NEWSLETTER #51 - SOCIETY OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENTISTS

 

Volume 13, Issue 2,  April - June 2024

 

CONTENT

Chair's Foreword

Twelve Years a Learned Society: A Review of the Society of African Earth Scientists Impact on Science Information and Knowledge in Africa 2012-2024

Earth Science Events

References and selected reading

 

Chair's Foreword*

In April this year, we celebrated twelve years in existence. If we wish to symbolically connect this number to anything mathematically significant, it is apt to note the correspondence with the Ishango Bone's alleged number base of 12 (in past studies)! The bone is, after all, the subject of Society of African Earth Scientists (SAES)'s most prominent of several publications on the pan african digital archive (AfricArxiv). 

   In the twelve years since its launch on 26th April 2012, the Society of African Earth Scientists has impacted on science knowledge and information in Africa, not least, through its newsletter format and platform. In the current issue we review this impact on African scientific advancement in more detail as a spur for our continued work. The Society strives to make continued positive impact in line with its aims: to foster the sharing of knowledge, skills and experience that support African development. 

   Specifically, the work of SAES in the past 12 years has seen the society deliver workshops - online and in-person in various countries; advance scientific knowledge through its published contributions to the pan-African digital archive; launch an innovative Youth Science Program; support the proactive African response to climate change through its focus on renewable energy (particularly solar) and also promote sustainable development.

Twelve Years a  Learned Society: A Review of the Society of African Earth Scientists Impact on Science Information and Knowledge  in Africa 2012 - 2024

The  Society of African Earth Scientists in its first twelve years in existence made an impact on African scientific information and knowledge advancement through its publications, workshops, climate and sustainability conference, and other activities.

   In its remit, The Society has recognized Africa's basic needs for clean water and sanitation, sustainable energy (particularly renewable energy), sustainable  agriculture and food production as well as land and soil conservation and climate events  monitoring and reporting. This has over the years been translated into periodic newsletters, training workshops and seminars covering these areas.

Research and Publications: Contributions to Advancing Scientific Knowledge  and Understanding in Africa 

The Society has published over fifty newsletters. As well as this, the research and publication of four papers contributed by Society of African Earth Scientists to the pan African digital archive, AfricArxiv, and in particular, the research and publication of its paper on the Ishango Bone [1], is a rewarding achievement for the Society that will hopefully spur it on to more research. The paper proves that the Ishango Bone, an ancient artifact discovered in Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa,  is not just a tool, but is probably a mathematical sieve for revealing the small prime numbers.  If this is definitely the case, then central Africans discovered prime numbers 19,700 years before the Greek sieve of Eratosthenes. This is a remarkable discovery that elevates the status of Africa's contribution to world knowledge and history, and brings young Africans a sense of self pride that will encourage more towards the pursuit of mathematics as a subject of interest.

   Another of SAES's significant publications is its paper on land grabbing ("Earth Water and Justice" [2]) urging African governments to take note of the environmental and social impacts of land grabbing; and the obligations to current and future generations.

   SAES has contributed four research papers to AfricArxiv, a new pan-African digital archive that aims to make new African research more accessible to a global audience. By means of this contribution the Society has assisted in elevating the status and respect for African science research on the world stage as well as encouraging further African science research and development.

Promotion of Renewable Energy in Africa and Beyond through Workshops in Solar Photovoltaics 

The Society has delivered solar energy workshops in Nigeria, Ghana and London, UK aimed at equipping participants with the skills to establish their own stand-alone solar electric systems. 

   In the workshop events cited, the aim was to ignite a dynamic in which more and more Africans would become aware of the feasibility to exploit solar as a source of power in their households, and gain skills that might lead them to employment or business opportunities. In the future vision, the hope would be to deliver many renewable energy workshops in many African states; this might foster interstate collaboration on the subject area.

Establishing an Innovative Youth Science Programme: Patrice Lumumba African Youth Science Project 

The Society launched an innovative Youth Science project (Patrice Lumumba African Youth Science Project) by delivering an online training workshop in solar energy. The online format will enable communities in  every region of Africa to access the training. This is particularly advantageous for remote communities who cannot access in-person attendance to training workshops.

   The programme will also serve to promote knowledge and skills in renewable energy among young Africans, equipping them with the skills to further their employment and job creation opportunities.

Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Africa - The role of Geoparks

In May 2022 SAES held an online international meeting on Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Africa, with Dr Enas Ahmed outlining the opportunities in employing geoparks  to promote sustainable tourism, conservation and education. 

  This event demonstrated that SAES advocates for innovative approaches to African problems by highlighting the opportunities in geoparks, despite some reservations, because these will harness the continent's unique heritage of cultural and natural resources towards sustainable development. The Society's efforts in taking innovative approcahes to the changing African climate and environment are vital in the continent's need of voices to address the climate challenge. We note in passing that by taking these approaches, the Society is also contributing to the wider  aim of achieving the UN SDGs (United Nations Strategic Development Goals) for Africa.

Establishing a Potential Future Science Hub in Owerri Town, Nigeria

Last and not least, the Society has established its head office address on Tetlow Road in Owerri Town, which is now listed as a scientific institution in Nigeria. 

   This is a significant move which affords the Society the opportunity to establish a scientific hub and physical space where scientists can meet, connect and collaborate. It also creates a model for other parts of Africa to emulate in proliferating science institutions on the continent.

Earth Science Events

April  25-27, 2024

International Conference  on Geotechnical Engineering

VISION:  https://www.icge24.com

VENUE: Hammamet, Tunisia

May 15-18, 2024

6th Euro-Mediterranean Conference  for Environmental Integration

VISION:  https://waset.org/geophysics-and-dynamic-tectonics-conference-in-may-2024-in-algiers

VENUE: Marrakesh, Morocco

October  6-9, 2024

XVIII African Regional Conference  on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

VISION:  https://algeos-dz.com/18ARC.html

VENUE: Hammamet, Tunisia

References and selected reading

[1] Kamalu, C., The Ishango Bone: The World's First Mathematical Sieve and Table of the Small Prime Numbers, AfricArxiv, 21 February 2021. Society of African Earth Scientists.

[2] Kamalu, Chukwunyere. EARTH, WATER & JUSTICE: A Note by the Society of African Earth Scientists on the Environmental Effects of Land Grabbing, AfricArXiv, 3 May, 2023. doi:10.31730/osf.io/u5t23. Society of African Earth Scientists.

*Board of the Society of African Earth Scientists: Dr Enas Ahmed (Egypt), Osmin Callis (Secretary - Guyana/Nigeria), Mathada Humphrey (South Africa), Ndivhuwo Cecilia Mukosi (South Africa), Damola Nadi (Nigeria), Dr Chukwunyere Kamalu (Chair - Nigeria).

NEWSLETTER #50 -SOCIETY OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENTISTS

 

Volume 13, Issue 1,  January - March 2024

CONTENT

Chair's Foreword

The Great Green Wall of Africa: Hope for the Future Economy of a Youthful Independent Africa?

Earth Science Events

References and selected reading

Chair's Foreword*

This quarter we visit the topic of the Great Green Wall of Africa - a project set to become the Earth's largest living wonder. An 8,000 mile wall of trees (on the face of it) that will improve soil fertility, sequester carbon, restore degraded landscapes, and improve employment prospects for young Africans.

   This was the vision. In the current article we report on the outcomes so far.

The Great Green Wall: Hope for a Youthful Independent Africa

The Great Green Wall of Africa, first proposed by the then president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and former president of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade  in 2007 [1] is referred to in Nigerian Federal Government literature as the"Great Green Wall, GGW"[2]. It is a project that was adopted by the African Union in 2007 primarily to halt desertification, mitigate climate warming by sequestering carbon and restoring degraded landscapes, among bringing many other associated benefits[3]. 

In various online articles, it was claimed that the Sahara desert had increased in size by an alarming 10% in the past 100 years. However, a more recent report in the National Geographic posits that the Sahara desert is a very stable ecosystem, which is largely unchanged[4].

   Originally, the planned dimensions of the Great Green Wall  were to be 15 km wide and a length that spanned 7,775 km across the Sahelian belt of Africa from  Djibouti in the east to Senegal in the west of Africa, across the territories of at least 22 nations who are now part of the project.[5]. The project aims to create a diversity of landscapes that are green and productive; that is, improving the environment, food security and even boosting opportunities in local employment. The effect will also be a positive impact on environmental change towards landscapes with increased vegetation and therefore more regional rainfall and resilience to drought; as increased vegetation cover leads to greater atmospheric moisture through evaporation and hence cloud formation.

