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STORY NAME: WOMEN ACTIVISTS ADVOCATING FOR GENDER JUSTICE AT COP 27 LOCATION: SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT DATE SHOT: 14/11/22 SOUND: NATURAL SOUND WITH ENGLISH SPEECH DURATION: 2:24 SOURCE: BIRD STORY AGENCY RESTRICTIONS: NONE ASPECT RATIO: 16.9 ORIGINAL FRAME RATE: 24 fps (progressive). INTRO: Gender and climate negotiator, Fatou Jeng and Xoli Fuyani lead talks in advocating for gender justice at cop 27 SHOTLIST 1. ACTIVISTS DEMONSTRATING ON CLIMATE JUSTICE. 2. ACTIVISTS DEMONSTRATING ON GENDER JUSTICE EMPOWERMENT. 3. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): MODERATOR AT COP, SAYING: “ Next on cruise is Fatou Jeng from the Gambia, gender and climate negotiator.” 4. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): FAT0U JENG, GAMBIAN GENDER AND CLIMATE NEGOTIATOR, SAYING: “ Thank you for joining us at this very important discussion we are having today, how we can advance gender-sensitive climate responses for sustaining peace. The society and organizations play a very important role in helping us build more gender-sensitive responsive climate action.” 5. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): FAT0U JENG, GAMBIAN GENDER AND CLIMATE NEGOTIATOR, SAYING: “Gender justice obviously has to do with ensuring that the impacts of climate change and the way women and girls are disproportionately impacted by climate change is being effectively resolved. What I mean by this is, I’m seeing that climate adaptation is gender-sensitive, seeing the climate action is gender-responsive, seeing that decision-making processes actually are gender inclusive. 6. AUDIENCE IN A CONFERENCE PROCEEDING 7. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): FAT0U JENG, GAMBIAN GENDER, AND CLIMATE NEGOTIATOR, SAYING: “We are going to talk about addressing the problem that we are facing especially the climate-related issues, we don’t have women included because we are the most disproportionately impacted, we are the most vulnerable because our activist depend on the natural environment but at the end of the day when it comes our participation decision-making processes, we see that it is intermitted”. 8. VARIOUS OF XOLI FUYANI, FOUNDER OF BLACK GIRL RISING HOLDING A PLACARD SAYING “KIDS FIRST” 9. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): XOLI FUYANI, FOUNDER OF BLACK GIRL RISING, SAYING: “Just coming back to the COP you know I think we all have known that there are 111 leaders who are leading the COP, out of those is only 7 women. I think that says so much, you know, about who’s representing women and we know that something you don’t see you don’t get in policies. So if there are no women in the forefront advocating for women’s issues, we are not gonna see those implemented in our policies. 10. VARIOUS OF XOLI FUYANI WORKING AT HER STATION

STORY NAME: COP 27 FOSSIL FUEL CLIMATE ACTIVIST FROM SHARM EL SHEIKH LOCATION: SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT DATE SHOT: 08/11/22 SOUND: NATURAL SOUND WITH ENGLISH SPEECH DURATION: 2:00 SOURCE: BIRD STORY AGENCY RESTRICTIONS: NONE ASPECT RATIO: 16.9 ORIGINAL FRAME RATE: 24 fps (progressive). INTRO: Ugandan climate activist - Innocent Tumwebaze speaks on his fight against fossil fuels funding SHOTLIST 1. VARIOUS OF COP SIGNAGE 2. ROTATING WORLD MAP AT SHARM EL SHEIKH FOR “AFRICA’S COP” 3. VISITORS WALKING ALONG THE SHARM EL SHEIKH STREETS 4. VARIOUS OF INNOCENT TUMWEBAZE, CLIMATE ACTIVIST WITH HIS TEAM MEMBERS 5. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): INNOCENT TUMWEBAZE, UGANDAN CLIMATE ACTIVIST, SAYING: “I come from Hoima District, and this where most of Uganda’s oil discovery was done and I’m one of the people that were physically affected by the land acquisition of the oil refinery”. 6. ARCHIVE FILES OF OIL RIGS IMMERSED IN WATER 7. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): INNOCENT TUMWEBAZE, UGANDAN CLIMATE ACTIVIST, SAYING: “The reason why we are running this campaign “stop funding fuel energy” is that the rate at which the environment is been affected by the oil projects in our region is high”. 8. BIRD ARCHIVE FILE OF OIL REFINERY PLANT 9. BIRD ARCHIVE FILES OF OIL SPILLAGE IN LAKE 10. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): INNOCENT TUMWEBAZE, UGANDAN CLIMATE ACTIVIST, SAYING: “This project is mostly affecting the communities that are poor, and their main activities is agriculture. So, if it goes on, the land acquisition, the construction of the oil facilities, we see that is going to affect the people’s future and income a lot and our governments are not showing the clear mitigation measures for the environment and for the communities that are affected”. 11. INNOCENT TUMWEBAZE, CLIMATE ACTIVIST WITH HIS TEAM 12. VARIOUS OF FLAGS FLYING

STORY NAME: SEED BANKING – A CREATIVE SOLUTION TO ENSURE FARMING SUSTAINABILITY AFTER DISASTERS LOCATION: CHIMANIMANI, ZIMBAMBWE DATE SHOT: 30/09/22 SOUND: NATURAL SOUND WITH ENGLISH AND SHONA SPEECH DURATION: 5:27 SOURCE: BIRD STORY AGENCY RESTRICTIONS: NONE ASPECT RATIO: 16.9 ORIGINAL FRAME RATE: 24 fps (progressive). INTRO: After being hit by repeated climate-related disasters, a farming community on the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border now has a solution that makes farmers more resilient and helps with food security: a seed bank. SHOTLIST 1. ANNAMORE CHIRIKO, FARMER, HOEING 2. HOEING 3. SEED BANK WORKERS SEATED OUTSIDE SEEDBANK, WINNOWING SEEDS 4. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH): ROSELINE MUKONOWESHURO, PROGRAMS OFFICER, TSURO TRUST, SAYING: “The seed bank is very important in terms of ensuring that farmers have seeds even when we have disasters, like now you know Chimanimani is very exposed in terms of climatic extreme events, we have had issues like the storms and the cyclones, especially the cyclone, where we discovered, and we realized that farmers lost seeds and for us now to restore, to rebuild that seed base we have this seed bank where farmers are coming and depositing their seed, here in the seed bank you see that we have a variety of farm-saved seed varieties, we are promoting mostly the open pollinated varieties, we are also promoting our traditional seed varieties 5. ANNAMORE CHIRIKO PLACING HER SEEDS ON THE SHELVES 6. VARIOUS OF CHIRIKO SORTING HER SEEDS ON THE FARM 7. CHIMANIMANI REGION GRAPHIC MAP 8. SOUNDBITE (SHONA) ANNAMORE CHIRIKO, LOCAL FARMER, SAYING: “The seed is very important to us, especially after experiencing the cyclone, we are now able to store and preserve our seeds for planting seasons, way back we lost our seeds through fire at our homes, but now we are no longer afraid because we have our very important seed bank, our lives have transformed for the better, we now able to send our children to school because we have different varieties of seeds and we now depositing the seeds in bulk at the seed bank so that we can sell the seeds and raise money for school fees that we lacked in the past. 9. BANK MEMBERS SORTING SEEDS 10. SOUNDBITE (SHONA) TSWAMWAYI MUSHA, LOCAL RESIDENT, SAYING: "The seed bank has revived our culture of preserving seeds for future generations, the bank can stand the effects of fire and moisture and it has guaranteed us the safety of our seeds and this has inspired us to encourage other farmers to plow traditional varieties now that we have a place to keep our seeds, unlike a situation where we lose our seeds to wildfires but l can now go to the seed bank and withdraw my seeds without money." 