The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:50:00 +0000

Media Global (New York): Microsavings Opens Up a World of Possibilities

http://allafrica.com/stories/201102140002.html

For those living on less than $2 a day there are few available financial tools that many of us may take for granted like bank accounts, credit, or insurance. However, even when the denominations are small, these financial tools can make a major difference in the profitability, security, and viability of a family’s finances. A few dollars is generally not enough to open or sustain a minimum balance in savings account at a traditional banking institution yet it can provide substantial security for low income family in times of need. Without the security of a bank account, savings must be kept in hand, in the home, or in risky informal banking and investment ventures. Access to a safe place to keep money can make a major impact on the ability of families and individuals to “manage risks and take advantage of commercial opportunities.”

Without formal banking, saving money can be a risky endeavor. Robbery, flooding, and fires are real risks, not only for property, but for any savings hidden in drawer, under a mattress or in a pocket. Needy friends and family members and impulse spending can also seriously derail efforts to save for future opportunities or emergencies. To fill the void that formal banking institutions have left, many communities have relied on traditional banking, such as the ‘susu’ collectors in Ghana, for security. These small businesses “collect small but regular deposits generally over the course of a month… [then] return the accumulated savings to the client, but keeps a percentage of the savings as commission.” The susu collectors are often the safest and least expensive way to save money in many communities but also carry risk and high cost. The rate of commission is sometimes as high as 40 percent, there is little regulation and no guarantee that the money will be returned. However, many still emphasize their value added to their community in the absence of a better alternative.

In some countries, such as Ghana, where rotating savings and credit associations or susu collectors are very popular, significant efforts have been made to regulate the practice, increasing the safety of saving and investing. With more regulation and security susu collectors are attracting the interest of large financial institutions such as Barclay’s and Citigroup who use the small businesses as an avenue to provide micro credit and loans to individuals. Other international organizations, such as Microsave, provide alternative opportunities for savings accounts as well as micro credit and loan opportunities. Although efforts are being made to expand the availability of these services, nearly 90 percent of those who make less than $2 a day do not have access to formal banking.

While the cost and risk of saving can be high for low income families in Africa the benefits often outweigh them and have influenced many to continue investing. Just a small amount of savings can “help build assets, guard against risks like crop failure, and allow for investment in education, providing future generations with greater opportunity.” Families are able to better deal with unexpected expenses and emergencies increasing their own security and viability. Although providing safe and secure opportunities to save will certainly not eliminate poverty, it can make a major difference in increasing economic stability on a small scale, which is likely to eventually bring more stability to economies on a large scale.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A website dedicated to microfinance in Africa: http://microfinanceafrica.net/

A UN report on Microfinance in Africa: http://www.un.org/esa/africa/microfinanceinafrica.pdf

A short video about an organization in Niger which enables ‘group sharing’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1-Ked7g-Wo

An IMF working paper on Microfinance in Africa: http://www.insme.org/documenti/wp04174.pdf

A video about Savings and Credit Groups in South Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFX-3tNrNgQ

An IFC report on Microfinance in Africa: http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/gfm.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/IFC+Africa+Microfinance+Brochure/$FILE/IFC+Africa+Microfinance+Brochure.pdf

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think micro-finance has the ability to transform a society away from poverty? Why or why not? What could increase the viability of such a transformation in conjunction with micro-finance?

2. Why do you think formal banking institutions do not provide micro-finance opportunities? Do you think that these opportunities could increase a bank’s profitability in the long run or would these services have to be based on charity?

3. What are some things low income families could use a small amount of savings for? Can you think of an emergency cost that could be covered by a small amount of savings? What difference could this make in the long term for these families?

