RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

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1 Research and Development in sub-saharan Africa Publisher A publication of SUPPORT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL, Association for the Support of Higher Schools for Applied Sciences, Colleges and Universities, Inc. Elisenhütte 5 D Nassau, Germany Fon Fax info@supportafricasolutions.com web: Research and Development in Africa is published annually. Circulation is It is freely available to members of SAI and to African Schools of Higher Learning. Honorary Members Dorothée Grebe, GREBE GROUP, Germany Prof. W. Senteza Kajubi, former Vice-Chancellor, Nukumba University, Uganda Prof. Dr. D. K. Some, former Vice-Chancellor, Moi University, Kenya Prof. Dr. Mutuku J. Mutinga, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Eastern Afrika, Kenya Editorial Committee Dr. phil., Dr. h.c., Dr. h.c. Baldur Ed. Pfeiffer Honorary Professor of History University of Eastern Africa, Kenya Uche C. Amalu, Ph.D., Professor of Soil Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria Dr. rer. nat. Paul K. Ndalut, Professor of Chemistry, Moi University, Kenya Editorial Staff G. Pfeiffer Design, Layout kw-graphicstudio.de Award Calls 2011/2012 SUPPORT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL is offering the Research Award for Sustainable Agriculture and Biotechnology 2011/12 Research Topic: The oil foods: The role of agriculture, usage in diets, nutrition and health questions. Award price: 2.500,00 Euro Send application to: info@supportafricasolutions.com Ordinary mail: SUPPORT AFRICA INTERENATIONAL Elisenhütte 5, Nassau/Germany Date of submission: June 30, 2012 All papers: 20 pages, double space, word document, Times New Roman 12 Language: English SUPPORT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL in cooperation with the Friedrich Apotheke - medipharma, Germany is offering the Research Award for Health and Medicine 2011/12 Research Topic: The place of traditional medicine in the African society. The science and issues of acceptance, usage, support, and chances. Award price: 2.500,00 Euro Send application to: info@supportafricasolutions.com Ordinary mail: SUPPORT AFRICA INTERENATIONAL Elisenhütte 5, Nassau/Germany Date of submission: June 30, 2012 All papers: 20 pages, double space, word document, Times New Roman 12 Language: English SUPPORT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL in cooperation with the Grebe Group, Germany is offering the Research Award for Ecology 2011/12 Research Topic: Agro - biodiversity: Experiences and constraints in information gathering and establishment of data banks, gene banks, botanical gardens and reservation parks in Africa. Award price: 2.500,00 Euro Send application to: info@supportafricasolutions.com Ordinary mail: SUPPORT AFRICA INTERENATIONAL Elisenhütte 5, Nassau/Germany Date of submission: June 30, 2012 All papers: 20 pages, double space, word document, Times New Roman 12 Language: English Eligible are only university staff members of the respective sciences! RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 2011 UT SCIENTIIS ILLUMINENTUR GENTES AFRICAE Non-animal protein foods for sub-saharan African communities Prof. Dr. Baldur Ed. Pfeiffer Many communities in sub-saharan Africa are severely under- and malnourished. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that over 200 million people suffer under this situation. This predisposes these staggering numbers of people to numerous diseases, which in turn exacerbate existing hunger and poverty conditions. Already strained household resources are usually further drained and the ability of adults to work and children to attend school are either reduced or completely destroyed thus reducing further actual and future earnings. In this situation, the lack of sufficient protein foods is often the source of diseases and poverty. Marasmus and Kwashiorkor, both life-threatening conditions, are the two most common forms of protein malnutrition/protein-energy deficiencies. But proteins are very important components of the human body and therefore very indispensable for human life. The available proteins from animal foods are too expensive for the poor African. And since further population explosions can be expected, there will not be sufficient animal proteins in the future. The pastures for animal grassing cannot be extended. And this scenario will become even more severe as climate changes hinder the development of further food growing on the African continent. The consequences of malnutrition for human well-being and for socioeconomic development are far-reaching. Infants and young children under-nutrition and growth retardation are associated with reduced physical activity, impaired resistance to infection, impairment of mental development and reduced educational capacity, and increased morbidity and mortality. In adults, undernourishment can lead to poor health and diminished productivity through reduced physical performance and can hinder community and national development. Improvement of the nutritional conditions of the poor and undernourished is an investment which can help raise the productive capacity of both present and future generations (FAO/ WHO, 1992). Nutritional status has been formally recognized via the Millennium Development Goals as an important indicator for assessing progress in improving human well-being (IFPRI, 2002).

2 Non animal protein foods for sub-saharan African communities Protective measures taken for preserving species endangered of extinction due to the climate change in Yongka Western Highlands Research Garden-Park, Nkwen - Bamenda, NW Region, Cameroon Inclusive entrepreneurship in inclusive education for inclusive development in Kenya The Research Institute for sub-saharan African Studies proposes to develop non-animal proteins for malnourished populations in sub-saharan Africa Region...14 Book Review Award winners 2010 Award Calls 2011/2012 More than an indicator of current development, nutritional status is an indicator of the productivity and health of the next generation and of a nation s commitment to human rights, but situations of extreme poverty and persistent hunger (including protein-energy malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies) combine to slow down progress towards all other Millennium Development Goals. This trend is expected to rise tremendously in sub-saharan Africa, unless a major change in the development of protein food practices and productions are introduced Improved nutrition for the world's poor creates the conditions for improved outcomes over a wide range of sectors and areas: higher educational performance, increased earnings and livelihood security, better HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation, improved rates of childhood survival, lower rates of non-communicable chronic diseases, diminished chances of civil conflicts, and lower rates of population growth are just some of the benefits. SUPPORT AFRICA INTERNATIONAL Studies in sub-saharan Africa Publisher: Peter Lang, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften, Frankfurt a. M. Vol. I Vol. II Vol. III Vol. IV Vol. V Vol. VI Uche C. Amalu and Franz-Theo Gottwald (eds.) Studies of Sustainable Agriculture and Animal Science in sub-saharan Africa. Frankfurt a. M., Franz-Theo Gottwald, Susan Kein and Timothy Rotimi Fayey (eds.) Fostering Subsistence Agriculture, Food Supplies and Health in sub-saharan Africa. Frankfurt a. M., George Ouma, Franz-Theo Gottwald and Isabel Boergen (eds.) Agrarian Science for Sustainable Resource Management in sub-saharan Africa. Frankfurt a. M., F. L. Mkanadawire and Mmaduabuchukwu Mkpado (eds.) Low-input Agriculture Technologies for sub-saharan Africa (in preparation) Sunday Paul Bako, Non-animal protein in sub-saharan Africa (in preparation) Assogbadjo, Achille E. and Baldur Ed. Pfeiffer (eds.). Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Growth and Development in sub-saharan Africa (in preparation) Protein health food products Award on non-animal protein SUPPORT AFRICA INTERENATIONAL has already accepted this challenge through its award program by calling for papers on the availability of non-animal proteins in sub-saharan Africa in Thirteen scientists of 10 sub-saharan African universities responded, representing the sciences of agriculture, biology and nutrition. First results were published in Research and Development in The entire text will be published this autumn (2011) in the series Studies in sub-saharan Africa, Vol. V, Peter Lang, Internationaler Academic Publishing Group, Switzerland. The general accepted tenor of the research outcome stated there are many known, unknown, neglected and wild protein carrying plants that could provide sufficient proteins to African communities. Furthermore, African societies may accept readily non-animal protein foods, since they are already used to plant protein carriers in their diets. Conference on non-animal proteins A second step was taken by inviting African scientists to a conference on non-animal protein foods at the Research Institute for sub-saharan Studies in Nassau, April 2-16, 2011, co-sponsored by the German Ministry of Education and Research. Prof. Dr. Paul K. Ndalut, Professor of Chemistry at Moi University, Kenya; Prof. Dr. Uche C. Amalu, Professor of Agronomy at the University of Calabar, Nigeria; Prof. Dr. Paul Sunday Bako, Professor of Botany at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria; Prof. Joseph Kwame Osei, a crop scientist/biotechnologist at Valley View University, Ghana; and Prof. Dr. Baldur Pfeiffer, Professor of Developmental Studies, President of SUPPORT AFRICA FOUNDATION, were present. Further participants were Dr. Violet K. Mugalavai of the Department of Family and Consumer Science, Moi University; Frank Olwari, M.Sc. of the Department of Crop Science at Makerere University, Uganda; and the staff of the Research Institute. The experts expounded in the various concepts, principles and existing practices of agronomy, genetic base improvement, post harvest technologies, end-use products, nutrition, distribution and marketing of domesticated and new/wild species of nonanimal protein food crops in sub-saharan Africa. The major objective of the development of non-animal protein food products for the malnourished populations in the region remained the focus of all discussions. With animal protein being scarce or prohibitive in terms of costs for an overwhelming majority of low-income populations in sub-saharan Africa, it is essential that every encouragement be given to the development of sound breeding programs to upgrade the quality of proteins in grains. The cereal grains like rice, wheat and corn are stable foods in many parts of the world while sorghum, millet, barley and oats are of importance in particular regions. Further sources are the oil-, starchy- and vegetable legumes. They are consumed by nearly 200 million people in Africa, where they grow on more than 21 million hectares of land. They are rich in quality protein and serve as an alternative source of protein for people who cannot afford meant and fish. The starchy legumes have in addition some energy content almost equivalent to that of cereals. Moreover, they also enhance soil fertility due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, in addition to providing good control of soil erosion. Legumes are very important to the people of SSA. However, a number of leguminous plant species which could make a valuable contribution to food security in Africa are neglected, forgotten, under-utilized or underexploited by researchers, technical staff, decision makers, farmers and consumers. These plant-species and especially the grain and vegetable legumes-sources of non-animal protein risk disappearing altogether and with them their precious genes. Agronomists, now also aware that genetic uniformity increases diseases vulnerability, try to diversify their varieties with the constraints imposed by commercial breeding. It is widely accepted that future plant breeding efforts will depend on a continuing and expanding supply of germplasm. The best way to halt this genetic erosion and vulnerability is to identify the plant species and become more familiar with their various uses and potentials. The research consortium accepted this challenge of focusing on the development of plant-carrying proteins for the malnourished populations in sub-saharan Africa. 2 3

3 Protective measures taken for preserving species endangered of extinction due to the climate change in sub-sahara Africa: Case of the Yongka Western Highlands Research Garden-Park, Nkwen - Bamenda, NW Region, Cameroon Abstract Africa's biodiversity and that of Cameroon in particular holds great potential for transforming the continent's agriculture to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction. However, this diversity is underutilized and is being lost at alarming rates. For sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, African countries, especially those south of the Sahara, will need to harness and apply science and technology. This calls for investments in research and innovation to generate technologies for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity to ensure preservation of endangered plant species. Gene Banks are an instrument which will serve as an insurance policy for the future of agriculture, medicinal plants and other endangered plant species. Unfortunately very few functional Gene Banks exist in Africa. This research effort is expected to draw the attention of the actors in this area for a concerted and deliberate effort to tackle this problem. The overall objective of this paper is to present research results geared at conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity through the creation of an in-situ and ex-situ Plant Gene Bank, covering medicinal plants, fruit trees and other plant species of economic value. This park serves as a research and training site for shaping innovation technologies that protect the watershed leading to increased and sustained water yields, provide timber for construction and wood for fuel, locally contribute to the reduction of the adverse effects of climate change and reduce pressures currently exerted on endangered plant species. The 4-ha Research Park is located in Nkwen- Bamenda, Cameroon, at an altitude of about 1000 m asl with a marked wet and dry season. Soils are varied, acid in nature, have low nutrient contents and compact and dense structures that are an impediment for plant growth. Research activities carried out reflect the multitude of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bernard P. K. Yerima, University of Dschang, Cameroon specific objectives on themes which mirror the complexity and the interwoven and multi-disciplinary nature of the research problem. Evaluation of plant performance of selected plant species (fruit trees, medicinal plants, spices, etc.), is based on soil and water conservation and soil profile modification techniques that improve root penetration, nutrient content and water retention capacities. This work provides a framework for conserving biodiversity, most importantly plant species at risk of extinction, through the establishment of a Plant Gene Bank, and practical training and research as well as a medium for replicability/scaling up of this activity to areas having similar challenges. Despite the promising nature of the results obtained so far, many challenges remain and are associated with limited financial possibilities to carry out research and outreach activities. An understanding of the soil constraints is imperative to successfully put in place the Plant Gene Bank. Government's support and creation of an enabling environment to ensure conservation of gains from conservation of biodiversity through a landuse plan regulatory framework and increased sensitization of the local community would sustain this effort and preserve endangered species. Key words: Plant gene bank, agro-forestry research, endangered plant species, soil constraints, climate change, Africa south of the Sahara. Introduction Background The biodiversity of Africa south of the Sahara holds great potential for transforming the continent's agriculture system to contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction, and increased standard of life. The unique species of plants and animals as well as ecosystems constitute the continent's natural wealth. However, this diversity is underutilized and is being lost at alarming rates. Though conserving and promoting sustainable use of biodiversity is one of the challenges that African countries have committed themselves to addressing as manifested by many countries that ratified the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, this has yet to be translated into practical terms. For sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity African countries south of the Sahara will need to harness and apply science and technology as these activities are knowledge-intensive. This calls for investments in research and innovation to generate technologies for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Plant Gene Banks aim to safely conserve plant diversity. Gene Banks cover many possibilities, from massive collections stored in elaborate buildings to simple fields of a few labeled plants. Gene Banks are ex-situ collections that are comprised of samples stored off site, away from the environments in which they naturally grow. Plant Gene Banks are like an insurance policy for the future of agriculture, medicinal plants and other endangered plant species. They play a crucial role in the conservation and use of biodiversity. Plant genetic resources are the basis for the survival and well-being of human beings. We require them to increase food supplies, and agricultural production sustainably