Research explores the spread and prevention of HIV/Aids in Africa
The NWU's Prof Erhabor Idemudia recently broke ground on research that looks at African cultural practices that aid the spread of HIV/Aids and what can be done to curtail this. According to Prof Idemudia's research, African culture is generally male-dominated, with women accorded a lower status than men. This means men are socialised to believe that women are inferior and should be under their control, while women are socialised to over-respect men and act submissively towards them. read more |
Making the choice: open access versus traditional journals
Researchers are architects of innovation. However, their research findings will only impact the world if they are effectively shared with the rest of the academic community and the world. With this in mind the Library and Information Service team at the NWU recently hosted an Open Access Week across its three campuses. Until now, the sharing of such research information has traditionally been facilitated by peer-reviewed closed journals which can only be accessed by means of a paid subscription. read more |
Water-friendly cowpea plant is packed with potential
In a country that is struggling with water supply, the NWU has found a cowpea plant that does not require a lot of water compared to other field crops. This particular cowpea is indigenous to the Southern African region and the NWU will be the first institution in
the world to introduce it to the scientific community. It can be found in small pockets around Mafikeng, Lehurutshe, Kuruman and Botswana. The crop is known by different names in different regions, such as Mae a Tsilwana and Ggopo tsa Nare. read more |