   The primary objective of the project is to achieve these outcomes through the planting of a wall of trees across this 8,000 km belt; whilst at the same time implementing sustainable land management practices.

    This includes not only planting trees and vegetation, but also water harvesting, soil conservation, the rearing of cattle as part of the whole package to improve local soil fertility, local farming and sustainable land management. This has been so far achieved with the invaluable input of local communities who employ their indigenous knowledge in the process with good results. There are numerous past examples in Burkina Faso[6], Ethiopia etc of African indigenous technology employed to maintain the fertility of the soil, preserve soil and moisture through an arsenal of indigenous techniques; including terracing, stone-lines,  planting pits, check dams, stone bunds, planting nitrogen fixing trees such as acasia for the soil, and so on[7]. In past studies indigenous techniques were found to increase food production.

   In the seventeen years since the African Union launched the Great Green Wall it is estimated that only 4% of the wall has been established. Setbacks have possibly occurred  due to regional climate change and conflicts. But decision making African Union officials have not viewed it as a priority[8]. It has not been a project motivated internally by drawing together intra-African resources. Rather it seems the AU as a body waits on foreign donations and investment, without which no internal vision or drive would progress the project - and the project would fail. Some report it is already failing[9]

    Certain parts of the GGW are reported to have had more success. In Senegal desertification and land degradation has been arrested and the project has served to improve the livelihoods of local communities in the region sometimes by local initiatives, including individuals tired of seeing no progress on the much vaunted project, and taking it upon themselves to plant trees and vegetation along the wall; and sometimes with a mix of partners including both local communities and local/international NGOs and nonprofits working together. According to Ecosia, by September 2021 Senegal had planted 1.4 million trees over an area of 50,000 hectares, and restored  300 hectares. The success of Burkina Faso is perhaps founded on historical farming successes. It is recorded that 15 million trees were planted and 14,137 hectares (34,930 acres) of degraded land was restored. Nearer to the eastern end of the wall, Ethiopia planted almost 10 million trees and restored over 3600 hectares (over 8,900 acres).[10]

    What in conclusion is our overview on the GGW project? Well, on the face of it, it is a grand idea to build what could be an addition to the wonders of the world by 2030; the worlds largest living infrastructure, with potential for soil revitalisation, climate mitigation and so on. Ambitious plans[11] quote figures of restoring 100 million hectares of degraded land; creating 10 million "green jobs", growing fertile soil, etc. However, it is not easy to dismiss that although the project has some bright spots, it is diminishing overall. To an extent, the lack of dynamism behind the project makes it appear leaderless or rudderless. Earlier it was noted that it has not been a project motivated internally by drawing together intra-African resources. The AU as a body appears to wait on foreign investment. Despite being led by the African Union Commission and a Pan-African agency for the Great Green Wall, the lack of dynamism gives the impression of a free for all with foreign agencies and non-profits able to parachute in along any point of the wall to promote their own work and attract more donations from the public as  a result of  the prestige of the project. 

   Perhaps it is fortunate, if not a little embarrassing, that at least by this unguided means  the random end result (we hope) is the completion and establishment of the wall in our lifetimes. Also, at least in theory, the opportunities are open to all Africans including from the Diaspora with the requisite skills to intercede and to contribute in a similar vein; but with the principled approach of working together with local communities along the wall to deliver the project. 

   On the other hand why should Africans accept the unsatisfactory state of the project when it could significantly improve the quality of millions of lives? It is right to challenge the African Union Commission and Pan-African Agency for the Great Green Wall to do better: For instance, they should look to

1) hire more personnel with a passion for the project to steer  and guide it, rather  relying on  disinterested AU officials. To some extent this has happened. But reports persist of the project being hampered by the lack of priority to the wall given by AU officials,

2) provide more robust leadership with a more dynamic indigenously driven plan that garners intra-African support,

3) dedicate a team to identifying and ensuring the delivery of all of the economic and social benefits of the project.

Some of the above criticism may appear unwarranted. But in attempting to address these perceived shortcomings cited here and in previous reports, there is at least a greater chance of ensuring achievement of what the Great Green Wall was set out to deliver for Africa.

