Pan African science body seeks to explore research areas

NAIROBI, March 9 (Xinhua) -- A Pan African science body said Saturday it has embarked on exploring needy Research areas that could attract funding.

Nelson Torto, executive director African Academy of Science, said that the project that will run for three years will generate data to be used by the countries in many years to come.

"We have noted that Research crisis differs in all countries hence the need to conduct a study in all the countries and develop isolated needs," Torto said in Nairobi on a side event ahead of the fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly to be held in Nairobi from March 11 to 15.

Torto said at the event on science shaping green policies and market responses that even though some countries like South Africa has invested heavily in Research, some countries like Central African Republic is below expectation hence the need for country by country study.

Torto noted that the findings of the study will be launched to the African Union and regional economic blocs as a form of policy brief to help inform countries national development plans.

He said that the findings will enable the continental body to incorporate them in its agenda 2063 development programs.

The official called for an adoption of a cluster approach to conducting Research so that scientists, local universities and local political leadership are involved.

He said that through this approach the projects will be sustainable even in the absence of the implementing science institution.

According to Nicholas Ozor, executive director of African Technology Policy Studies Network, African governments should start funding other institutions of learning as opposed to the old system where funding has only been channeled to universities.

In addition, delegates at the meeting noted the growing scientific capability of African academic institutions and the need for innovations in the entrepreneurial sector. Enditem