11. MORE OF SEED BANK MEMBERS SORTING SEEDS 12. SOUNDBITE (SHONA) "In the event of droughts and climate change our seeds can resist the scorching heat, we will not die of hunger and our families will not starve and it also helps us generate money to buy food after selling our seeds." 13. BANK MEMBERS SORTING SEEDS 14. VARIOUS OF BANK MEMBERS WALKING TOWARDS THE SEEDBANK 15. VARIOUS OF ANNAMORE CHIRIKO, FARMER, SOWING SEEDS 16. ANNAMORE CHIRIKO, FARMER, HOEING STORY When Cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe in 2019, the most reported issues were death tolls edging close to 200 from Chimanimani district alone and significant destruction of property. However, for the residents of the district located to the East of Zimbabwe, continuity in farming has been a major drawback as farm products were destroyed. Tsuro Trust, a community initiative, is running a seed banking program that seeks to ensure farmers are able to sustain their farming activities and continue with their farming activities after such a disaster as the cyclone. According to the project’s programs officer Roseline Mukonoweshuro, conserving seeds is critical for the farmers in Chimanimani owing to their high exposure and vulnerability to disasters. “We have had issues like the storms and the cyclones, especially the cyclone, where we discovered, that farmers lost seeds. For us now to restore, to rebuild that seed base we have this seed bank where farmers are coming and depositing their seed,” she explains showing various seed balls arranged on the shelves. The program aims at conserving a variety of seeds with a special focus on saving open-pollinated and traditional seed varieties. Farmers involved in the program most of whom suffered direct effects from the 2019 cyclone describe the project as critical one because they “are now able to store and preserve our seeds for planting seasons.” Annamore Chiriko, a local farmer explains how he lost seeds after his home suffered a fire accident. “Now we are no longer afraid because we have our very important seed bank, our lives have transformed for the better. We are now able to send our children to school because we have different varieties of seeds,” he explains. Beyond saving the seeds, the farmers are also depositing the seeds in bulk at the seed bank intending to sell the seeds and thus will be financially empowered. The culture of seed preservation is a tradition taps a rich vein of history among the Shona community in Chimanimani but could not be sustained due to the limitation of seed storage infrastructure. Tswamwayi Musha, a local resident, notes that farmers have been attracted to the program because it provides a solution that ensures their farming activities are sustainable beyond disasters and calamities. “We have a place to keep our seeds, unlike a situation where we lose our seeds to wildfires but l can now go to the seed bank and withdraw my seeds without money, our seeds are kept in a professional manner in bottles and in a safe secured house," he expresses. In the larger context, the farmers hail the project for being a creative solution that will ensure the severe effects of climate change experienced through the increased droughts, wildfires and cyclones are mitigated. “In the event of droughts and climate change our seeds can resist the scorching heat, we will die of hunger and our families will not starve and it also helps us generate money to buy food after selling our seeds,” explains Tswamwayi Musha, a local resident. The project benefits 600 farmers who are primary beneficiaries with their seeds stored in the seed bank. The number of beneficiaries is however expected to rise as the program continues to attract more farmers. Besides, the existing farmers share out the seeds with other non-members. bird story agency

AGENCY-STYLE VIDEO EDIT: How a rural community in a fast-urbanising region along the west African Tano River is using traditional knowledge handed down over generations to protect the river, its vegetation and its fish stock. STORY NAME: THE COMMUNITY USING ANCIENT TRADITION TO CONSERVE A RIVER LOCATION: TANOSO, GHANA DATE SHOT: 8/08/22 SOUND: NATURAL SOUND WITH ENGLISH AND AKAN SPEECH DURATION: 3:56 SOURCE: BIRD STORY AGENCY RESTRICTIONS: NONE ASPECT RATIO: 16.9 ORIGINAL FRAME RATE: 24 fps (progressive). INTRO: How a rural community in a fast-urbanising region along the west African Tano River is using traditional knowledge handed down over generations to protect the river, its vegetation and its fish stock. SHOTLIST 1. LIVESTOCK DRINKING FROM THE DAM 2. VARIOUS OF RIVER TANO 3. CARS DRIVING ACROSS THE RIVER 4. VARIOUS OF THE RIVER 5. VARIOUS OF TANOSO TOWN 6. TANOSO RESIDENTS FETCHING WATER FROM THE RIVER 7. (SOUNDBITE) (English speech) AUGUSTINE ADUSAH OFORI, COMMUNITY TEACHER, SAYING: "Tano river is very helpful to the people of this community, domestically we use it for washing, cooking, drinking and so many other uses. Potters also use it in their works and some also use it for irrigation purposes”. 8. VARIOUS OF CLAY PROCESSING 9. CLAY POTS ON DISPLAY 10. (SOUNDBYTE) (English speech) AUGUSTINE ADUSAH OFORI, COMMUNITY TEACHER, SAYING: "There are so many traditions that the people of this community have used to protect this river. One, they don’t fish in it. When you go to other places, they fish in it but here we don’t. You can’t wash in it and again we don’t step in this river with your footwear”. 11. VARIOUS OF RIVER TANO 12. (SOUNDBITE) (Akan speech) JOSEPH CHRISTOPHER YEBOAH, A POTTER, SAYING: “The benefit the River Tano has brought to us is that we are able to get clay at the bank of the river for our pottery works. It helps in the supply of raw water to the water works at Abesim. 13. VARIOUS OF CLAY PROCESSING 14. MORE CLAY POTS ON DISPLAY 15. PRIEST NANA OSEI DRINKING FROM THE RIVER 16. (SOUNDBITE) (Akan speech) NANA OSEI KWADWO, PRIEST TO RIVER TANO COMMUNITY, SAYING: “The history of not eating fish from the river has been with us for years after it was bequeathed to us by our forefathers. We believe the fishes are our ancestors that is why we do not eat them”. 17. VARIOUS OF FISH IN THE RIVER 18. VARIOUS OF TANOSO TOWN ACTIVITIES 19. (SOUNDBITE) (Akan speech) JANET AKAABI, LOCAL FASHION DESIGNER, SAYING: “What I do as an individual to protect the river is that I do not put refuse at the banks of the river. Apart from this, I also do not put soapy water into the river after washing”. 