Earth Science Events

April  25-27, 2024

International Conference  on Geotechnical Engineering

VISION:  https://www.icge24.com

VENUE: Hammamet, Tunisia

May 15-18, 2024

6th Euro-Mediterranean Conference  for Environmental Integration

VISION:  https://waset.org/geophysics-and-dynamic-tectonics-conference-in-may-2024-in-algiers

VENUE: Marrakesh, Morocco

 

October  6-9, 2024

XVIII African Regional Conference  on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

VISION:  https://algeos-dz.com/18ARC.html

VENUE: Hammamet, Tunisia

References and selected reading

[1] "Get Africa's Great Green Wall back on track", Nature, Editorial, Nov., 2020.

[2] "Nigeria creates agency for Great Green Wall project". Premium Times Nigeria, 9 September 2014. Retrieved September 2019. 

[3] Great Green Wall Initiative | UNCCD ,  http://www.unccd.int/our-work/ggwi

[4] The Great Green Wall (nationalgeographic.org), http://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-green-wall

[5]  UNCCD, Op. cit. 

[6] Morrison, J., The Great Green Wall Did'nt Stop Desertification. But it Evolved into Something that Might, Smithsonian Magazine, Retrieved, 1 May 2021.

[7] International Fund for Agricultural Development, Soil and Water Conservation in Sub-saharan Africa, Rome, 1992.

[8]  Nature, op.cit.

[9] The Green Wall Project to Restore the African Sahara is Collapsing, Independent, 12 Dec., 2023.

[10] Regenerating Diverse Landscapes, Ecosia. Retrieved 2 July 2020

[11] UNCCD, Op. cit.

*Board of the Society of African Earth Scientists: Dr Enas Ahmed (Egypt), Osmin Callis (Secretary - Guyana/Nigeria), Mathada Humphrey (South Africa), Ndivhuwo Cecilia Mukosi (South Africa), Damola Nadi (Nigeria), Dr Chukwunyere Kamalu (Chair - Nigeria).

NEWSLETTER #49 - SOCIETY OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENTISTS

 

Volume 12, Issue 4,  October - December 2023

CONTENT

Chair's Foreword

Decolonising African Science and Technology?

Earth Science Events

References and selected reading

Chair's Foreword*

This quarter saw the loss of a most loyal and supportive friend of the Society in the wonderful incarnation in this life of Claire Shepherd. We dedicate this issue to her beloved memory, on a topic I know would be dear to her heart: decolonisation - but as applied to science and technology. The photo featured for our article this quarter was taken by Claire herself, and is an example of how over the years she has supported the work of the Society.

Launch of the Society of African Earth Scientists at Africa Centre, London 26th April, 2012

Decolonising African Science and Technology?

It appears that this quarter we are contemplating social phenomena or events that work their way naturally into scientific discourse, or at least the way in which it is presented and accessed; or sometimes, in the manner in which unchallenged dogma underpinned by  racism and colonial attitudes must be re-evaluated and done away with.

   "Decolonisation" is a terminology that has emerged into the public discourse and consciousness. In the wake of the brutal murder of George Floyd in 2020 in public view globally, a re-evaluation has been demanded of all systems that oppress and disadvantage black/African/indigenous people. This wave of decolonisation has rippled through such areas as education, with some English schools choosing to decolonise their curriculum, by making contributions of all cultures appreciated [1], [2]  and included in areas such as maths history. In philanthropy the example occurs of the Lankelly Chase Foundation[3] that re-examined its role in giving aid and decided to close and disburse all its funds to charities, rather than continue to perpetuate a colonial legacy.

   Inevitably, science and technology has had to fall under the same spotlight of scrutiny and re-evaluation. As part of a decolonise science project, a team of professional African science communicators called Science Link, have compiled summaries of prominent or popular papers  from the new pan-African digital archive, AfricArxiv,  including the paper "The Ishango Bone: The World's First Known Mathematical Sieve and Table of the Small Prime Numbers" first published by the Society of African Earth Scientists  in December 2020 [4]  and currently enjoying growing popularity, with well over 2000 downloads of the paper being made to date from the AfricArxiv  online portal since its publication there in February 2021. The paper has also enjoyed distribution via popular African media outlets, such as Msingi Afrika Magazine [4a].