Africa in the News: “Africa's mobile banking revolution”

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:05:00 +0000

BBC: “Africa's mobile banking revolution”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8194241.stm

A new type of banking has taken root across many parts of Africa. While the number of mobile phone users across the continent has reached an estimated 500 million people most do not have access to a personal bank account or credit cards. This has helped to advance the use of mobile phone banking, a fairly simple process by which mobile user can transfer prepaid credits to another mobile user who can then redeem the credit for cash. Although this method of transferring money is virtually unheard of in the United States, “millions of Africans are using mobile phones to pay bills, move cash and buy basic everyday items.”

People have found a variety of conveniences through this new service. Some use mobile banking to send money to far away relatives, others use it as a secure way to store funds, or making business transactions. One charitable clinic in Tanzania uses the technology to send roundtrip bus fares to low income patients in rural areas allowing them to afford the cost of travel necessary to receive care.[1] However, the major cause for the service’s success is its penetration of a market which had previously existed without any formal banking institutions at all. Those who cannot afford or do not have easy access to traditional bank accounts can send and receive small amounts money relatively cheaply, quickly and safely. The typical transaction of “m-pesa,” a leading Kenyan mobile banking service is “less than $40.” While this is a relatively small transaction the company’s seven million customers are transferring “in excess of $8.5m per day."

While the mobile banking trend is widespread, access is not universal across Africa. There are still large populations which still have no access to traditional or mobile banks due to “low incomes, illiteracy and large signal black spots.” Taxes also apply to these transactions influencing many potential users to stick with cash when they can. While mobile phone use is extensive across Africa, many do not have the means or opportunity access to this technology, putting mobile phone banking out of reach. This has attracted “charitable backing [from] the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation” which has pledged $12.5 million to “extend services to the poor.”

Despite lack of universal access, mobile phone technology has been highly profitable and is spreading quickly. Major mobile phone service providers have moved into the mobile banking sector, have the means, and see the potential in expanding the service. The South African mobile phone provider, MTN, will be extending service “to the 20 countries where MTN operates, including Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast, which combined have over 90 million mobile phone users.” African born mobile phone banking is clearly thriving across the continent.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An article and video from CNN on mobile banking and healthcare in Tanzania: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/12/29/mobile.banking.tanzania/index.html

An article from the New York Times on the future of mobile banking in Africa: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/03/world/africa/03iht-03oxan-Mobbank.16671846.html?_r=1

An article from TIME magazine on mobile banking in Africa: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2043329,00.html

World Bank video Mobile Banking in South Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SKhCYoF0Lg

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think mobile banking will ever catch on in the United States? Why or why not?

2. Do you think this type of banking will help elevate poverty in Africa? How?

3. How do you think more traditional banking methods and institutions will fare in Africa? Will mobile phone banking change the way they operate?

[1] http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/12/29/mobile.banking.tanzania/index.html

Africa in the News: "The Story of a Food Secure Nation"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:07:00 +0000

The East African (Nairobi): "The Story of a Food Secure Nation"

http://allafrica.com/stories/201101311486.html

Less than three years ago Rwanda put into action a plan aimed at increasing food security. Since then food production has steadily increased at a rate of 16 percent per year, an incredible accomplishment compared with the rate of growth previous to the nationwide effort of only 0.7 percent. Today the country has developed a strong agricultural base which has “bid food deficits goodbye.”

The initiative began with the aim to provide one cow per family in 2006. The cows made significant improvements in the lives of many rural individuals and families by adding additional nourishment, natural fertilizer, and a little income to their homes. The government also enacted policy which would halt land fragmentation and encouraged the merging of smaller farms in order to make the “best use of fertiliser, improved seeds and labour.” Government management of the sector was improved through the reorganization and investment of homegrown agricultural policy and research. These policies were followed by additional programs like the “Crop Intensification Project” which began “distributing high-yielding seed varieties and fertiliser across the country” in 2008.

Of course nature has played its role, however, Rwanda’s concentration on improving agriculture has certainly paid off. Through the distribution of better seeds and training on better farming techniques the country has seen the production of its principle crops – maize, cassava, beans and bananas – soar. The calculated increase in the yields of these crops is at “99 per cent for maize, 43 per cent for wheat 28 per cent for rice and sweet potatoes…[as well as] an 11 per cent increase in bean[s].” The sustained progress of the agricultural sector has even ushered in international development and investment.