20. VARIOUS OF THE RIVER 21. RESIDENT FETCHING WATER FROM THE RIVER 22. VARIOUS OF TANOSO TOWN 23. LIVESTOCK LEAVING THE RIVER STORY - Through the heart of the Tano North Municipality in Ghana's Ahafo region, runs a river that has, for as long as anyone can remember, been the life-blood of the community. A key bridge in the area also connects two regions, Bono and Ahafo, separated by the flowing waters. Running over 400 kilometres from its head in Techiman, the capital town of Bono East Region to the Ehy and Tendo lagoons in Ghana, the Tano River finally enters the Atlantic Ocean via the Aby Lagoon in Ivory Coast. Besides bequeathing the Tanoso community its name, the river is a treasured heritage and source of livelihood for many on its path to the ocean. And for that reason, it is carefully conserved by the community around it. The origins of the edicts that prescribe how the life-sustaining waters of the river are to be protected and sustained are today lost on the Tanoso community that continues to protect it with a spiritual zeal. But that is of no consequence to the area's high priest, Nana Osei Kwadwo. The 70-year-old is the head of the Tanoso Traditional Counci,l comprising chiefs and queen mothers. According to Kwadwo, tradition outlaws the fishing and eating of fish from River Tano. And those who flout rule, which applies to both locals and strangers, face severely punishment. “Anyone who flouts the tradition by fishing in the river and also engaging in activities that may pollute the river, they are fined. The fine may differ depending on the gravity of the offence. Some are charged to slaughter sheep to pacify the river,” he said. “This tradition which has been with us for years is achieving its purpose because we have been able to protect the river and the fish stock in it because people are aware what will happen to them when they flout the tradition.” The Tanoso community has traditionally engaged in a booming pottery business along the river, along with farming. The importance of a regular, learn water supply for both activities may have much to do with how the community has to protected its “sacred heritage”. Every small detail of the river is carefully observed. Even when a fish dies naturally, rites are performed by a priest who oversees the river before the fish is buried. This has seen the survival of the river and fish for generations. The Tanoso credit the river and its protected environs, for their relatively stable ecosystem, at a time when many other communities are dealing with the fallout of environmental abuse, including dying rivers, disappearing fauna and flora, flooding and erratic weather patterns Kwadwo, who has been a priest for the river for almost two decades, said the traditional council has over the years ensured the planting of trees such as indigenous acacias along the banks of the river, to protect it. While the pressures of development have increased, the community has not been averse to using modern communications methods to help keep the river pristine. Kwadwo explained that the council uses media channels such as radio to educate the people maintain the tradition. Despite that, the impact of upstream deforestation is evident in the brownish water during the rainy season. For years the river has served as a major source of drinking water for thousands of people who live along the river in four regions of Ghana - Bono, Bono East, Ahafo and Western. Illegal miners who have occasionally invaded the area have been flushed out by joint police and military patrols. Augustine Adusah, a teacher at the Tanoso Primary School, believes the traditions associated with the river are likely to be maintained into the future. He believes other communities across Ghana can emulate the example of the Tanoso community and protect other key waterways in much the same way. bird story agency

In the Kenyan region of Laikipia, a group of small-scale African farmers is leveraging smart farming technologies to beat changing weather patterns. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS STORY IS EDITED IN NEWS AGENCY STYLE. IT IS EDITED FOR EASY REPURPOSING BY VIDEO NEWS PRODUCERS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE VIDEO NEWS CONTENT OR WOULD PREFER MULTIMEDIA VERSIONS OF BIRD STORIES, PLEASE EMAIL US AT bird@africainsight.co.ke STORY NAME: SMALL-SCALE FARMERS TURN TO SMART FARMING TO BEAT CLIMATE CHANGE LOCATION: LAIKIPIA, KENYA DATE SHOT: 18/7/22 SOUND: NATURAL SOUND WITH ENGLISH AND KIKUYU SPEECH DURATION: 4:12 SOURCE: BIRD STORY AGENCY RESTRICTIONS: NONE ASPECT RATIO: 16.9 ORIGINAL FRAME RATE: 24 fps (progressive). INTRO: In the Kenyan region of Laikipia, a group of small-scale African farmers is leveraging smart farming technologies to beat changing weather patterns. SHOWS: LAIKIPIA, KENYA (BIRD STORY AGENCY - ACCESS ALL) 1. WATER DRIPS FROM PVC IRRIGATION PIPE 2. WATER DRIPPING FROM PIPES 3. VEGETABLES IN FIELD BEING IRRIGATED WITH DRIP IRRIGATION 4. THE COMMUNITY'S NDATHIMI DAM 5. LIVESTOCK GRAZING NEAR DAM 6. WATER TANKS WITH SOLAR PANELS 7. WATER TANKS 8. MAN OPENING TAP USING A WRENCH 9. WRENCH USED TO OPEN TAP 10.VEGETABLES BEING WATERED WITH DRIP IRRIGATION 11.JOYCE MWANGI, AGRICULTURE EXTENSION OFFICER, LAIKIPIA COUNTY, INSPECTING PLANTS WITH THE FARMERS 12.(SOUNDBITE) (English speech) JOYCE MWANGI, AGRICULTURE EXTENSION OFFICER, SAYING: "The project is important because before this project was installed here, the farmers used to farm using furrow irrigation. Mostly they used a lot of water. But as of now, they are able to use very minimal water, meaning they will be able to sustain the water that is in the dam, and it will be used by most of the community". 13.DOMESTIC ANIMALS GRAZING NEAR DAM 14.FAMER AND HIS DOMESTIC ANIMALS 15.FARMERS AND OFFICIALS INSPECTING DAM 16.FARMERS AND OFFICIALS 17. (SOUNDBITE) (English speech) MOSES NJAGI, SMART-AGRICULTURE OFFICER, SAYING: "Through the use of the components of water harvesting, we harvest the water during the rainy season and we store it in our dams. So, that during the dry spell, we can supply it to the crops". 18.VARIOUS OF DAM 19.WATER TANKS 20.CABBAGES IN FIELD 21.FARMERS AND OFFICIALS INSPECT FARM 22.CABBAGES ON CART 23.CUSTOMER CHOOSING VEGETABLES 24.CUSTOMER BUYING VEGETABLES 25.STEPHEN MUNYEKI, FARMER INSPECTING CROPS 26.(SOUNDBITE) (Kikuyu speech) STEPHEN MUNYEKI, FARMER, SAYING: "I used to work as a driver but since the dam was constructed, I decided to invest from here instead of going to work far. So, I decided to plant vegetables, to first observe how well is the soil from the dam construction. Am planning to plant tomatoes after my vegetable harvest". 27.MUNYEKI INSPECTING VEGETABLES 28.FIELD UNDER IRRIGATION 29.FARMERS INSPECTING CROPS UNDER IRRIGATION 30.CROPS ON FARM 31.VARIOUS OF FARMERS AND IRRIGATION 32.GROUP OF FARMERS 33.NJAGI 34.FARMERS 35.JOYCE MWANGI INSPECTING SOLAR PUMP INVERTER 36.TRUCKS HEADING TO MARKET 37.TRUCKS ARRIVE AT MARKET 38.FRESH PRODUCE FOR SALE 39.VEGETABLES ARE UNLOADED 40.CUSTOMER PURCHASING VEGETABLES 41.POTATOES FOR SALE 42.VENDOR PACKING VEGETABLES 43.CUSTOMER PURCHASING VEGETABLES 44.BUSY MARKET STORY - One of Africa's quickest "wins" when it comes to ways of adapting and taking agency in the face of climate change, is food resilience. One group of small-scale farmers in central Kenya is taking this idea to heart, using climate-smart agricultural techniques. On the banks of the Ndathimi Dam, in an area of high altitude close to the equator, the county government for the area has helped farmers to introduce a community program. The farmers redirect flood water after heavy rains to the dam, then use water-wise systems to irrigate their crops and ensure there is water for plants and livestock during the dry season. This frees farmers from dependency on rain-fed agriculture, which is increasingly risky due to the prolonged, hotter dry spells the region has been seeing over the past two decades. "The project is important because before this project was installed here, the farmers used to farm using furrow irrigation. Mostly they used a lot of water. But as of now, they are able to use very minimal water, meaning they will be able to sustain the water that is in the dam, and it will be used by most of the community," explained Joyce Mwangi, an agriculture exyension officer, Laikipia County. The project uses solar power and gravity to pump water to the farms, which have tank storage, allowing farmers to then use