and to meet the related challenges in the environment. Medicinal plants and traditional medicine play an important role in the health care system of most developing countries. Reports in Ethiopia indicate that about 80% of the human population and 90% of livestock there rely on traditional medicine (IBC, 2009). This situation is very similar to that of Cameroon and other developing countries where over 60% of the population still relies on traditional medicine. The importance of this resource notwithstanding, the medicinal plant biodiversity is being depleted due to man-made and natural calamities. In view of this preoccupying situation, some countries south of the Sahara are creating Field Gene Banks (FGB) both for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of endangered plant species at risk of disappearance. Notably among these are Ethiopia, South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. What is the situation in Cameroon? From the existing information, it is apparent that while most of the trees in the different ecosystems are disappearing together with the medicinal plants along with them, a concerted and deliberate effort and policy by the State on this issue that would reverse this trend is seemly lacking. Actual situation of the area under study In the area under consideration, over the years, due to increased demographic pressures, gallery forests have been destroyed resulting in the total loss of prior existing plant species. In some areas government has responded to these losses by creating natural forest reserves. Unfortunately, in the absence of appropriate control measures these reserves have been subject to poaching from the population. An example is the Bamenda highlands area, which drains into the Bamenda urban area and presently has two forest reserves. The Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve positioned facing west in a concave part of the steep scarp slope that connects the High Lava Plateau ( m alt.) of the Bamenda Highlands with the Low Lava Surface ( m alt.) on which the former appears to rest (Hawkins & Brunt, 1965) is made up of basalts and trachytes of ancient volcanic origin (Conrade, 1974). The Bafut Ngemba Forest Reserve lies to the east of the Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve and has similar geology and geomorphologic elements to the latter, has a larger surface area and occupies a higher altitude. According to Hawkins & Brunts (1965) and Harvey et al. (2004), the vegetation in this area has undergone much degradation. Cheek et al. (2000) and Harvey et al. (2004) estimated that 96.5% of the original forest cover of the Bamenda Highlands above 1500 m altitude has been lost. Thus, these two government forest reserves presently exist mostly in name, as most of the forest understorey has been cleared, and the fertile forest soils used for growing food crops and grazing. Government forest guards in this area are powerless to stop the carnage. The conservation of this site may be facilitated by its forest reserve status, but its future appears very bleak at the moment, except for forests on the most inaccessible slopes. Pressure on the forest reserves come from the population centres adjoining the forest reserves in the Bamendankwe, Bambili, Santa, Pinyin, Bafut and Nkwen villages where small scale logging has systematically degraded the forest giving way to agriculture and pastoral activities. As the forest reserves are official government and not tribal (traditional) property, protection from the traditional authorities does not obtain (Harvey et al., 2004). Instead, both forest reserves are tribal no-man's land, weakly guarded and so open to abuse. 'If we don't exploit the forest others will anyway', seems to be the feeling on the ground, which is likely to persist until government can put in place real dissuasive measures that would make such contravention worthless (Harvey et al., 2004). Similar scenarios can be found all over the country. For example, in Dschang in the lake area adjoining the University of Dschang, where the High School has been constructed, a sign board drawing attention to the nonintrusion by the population on the government forest reserve, which existed in the past stands telling a sad story of the neglect/failure of government policy and the will to address the situation. The consequences of this neglect are immense and will come to haunt our future generations. Already in this area, the nearby lake and stream are drying up due to siltation from sediment resulting from sand quarrying, farming and construction activities in the adjoining uplands. Historical perspective of biodiversity conservation in the Bamenda highlands region In pre-colonial time villages here lived as collective entities under powerful traditional chiefdoms with strong family ties. Successions of offspring and increased demographic pressures led to partition of land, resulting in fragmentation of the resource making sustainable management difficult. This has been hastened by urbanization with little accountability in contrast to the traditional set up that existed before. The key problems have been catalogued as soil erosion, siltation, flooding, depletion of soil fertility, destruction of watersheds, lowering of water tables and landslides, attributed to use of poor and inadapted traditional shifting cultivation methods, excessive deforestation, cultivation on fragile (steep) hill-slopes, setting of bush fires, overgrazing by cattle, building of settlements, and increased consumption of fuel wood (UNDP, 1994; Yerima and Van Ranst, 2005 a, b). Fuel wood supplies over 90% of domestic energy in many African nations (Eckholm, 1984). Adding a sense of urgency to the fuel wood problem is the estimate that 50 million Africans experienced acute fuel wood scarcity in 1980 and that supplies are still dwindling (FAO, 1985). This problem is very acute in the area under study. Appropriate knowledge about the types of vegetation that would be most effective in bringing about the best ground coverage, leading to increased water yields and satisfying other economic needs such as fuel wood needs, timber for building, conservation of medicinal plants and other plants of economic value is required. Reforestation would protect the soil against erosion, regularize the water flow within the basin, reduce the effect of climate change and protect and improve the watershed through its influence on infiltration rate associated with: increased interception and breakage of raindrops and reduced splash and runoff, aggregation of primary soil particles by organic matter, roots which act as conduits for water down the soil, and organisms which burrow the soil enabling water infiltration. Further, this activity would provide wood for fuel, and timber for house construction, some of the problems confronting the local population in this area. Many approaches are being envisaged by some countries south of the Sahara. For example, the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation of Ethiopia (IBC, 2009), observed that plant genetic resources for food and agricultural activities involve public and private institutions and companies, nongovernmental organizations, communities and individuals from the conservation environment and development sectors. The latter institution also observed that the integration of existing activities within the framework of a unified national program at the national level provided the opportunity to enhance such diverse efforts in the country. While it is clear from the forgoing observations that concerted effort from a broad spectrum of actors would give the best results, the present research effort is expected to draw public attention to the problem and contribute to reflections on the subject. 4 5

