Plant – or herb-based treatments have been a key part of the continent’s traditional medicinal practices for thousands of years. But there are challenges. These include the fact that many consumers automatically assume “natural equals safe”.
The Conversation
Politics and Society Proper child care helps poor working women – and it can boost economies
Across 31 developing countries, less than 1% of women living in poverty have access to a child care service. Women are now calling for change. Informal workers organisations in collaboration with trade unions representing formal sector workers are organising a global campaign for quality public child care services.
Politics and Society What’s stopping Zimbabwe’s young people from participating in elections?
Zimbabwe will hold fresh elections in a few months. But are the country’s young people ready to get involved in politics?
Politics and Society What ‘blackface’ tells us about China’s patronising attitude towards Africa
Stereotypical views about Africa aren’t only evident in China’s media — they pervade everyday life in China.
Politics and Society Three reasons why Africa should treat Tillerson visit with scepticism
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is visiting five of Africa’s 54 countries: Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria. Tillerson’s mission will produce few benefits for Africa, or for US-Africa relations. Unless the few existing partnership agreements are reaffirmed, America’s declining importance and influence on the continent will continue.
African identities From slavery to colonialism and school rules: a history of myths about black hair
As black people, our hair is an expression of the infinite possibilities that emanate from the creative and daring consciousness.
Politics and Society How electricity changes lives: a Rwandan case study
A lack of access to electricity hampers development. Rwanda has implemented one of the most comprehensive electrification programmes in the world. In 2009 only 6% of Rwandans had access to electricity. The government’s aim is to lift this to 70% by 2018.
Politics and Society China’s media struggles to overcome stereotypes of Africa
Chinese media portray Africa in stereotypes not dissimilar to the rest of the world. The continent is routinely treated as a single unit, erasing its linguistic, racial and cultural diversity.
Politics and Society Zimbabwe’s Morgan Tsvangirai: heroic herald of an epoch foretold
Morgan Tsvangirai’s death, combined with Robert Mugabe’s coup-led removal as president of ZANU-PF and the country just a few months ago, could mark the end of the Zimbabwean political parties’ internecine fighting.