drip irrigation and soil-friendly crops to keep yields high. "Through the use of the components of water harvesting, we harvest the water during the rainy season and we store it in our dams. So, that during the dry spell, we can supply it to the crops" explained Moses Njagi, a local official. This type of farming has not only increased the quality and quantity of farm output in the area but has also attracted more people to engage in smart farming. The dam has a capacity of 50,000 cubic meters, enough to service farms across the area if smart farming guidelines are followed. There are around 200 farmers making use of the water, to plant a variety of crops among them cabbages, kales, onions, and beans as well as water their animals. The program, which was started in 2020 has seen widespread support from farmers in the area, who have seen opportunities that did not exist before. "I used to work as a driver but since the dam was constructed, I decided to invest from here instead of going to work far. So, I decided to plant vegetables, to first observe how well is the soil from the dam construction. Am planning to plant tomatoes after my vegetable harvest," said farmer, Stephen Munyeki Farmers from the area now deliver vegetables to the area's vibrant markets, compared to before.

A regenerative farming community working under the aegis of The Tree of Life Project - a smart agriculture initiative -is working to combat climate change and boost macadamia exports at the same time. By Nokukhanya Musi–Aimienoho, bird story agency Trees along the runway sway in the gentle, mid-morning breeze, as if in competition for elusive rays of a sun that is poking from between clouds as the plane makes its steady descent. Below, at the edge of a forest in the rural area of Tubungu, near Matsapha and some 15 kilometres from Manzini, shiny roofs reflect from a cluster of buildings arranged in parallel rows. Once out of the airport, a signpost at the side of the road points to the African Christian College, home to the Tree of Life Project, the only one of its kind in Eswatini. On the 80-hectare college campus, some 50 hectares are under macadamia nuts, with the rest used for the academic campus and staff housing, as well as for general agricultural use, growing food for the students and generating extra income. Macadimia nuts trees in the African Christian College, home to the Tree of Life Project in Tubungu, near Matsapha. Photo Credits : Photo Credits : Accurate Video Productions The project breathes life into the campus, which is situated in a water-scarce area with extreme weather patterns – hot summers and cold winters – and relies on income from the macadamias, to operate. According to farm and campus operations director, Sydney Mhango, summer temperatures sometimes shoot well above 30 degrees Celcius and pose a threat to the macadamia nuts trees, particularly in later summer and autumn. “The macadamia trees start flowering just as we enter winter and that’s a critical time for the trees to have enough water and the temperatures should not be in the high extremes,” he explained. Sydney Mhangothe, Campus Operations Director, African Christian College, home to the Tree of Life Project in Tubungu, near Matsapha. Photo Credits : Accurate Video Productions While temperatures are marginal for producing macadamia the local soil, which had been stripped of nutrients, was not originally suitable at all. That was until the macadamia project started revitalising the soil. The Tree of Life is anchored on climate-smart agriculture, which aims at helping boost biodiversity and nourishes the soil that can restore the overall health of an ecosystem. “The past two seasons had good rainfall, but the only challenge we had was dealing with soil erosion and we have plaster sand in our orchard; when there is too much rain, we experience tractors getting stuck in the orchards because of too much water in the ground. It is a miracle that we are producing quality macadamia with the type of soil we have” Mhango explained. Harvested Macadimia nuts in the African Christian College, home to the Tree of Life Project in Tubungu, near Matsapha. Photo Credits : Photo Credits : Accurate Video Productions Despite a recent drought that hit production, macadamias produced at Tree of Life, however, are high quality and the entire crop is exported. The project also had a bad year in 2017 and only exported about 60 tonnes as opposed to 135 tonnes and 130 tonnes in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The nuts proved a life-saver during COVID-19, bringing in crucial income during the pandemic. Macadamia thrives in deep, well-drained soils that have a PH of between 5.0 and 6.5, and rainfall of between 60 and 120 inches annually. According to Mhango, the name for the project is drawn from the college’s former status as a pastoral training centre. It is also anchored in the restoration of the environment – which is also being impacted by climate change. However, there is a recognition at Tree of Life, that climate change itself is not “natural” and needs rectifying. And that African communities, as anywhere in the world, can make the difference. A worker collecting macadamia nuts in the African Christian College, home to the Tree of Life Project in Tubungu, near Matsapha. Photo Credits : Accurate Video Productions. “Recognising that the eco issues threatening us are not external, we are playing our part in seeking to provide a solution through regenerative agriculture on a significant scale through the Tree of life project,” Mhango added. “By growing the premium flavoured macadamia through smart agriculture we are helping mitigate climatic challenges such as the emerging and irregular phenomena of weather, erratic rains, prolonged drought, flooding and shorter growing seasons.” Key to the project is rejuvenating the soil. “We shred all the branches that have been cut off during pruning and spread them under the trees as mulch. Since our trees are planted once, we do not use crop rotation methods like in the gardens,” he said. “We check the soil every two years, monitor what nutrients are present or missing… In the future, we would like to try using cover crops and see how that will help boost the biodiversity.” The project’s Senior Agri-Business manager, Peter Setimela, agrees that the mulching of the orchards has helped. Other climate-smart solutions such as the installation of probes to determine water schedules and the use of microjets for irrigation instead of sprinklers have also helped mitigate the climactic challenges. Macadimia nuts being harvested in the African Christian College, home to the Tree of Life Project in Tubungu, near Matsapha. Photo Credits : Photo Credits : Accurate Video Productions Adding to that, the Tree of Life has a harm-reduction approach - a crucial, first step on the path toward creating an overall system that adds to nature’s richness. To ensure zero chemical use, no insecticides are applied to the plants. Instead, an integrated pest management system is used to keep these “trees of life” healthy. “We scout weekly to monitor problematic insects. We prune our trees every year so that insects do not create homes in our trees. When there is too much foliage, insects can start living in the trees” Setimela explained. Mhango said that at Tree of Life, they are still learning the best ways to build healthy new topsoil. “We have plenty to learn, we are not fully there yet, but we are fully committed,” he stated. Mhango says the future is bright for macadamias in the area with more farmers, witnessing the success of Tree of Life, and embracing climate-smart agriculture. bird story agency. Beyond that, the wonder nut from the Tree of Life project is increasingly regarded as a premium product that fetches good returns in the global market, he said.