4 Objectives and main research axes Objectives To succeed in putting in place protective measures for preserving species endangered of extinction due to climate change in sub-sahara Africa, a holistic approach, which takes into consideration the basic needs of the local population at the root of the problem is imperative. Without such consideration, such an initiative would be doomed to failure as the local population would prey on such endangered species for their very survival. Equally, soil and other constraints likely to impact on plant performance need to be understood and integrated into the overall preservation scheme. The nature of the conservation or Gene Bank that is being pursued at the Yongka Research Park differs from most conventional Gene Banks in that it involves both in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods, requiring the preservation on site of existing plant species at risk of extinction (in-situ) such as the gallery forests as well as the introduction of plant species foreign to the ecological zone at risk of disappearance (ex-situ). This method has additional advantages in that in addition to conserving plant materials that provide seeds yearly, the trees play a pivotal role in watershed protection, creation of a habitat for macrofauna and micro-flora, providing food and fuel wood, conservation of medicinal plants and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This equally reduces the costs associated with the creation of sophisticated gene bank storage and upkeep facilitates which require highly skilled manpower. The overall objective of this research is to report research efforts geared at creating a prototype for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at risk of extinction, through the creation of a Plant Gene Bank, including medicinal plants, fruit trees and other plant species of economic value, which would be of interest to the local population, and that would protect the watershed leading to increased and sustainable water yields, provide timber for construction, wood for fuel, and locally contribute to the reduction of the adverse effects of climate change and that can be replicated to areas with similar problems. The specific objectives presently being pursued - Creation of a gene bank (both in-situ and ex-situ) for threatened, rare and endemic medicinal plants and other forest plants of economic value. - Preparation of plant seedlings from indigenous plant species for distribution to farmers and conduct of research on their husbandry. - Provision of a framework for research by students and field days to farmers on the activities of the research park related to medicinal plants and other agricultural fruit crop production systems, sustainable soil and water management (Fig.1) and biodiversity conservation and mitigation of climate change impacts. Fig. 1: Left, 8-year old mahogany tree planted in 30x30x30 cm³ hole; Right, 20 meters from plant at left, a soil profile exposing compact & dense horizons that constraint plant growth. Main research axes The main research axes at Yongka Research Park include: biodiversity conservation, agro-forestry research, creation of a Plant Gene Bank, watershed management, adaptability of plant species to climate change, soil-water-plant related constraints, outreach of promising technologies through student study tours/research activities, farmer field days and visits by decision makers, that would ensure sustainability of the activities indicated above. Methodology Study sites and characteristics: The 10-year old 4-ha Yongka Research Park is located at an altitude of m, on 2 to 30% slopes in Nkwen-Bamenda in the North West Region (Lat E and Long N) (Fig. 2), a part of the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Fig.2 Geomorphologically: The area has a staircase configuration dominated by high lava plateaus surrounded by steep mountains and hills, below a plateau with a steep escarpment on basement rock and more or less dissected planation surfaces. Geology: Five types of parent materials, which vary over very short distances exist in the area include: organic materials, alluvial/alluvio-colluvial deposits, colluvial deposits, mylonite and granite, granite is the most dominant. Vegetation: With increasing population pressure much of the natural forest vegetation has degraded to secondary formations, or has been replaced by more or less wooded grasslands and agricultural land; this process is most advanced in areas with least relief. Detailed information on the vegetation structure of the North West Region has been given by Hawkins and Brunt (1965) and Kips et al. (1987). Climate: The climate in the area is distinctly seasonal with one rainy season and one dry season (Hawkins and Brunt, 1965; Kips et al., 1987). Rainfall at the research site averages about 2500 mm/year; mean annual temperatures average C. Soils: Soils differ over short distances in such characteristics as texture, effective depth, gravel content, compactness and water infiltration rates aggravated by prior cattle rearing activities. Important differences in chemical characteristics and soil fertility exist and are related to parent material and stage of soil development and would impact on forest regeneration (Yerima et al., 2003). Results and discussion Research activities carried out at the Yongka Park Many experiments which mirror the immediate objectives outlined above are currently being carried out at the Yongka Research Park. The objective of this paper is not to give detailed results on any one particular experiment but rather to give an overview of the nature of the research activities being carried out to preserve endangered plant species. Work includes zoning off the area to halt soil compaction due to overgrazing and avoid destruction of vegetation within the watershed; nursing of plant seedlings; digging of holes; collection of planting materials; identification of existing native plant species; establishment of fruit trees, medicinal plant and forest tree collections and experiments and their responses to different levels of manure applications; plant performance in response to soil profile modification techniques and nutrient status; experiments on water management techniques to improve root penetration; and collection of plant performance data and analysis. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) is used for most experiments. Soil sampling and laboratory analysis Twelve soil profiles were sampled and analyzed and will provide information on soil variability and the effect of soil compactness on root penetration, water infiltration rate and potential plant performance (Fig. 3), and would provide information for subsequent technology transfer of the research results to similar areas. The major researc h areas In-situ plant conservation The local plants where they do not seriously interfere with the experiments are conserved (Fig. 4). Other local plants undergoing extinction and are being preserved include: Terminalia brownie F, Annona senegalensis, Red oak (Lophira lanceolata), Syzyglum guineense, Ficus sycomorus, Ficus natalensis and Ficus platyphylla, among others. Patches of pure stands of natural vegetation have been conserved for training purposes. Fig. 3: Left, a very shallow soil profile that would limit root penetration; Right, water table obtains at a 1.5 m depth at lower part of park. Fig. 4: Local forest ecosystems: Left, Terminalia glaucescens Planch, loved by bees and sort after as a medicinal plant, in foreground; Right, grassland ecosystem with Terminalia spp.). Ex-situ plant collection Many efforts are being made to collect plant species from all over the national territory as well as from similar ecological regions south of the Sahara where such plants could be at risk of extinction (Fig. 5) and preserved in the Yongka Park Gene Bank. Fig. 5: Left, 9-year old plant collection plot; Middle, fast growing forest tree species; Right, a mixt of Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) and Njansang (Ricinodendron heudelotii) plants. Experiments on fruit trees Many experiments on fruit trees are being conducted on the response of organic manure to plant performance, plant density/plant performance and hole size/plant performance. Experiments relating crop performance with hole-size and planting density in a RCBD with planting spacing of 5x4 m and hole sizes of 40x40x40 cm, 60x60x60 cm and 80x80x80x80 cm, respectively, are being carried out on many crops (Fig. 6). Fig. 6: Left, farmers visit passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) plot; Middle, mango (Mangifera indica L) expt.; Right, Bush plum (Dacryodes edulis) expt. All expts investigate effect of hole size/plant performance; mulched to improve water retention/evaporation losses. 6 7

5 Other experiments on fruit trees include: Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.), Jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam), Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), Malay apple (Eugenia malaccensis L.), guava (Psidium guajava), grape fruits (Citrus paradise Maef), and avocado (Persea americana Mill). Spices As the forest ecosystem is disappearing many important tree spices are also being lost. Bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), and other local tree plant species (Fig. 7) are a case in point. Experiments here focus on manure/plant and hole size/plant performance and use of marcotted plant materials, which shorten the period the plant comes into production. Fig. 7: Left, Bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) plant in hole mulched to conserve moisture; Middle, 9-year old Njansa plants, already bearing; Right, Marcotted young Njansa plants. Bio-fuels Fuel wood and energy needs are often a major problem linked to the extinction of plant species. A substitute, which can fill the energy needs, would equally reduce the destruction of endangered plant species. Jatropha curcas L. is one of the promising bio-fuel plants. Experiments compare plant performance on stony soils to that on more fertile soils. Experiments on forest trees Adoption of fast growing