SciDev.Net

After 2006's commitment to one per cent GDP spending on science, is Africa keeping up, falling behind or investing, asks Linda Nordling.

CGIAR reforms take research decisions too far away, says Hartmann, director-general of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Aid agencies, under pressure to prove their worth, should seize the opportunity to make spending more accountable, says Linda Nordling.

Pilot projects in India and Nigeria point to possible benefits of a new approach to agricultural innovation, say Andy Hall and Susanna Thorp.

Governments must do more to support research published in local journals and make it visible, says South African scientist, Wieland Gevers.

Moves to introduce biotechnology to Africa must consider the needs and values of local people, argues socioeconomist Wilhemina Quaye.

After decades of so-so attempts to harness Africa's scientific diaspora, a model for collaboration remains elusive, says Linda Nordling.

Science and technology minister Professor Romain Murenzi says science and technology will be at the heart of Rwanda's development strategies.

South Africa's new science minister will help boost science for development, says an editorial in the South African Journal of Science.

As Madagascar's political unrest continues, Linda Nordling asks what long-term effects it will have on the island's scientists.

Kenyans must use patents to protect their innovations and use local know-how to speed up discoveries, says a Business Daily Africa editorial.

Donors should fund the facilities needed to improve the conditions for research, as well as funding individual studies, says Berit Olsson.

African governments must invest in science training — but they don't have to go it alone, says Arlen Hastings.

The global financial crisis may soon make external funding much harder to get, warns Linda Nordling.

Africa needs better universities, but is a pan-African university the way to go, asks Linda Nordling.

Research collaborations with African institutions must be equal, fair and meaningful, says Damtew Teferra.

Last year's row between two pan-African policy bodies is feeding a split between regional and federal approaches to science, says Linda Nordling.

Linda Nordling reflects on what the future holds for South African researchers following the resignation of former president Thabo Mbeki.

Funding agencies and donors hoping to tackle malaria must commit more to basic research, says Nature.

Neglect of science and technology in African universities has been compounded by a failure to focus research on the continent's needs, says Mammo Muchie.