How Africa’s Local Knowledge Can Address Global Crises

Global Voices

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By Fatoumata Nafo, Chair of Board of Foundation for Health and Environment in Mali: The world’s two-year struggle against COVID-19 has shown how critical the knowledge and participation of local communities can be in addressing global threats.

Africa has certainly had its share of overwhelming crises, from economic downturns and political upheavals to natural disasters and epidemics. The continent’s response to these crises holds important lessons for meeting the major challenges that lie ahead. Above all, it is vital for policymakers to listen to the perspectives and understand the interests and goals of local communities.