| Popis: |
Algae are photoautotrophic eukaryotes known to be abundant in estuaries present in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, and other western African countries. Algae biomass has a wide range of applications in various sectors of the global economy including cosmeceuticals, agri-horticulture, agricultural industries, nutraceuticals (in that they are rich sources of biologically active compounds), health care, bioenergy, and pharmaceutical industries. Products obtained from algae biomass are generally considered environmentally friendly, sustainable, and productive as they are formed through photosynthesis (primary producers) by converting CO2 into carbohydrate and lipids using sunlight. In 2014, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reiterated that the total global production of algae is equivalent to ca. 25 million tonnes. This is used to produce human foods, health care products, and agricultural products such as animal feed, soil stabilizer, and fertilizers. However, despite the significant advantages of algae, Africa still struggles with technology, economic growth, and climate change. This is due to problems arising from unawareness and negligence which prevents widespread application in Africa. This study aims to evaluate the potential of algae in Africa’s bioeconomy and how under-utilized it has been. Identifying and unlocking this highly productive natural product would be beneficial to human beings, the economy as well as increasing financial gains. |
