African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Vol. 2 (9), September, 2008 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJEST ISSN 1996-0786 © 2008 Academic Journals Editorial Environmental Education and Research in Africa In his formidable account of science in Africa1, Thomas Bass inspires aspiring scientists to work in Africa: “African is a scientific treasure house. Endowed with fabulous examples of physical and cultural diversity, it pushes the boundaries of the known world……..Africa is a limit case. It offers scientists the most extreme examples of theoretical problems posed in various disciplines, ranging from human evolution and the evolution of species in general t the theory of famine, the spread of deserts, the rise of new viruses, and the special problems of tropical entomology and tropical agriculture.” Given this reputation for opportunity for scientific discoveries and their applications for solving pressing societal problems, many have questioned why the local production of tangible benefits of science and technology remain negligible compared to the rest of the world. David Livingstone has told us that geography matters indeed for scientific knowledge production and interpretation, but in that treatise, references to Africa is relegated to Europeans bringing illuminating science to the “dark continent.”2 For the most part, African countries have adopted the scientific method, at least in terms of formal education, if not in cultural practices and beliefs. But where is the science being done, and who is doing it? Institutions of higher education, particularly universities remain the places that can afford the luxury of basic scientific research – the search for the nature of things without particular attention to utilitarian values (Figure 1). It is increasingly difficult to fund such research, especially because we have not done well to translate scientific knowledge into societal benefits. Therefore, it will is difficult to request hard earned tax-payers monies to support endless inquiries. The relationship between basic science and environmental technology is particularly relevant to the challenges that face many African countries. There is no doubt that we should all work hard to increase participation of African institutions in science, and to encourage entrepreneurs to translate scientific knowledge – wherever it is produced – into technological solutions. The Association of African Universities (AAU) lists 212 member institutions in 45 countries3. A search of the database maintained by AAU revealed that 222 programs focus on “science” whereas 176 represent “technology”, and 169 include “environmental” topics. Specifically, environmental science is represented in 162 occasions, and environmental technology is represented in 90 occasions. Table 1 presents graduate theses and dissertations that include “environment” as a keyword from 1986 to 2007. We present the entire database here to salute those who completed the research, but also to serve as inspiration for those who may gain ideas from a review of topics covered and topics omitted. The information presented in the Table show a wide diversity of topics and specialization, all relevant to environmental science and technological solutions for the African situation. The issues seem not to be the lack of interest or action in science, but of translational science and entrepreneurial investment. We invite those who read their own names in Table 1 to write and tell us how they have worked to translate their research into action to improve the African quality of life. 1 Bass, T.A. 1990. Camping with the Prince and Other Tales of Science in Africa. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 304 pages. 2 Livingston, D.N. 2003. Putting Science in its Place: geographies of Scientific Knowledge. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. 234 pages. 3 Association of African Universities: http://www.aau.org/index.htm Figure 1. African University in Adrar, Algeria. Photograph by courtesy of Elias Filali (http://www.pbase.com/elias2033uk/image/74739545) Table 1. Theses and Dissertations on Environment Topics Conducted at African Universities. Extracted from the database of the Association of African Universities (http://www.aau.org/index.htm). Author Title Degree University Assessment of fecal bacteria contamination in sewage and non- University of Dar es MSc. (Environmental Abbu, Aziz Ally sewage impacted Salaam, Department of Science) 2006 mangrove ecosystems Environmental Science along the coast of Dar es Salaam Effect of environmental University of Dar es changes on migration: a M. A. (Demography) Abdallah, Naima Salaam, Demographic case study of Kondoa 1996 Unit district Analysis of the M.Sc (Environmental University of Jos, environmental sanitation Abdulkadir, Diyo Sule and Resource Planning ) Department of situation in Abuja (FCT), 1999 Geography and Planning Nigeria Assessment of Land Ph.D (Environmental University of Jos, Abdullahi Liman Tukur Degradation on the and Resources Department of Mambilla Plateau Planning) 1997 Geography and Planning The effects of fire on Makerere University, grassland birds in Abe, Eve X (Envir.) 