservation strategies to save them from extinction and restore their habitat.
South Africa’s water sector: a case study in state capture
Massive state capture activity is taking place in the South African water sector under the guise of radical economic transformation, threatening financial sustainability and water supply.
A fresh focus on new approaches to recycling tyres is needed
Used tyres pose a serious environmental challenge. So far, traditional recycling methods have proved insufficient to solve the problem. New, eco-friendy alternatives are now being explored.
Neonicotinoids linked to wild bee and butterfly declines in Europe and US
Two new studies have linked controversial pesticides neonicotinoides to wild bee and butterfly declines.
Beyond borders: Why we need global action to protect migratory birds
Migratory birds play key ecological roles. and connect us with nature. The 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty curbed overhunting, but birds face other threats today that require international solutions.
A 400-year-old shark is the latest animal discovery to reveal the secrets of long life
What are the oldest living animals on the planet?
Fears for blue tang fish spike in the wake of Finding Dory
Hollywood shirks its ethical responsibilities when it comes to vulnerable animal species.
Drought forecasting isn’t just about water – to get smart we need health and financial data too
Forecasting drought should be about more than weather – to help those likely to be hit hardest, we need financial and even health data too.
Madagascar’s unique ‘Spiny Forest’ is fast being turned into charcoal
Climate change and overfishing have destroyed livelihoods, so many locals have been forced into the forest.
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- Kenya should be focused on recycling, not banning plastic bags
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