However, these increases in food production have not come without sacrifice. Rwanda is “one of the only five countries on the continent that have committed the recommended minimum of 10 per cent of their national budgets to agriculture.” Nevertheless, Rwanda’s success is a wonderful example to others that food security can be achieved by a developing nation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An article from the BBC on a dairy farm in Rwanda: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10131793

A video on the ‘One Cow’ Initiative in Rwanda from ‘Action Aid’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxvuQqfmMSY

A collection of academic resources from the ‘Rwanda Food Security Research Project’ of USAID and Michigan State University http://www.aec.msu.edu/fs2/rwanda/index.htm

A newspaper article on development in Rwanda: http://allafrica.com/stories/201101190336.html

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think this type of progress in food security is possible anywhere? Is Rwanda a special case?

2. What do you think are the main reasons why this initiative to increase agricultural yields succeeded? The actions of Rwandan government? Individual farmers? The weather?

3. Do you think that spending 10 per cent of a national budget on agriculture is too much? Is it too little? Why do you think more countries are not spending this ‘recommended minimum’?

Africa in the News: "South Sudanese Vote Overwhelmingly for Secession"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:52:00 +0000

New York Times: "South Sudanese Vote Overwhelmingly for Secession"

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/world/africa/22sudan.html

After much anticipation and anxiety over southern Sudan’s referendum for independence the outcome is clear. Preliminary results from the referendum report nearly 99 percent of voters in southern Sudan have chosen independence from the north. This coupled with a turnout well above the required 60 percent of eligible voters gives a clear indication of an overwhelming preference for succession. Although the official results are not due to be published until 14 February, and any steps to actually initiate the split will not come for months, the results is an unmistakable a step towards the independence of South Sudan.

Despite the clear results, formal independence will not be granted until the peace treaty which necessitated the referendum is due to expire on July 9th this year. In the mean time the southern region “hopes to pick a national anthem and a name; leading contenders are Nile Republic and South Sudan.” There are also much more daunting tasks ahead of split, “namely how the two sides would share the south’s sizeable reserves of crude oil and what to do about the Abyei region, which straddles the north-south border and is claimed by both.” There are also questions about southern Sudanese who live and work in the north, their citizenship status and their ability to continue their lives as is in what will soon be a foreign country.

Independent of the complications from succession itself, both the northern and southern regions of Sudan will have new challenges to face as independent countries. There are fears of backlash in the North over the succession, instability, and the resulting insecure economic climate. The south has many humanitarian issues to address towards its own people, like access to food, medical care and clean water, a challenge only to become more severe as an influx of southern pour from the north back into their homeland. While fragile and potentially volatile issues remain to be resolved a peaceful referendum process bodes well for continued peace. The people have made their wishes clear and it is now up to Sudanese politicians and the international community to ensure that they are carried out in harmony and fairness.

MORE INFORMATION

An article from CNN on the results of the referendum: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/01/26/sudan.referendum/index.html

A short video from the Kenya Television Network detailing the provisional results of the Sudanese referendum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBV9CU2xzHI

An article on the results of the referendum from the Sudan Tribune: http://allafrica.com/stories/201101220012.html

The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission website: http://www.southernsudanocv.org/

A video from France 24 entitled “South Sudan: Challenging Times”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMTBqL9yHkI

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Are you surprised by the turnout or results of the referendum? Do you think nearly universal vote for separation will make a difference in the succession process?

2. What are the prospects for a peaceful succession for South Sudan? Do you think the referendum is the end of the conflict between the north and the south?

3. What is the international community’s role in ensuring peace for the Sudanese people? What should foreign governments or international organizations do? What should they not do?

