Research story | 2025-12-09

Sub-Saharan Africa has lost nearly a quarter of its biodiversity

A unique study shows that sub-Saharan Africa has lost nearly a quarter of its biodiversity since pre-industrial times, and that large mammal populations have decreased by more than 75%. Crucially, 80% of the remaining wild plants and animals live outside formally protected lands, which, according to the study, means we fundamentally have to shift where and how we think about biodiversity conservation in Africa.

Research news | 2022-11-22

Fair access to water is a subjective issue in post-drought Cape Town

Who should pay for and benefit from water services? It depends on who you ask, finds a study that revisited Cape Town after its 2015-2018 water crisis

Research news | 2021-02-02

In drought-prone Sahel, rain still remains a gift only few farmers can enjoy

Since the 1980s, rainfall conditions for agriculture have improved only in scattered areas across the region

Research news | 2019-05-17

The right tree at the right place

Why regreening the Sahel is more than just creating a wall of trees and why one initiative may actually succeed

Research news | 2018-06-19

Conventional solutions are drying up

Major population increases present Sub-Saharan Africa with complicated water-related challenges that requires a shift in water thinking

Research news | 2016-11-30

Swedbio app nominated for Swedish Learning Awards 2016

App offering solutions on how to protect and manage natural assets in cities across sub-Saharan Africa among top three nominees for Best Mobile Learning

Research news | 2016-11-29

A tree paradox in a greener Sahel

Study explores what a greener Sahel means beyond just satellite images – a social-ecological explanation

Research news | 2016-10-12

On a mission to re-green the Sahel

A researcher's road trip on dusty roads, sleeping on floor mats and gathering data on a quest to halt desertification across the Sahel region

Research news | 2014-05-28

Water harvesting for increased agricultural production

New assessment tool can help optimise water harvesting and boost food security in Ethiopia

Research news | 2013-04-04

The great wall of Sahara

Deborah Goffner on how the Saharan Great Green Wall is about more than just planting trees