   The dynamics and momentum to decolonise science in Africa has to an extent always been present, particularly in the drive to adopt appropriate technology to African needs. However, this movement has gained much greater pace since the events of 2020. A veritable global movement which included protests by groups such as Black Lives Matter and sometimes other fringe movements, toppled public monuments around the globe [5]; made demands in the Caribbean (Barbados, Jamaica) for reparations and dissociation from the monarchy of England [6], [7]. All this forms the backdrop to the inevitable influence of social events on the manner in which science is communicated,

   In the quest for decolonising African Science and Technology, initiatives like Science Link play an important role. By compiling summaries of current research [8], they enhance accessibility to African research fostering global understanding and collaboration particularly among African diaspora scientists.  The inception of the AfricArxiv digital archive in 2018 marks a significant stride, providing a platform for the dissemination of  indigenous knowledge.

   A key concern to be addressed is the inequity highlighted by the fee imposed on African contributors by European publishers as in the example of  the Journal of African Earth Sciences. For example, Elsevier, the European publishing house that produces the Journal, charges a fee of $2650 to publish [9]. Eliminating such economic barriers is essential for creating an inclusive environment that will also nurture  youth innovation and job creation opportunities for young African scientists. Not only is the fee charged to publish, but copies of papers sell at $50 each. This makes articles in this journal inaccessible to most African students and researchers.

   The decolonisation of African science and technology is more than simply a question of access. It requires a redefinition of power imbalances and dynamics; acknowledging African perspectives and the value of indigenous technologies; dismantling dogmas and systematic biases influenced by a jaundiced view of African peoples and their capabilities.

   The collaborative effort of platforms like AfricArxiv and advocates for equitable science publishing practices are important steps towards a scientific landscape, more suited to African needs and progress.

   Finally, as the discussions are on decolonisation, we must close with a question posed on  Congo on the Society's social media: How can we employ the scientific heritage of the Congo to benefit its people; how can we use the fact that Congo is the oldest home of mathematics (of the prime numbers) [10] to draw attention to the need to halt the exploitation of Congolese people and the continued terrible colonial and neo-colonial legacy of exploitation of the Congo?

Earth Science Events

March 25-26, 2024

International Conference  on Geophysics & Dynamic Tectonics

VISION:  https://waset.org/geophysics-and-dynamic-tectonics-conference-in-may-2024-in-algiers

VENUE: Algiers, Algeria

 

April  25-27, 2024

International Conference  on Geotechnical Engineering

VISION:  https://www.icge24.com

VENUE: Hammamet, Tunisia

May 15-18, 2024

6th Euro-Mediterranean Conference  for Environmental Integration

VISION:  https://waset.org/geophysics-and-dynamic-tectonics-conference-in-may-2024-in-algiers

VENUE: Marrakesh, Morocco

 

October  6-9, 2024

XVIII African Regional Conference  on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

VISION:  https://algeos-dz.com/18ARC.html

VENUE: Hammamet, Tunisia

References and selected reading

[1] Denise Miller, Shone Surendran and Emma Towers. Decolonising the school curriculum: a special feature. London Review of Education. 2023. Vol. 21(1). DOI: 10.14324/LRE.21.1.06

[2] 'White guilt on its own won't fix racism': decolonising Britain's schools | Education | The Guardian

[3] https://lankellychase.org.uk/news/lankelly-chase-to-wholly-redistribute-its-assessts-over-the-next-five-years/

[4]  THE ISHANGO BONE: The World's First Known Mathematical Sieve and Table of the Small Prime Numbers (lay summary) · Decolonising Scientific Writing for Africa (pubpub.org)

[4a] Kamalu, C. , The Ishango Bone, Msingi Afrika Magazine, March 2021, https://www.msingiafrikamagazine.com/tag/the-ishango-bone/

[5]  https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200612-black-lives-matter-protests-why-are-statues-so-powerful

[6]  Barbados Is Ready to Break With the Queen—Here’s Why (foreignpolicy.com)

[7] Jamaica could be the first Commonwealth nation to remove King Charles as head of state - ABC News

[8] The Ishango Bone, op. cit.

[9]https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-african-earth-sciences/publish/open-access-options

[10] The Ishango Bone, op. cit.

*Board of the Society of African Earth Scientists: Dr Enas Ahmed (Egypt), Osmin Callis (Secretary - Guyana/Nigeria), Mathada Humphrey (South Africa), Ndivhuwo Cecilia Mukosi (South Africa), Damola Nadi (Nigeria), Dr Chukwunyere Kamalu (Chair - Nigeria).