South Africa's state utility firm, Eskom, has retired its last coal-fired power unit at the Komati power station as part of its Just Energy Transition (JET) roadmap, serving as a reference to the rest of Africa on transitioning fossil-fuel assets to renewables. Seth Onyango, bird story agency South Africa is set to convert old coal-fired power sites into wind and solar farms, utilising the unused facilities and transmission network to plug clean energy into the national grid. Eskom plans to install 150 MW of solar photovoltaic, 70 MW of wind and 150 MW of battery storage at its newly defunct stations at Komati in a significant restructuring of S.A's energy systems. "Continuing to put the site and its associated transmission infrastructure into good use and to provide economic opportunities to the community. A containerised micro-grid assembly factory has already been established on-site," the utility firm said in a statement. Tapping into the network infrastructure of the decommissioned coal plants will save the country billions of dollars that could be used to expand its grid to accommodate renewable power. Eskom is expected to receive concessional funding from multilateral and international partners under the aegis of a $US8.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP). The partnership to support S.A's pathway to a low carbon economy and climate resilient society to accelerate the just transition, including rehabilitation and repurposing of mines. It is also expected to support the development of new economic opportunities such as green hydrogen and electric vehicles, amongst other interventions to turbocharge the state's shift towards a greener future. For other African states, S.A's gradual phasing out of coal under JETP could help incentivise their pivot from fossils, especially in fossil-dependent economies like Nigeria and Angola. At the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in 2021, rich economies pledged US$8.5 billion to be invested over the next five years to support SA's decarbonisation efforts. But a report from the World Economic Forum shows SA's coal-dominated economy will require at least 250 billion US dollars over the next three decades to close down its coal-fired power plants. By offering South Africa financial incentives to stop burning coal, the West is finally listening to energy stakeholders in Africa who have reasoned that the continent can't be forced to dump fossils without a stable alternative. JETP has still seen a step in the right direction despite revelations that less than 3 per cent of the $8.5 billion climate finance deal being offered to SA will come in the form of a grant. Bloomberg reported that Germany would provide $1.2 billion in concessional loans at attractive rates, while France will avail of US$1 billion. An additional $2.6 billion will come from Climate Investment Fund, backed by six multilateral development banks, including the World Bank. Climate Home News reported that the US would pledge to lend SA $1 billion in commercial loans, as will the European Investment Bank. Meanwhile, the UK will offer $1.7 billion in commercial loans and debt guarantees, and just $230 million will come from grants. Efforts to decarbonise Africa come as countries continue to discover vast oil and gas deposits, the latest being Namibia. According to S&P Global Platts, nearly 40 per cent of global new gas discoveries in the last decade were in Africa, mainly in Senegal, Mauritania, Mozambique and Tanzania, with 17 countries already producing gas with seven net exporters and seven net importers, according to the African Energy Commission. On that premise, advocates of fossils have called for a just energy transition in Africa, given it only contributes less than 4 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. With a pressing need for new energy sources and ever-increasing gas, oil and coal stocks, thanks to discoveries, African countries are unlikely to sit back and wait for very long. South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan of 2019 (IRP2019) still allocates 1 500 MW of new coal to be introduced to its fleet before 2030. South Africa turns oldest coal plant into clean energy hub [Graphics: Hope Mukami] The head of the country's massive, state-owned electricity supplier, Eskom, has said that even if coal is removed, the country will still need stable generation and has suggested that increasingly available regional gas supplies be used instead. Across Africa, calls for the continent to be offered special dispensation and continue to pump oil, burn coal and develop gas has been growing, with many questioning the need for renewables since African countries already "have" large reserves of carbon-based fuels. However, the availability of financing for major investments in clean energy, like wind, solar and green hydrogen, could still be the game-changer. Most gas and oil reserves are relatively recent discoveries, meaning they all require significant investment infrastructure. While that is usually provided by oil and gas majors, the actual power generation facilities are not. And with China pulling out of financing new coal stations outside of China, the financing opportunities - as well as high costs and complexities - could push countries to look more closely at renewables. While the "just energy" narrative appears to be growing, according to S.A-based Centurion Law Group, a just energy transition in Africa ensures there are energy banks under JET-P that mobilise finances into the sector. "For Africa to achieve its goal of industrialising the continent, it is critical that it has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable modern energy services as well as adequate financing," it said in its analysis in April. Reports from the African Development Bank (AfDB) show that bank financing in Kenya, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo has supported geothermal, solar and hydropower projects that are clean, renewable, and bring electricity to underserved households and small business markets. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo and his counterpart at the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Omar Farouk Ibrahim, have insisted that only a "dual carriageway" will propel Africa's energy agenda –– where fossils and renewables are ingredients in the continent's energy cocktail. At a meeting in Brazzaville, Congo, last year, the two industry captains pushed for an adaptive and market-driven approach to the energy transition, where hydrocarbons are not excluded or eradicated. "We will not allow billions of barrels of oil to go to waste and we will not be bamboozled into projects that we don't need – ones which will not address energy poverty. We need to sit down and have an honest conversation about the energy transition," Ibrahim said. Barkindo echoed those sentiments. "We in OPEC also categorically reject the narrative that the energy transition is from hydrocarbons to renewables because this narrative is completely misrepresenting science," Barkindo reiterated. "We believe that all sources of energy are required today and in the future to meet the challenges of climate change and future energy demand. According to our World Oil Outlook at OPEC, energy demand will grow by a minimum of 25 per cent between now and 2045. Therefore, we have to promote all energy resources in an efficient and sustainable manner. Our industry, therefore, is part of the solution to climate change." But the EU appears cognisant of that. Brussels announced plans to label natural gas and nuclear projects as 'green' investments early this year. "Taking account of scientific advice and current technological progress, as well as varying transition challenges across the Member States, the Commission considers there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future," the European Commission said in a press statement released on January 1. According to the Commission, gas and nuclear projects will be considered green if they produce emissions below 270g of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Vijaya Ramachandran, director for energy and development at the Breakthrough Institute in Berkeley, California, told bird that the Commission's decision was a step in the right direction but should be followed through with action. "If the EU acts in a fair manner, it will afford Africa a just energy transition by enabling investments in natural gas just as it does for its member countries," she said. "However, it may decide to follow one set of policies at home (classifying natural gas as green) while still opposing the financing of natural gas by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. If this is the case, these actions can be termed immoral and unjust; a form of green colonialism." Balancing a "just transition" that considers future generations' needs (and their right to a stable climate as well as stable and abundant power supplies) will take nuance, good communication, political will and clear heads. With its abundant sunlight, wind and coal, South Africa could well become the test case for how this works elsewhere, now and in the future. bird story agency AE

New partnerships between Africa and the Gulf states are tipped to spur investments into the continent's renewable energy sector. Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Apart from the deep vein of history, both social and political, connecting Africa and the Middle East, current developments show two regions committed to exploring economic collaboration that could see Africa actualising its green energy goals. South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently signed a virtual framework agreement to develop a $10 billion green hydrogen plant in South Africa, through leading Saudi developer ACWA Power. ACWA Power is already actively involved in multiple renewable energy projects in the country, through the implementation of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program, REIPPPP, that the government is banking on to solve its energy gaps besides leading the transition to renewable energy. Senegal also signed an MOU with ACWA power in September to implement the first desalination project in the country and the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. ACWA Power will oversee the development of a 300,000 m3/d seawater reverse osmosis plant in Grande Côte, 40 kilometres from Dakar. Further, Senegal is working with ACAWA to activate a Gas-to-Power strategy with an additional 160MW of power set to be added to the country's national grid. This is after the National Electricity Company of Senegal struck another deal with ACWA Power to develop a combined cycle gas-turbine plant in Cap des Biches. Senegal's Gas-to-Power strategy seeks to downsize the country's overdependence on oil and coal through gas investment incentives and investor lobby programs. In Tanzania, the government entered into a joint venture with United Arab Emirates-based firm Masdar, to generate solar and wind power projects in the country. The agreement signed in August targets 2,000MW of electricity from renewable sources by 2024. Neighbouring Zanzibar also recently signed three agreements with Oman worth over US$500 million to boost business and education. There are similar developments afoot in the Central African Republic. The Saudi Fund for Development on October 13 agreed to undertake a project to light up a network of roads across Bangui spanning 70 km, using solar energy. The fund will facilitate the "supply and installation of lighting poles and solar panels, supply of storage batteries, controllers and lighting lamps." Farther north, a prominent deal was struck in August between Al Fanar, a green hydrogen plant developer in Saudi Arabia, and the Egyptian government. Ties that Bind: Africa and Middle East deepening renewable energy partnerships [ Graphics: Hope Mukami] The mega deal valued at US$3.5 billion targets a green hydrogen project that will be directed to the generation of green ammonia used in agricultural fertiliser production. The agreement with Egypt's General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) will facilitate the production of 100,000 tons of green hydrogen that will be used to produce 500,000 tons of green ammonia annually. Morocco, too, seeks to extend its already established renewable energy presence by leveraging on the successful economic partnerships with the Gulf States. Already, Morocco is the biggest developer of green energy projects in the region, according to figures provided by the Clean Energy Business Council. According to renewable energy sector analysts, there is a general surge in renewable energy investments in Africa because of Africa's potential in this sector. The source of the funds is of less important than what the investments represent, they say. "The source of the investments does not matter as much as the impact does," said James Muchiri, a Nairobi-based Africa energy markets researcher. "A few years ago, there was scanty information on the potential of Africa's renewable energy sector but studies have continued to elevate the continent as a high-potential renewable energy investment space," Muchiri said. Since investors rely on studies to gauge and make investment decisions, they have been compelled to take their investments where the data leads them. "Power needs across the continent have also prompted the decentralisation of energy management in many countries which has allowed private investors to develop mini-grids that are self-managed," he added. A confluence of these factors, alongside plummeting hardware costs for renewable energy products and accessories and renewable energy investment agreements with innovative financing models, will "have immense benefits for the continent, both short term and long term." "Individual countries will be able to meet their transition goals besides increasing power into their national and regional grids," he explained. Muchiri believes individual countries need to rework their distribution networks if they are to truly benefit from new green power projects. "Much of the woes in the energy sector in Africa are internal and at the distribution level; unless there is a way of taming existing challenges even with the available power, it might not make much difference." "Also, deals are deals unless there is an actual commitment to make them have a practical impact. But, overall, it shows how the continent is looking beyond Europe for development partnerships, especially in renewable energy," Muchiri said. bird story agency.