environmentally friendly tree species for fuel and timber would reduce pressure on the endangered native tree species at risk of extinction. Experiments are being conducted on exhortic plant species and native tree species that can serve multiple functions (fuel wood, timber, etc.). Experiments on the exhortic plant species include pine and podocarpus tree species (Fig. 10). A second set of plant experiments involves local forest tree species such as large diameter rattan (Laccosperma secundiflorum and L. robustum species), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King), iroko (Milicia excelsa) and plant species that have fuel wood, medicinal plants, timber, etc., attributes (Fig. 11). Collection of medicinal plants With increasing demographic pressures most of the grasslands and gallery forests are being destroyed and replaced by farmland. This has led to the disappearance of indigenous medicinal plant species. Through poor harvesting practices of the barks of some of these plants (Fig. 8) some of them dry up. The major medicinal plants under experimentation are: Pygeum (Prunus africana), Voacanga africana Stapf, Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga), Quinquina (F) (Cinchona) (Cinchona officinalis) and other yet unidentified tree species. Fig. 10: Left, pine (Pinus sp.) exp.; Middle, Podocarpus (Podocarpus milanjianus) exp.: Both on effect of plant density on plant performance; Right; 9-year old forest collection. Fig. 11: Left, native tree species used for making walking canes; Middle, tall white mahoghany plant in the foreground, Right, 9- year old forest trees collection. Fig. 8: Top, Terminalia glaucescens Planch plant, poorly harvested by local farmers; Bottom: Left, Voacanga africana; Middle, Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga; Right, Prunus africana). Soil and water conservation practices Plant performance is enhanced by adequate soil moisture and nutrient contents, good soil physical properties (low bulk density, absence of compact and dense layers, good aeration, etc.). The place of soils in the conservation of biodiversity and similar programs is little recognized. Experiments to enhance soil moisture content include use of mulching and micro-basin water catchment structures (Fig. 12). Profile modification is carried out to reduce the soil bulk density, improve soil aeration and thus improve root penetration and plant performance. Soil fertility practices Plants need a fertile environment with appropriate nutrient contents to attain their optimum potential. At the Research Park only bio-fertilization (cow dung and pig manure) is used on plants. Decomposing grass mulch (Fig. 12) constitutes the most important source of organic manures. Weeds or grass that is cleared is added under the plant to serve as mulch, which constitutes a constant source of nutrients on mineralization. Collection of export crops Few primary and secondary school students in the area know physically what a cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao L.), tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.), coffee robusta (Coffea robusta), Arabica coffee (Coffea Arabica L.), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) and a rubber (Hevea brasliensis) plant looks like. One of the research problems is to collect all the economic export crops grown in the national territory (Fig. 9) for studies and to observe their adaptability to the new environment. While it is clear most of the above plants are not undergoing extinction, the need to propose alternative economic crops to the farmers to reduce pressures on the endangered species is imperative. This will draw schools to visit the park for identification of the different tree species and hence expose them to the conservation of the local tree species at risk of extinction. Fig. 12: Left, Pig manure applied on mulched marcot bush plum seedling; Middle, Microbasin water harvesting systems on the young mango (Mangifera indica L.) expt. Right, Bush plum (Dacryodes edulis) trees being mulched to reduce moisture evaporative losses. Plant nurseries, collection of seeds and plant cultural practices Fig. 9: Left, two tall green tea (Camellia sinensis L) plants. Middle, tall rubber (Hevea brasliensis) plants in the fore-ground; Right: Marcotted cocoa (Theobroma cocoa) plant. One year old seedlings and marcotted and grafted seedlings for the experiments were either obtained from the ANAFOR forest nursery in the North West Region in Bamenda, bought from local nurseries in the urban and peri-urban areas, or nursed in the author's plant nursery at his residence or at the Yongka Research Park site itself (Fig. 13). Weeding is done at the end of May, August, and November, yearly. Tree growth and performance parameters taken at 4-monthly intervals are plant height and plant girth (5 cm from the ground). Yield data will be taken when the fruits come into bearing. 8 9

6 Outreach activities Research and outreach activities involving student study/internships tours at different levels of education, and farmer field days constitute viable pathways for up-scaling this activity to similar problem areas thereby assisting in preserving plants at risk of extinction. Fig. 13: Plant nursery showing seedlings and seed bed preparation. Through this culture, the conservation ethic is expected to be nurtured and growing, leading to the preservation of endangered plant species. Seven students from the University of Dschang, within a 2.5 month period of internship, were initiated into research and outreach activities involving the chain of activities from seed collection, through raising of seedlings in the nursery to the transplantation of seedlings in the field and husbandry for a wide range of plants within the 2009/2010 academic year. Another student is carrying out his thesis work on land evaluation of some fruit trees at the research park. st Fig. 14: Top, 1 picture, bio-science scientists from Univ. of Dschang visit the nd rd Prunus africana collection plot; 2 and 3 pictures, field work for students from Yaounde Univ. (Bambili). th th Fig. 14 Bottom: 4 and 5 pictures, students from Univ. of Dschang during internship training; last picture, students describing soil profile. Opportunities offered by the study The study will contribute to the creation of a gene bank for medicinal plants and other plant species at risk of disappearance, provide information for formulating policies related to watershed management, replicibility/scaling up of this activity to different areas, training on agro-forestry and allied activities and contribute to green spaces in the locality leading to the regulation of local climate, decreasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere, and resolve some of the climate change problems associated with the greenhouse effect. The study has been going on for more than ten years. The multitude of specific objectives mirrors the complexity and the interwoven and multidisciplinary nature of the research problem. The gene bank for collection of medicinal plants and fruit trees has implications for present and potential future health needs. Increased crop yields, adequate water supplies, green spaces in the peri-urban areas increase the quality of life of inhabitants in the adjoining urban and peri-urban areas and reduce pressure on endangered plant species. Challenges Challenges encountered in the execution of this study include: man-made wild fires and fires set to regenerate grass pastures for cattle and to catch rat moles; encroachment by man and cattle; high cost of land acquisition in the watershed areas in competition with alternate uses; fragmented and collectively owned land by family members requiring consent of all for its sale; many conflicts of land ownership as land is often sold to more than one buyer breeding litigations; high costs of labor for maintenance; compactness and denseness of the soils of granitic origin with low native fertility; destruction by termites of some plant species and difficulty in tillage of the termite mounts; and fragmentation of land making it difficult to propose appropriate and sustainable forest regeneration packages. Conclusions and recommendations Developing conservation and sustainable biodiversity practices in the area is a challenge and would require State/Municipal Councils to intervene by bearing some of the costs for establishment and upkeep of conservation sites. The soil aspect in sustainable biodiversity conservation should be given high priority. Approaches to resolve the problem would be multi-faceted and include: sensitization of the local population on climate change impacts and conservation of endangered plant species; creation of a reward system for those actively engaged in this effort, while imposing dissuasive measures on non sustainable practices; creation of protected areas with regulatory enforcement mechanisms to ensure sustainability; and institution of a legal framework addressing land-use plans and the activities permissible within a given landscape. BIBLIOGRAPHY Check, M., Onana, J. M. and B. J. Pollard, The plants of Mount Oku and the Ijim Ridge, Cameroon, A Conservation Checklist. RBG, Kew, UK. 211pp. Conrade, G., Commentaire des cartes. Atlas Regional. Ouest 1. ORSTOM, Yaounde. Echholm, E., Foley, G., Barnard, G. and L. Timberlake, Fuelwood: The energy crisis that won't go away. London: Int. Inst. for Environment and Development. FAO, Committee on Forest Development in the Tropics. Tropical Forests Action Plan, FAO-Rome. FAO, Guidelines for soil profile rd descriptions. 