Africa in the News: "Cassava Combating Rural Hunger"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:29:00 +0000

Inter Press Service (Johannesburg): "Cassava Combating Rural Hunger"

http://allafrica.com/stories/201101040722.html

After nearly 20 years of research and development scientists in Zambia have finally announced an important breakthrough which has the potential to dramatically improve the vitality of rural communities. Through the country’s domestic “Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIP)” local scientists have generated “four new, early-maturing and high-yielding cassava cultivars.” These plants mature in half the time of the traditional cassava. This initiative targets the rural areas of Zambia which have particular difficulties with poverty and hunger. By generating a more durable but indigenous plant rural communities are able to meet their nutritional needs on their own, more quickly and without environmental degradation. Many believe that this could turn the tide for poor rural communities and even “significantly transform Zambia's slippery socio-economic landscape.”

The researchers from RTIP are so positive about this development particularly because of the widespread usefulness of the cassava plant. Dr. Chiona, the lead researcher for the project, explains that “with this crop, you throw away literally nothing at all,” and can be used as “floor polish, hair chemicals, animal and fish feed from the leaves, firewood and seeds from the stems and fodder from the peels.” In addition to the plant’s usefulness, it is a resource that directly targets rural regions where the bulk of Zambia’s poor reside. For one rural woman, Elias Mwila, the new strain of cassava has made a major difference her live and the ones she supports. She explains, “I have been using the old variety of cassava since 1992 only for meeting my family's basic food needs. But things have changed and now I am even planning to start selling the surplus.” Many Zambian organizations are focusing on agricultural development to help alleviate poverty in the rural areas. The development of stronger, faster yielding cassava is a major step in this development goal.

The hope is that this homegrown agricultural development boosts Zambia’s economy at all levels. For subsistence farmers faster yielding cassava leads to more opportunities for harvest and less fear of drought and floods. Some may even be able to turn a profit through selling access food or producing goods from the plant. An increased number of families or individuals with disposable income are highly beneficial to the economy as a while. Donors and government authorities hope that this will also create greater security and in turn even greater economic growth.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An article from ‘Africa Renewal’ Magazine about Cassava in Africa: http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol20no2/202-cassava.html

An article from USAID on a Cassava ‘Mega Project’: http://eastafrica.usaid.gov/en/Article.1154.aspx

A video on a Cassava growing project in Uganda: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr4IGKA7B3M

An article from the International Food Policy Research Institute on ‘Recent Growth in Africa Cassava’: http://www.aec.msu.edu/fs2/cassava/focus12_03.pdf

DISCUSSION QUESTION

1. Do you think something as simple as a vegetable can begin to transform a developing economy?

2. What else must be put in place to make sure that cassava yields are brought to market and produce an income for the farmers?

Africa in the News: "Ghana oil begins pumping for first time"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:26:00 +0000

BBC: "Ghana oil begins pumping for first time"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11996983

Ghana has officially begun to pump oil from vast underwater reservoirs found off the country’s shores three years ago. It was found in the ‘Jubilee Field’ and is “estimated to hold 1.5billion barrels of oil.” Another nearby field was discovered this year with an estimated additional 1.4 billion barrels significantly adding to potential revenues and the prospects of a new booming industry. A UK based oil production company, Tullow Oil, is now producing 55,000 barrels every day. The oil’s discovery and production will certainly have a large impact on the African country as revenues are expected to eventually reach $1 billion yearly. Although, some reports are skeptical of the benefits the oil will bring to Ghanaians. In other developing countries of the region, such as Nigeria, the cash flow from oil production has done more to fuel conflict rather than aide development. Indeed there is some concern about the lack of legislation and formal procedure to manage the new industry.