African states are hoping to turn debt into climate action as they seek innovative financing solutions that include a push to restructure their sovereign debts to support climate adaptation and conservation projects Seth Onyango, bird story agency Leaders of 58 countries vulnerable to climate change - including a group of the most vulnerable, known as the V20 - are pushing for the cancellation of debt owed by states in the global south to support mitigation efforts ahead of UN COP27 climate talks in Egypt. In an apparent change of tack, finance leaders from the 58 countries are considering halting payments on a combined US$685 billion in debt until the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank address climate change in ways the vulnerable nations see fit. This comes after some of the world's most-polluting economies failed to fulfil a 2009 pledge in Paris to provide a minimum of US$100 billion annually to combat the effects of a changing climate. At a V20 ministerial meeting in mid-October, states called for an immediate reform of the sovereign debt restructuring architecture. "Debt sustainability analyses need to be tailored to V20 member circumstances. Then, through guarantee facilities and regulatory action, all creditor classes must be compelled to reduce the level of debt in V20 countries in order for them to mobilise financing for their climate and development goals,” reads its resolutions in part. “We call for further allocations of Special Drawing Rights, some of which should be ‘rechanneled’ into the IMF’s newly created Resilience and Sustainability Trust that should be enshrined in country ownership whereby V20 Climate Prosperity’s Plans form the core of recovery efforts.” Figures show that members of the group of 58 nations have at least US$435 billion US dollars of debt servicing payments due in 4 years. But after losing more than half a trillion worth in GDP growth over the last two decades and now faced with the far-reaching impacts of climate change - including capital cost, inflation, debt ratings and other economic and financial terms - members are running out of options for financing the huge changes that will be required to ensure that climate targets are met. As the pre-COP27 negotiations enter high gear, the V20 is hoping their unified push will yield results and more debts are restructured to support climate projects. Signs of a deal are already on the horizon, with V20 and G7 having recently agreed to jointly launch the Global Shield against Climate Risks at COP27, in a wider effort to accelerate pre-arranged financing at speed and scale. According to Energy Monitor, a comprehensive debt-for-climate swap programme will need to involve private and public creditors to ensure maximum fiscal space is created to drive green growth. Debt-swap: African nations suggest a $685bn climate fix [Graphics: Hope Mukami] External debt owed by emerging markets and developing countries topped around US$11 trillion in 2020. Servicing that debt has left many states in the global south without the funds to meet immediate social and economic needs, let alone invest in long-term climate goals. The group will be looking to strengthen their sovereign balance sheets and create headroom for climate action. While the rich nations have fallen short of their commitments, many bi- and multilateral donors report challenges in disbursing their funds due to a failure to identify fundable projects, especially related to adaptation. Developing countries also report difficulties in accessing available resources due to a lack of capacity and an inability to fulfil specific requirements established by donors or financing institutions. But Africa now has outlined about 140 bankable projects including green infrastructure and transportation, hydroelectric power, solar, green hydrogen and wind. At present, Africa accounts for a fraction of global emissions - at just under 4 per cent - in contrast to China (23 per cent), the US (19 per cent), and Europe (13 per cent). Studies show Africa is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change with extreme weather like drought and flooding already becoming commonplace on the continent. It is on that premise that African governments want wealthier nations to make big investments in clean technology and infrastructure to support developing countries. bird story agency

Forward-looking African financial institutions are accelerating the transition to electric vehicles with attractive financing deals. **By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency** As e-mobility opportunities grow, Africa's financial institutions have begun introducing and marketing ‘low-interest’ and ‘flexible’ credit to accelerate the uptake of electric-powered vehicles. Commercial banks and asset financiers in a number of countries are developing dedicated models for financing motorbikes and personal and public vehicles as they look to lock in billions of dollars in green auto loans. In Kenya, three commercial lenders- NCBA, Family Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank(KCB) have announced strategic partnerships with electric mobility start-ups to ease the cost of accessing e-vehicles. Family Bank and KCB are targeting public service vehicles through a partnership with startup BasiGo. “Through this partnership, we will be offering financing for a 25-seater dubbed ‘BYD K6 BUS’ that requires far less maintenance than diesel-powered buses, with zero transmission of gases,” said Family Bank Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Mbithi. Under the deal, buyers will get up to 90 per cent financing for the 25-seater buses which sell for Ksh 5 million ( US$ 41,189), repayable over four years at Family Bank and three years at KCB. NCBA, on the other hand, has launched a Ksh 2 billion (US$ 16.4 million) kitty for green vehicle loans, targeting private and public service vehicles, with 80 per cent financing over a period of five years. “We have received growing interest and requests from our customers who are keen to purchase electric vehicles,” said NCBA Group Director, Asset Finance and Business Solutions, Lennox Mugambi, in a statement. NCBA also offered attractive interest rates in a market where interest rates for car loans can be north of five per cent per month. Kenya’s central bank in September raised its benchmark lending rate by 75 basis points, to 8.25 per cent. In Mauritius, AfrAsia Bank is offering a much longer repayment tenure of seven years with an interest rate of 5.15 per cent, for hybrid or pure electric cars. “Specially designed for eco-friendly car choices, our Green Car Loan offers an array of benefits for driving the green way,” said the lender on its website. In North Africa, Asset financier, Abdul Latif Jameel Finance Egypt unveiled in August a program that offers customers electric mobility-related loans of up to EGP 4 million (US$ 208,900), with a five-year repayment period. “ We have created this new financing option to help customers take their first step towards EV ownership and the initial feedback has been very positive,” said, Abdul Latif Jameel Finance Egypt, CEO and Country General Manager, Mohamed El Gazzar. In Uganda and Nigeria, startups like Tugende and MAX respectively have begun modelling startup financing plans for electric bikes, in anticipation of high uptake of the two-wheelers on the continent, compared to demand for electric cars and buses elsewhere. A Shell Foundation-commissioned report, Financing