Books open a page on East Africa

Research project aims to spread knowledge of continent's abundant resources

Knowledge of some of East Africa's natural treasures is now more widely available, thanks to publications supported by Chinese experts.

The scientific community in the region has received a shot in the arm with the publication of two books by Changjiang Publishing and Media Co Ltd.

The English language books, Atlas of Kenya National Geographic Remote Sensing and Common Plants in Kenya, are joint collaborative efforts by around 100 experts drawn from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Museums of Kenya.

The enterprise has been described as a groundbreaking achievement by Wang Qingfeng, deputy director of Wuhan Botanical Academy Garden and Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The program follows an agreement signed two years ago between the Chinese academy and the Kenyan body to work together on documenting about 6,000-7,000 flora species found in the country.

The research agreement, which will run for 10 to 15 years, will eventually see the publication of 15 volumes.

"This is just the beginning," says the professor, referring to the first two volumes. "The rest, starting next year, will be the result of in-depth botanical research detailing the region's vast documented and undocumented flora."

The Hubei-based publishing company intends to produce a book entitled Flora of Kenya next year. It recently opened offices in Kenya, making it the first Chinese physical publishing firm registered in Africa.

The publications are aimed at both professional technicians engaged in scientific research and the general public in both Africa and China. The first 2,000 copies will retail at $149 and $129 respectively. "They provide basic knowledge about geological resources, plants, and ecological protection research," says Xu Dehuan, director, editorial committee of Changjiang Publishing and Media Group. "It is the first time such books have been published on these subjects in the East African region and we will continue to produce similar books."

The fully-funded academic program will see the scientists make two field excursions every year for collection and identification purposes. The research will take them to remote areas where basic requirements such as security, food and electricity are not easily available.

Despite these challenges, Wang, the Chinese professor, says similar research work done in China has been invaluable for conservation and in policy-making.

"It has helped in the conservation of endemic species that have significantly boosted food productivity and medicinal research. With Africa facing natural resource depletion caused by rapid and unchecked urbanization, population boom and the consequences of climate change, this compilation will not only be relevant to Africa but the world at large," says Qingfeng.

According to Geoffrey Mwachala, director of research and collection at the National Museums of Kenya, the program is a significant contribution to the country's goal of building a knowledge-based economy.

"Many students do not have access to this knowledge as it is confined to a few scientists. I believe that wide access to this information will be our greatest contribution to the region," he says.

A similar project was started earnestly in the 1950s. But by 2012, the project had run out of steam, probably due to a lack of funding as its scope covered the whole of East African region.

"It was also exclusive to the scientific community but this joint project will spread the knowledge to a wider audience," says the director.

He believes that the books should be integrated into the country's school curriculum to increase knowledge of plants.

"The information will be distributed both as hard copies and on digital platforms to increase accessibility. I know this might be a challenge to students living in remote areas but we plan to ride on the ongoing telecommunication infrastructure expansion."

lucymorangi@chinadaily.com.cn