However, Ghana is notably different from countries in the region which have had less than favorable results of oil revenues. Stephen Hayes, head of the Corporate Council on Africa notes that Ghana has a “fairly transparent society compared to other countries dealing in oil - so they've got a better opportunity to get it right.” The country also has developed a strong civil society with activists organized and ready to monitor pending oil legislation in regardless to the environment, civil rights and development. Hayes also points out that Ghana’s economy is diversified, with “oil revenues expected only represents 6% of their economy - compare that to Nigeria where oil revenue represents 92% of the economy or Angola where it's almost 100%.” This allows Ghana to manage the revenue without stalling the economy. This is not to say that oil will not have a large and positive impact on the economy as it is expected to increase the country’s growth by an additional 7 percent in the next year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A video from Al Jazeera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncQexNRPvUc

An article from the Ghana Chronicle titled “Oil Flows Today”: http://allafrica.com/stories/201012160131.html

A website dedicated to information and news oil in Ghana: http://www.ghanaoilinfo.com/

An article from National Geographic: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2010/12/1012115-oil-ghana-environment-jubilee/

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think Ghana will be able to uphold its promise to spread the wealth among the people and not in only a few hands? What challenges may the government/activists face in working towards this goal?

2. Should a country’s natural resources be shared by the people or given to those who discover it? What do you think has been done in most cases? Is it fair? How can we determine this?

Africa in the News: "Tackling the Costs of Gender Inequality to Africa's Development"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:37:00 +0000

UNDP: "Tackling the Costs of Gender Inequality to Africa's Development"

http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2010/november/tackling-the-costs-of-gender-inequality-to-africas-development.en

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the African Institute for Economic Development (IDEP) have recently launched a new program which intends to advance policies which benefit men and women equally in Africa. The mission of the 'Global Gender and Economic Policy Management Initiative-Africa' program (GEPMI-Africa) is to “target government officials, development practitioners, civil society organizations and research institutes to help countries promote gender-responsive policies in specific areas such as health, education and labour.”[i] The program is a result of increasing evidence and support for economic growth through gender equality.

As increasing evidence from research on gender studies has mounted it has become clear that women’s rights are not only ethical, but also economically beneficial for developing countries. Currently, “women continue to consistently trail men in formal labor force participation, access to credit, entrepreneurship rates, income levels, and inheritance and ownership rights” which often alienates the population from gaining from development programs.[ii] This alienation hampers women from taking part in development and as a result “slows down poverty reduction and economic growth” for the population as a whole.[iii]

Alternatively, increasing access to employment, education, technology and credit in women allows this portion of the population to actively engage in development, not only to their own benefit, but to their families and local communities as well. Many studies have suggested that “putting earnings in women’s hands is the intelligent thing to do to speed up development and the process of overcoming poverty…[as] women usually reinvest a much higher portion in their families and communities than men, spreading wealth beyond themselves.”[iv]

As for development initiatives, those that are ‘gender blind’ may be missing an essential element in their purpose. Tegegnework Gettu, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of UNDP's Bureau for Africa, noted that many “fail to take into consideration the division of labour between men and women in the private and public spheres, and their access to and control over economic assets and opportunities.” Without addressing the innate challenges to development for marginalized groups in these communities development programs risk alienating a large portion of the population they aim to serve. The GEPMI-Africa program hopes to highlight the essential need for development programs to consider gender in order to be effective.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Gender and Development is a scholarly journal which focuses on the issues of its namesake: http://www.genderanddevelopment.org/

A UNDP report on “Gender and Indicators”:

http://content.undp.org/go/cms-service/download/publication/?version=live&id=1850960

The World Bank’s webpage on Gender and Development includes many studies and articles on the subject: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTGENDER/0,,menuPK:336874~pagePK:149018~piPK:149093~theSitePK:336868,00.html

A UNDP report entitled “Taking Action: Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering Women”: http://content.undp.org/go/cms-service/download/publication/?version=live&id=1844034

The ‘Africa Gender Program’ Website from the World Bank: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/EXTAFRREGTOPGENDER/0,,contentMDK:20297760~pagePK:34004173~piPK:34003707~theSitePK:502360,00.html

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think development is necessarily a gender issue? Are some there some aspects that are and some that aren't?