3 ed. FAO-ISRIC, Rome. Harvey, Y., Pollard, B. J., Darbyshire, I., Onana, J. M. and M. Cheek, The plants of Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve, Cameroon. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AB, UK. 154pp. Hawkins, P. and M. Brunt, The soils and ecology of West Cameroon. Volumes I and II. FAO Expanded Program of Technical Assistance, No FAO, Rome. 516 pp. Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC) of Ethiopia Project report. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Kips, Ph. A., Faure P., Awah, E. T., Kuoh, H. M., Sayol, R. and F. Tchuenteu, Soils, land use and land evaluation of the North-West Province, Cameroon. FAO-UNDP Project CMR/83/004. IRA/CNS-Ekona Station, PMB 25 Buea. UNDP, Elaboration of the National Environmental Management Plan for Cameroon: Situation Analysis of the Environment in the NWP. UNDP Project CMR/92/88. Yde. Yerima, B. P. K. and E. Van Ranst. 2005a. Major soil classification systems used in the tropics: Soils of Cameroon. Trafford Publishing. Victoria BC, CANADA. 312 pp. Yerima, B. P. K. and E. Van Ranst. E. 2005b. Introduction to soil science: Soils of the tropics. Trafford Publishing. Victoria BC, CANADA. 440 pp. Yerima, B. P. K. Wilding, L. P. and L. R. Hossner. Review of Environmental Factors and Evaluation of Soil Properties of North Cameroon, Vertisols and Alfisols as a guide to forest regeneration. Sci. Agron. & Dev. 3(1): Inclusive entrepreneurship in inclusive education for inclusive development in Kenya Prof. Henry M. Bwisa Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Abstract Kenya has been implementing inclusive education since the turn of the century with the expectation that the graduates of the education get to participate in meaningful inclusive development. The general observation has been that disabled graduates of education find it difficult getting into wage employment to participate in meaningful inclusive development. The sure way to enable such graduates fully participate in development is to enable them start their own businesses. This calls for an inclusive entrepreneurship curriculum within inclusive education. The overall aim of this study is to explore the existence of inclusive entrepreneurship within inclusive education in Kenya and the identification of good practices if any. It is hoped that the findings of the research will be used to add value to the policy of inclusive education. It is further hoped that other African nations implementing inclusive education will find the research findings useful. Background It is generally accepted that more and better education leads to greater individual and social development. This therefore partially explains the birth of inclusive education. The argument is that getting all citizens without exclusion educated to a higher level of quality that can lead to a broader and stronger human resource base, able to participate more actively, more effectively, more responsibly, and more democratically and with greater equity of outcomes in the development process. This should consequently lead not only to more poverty reduction and more inclusive growth but also to long run cost savings, especially in the social development sectors such as health and social welfare. Inclusive education is today considered a precious key for none more so than disabled people in the Developing World, the vast majority who are denied it. Statement of the problem The second of the eight goals of education in Kenya is to promote social, economic, technological and industrial needs for national development. The social needs are to be achieved by preparing children for the changes in attitudes and relationships which are necessary for the smooth process of a rapidly developing modern economy. The achievement of economic needs is via the production of citizens with skills, knowledge, expertise and personal qualities that are required to support a growing economy. Technological needs are achieved by equipping the learners with the necessary skills and attitudes for industrial development. A strong implication of the aforesaid is that there is a symbiotic relationship between development, inclusive education and inclusive entrepreneurship (enterprise) education. In 1989, Kenya's Population Census estimated that 0.7% of the 21.4 million populations were disabled although this was regarded as an underestimation. Twenty years down the line in 2010 it is officially reported that 3.5 per cent of Kenyans, or are disabled. This figure can also be disputed. Estimates before the pronouncement of this figure indicated that people with disabilities make up about 10% of the country's population i.e. about 3.8 million of the current 38 million Kenyans. What is not in dispute is the upward trend of people with disability. Three quarters of Kenyan pupils with special educational needs are in special schools with only a quarter in special units within mainstream schools. Generally, children with mental handicaps are placed in these units while those with physical handicaps and hearing impairments attend special schools. Statistics for unemployment among Kenyans with disabilities are hard to come by. They, however, cannot be better than the world average. According to the Geneva-based International Labor Office (ILO) more than 60% of people with disabilities in the world are of working age, however, they experience an unemployment rate % higher than average non-disabled workers. In Europe, 52% of all people with severe disabilities do not participate in the labor force. In 2005, people with disabilities of working age had an employment rate of only 38% compared to 78% for those without disabilities. Two-thirds of persons with disabilities that are unemployed said they would like to work but could not find a 10 11

7 job ( In Kenya persons with disabilities face very well-known hurdles when they compete with physically able people for jobs even when they have better academic qualifications. The surest avenue for employability of persons with disability would be self-employment. In 2002, the Association of Commonwealth Universities funded a study on inclusive education in Kenya. One of the conclusions by this study was that if Kenyan schools are going to really implement the recent ambitious aims of special education policy, they need to give more thought to the students' future employment and provide relevant vocational training (Muuya, 2002). The question becomes how much thought has been given to employability of graduates of inclusive education in Kenya? This question constitutes a statement of the problem which this study aspires to address. Objectives of the study The overall aim of this study is to explore the existence of inclusive entrepreneurship within inclusive education in Kenya and the identification of good practices if any. In specific terms the study has four objectives, namely: 1. To assess the state of special needs and inclusive education in Kenya in terms of inclusive entrepreneurship. 2. To identify and document model practices (if any) in the area of inclusive entrepreneurship education in inclusive education, and to highlight the mechanisms and strategies (again if any) that have proved effective. 3. To document the areas of concern and the constraints in successfully implementing (or introducing as the case may be) inclusive entrepreneurship for inclusive education. 