SciDev.Net

Should African governments be following the trend in appointing chief scientific advisors, asks Linda Nordling.

A layered and cooperative approach would help Southern African countries harmonise their biosafety laws, says Julius Mugwagwa.

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 African science ministers prepare to meet in Burundi, Linda Nordling asks what has happened to the idea of a pan-African science fund.

New technologies can help African countries identify counterfeit or substandard drugs, says director of Africa Fighting Malaria Roger Bate.

Nanotechnology must be effectively shared with stakeholders if it's to deliver clean water, say Thembela Hillie and Mbhuti Hlophe.

Developing world businesses must invest in nanotech research and development for clean water to stay ahead, says Mohamed Abdel-Mottaleb.

Developing countries are making good progress on nanotech for clean water, say Paulo Sergio de Paula Herrmann Jr. and José Antônio Brum.

Sustainably developing drylands means balancing local knowledge, science and conflicting demands, says Elena María Abraham.

Safeguarding and replanting forests are key to reducing flooding and protecting wood supplies, says Lester R. Brown.

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.

With plans for an East African Federation creaking at the seams, is a common science vision for the region unrealistic, asks Linda Nordling.

Africa must improve food safety by investing in food production systems and staff, says Ruth Oniang'o.

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.

For Africa to effectively adapt to climate change, the rules of the game must change in Copenhagen, says Araya Asfaw.

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

Researchers in developing nations must become 'communicating scientists', sharing their knowledge beyond academia, says Valerie Corfield.