2. What is essential to promoting gender equality in developing countries? Must laws come first? What about public attitude? Will funding lead to other changes? What is most important?

3. Are gender issues necessarily woman’s rights? How can men benefit from greater equality?

4. What could you do to aide in gender equality in a developing country?

[i] "Tackling the Costs of Gender Inequality to Africa's Development." Newsroom. United Nations Development Programme, 26 Nov. 2010.

[ii] "Why Is Women's Economic Empowerment Important for Development?" Gender and Development. The World Bank.

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] Ibid.

Africa in the News: "The Fight to Stem Africa's Rural Exodus"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:37:00 +0000

CNN: "The Fight to Stem Africa's Rural Exodus"

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/12/10/africa.rural.exodus/?hpt=C2

While many African cities are thriving, providing more and more people with amenities such as clean water, electricity and medical care, these strides are often not matched in rural areas. It is no wonder then why many Africans are choosing to leave their rural villages to try and find a better life. In fact a new report from the U.N. estimates that “14 million people in sub-Saharan Africa migrate from rural to urban areas every year [and] of those, 70% move into slums,” indicating that not everyone finds what they were looking for.

Programs have been set up to address this challenge, like Rural Futures, which has support from major organizations such as the U.N. and World Wildlife Fund. This organization is focusing on closing the gap between things like access to opportunity, services like water or electricity, and jobs in urban and rural areas. As it is, the continent is facing a sort of paradox, where it is necessary to foster agriculture for development yet development “has not benefited the rural world.” A possible solution, which is currently being explored by Rural Futures, is creating jobs in rural areas through supporting “rural industries and agribusiness.”

Increasing the viability of prosperous rural communities in Africa also requires special attention to recent changes in the environment. Many families and individuals are forced to leave their communities after a drought or other natural disaster which can obliterate their livelihood. However, fairly simple measures such as “introducing irrigation, insurance policies against crops failing, and drought-resistant crops” can help to reverse this trend. Initiatives which help farmers modify their traditional approaches to meet the demands of a changing climate can also significantly aid the viability of small scale farming in Africa.

Responses to this growing trend have not only stemmed from large international organizations but from grassroots as well. Seda Bawiena grew up in a rural village in Togo but, like so many, saw opportunity in the city and left as an adolescent to further his education. He returned years later to find that many other people in his community had also left the area out of necessity or a yearning for a brighter future. This influenced him to found the International Center for Agro-Pastoral Development (CIDAP) which “emphasizes community, education and sustainable agriculture.”

The organization works to enhance and “rediscover” traditional ways of farming rather than introducing totally foreign ideas. They also have established a technical institute which “teaches diploma courses in agriculture, administration and home economics,” and provides a greater sense of opportunity for young people. All of these initiatives are aimed at changing attitudes as well. They hope to explain that “going to the cities is not the only option” and that “through a different way of working the land it's possible to live off the land and grow better food and have a better life." Improving the lives of those in rural Africa and allowing them to stay in their communities will have a long lasting and wide spread positive impact for both urban and rural Africa.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An article on rural to urban migration in Africa: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/study-abroad/101012/africa-unemployment-rural-migration-ghana

A video from Save the Children about the effects of severe drought on one family: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoMSwJ8bCrE&feature=player_embedded

The United Nations Population Fund Website: http://www.unfpa.org/public/home;jsessionid=F40621014CC2A2E9E6C7937D515A1BC9

A video from Yale University about the effect of climate change on some of West Africa’s traditional rural communities: http://e360.yale.edu/feature/when_the_water_ends_africas_climate_conflicts/2331/

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Which of the programs mentioned here do you think will be more effective, Rural Futures or CIDAP? Why?

2. What do you think is the main motivator for people in Africa who choose to move from rural to urban areas? Is it climate change, opportunity, the perception of a better life, etc.? What would it take to convince you to move away from your home?

3. What do you think is the best solution to this trend of overwhelming rural to urban migration for Africa? For a rural community? For an individual?