4. To provide recommendations for the implementation (or introduction) of inclusive entrepreneurship in inclusive education. Literature overview Dictionary definitions of the concept of inclusivity imply the fact or policy of not excluding members or participants on the grounds of gender, race, class, sexuality, disability, etc. Inclusivity is the tendency to include, whether it is people, viewpoints or material products in groups, discussions, product lines, etc. Inclusivity or an inclusive attitude is important in human relations because it implies that we welcome people in rather than shutting them out. Our internet Google engine search revealed three closely interrelated viewpoints of inclusivity: development, education and entrepreneurship. Inclusive development is development that marginalized groups take part in and benefit from, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability or poverty. Development can be inclusive and reduce poverty only if all groups of people contribute to creating opportunities, share the benefits of development and participate in decision-making. There are many elements for a nation to consider in pursuing inclusive development. A vital one is how to create productive and gainful employment. Inclusion in the context of education has two common meanings. The first and most current meaning, as defined by UNESCO, involves the "transformation of schools and other centers of learning to cater for all children" and recognizes that many currently marginalized groups (such as religious, racial, ethnic, and linguistic minorities, immigrants, girls, the poor, students with disabilities, HIV/AIDS patients, remote populations, and more) are not actively included in education and learning processes. The second meaning is still common but older and limits the scope of inclusive education to students with disabilities. Inclusive entrepreneurship is about a set of attitudes, competences and skills which allow people to turn their dreams into concrete projects or enterprises and then see these through to fruition. It is about more than starting an individual business. Inclusive entrepreneurship can be applied to self-employment, starting or growing micro or small enterprises and to social enterprise using business based approaches driven by social mission. The use of the word 'inclusive' indicates a belief that entrepreneurship is for all and that the personal qualities and conditions required for entrepreneurship are not the prerogative of a privileged, highly educated few. The concept of inclusive entrepreneurship was well popularized by the European Union's EQUAL Community Initiative which included a theme on business creation that was taken up in approximately half the EU Member States. This led to the development of a community of practice on inclusive entrepreneurship called COPIE. COPIE was led by Flanders and Germany with partners in Spain, Portugal, and the UK and observers in France, the Netherlands, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Romania. COPIE developed a series of tools to facilitate the assessment of enterprise support systems from the point of view of a wide range of specific groups (e.g. women, minority ethnic groups, migrants, people with disabilities, young people and older people). The COPIE model shows that it is possible to implement inclusive entrepreneurship. Our statement of the problem poses the question of employability of the graduates of inclusive education. Albright (1993) observes that, "self-directed employment is an option that is of increasing interest to people with disabilities both in economically developed and developing countries. This could be a strong tool for economic empowerment of persons with disabilities; not only because they take the initiative, but also because they play a leading role in their structural set up and day-to-day decision making and management process. Self-directed employment includes running small business enterprises, and working in cooperatives controlled by disabled persons. This brings to the fore the issue of inclusive entrepreneurship education within the inclusive education policy. Toit (1991) cites the Self-Help Association of Paraplegics (SHAP) in Soweto, Republic of South Africa, as one of the good examples of selfdirected efforts to empower, develop, and create employment opportunities for young persons with physical disabilities. SHAP operates a factory, which employs 130 disabled people working on a sub-contract basis, doing packaging and assembly work, repairing sophisticated mechanical and electronic devices, such as cameras and calculators, etc. Clearly SHAP employs the principles of social entrepreneurship and has won the admiration and support of government and indigenous companies in their fundraising efforts for selfsupport. Literature has another good example of selfdirected effort found in Asia - the Social Assistance and Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV) initiative in Chakoria, Bangladesh. SARPV was founded in 1989 by a social entrepreneur, Mr. Shahidul, who is physically disabled, and it runs a Skill Development and Credit program called BUILD OWN SMALL ENTREPRISE PROJECT (BOSEP). The program empowers and supports poor disabled persons in Chakoria, who want to be successful entrepreneurs but are lacking relevant skills and funds to realize their dreams. Although Caritas-Netherlands and UN ESCAP largely fund SAPRV, its ability to integrate its activities to suit the culture and needs of the people in this area makes it original. Business skills are taught to members and loans provided to groups of disabled members after successful graduation. Members of the association are encouraged to work together with family members and other able-bodied persons in the community in carrying out respective economic activities (Alan, 1997). rd On the 23 of April, 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland, there was a World Economic Forum's Global Education Initiative (GEI). It launched its report, Educating the Next Wave of Entrepreneurs. Building on the GEI's mission to help countries implement education systems that are sustainable, scalable and relevant, the report provides specific recommendations for the academic, public, private and non-profit sectors to collaborate in supporting the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems, in which education is a key driver. The report highlights the importance of entrepreneurship education for developing the skills, attitudes and behaviours necessary to create jobs, generate economic growth, advance human welfare and stimulate innovation to address global challenges. The report provides a landscape of entrepreneurship education practices across the globe covering youth (with a focus on disadvantaged youth), higher education (focusing on high growth entrepreneurship) and social inclusion (with a focus on marginalized communities). The report, therefore, makes good reference to inclusive entrepreneurship. SELECTED REFERENCES Conceptual framework The brief literature overview suggests that inclusive development can be achieved via inclusive education that has an inclusive entrepreneurship curriculum. This is conceptualized thus: Inclusive education + = Inclusive entrepreneurship curriculum Inclusive development METHODOLOGY The overall aim of this study is to explore the existence of inclusive entrepreneurship within inclusive education in Kenya and the identification of good practices if any. The respondents will be selected from policy makers (government representatives); implementers (schools with inclusive education) and the community (non-government and non-implementing stakeholders). The three stakeholders will be visited to collect information for analysis. From the government we shall seek information on policy, strategy, funding and teacher training in relation to inclusive entrepreneurship. From the school we shall seek for information about the curriculum and teachers of inclusive entrepreneurship while from the community we shall assess the attitude and support for entrepreneurship. We shall further seek to know about role models for students. Other issues that we shall gather information about will be incentives by the government to schools in relation to inclusive entrepreneurship curriculum, government campaigns to create awareness and the role of parentsteacher associations. Primary information will be collected using techniques such as checklists, semi structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and observation. Government documents, study reports and relevant literature will be used to collect secondary data. Comments about the above mentioned issues will be recorded and a summary tabulated for each of the stakeholder groups. The tables will then be analyzed to identify the status and/or views about entrepreneurship in the inclusive education curriculum. Our own expertise in entrepreneurship will be used to assess and make recommendations on the way forward for inclusive education In relation to inclusive entrepreneurship. ALAN, M. M., Impact assessment on the SARPV small credit operation by and for the persons with disabilities in the community. Mass Associates. Caritas-Netherlands and UN ESCAP. ALBRIGHT, A., A road to economic independence. CBR News, No. 14, May-August. Muuya, J., The aims of special education schools and units in Kenya: a survey of head-teachers, European Journal of Special Needs Education, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp Toit, M., Self-help and employment. CBR News, No. 9, September

