RTFP



Features

Guest writers comment on trade in southern Africa.

Tripartite talks set new trade path

Museveni

The recent Tripartite Summit in Uganda between COMESA, the EAC and SADC is a symbolic step forward for regional integration, writes Dianna Games


Regional Infrastructure Gains Ground in SADC

road features small

A renewed commitment to regional infrastructure in SADC is apparent and a host of programmes are being developed. John Rocha looks at what is happening and ways to improve the project pipeline


The real business of regional integration

Queue for blocked road_thumnail

Greg Mills looks at the case of Rwanda in analysing the root causes of high transport and trade costs across Africa's borders


Kazungula Bridge

Kazungula ferry_Thumbnaill

Dianna Games considers if improved infrastructure alone will help the region's traders


Devil’s Claw - Research



Devils claw research harvestingA scientist from the National Museum of South Africa has been contracted to conduct research into the best harvesting practices for Devil's Claw and resulting effects on the chemical composition of the plant.

Possibly as a result of an increase in demand for Devil's Claw (particularly in Europe), detrimental harvesting techniques are being used with little thought for their long term impact. Cultivation is not simple and at present is unprofitable (ironically until the 1970s the plant was considered a weed and was eradicated).

The whole research programme will take three years and is being co-financed in the initial stages by RTFP. The annual report covering the first period (Devils Claw National Museum 2008 annual Progress report) 93.22 Kb) highlights the successful differentiation between populations of the plant bearing varying quantities of the active medical ingredient (plants in Zimbabwe having by far the highest concentration).

LINK TO: National Museum, Bloemfontein

Natural Research Institution UK

© RTFP 2012. Design AfriConnect.