African Cities Magazine by Africa Innovation Network
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COVID-19: an ally of
environmental protection in African cities?
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From an environmental standpoint, this crisis has led to a decrease in GHG emissions due to the reduction in urban transport. It has allowed for an increase in plant cover due to the time allocated to agricultural practices. In addition, there has been an increase in special waste relating to barrier measures such as masks and plastic boxes for gels. This crisis has also shed light on the place of soft travel in African cities and the preferred modes of travel in this context.
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Emergence of
traditional African
COVID test on a women Photo by OMS
A health worker teaches children how to wash their hands in Umlazi township South Africa, 2020 Photo by (Reuters)
medicine
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COVID-19 is also shaping the cultural fabric of African cities. First of all, the local African pharmacopoeia caused much ink to flow during this crisis. From one medicinal plant alone, we have seen several homegrown responses to the disease. For instance, Artemisia has been used to develop COVID-Organic in Madagascar and a potion by Monsignor Samuel KlhĂŠda in Cameroon. This reveals the importance of local products and the need for African cities to preserve forests and natural areas that are the heart of biodiversity. Second, we have seen a decline in cultural activities in accordance with African customs and traditions. For one, many burial rituals have had to change, impacting the way many African families memorialize their loved ones. The cultural industry is also a victim of the crisis with the cancellation of cultural events and activities. Many cultural actors have mobilized to raise awareness about COVID-19 both through graphic or musical arts and on social and media platforms. 11
