The Southern African-Nordic Centre Contributing To The Research And Development
Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD) is a collaboration of Southern African and Nordic academic institution that have sought to promote research for the development of technology in Africa by consolidating their independent research projects towards one common goal. With 20 different members, the association has organized conferences that address such topics as economic development, environmentally friendly technologies and education.

The University of Aarhus, the university of Bergen, the University of Iceland and the University of Malawi all had major contributions to the SANFORD organization by sending various research projects and student led programs to the southern parts of Africa.

Contributions from the University of Aarhus

Jens E. Danielsen from the University of Aarhus conducted an investigation, researching the geophysical and hydrogeologic attributes of groundwater in the Karoo stratigraphic sequence at Sawmills in northern Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. There goal was to find if the groundwater of the sedimentary basin of Karoo could be supplied to Bulawayo City.

Using a complex system of measures to investigate the geophysical parameters and the hydrogeologic constraints, they were able to find that a successful aquifer could be constructed.  

While the economic costs that would be accrued to to drilling and construction might seem overwhelming at first site, the long term benefits of the aquifer would be worth the financial impact. Danielsen represented Aarhus and were able to make an strong contribution with their research and towards the development of Zimbabwe.

Contributions from the University of Bergen

The Cape Field School is a program held every year by the University of Bergen which provides the opportunity for students to study South African archaeology. The students are given the chance to conduct practical research that applies the knowledge they have garnered from their archeological studies. The students learn excavations techniques, laying out a site, and how to record and analyze their finds. The school is a great seminar for students to research the abundant resources of South Africa.

The University of Iceland

The University of Iceland held a conference focusing on youth in African cities. Initially the conference was to be held in Harare, but since there was a dangerous warring climate in Zimbabwe the conference had to be moved to Iceland. The different themes and topics during the conference included:

  • Youth, The Arts and Culture
  • Political, Economic and Social Activism
  • Making it in the city - Youth and Urban Livelihoods
  • Youth, Social, and Household Dynamics
  • Gender and Age in African Cities
  • Mapping the Future

    • There was a public debate panel also held examining "the burning issues from across the continent". The conference was a huge success resulting in many constructive discussions that would lead to the future of African research and development.

    The University of Malawi

    The University of Malawi created the Centre for Educational Research and Training (CERT) in 1991. The group has a variety of different programs to help Africa's youth. They provide resources for gender and education, teacher education and girl's education, to name a few.