Investment in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences generated, now exceeding 100,000 genomes, used to track the pandemic on the continent. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries able to sequence domestically, and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround time and more regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and shed light on the distinct dispersal dynamics of Variants of Concern, particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron, on the continent. Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve, while the continent faces many emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century.

Egypt is the agribusiness powerhouse of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA-region), watered by the Nile, with age-old soils in the delta, desert oases and the Nile, and with farming experience capable of greening the desert with productive agriculture. It is not only the region's primary producer of many crops like potatoes and onions; with over a hundred million people it is the greatest consumer market and biggest labour reservoir. Egypt is a major producer and exporter of agricultural products such as especially citrus and potatoes, which support Egypt's food security and unlock opportunities for Egypt's local market and export.To the Netherlands, Masr (Egypt) is not a pure development partner country, like fragile states in the Sahel or the Horn of Africa. Rather it is a 'combi-country' where we work on an integrated cooperation, trade and investment agenda. With a focus on Climate and Water Smart Agriculture the NL-Masr Agri-food Network will work with Dutch, Egyptian and international partners on the basis of mutual interest mutual benefit to create innovative, inclusive and sustainable win-wins.While the Egyptian agriculture sector is mature, it is not yet future proof. It is facing challenges such as water scarcity, contamination of soils and water due to excessive chemical input use, and land fragmentation, in the face of climate change, disrupted global supply chains and population growth. This creates a pressure to go from agri-business as usual to more resilient farming and agri-business models, based on investing in the soil, investing in collaboration, and investing in local innovation.The seed sector is central to responding to these challenges, by providing improved varieties for climate resilience. This requires attention that traits beyond productivity, taste and esthetics should be taken along, but also tolerance and resistance to pests, diseases, heat and salinity. The Integrated Seed Sector Development approach, developed by applied researchers at WUR will be especially suited to these challenges. Pluriformity will support the diversity needed for a transition to a food system able to provide sufficient, healthy and sustainable diets for all. This will allow Egypt to develop its own specific public-private approach to provide access to the seeds that farmers need to serve people, planet and profit.

The aim of preserving the traditional handicrafts of Al Ahsa governorate is not only because of its cultural heritage but also as an important sector affecting gross national income and job creation. This is as well as being one of the important ingredients of tourist attractions. This article aims to document some traditional handicrafts in Al Ahsa with all related information available, methods and tools used and the role of public and private institutions in protecting them from disappearing. Interviews with some craftsmen in Al Ahsa were used to document traditional knowledge and inherited indigenous knowledge. In addition, the result shows that most of the documented crafts were in danger of disappearing by the age of artisans, the lack of people who inherit the crafts, the low demand for traditional handicrafts products and the difficulty of marketing. Therefore, the recommendation is to develop the handicrafts sector, modernize the means of production and establish specialized centres to develop the capabilities of its workers. Moreover, a non-traditional pattern should be considered for the development of traditional handicrafts, as one of the tourist attractions and increase the national income.

No abstract

No abstract