8 The Research Institute for sub-saharan African Studies proposes to develop non-animal proteins for malnourished populations in sub-saharan Africa Region Prof. Dr. Uche C. Amalu,University of Calabar, Nigeria Book Review Reviewed by Paul Bassey Okon, M. Sc, University of Calabar, Nigeria Frackson Lameck Mkandawire and Mmaduabuchukwu Mkpado, eds. Low-input agricultural technologies for sub-saharan Africa In her continual efforts at fulfilling her mandates and commitments to the ever increasing challenges facing the peoples of the African continent, the Research Institute for sub-saharan Africa Studies/Support Africa Foundation, Nassau, has proposed to develop non-animal proteins for malnourished populations in sub- Saharan Africa regions. This proposal was made at the Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions Workshop: Exploratory and Preparatory Measures, st organized (May 31 through June 1, 2011), by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The presentation was made by the Prof. Dr. Baldur Ed. Pfeiffer and Prof. Dr. Uche C. Amalu, both Chair and Co-Chair of the Research Institute at Nassau. In their proposal, titled The Development of Non-animal Protein Foods in Four Different Climatic Zones in sub- Saharan Africa, the research scientists/development experts reiterated the importance of proteins as very indispensable for human life and deficiencies of proteins as major cause of malnutrition and other diseases. They canvassed for attention to Marasmus and Kwashiorkor, both lifethreatening conditions, and the two most common forms of protein malnutrition/protein-energy deficiencies in Africa, and sought to be financed to enable them actualize an action that will lead to the establishment of a well-structured consortium of experts. Four fully-manned regional field stations in four distinct agroclimatic regions between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn; and the identification, improvement and selection of protein-rich cultivated and wild plants, each well adapted to and tolerant of climates of Africa; development of improved post-harvest techniques to extend the shelf-life of quality protein-rich foods; development and promotion of value-added/quality products from protein-rich, cultivated and wild plants to enhance widespread consumption, as well as human nutrition and quality of life in the region; popularization of innovative Award winners 2010 Research Award for Sustainable Agriculture Dr. Cyril I. Duruigbo, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria Research Award for Ecology Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bernard P. K. Yerima, University of Dschang, Cameroon solutions to problems of protein-energy malnutrition and related nutrient deficiencies among peoples of sub- Saharan Africa and other developing nations of the world. It was hoped, at the end of the implementation, to achieve considerable degree of reduction of numbers of juvenile and adult malnourished people, as well as enhancement of wide spread cultivation, availability, accessibility and affordability of non-animal protein crops and their food products in sub-saharan Africa. The SUPPORT AFRICA FOUNDATION hereby acknowledges with immense gratitude the assistance of The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research for the Pilot measures with Africa program, for assisting participating African scientists and from Germany and finally for identifying with the over 200 million malnourished populations of people in sub-saharan Africa. Research Award for Inclusive Education Prof. Henry M. Bwisa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya The African continent has recently been described as a continent in a technology trap? Think of it; more and more African farmers replace their traditional, cheap, and practical methods and readily available techniques with modern, intensive, high-risk and expensive technologies, following misbelieve that the latter technologies would increase their profit and secure their survival and future sustenance. Traditional plants and seeds, indigenous cultural practices and post harvest technologies, which over time perfectly adapted to their local bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural conditions within the last centuries, are gradually eliminated and displaced by highly inappropriate materials and technologies. International agricultural companies, the multinationals and seed manufacturers aggressively enter the developing nations, promising one-shotcure-all technologies, larger-than-basket harvests, total round-up pest and disease chemicals and unparalleled yields. However, the large multinational companies and conglomerates are usually the only ones who benefit from these arrangements and agreements. The resource-poor farmers buy the improved seeds, pesticides and expensive equipment, incurring avoidable debts and ultimately becoming totally dependent on the high-risk and patent-protected products. This book entitled Low-input Agricultural Technologies for sub- Saharan Africa presents the other side of the story? The message of the African scientists, encapsulated in the 120-page simple, picture-some and easy-to read book, is that the small-scale farming businesses applying low-input agricultural technologies are more appropriate, well-adapted, best-suited and ecologically soundest for agricultural production in the developing countries of Africa, and that some of the limitations of the employment of the indigenous technologies and practices can be obviated by adopting a combination of traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge here called Refined Indigenous Knowledge to changing needs and conditions in the region. The articles are submissions from African scientists who responded to the Annual Award call (2008) by Support Africa International, a non-profit, non-political and non-governmental organization and the Schweisfurth Foundation, both Germany-based organizations in Nassau and Munich, respectively. In the first three chapters the scientists present the increasing advocacy for the use of agro-ecological models, (which emphasize biodiversity, nutrient recycling, synergy among crops, animals, soils and other biological components, and regeneration and/or conservation of resources), and low-cost production technologies (for soil management, water harvesting, irrigation, combating desertification, pest and weed control, and processing and storage) and posited these practices as rules rather than exception. Elsewhere, the Refined Indigenous Knowledge in soil fertility maintenance, seed multiplication, mushroom cultivation, snail farming, water-bed incubation, animal feed preparation, fish pond construction, etc., were proffered as sources of low-input agricultural technologies for the rural communities of sub-saharan Africa. Qualitative studies, as well as empirical experiments conducted in nurseries and farm sites in the land-locked Malawi a country of about 12 million agrarian people - were expounded. In the first, positive contributions of organic farming towards maintenance of ecological balance and developing biological processes to their maximum were presented as indispensable for promoting organic agriculture. In the latter, some innovative techniques, a combination of vertical, multi-storage bag or multi-storey garden (referred to as the multi-storey garden) were demonstrated (at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton) as useful for home gardens, kitchen gardens, homestead gardens, commercial vegetable farmers; with added advantages of limited use of chemicals, space, water and funds. From a social scientist's viewpoint, an analysis of the adoption rate and impact of the so-called low-input agricultural technologies revealed the highly adopted cum high-impact technologies to include small scale irrigation technologies, soil enrichment technologies, crop diversification ideologies and post harvest technologies in this order; and that transfer of low input agricultural technologies was largely constrained by high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and high HIV prevalence among the resource-poor in the region. This book, the first hard-cover so far, but the fourth in the series of Studies in sub- Saharan Africa is a collection of wellresearched and peer-reviewed articles written by independent research scientists and academics working in tertiary institutions across sub-saharan Africa. There is an African saying that Those who wore the hard shoes knew where it pinched them most ; and truly Experience has always remained the best teacher. The contributing African scientists saw it all, learning, by practice, from their parents and ancestors. They know what technologies worked best and what likely modifications, by their learning, may improve the efficiencies of the local technical knowledge and practices. Simply put the book is a Low-input Agricultural Technology Tool-Box from which Agricultural science teachers, practitioners, as well as agricultural extension officers and students can select best-fit technologies for the numerous constraints militating against resource-poor farmers efforts to increase yields, make profit and come out of cycles of poverty. Read this book and enrich your knowledge of Lowinput agricultural Technologies