1989 Institute of Environment Queen Elizabeth and Natural Resources National Park, Uganda Legal aspects of waste management and the role of the consumer in University of Dar es Aboud-Mbughuni, Hawa LL. M. 1999 environmental Salaam, Faculty of Law management in Tanzania Natural resource assessment in buffer Makerere University, zone management: a Acen, Joyce Okwong M.Sc (Env.) 1995 Institute of Environment case study of Lake and Natural Resources Mburo: Kanyaryemu Resettlement Scheme Fish species Makerere University, composition in the inner Acham, Hedwig X 2002 Institute of Environment Murchison Bay, Lake and Natural Resources Victoria, Uganda Fish species Makerere University, composition in the inner Acham, Hedwig X 2000 Institute of Nature and Murchison Bay, Lake Enviromentsl Resources Victoria, Uganda University of Jos, Tradomedical Research Achanya, Roberts M. X (Architecture) 1991 Department of Centre, Ankpa Architecture Environmental education M. A. (Environmental University of Cape in senior secondary Addai, Richardson management and policy) Coast, Centre for schools in the Sunyani 2007 Development Studies municipality Cover mapping for land Makerere University, use planning : a case Adelaida F.T.Tillya X (Env.) 1997 Institute of Environment study of Kakiri sub- and Natural Resources county - Mpigi district Assessment of factors affecting adoption of soil fertility improvement Kenyatta University, Master of Environmental Adiel, Ruth Kagai technologies in Eastern School of Environmental Studies 2004 Kenya: the case of and Human Science Kirege location, Chuka division Assessment of factors affecting adoption of soil fertility improvement Kenyatta University, Master of Environmental Adiel, Ruth Kagai technologies in Eastern School of Environmental Studies 2004 Kenya: the case of and Human Science Kirege location, Chuka division An appraisal of the collection management University of Ghana, procedures in the Adjabeng, Agnes Akuvi X 2001 Department of Environmental Information Studies Protection Agency Library, Ghana Perception of University of Cape environmental Adomah, Stephen Tuah M.phil (Geography) 2001 Coast, Department of degradation in the Geography and Tourism Western Region An evaluation of the environmental education component of University of Ghana, Adukpo, Gabriel Yao agricultural extension M.Phil 1999 Institute of Adult Agornyo programmes in the Education Fanteakwa district of Ghana The characteristics of Kenyatta University, hydrological drought in Doctor of Philoophy Agwata, Jones Fairfax Department of the upper parts of the 2005 Environmental Science Tana Basin, Kenya Nutrient dynamics in a coastal savanna soil Ph.D (Land Use and University of Cape Agyarko, Kofi amended with neem Environmental Science) Coast, Department of (Azadirachta indica) 2004 Soil Science leaves and animal manure The environment and University of Ghana, development: another Legon Centre for Agyei-Agyepong, Yaw X 1999 dimension of the International Affairs North/South debate (LECIA) Land use assessement in some buffer areas of Queen Elizabeth Makerere University, Aheebwa, Justine X (For.) 1999 National Park and Department of Forestry Kyambura Game Reserve Environmental sanitation and maternal factors as determinants of infant Makerere University, Ahimbisibwe, Ferd mortality in Ankole: a re- M.A 1997 Department ot Edward analysis of 1991 Population Studies Population and Housing Census Genetic and environmental University of British Ahunu, Benjamin parameters of milk M.Sc 1978 Columbia, Department Kwadjo protein yields in of Animal Science holsteins The use of simulation games and discussion UNiversity of Cape method in teaching M.phil (Curriculum Coast, Department of Aidoo, Frank Kwamina environmental studies in Studies) 2001 Arts and Social Science Ghanaian Primary Education Schools: A comparative study University of London, Particulate air pollution Doctor of Philosophy Center for Akbar, Sameer and respiratory morbidity 1997 Environmental in Delhi, India Technology Management ans strategies for improving Ph.D ( Educational University of Jos, health and Akpomi, Margaret E. Administration and Department Educational environmental sanitation Planning ) 1998 Foundation in Bauchi State Primary Schools Assessment of physical and biochemical Akungah, Daniel parameters of pollution Master of Environmental Kenyatta University Nyagetiria in freshwater