the Transition to Electric Vehicles in sub-Saharan Africa 2022, covering Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda, shows that up to US$ 8.9 billion will be needed to finance demand for electric two-wheelers alone, by 2030. Top banks are offering 'green' auto loans [Graphics:Hope Mukami] “Given the size of the opportunity, interest in financing e-mobility (particularly two wheelers) is growing among financiers in Africa,” according to the report. Kenya, with up to 315,000 units and Nigeria, with up to 330,000 units, are projected to record high annual sales of electric bikes by 2030. The Shell report disclosed that over 20 financiers in Africa, including commercial banks, Venture Capital funds, Private Equity funds, and Development Finance Institutions, have expressed interest in e-mobility and identified it as a ‘priority’ sector. However, they are still struggling to understand the financing structure for electric-powered vehicles, especially motorbikes. “Asset financiers are currently faced with the challenge of being unfamiliar with electric two-wheelers credit cycles and technologies, such as the life cycle of batteries and the residual values,” according to the report. bird story agency

A raft of legislative interventions is driving Africa’s onslaught on plastic waste as startups on the continent deploy innovative solutions to turn plastic into bricks, furniture and art. Seth Onyango, bird story agency The volume of plastics in Africa’s landfills is gradually shrinking, as lawmakers across the continent tighten legislation on single-use plastic and packaging to help curb pollution. Out of 54 states, 34 have passed laws and made ordinances proscribing or limiting the use of non-recyclable plastic, making the continent a model for eradicating disposable plastic. But sealing off contrabands and policing the black markets still remains a challenge in most countries even as big multinational firms are blamed for the plastic waste choking Africa. A 2021 Plastic Waste Makers index, revealed that just 20 companies produce more than half of the world’s single-use plastic waste. None of them is in Africa. The Index identifies countries and entities contributing to the climate crisis with virgin polymer production, ranging from face masks to plastic bags and bottles which often end up in oceans or are burned or thrown into landfills. It shows predominantly American, European, Asian and Middle Eastern companies churn out 55 per cent of the world’s plastic waste. America’s ExxonMobil and Dow are the largest disposable plastic waste polluters, contributing 5.9 million and 5.6 million tons to the global garbage nightmare respectively in 2019. China’s oil firm, Sinopec and chemicals company Indorama Ventures churned out 5.3 million and 4.6 million tons of polymer waste, with Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Aramco clocking in fifth with 4.3 million tons in the period under review. Data shared by Greenspace show that out of 54 states, 34 have either passed a law banning plastics and implemented it or have passed a law with the intention of implementation. “Of those, 16 have totally banned plastic bags or have done so partially without yet introducing regulations to enforce the bans. Compared to the rest of the world, the continent is seemingly doing a great job,” reads the report in part. In 2005, Eritrea became the first state to adopt an outright ban on plastic bags, with Benin following suit by outlawing the production and importation of non-biodegradable plastic bags. States that are also phasing out plastics are Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mali, Tunisia, Malawi, Mauritania, the Gambia and Mauritius. Others are DRC Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Seychelles, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Gabon, Ethiopia, Cameron, Djibouti, Morocco, Niger, Togo, Zimbabwe, Cabo Verde, Burundi and Guinea Bissau. As governments move to rein in single-use plastics, startups are helping to recycle them into products. Africa leads the world's purge of single-use plastic, startups find value [Graphics:Hope Mukami] In Accra, Ghana, entrepreneur Nelson Boateng is making construction bricks from plastic waste, like his Kenyan counterpart, Nzambi Matee who founded Nairobi-based startup firm, Gjenge Makers, which makes lightweight and low-cost building material from recycled plastic mashed with sand to make bricks that are stronger than concrete. In South Africa, Mbongeni Buthelezi is world-renowned for up-cycling plastic to create highly textured portraits at his studio in Booysens, Johannesburg. There are many more artists across the continent turning plastic into beautiful art –– decors and sculptures. Meanwhile, a Kenyan startup, Noma Green Plastic limited is giving a second life to 30 tonnes of it every month, turning trash into tables, tiles, chairs, benches and other outdoor furniture. However, despite commendable efforts to ban plastics, most African countries have not put in place efficient waste disposal and management systems. Nevertheless, according to a UNEP Africa Waste Management Outlook, African states contribute the least to the global plastic waste crisis with the bulk of the waste being organic. As of 2019, Africa generated 180 million tons of municipal waste at the rate of 0.5 per cent per capita daily, according to Science Direct, against a population of just over 1 billion. UNEP data shows 57 per cent was organic waste, 13 per cent was plastic, and 9 per cent was paper, while metal and glass made up 4 per cent each. This is in sharp contrast to countries such as Australia where an average Australian generates 59 kg of plastic waste each year, according to the Plastic Waste Markers Index. In 2019, according to the index, the United States plastic waste per capita was 53 kg, South Korea (44 kg), United Kingdom (44 kg), Japan (37 kg), France (36 kg), Saudi Arabia (35 kg), Spain (34 kg), Canada (34 kg) and Italy (23 kg). In Germany, on average, one person generated 25 kg, while in China and India they produced 18 kg and 4kg respectively. However, data published by Science Advances in 2020 and reported by Forbes, recorded far higher figures. That data found that residents of the U.S. and the U.K. produce more plastic waste per person, the former generating an average of 105 kg of plastic per year and the latter generating almost 99 kg. That report further stated that of the 300 million tons of plastic trash produced annually, at least 8.8 million tons end up in the ocean. In Africa as a whole, the amount of garbage dumped was 70 per cent, with plastic waste generated annually standing at just over 17 million tons, according to Science Direct. The growth of plastic waste cannot continue, many of the research papers warn. “An environmental catastrophe beckons: much of the resulting single-use plastic waste will end up as pollution in developing countries with poor waste management systems,” the Plastic Waste Markers Index said in part. “The projected rate of growth in the supply of these virgin polymers will likely keep new, circular models of production and reuse ‘out of the money without regulatory stimulus.” According to the UK's Guardian, in the next five years, the global capacity to produce virgin polymers for single-use plastics could grow by more than 30 per cent. By 2050, at current projections, plastic is expected to account for 5 to 10 per cent of world greenhouse gas emissions. bird story agency