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 Dr Val Curtis, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, describes how the simple act of handwashing with soap could save one million lives a year. She explains her key role in the creation of Global Handwashing Day, held annually on October 15, and how major companies are working together with academics as part of this unusual public-private partnership.

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Worrying findings from a wide-ranging and novel study about pupil attendance and attainment, teacher absenteeism and competence in India's two poorest states are explained in this in-depth interview.

Professor Geeta Kingdon, of the Institute of Education, University of London, describes how the data was collected, and also makes recommendations to improve learning outcomes, including testing and better training of teachers.

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Four vets describe the challenges affecting livestock within pastoralist communities in East Africa and explain an exciting project to monitor disease by using mobile phones.

Dr Ezra Saitoti and Dr Paul Chacha, both field vets for the charity Vetaid, discuss how this innovative technology will help improve animal health. Also, listen to Dr Musiany Kisipan, University of Nairobi, and Bev Panto, Royal Veterinary College, UK, talk about the benefits of online learning for veterinary students.

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The challenges facing the education sector in Nigeria and  potential ways of overcoming them are analysed in the  second episode of Development Matters.

Emeritus professors Pai Obanya, of Ibadan University,  Nigeria, and Lalage Bown, University of Glasgow,  discuss the impact of politics, the importance of adult education, and the problems of aid dependency. They  also share their experiences of Nigeria's independence celebrations and speak of their hopes for Africa's most populous nation ahead of its fiftieth birthday later this year.

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The first episode of Development Matters focuses on science, especially the dramatic impact of mobile phones and broadband internet in developing countries.

Professor Calestous Juma, of Harvard University, reviews the ground-breaking new book Science and Innovation for Development by Professor Gordon Conway, of Imperial College London, and Professor Jeff Waage, Director of LIDC. He also explains how the latest technologies are transforming lives and democratising politics in Africa.