A new strategic framework for water-related health research

The aim of this study was to compile a new strategic framework to guide the funding and management of research in waterrelated human health in South Africa. This framework had to identify the research areas of highest need in the country and provide an effective, yet simple, tool for the management of research projects. A review of current water-related human health research was first undertaken. Using this review as background document, input was solicited from key people in Government, water boards, metro councils, science councils and universities. As part of the study, the country’s research support infrastructure for water-related health research was investigated. The framework was finalised at a stakeholder workshop. A structure of Thrust Areas, with Programmes under each Thrust Area, was suggested for research management and funding. A matrix system of research thrusts versus impacts/risks, interventions and governance was further constructed to assist in the identification of research gaps, rendering the framework a very useful tool in the funding and management of water-related human health research.Keywords: water, public health, research needs, research managemen

Enhanced Biogas Production through Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Agricultural Wastes and Wastewater: A Case Study in South Africa

Received: 6 March 2023. Accepted: 30 May 2023.The authors wish to express their appreciation to the Green Engineering Research Group at the Durban University of Technology for proving necessary equipment to make this study a success. Also, the eThekwini Municipality and the REFFECT Africa project team for their kind assistance and support.The sustainable management of agricultural wastes (AWs) and their valorization for biogas production offer promising alternatives to fossil fuels and contribute to environmentally responsible waste management strategies. This study examines the anaerobic co-digestion (Co-AD) of various AWs, including apples, bananas, carrots, butternuts, and potatoes, combined with wastewater (WW) from a local fruit and vegetable market, using activated sludge (AS) as the inoculum. The biomethane potential test (BMP) was performed in 1L capacity digesters with an 80% working volume and maintained at 40℃ over a 21-day period. A mixing ratio of 1:1 (% w/w) between WW and AWs and 1:2 between the cosubstrates and inoculum was utilized. Biogas production was monitored daily to evaluate the effectiveness of the Co-AD process. The control group yielded a total production of 450 mL/day, while the apple and banana substrates demonstrated the highest biogas output at 595 mL/day and 585 mL/day, respectively. The potato substrate generated 525 mL/day, mixed AWs produced 485 mL/day, and butternut and carrot substrates resulted in 485 mL/day and 475 mL/day, respectively. These findings suggest that the Co-AD of AWs and WW, in combination with AS, presents a viable and eco-friendly approach to enhanced biogas production

A new strategic framework for water-related health research

The aim of this study was to compile a new strategic framework to guide the funding and management of research in water-related human health in South Africa. This framework had to identify the research areas of highest need in the country and provide an effective, yet simple, tool for the management of research projects. A review of current water-related human health research was first undertaken. Using this review as background document, input was solicited from key people in Government, water boards, metro councils, science councils and universities. As part of the study, the country's research support infrastructure for water-related health research was investigated. The framework was finalised at a stakeholder workshop. A structure of Thrust Areas, with Programmes under each Thrust Area, was suggested for research management and funding. A matrix system of research thrusts versus impacts / risks, interventions and governance was further constructed to assist in the identification of research gaps, rendering the framework a very useful tool in the funding and management of water-related human health research

Considering the links between non-timber forest products and poverty alleviation

The debates around the value and importance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are complex and ongoing. The complexity is a result of many factors, including the wide variety of species, products and uses, as well as the variety of constituencies and disciplines each seeing advantage from ‘co-opting’ the importance of the contribution of NTFPs to their own areas of interest and concern. Conservationists are interested in NTFPs because their combined high value in many settings offers a potential alternative to the destruction of forests by either commercial logging or their widespread conversion to other land uses