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African scientists say that cuts to the British government鈥檚 aid budget could have far-reaching consequences - and that successful research and development projects may have to be shelved.

Rwandan-born scientist Anita Etale leads a multidisciplinary research group at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, which has developed a low cost water filter made from sugar cane waste. It's designed to be used by poor communities to clean water which would otherwise contain dangerous levels of mercury and arsenic.

She says despite the filters being near completion, the cuts may mean the actual product might never reach the people who need it.

She returned to Africa after training abroad - and says it's in the interest of richer nations to support projects such as hers.

"It is really, really important to continue supporting African science... If we leave others behind, this comes to bite us. If the health of these people is compromised, these people will be on your shores at some point, or their children will be on your shores."

(Photo: Anita Etale in her lab. Credit: Anita Etale)

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