Africa in the News: "Millions register for Sudan vote"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:17:00 +0000

Al Jazeera: "Millions register for Sudan vote"

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/12/201012963043716993.html

The registration process for the referendum on Southern Sudan’s independence ended earlier this week without major incident or accusations of fraud. The process began on November 15 for what was an initially scheduled two week period but was continued for an additional week following “high demand in the south and also to encourage a bigger turnout by southerners living in northern Sudan.” The initial estimates from the South Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) were that more than 3 million people were registered in the South and 76,000 in the north. These numbers represent a high, but not inclusive, representation of the 5 million eligible southern Sudanese living in the region, in the north or abroad.

Current reports suggest that the registration process was carried out fairly and freely with surprisingly few complaints from either party. The results of the registration match commission estimates confirming little, if any, fraud. However, there were low levels of registration in both the northern region of Sudan and abroad – while southern Sudan registered voters at a rate of about 60 percent, the north and the diaspora registered only about 40-50 percent. Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil, SSRC Chief, commented that “if all of the registered voters go to the polls on January 9 then ‘the turnout would not be bad and could be considered as representing the view of south Sudan.’"

While it is encouraging that this step of the referendum has ended peacefully, democratically and without widespread intimidation, many still hold reservations on the same outcome for the vote in January. In particular, for those southerners living in the north of Sudan there are security, safety and fraud concerns. The southern government has encouraged those residing in the north to travel to the south in order to cast their ballot to ensure that it is counted fairly and reduce security concerns.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An article on the registration from the Sudan Tribune: http://www.sudantribune.com/Voter-registration-for-South-Sudan,37212

A piece on Enough’s blog on the registration: http://www.enoughproject.org/blogs/registration-south-sudan-referendum-finally-underway

An article from UN Dispatch, “Scenes From Voter Registration in South Sudan”:http://www.undispatch.com/scenes-from-voter-registration-in-south-sudan

A short Al Jazeera video on the registration, “Deciding the fate of Sudan”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtKhFtC8LNg

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think a higher percentage of eligible voters registered in southern Sudan than in the north or abroad?

2. Whose interest is most at stake in this referendum? Do you believe the north will be more negatively affected than the south will be positively affected? Will it affect the diaspora?

3. Are you surprised that the registration was successful? Do you think this is an indicator for the vote?

4. What challenges did the South Sudan Referendum Commission have to overcome in order to carry out the registration?

5. Do you think you would register and vote in a referendum even if you felt you might be putting yourself in danger by doing so? Do you think this is a major concern for southern Sudanese people (especially those living in the north)?

Africa in the News: "Ugandans turn Kampala's uncollected garbage into versatile fuel"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:37:00 +0000

The Guardian: "Ugandans turn Kampala's uncollected garbage into versatile fuel"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/30/uganda-fuel-from-waste-mic hael

Two Ugandan entrepreneurs, Fred Kyagulanyi and James Sendikwanawa, found opportunity when others only saw a public hindrance. They were inspired by piles of rubbish in Kampala which they saw as a useful resource and an opportunity to profit. Today, the pair are successfully converting the trash into “’non-fossil fuel’ made from refuse such as plastic bottles, polythene bags and organic waste.” The fuel can be used in any diesel engine and is regularly bought by taxi drivers and locals for around $1 a liter, nearly half of what gas stations charge.

Kyagulanyi and Sendikwanawa found their technical knowledge in German literature on biodiesel and, despite a bumpy road, used trial and error to figure how to transform the waste around them into fuel. The pair did not only succeed but now offer their customers “super,” “premium” and “pure” grades. Customers confirm that the fuel works well in their vehicles and saves them money. One purchaser estimates that he has “been saving about 2,000 shillings per day [about 90 cents] compared to the past." They are now processing up to 2 tons of trash a day, have established their business and are planning to expand their capabilities.

The project is not only an advantage to Kyagulanyi and Sendikwanawa but for their community as well. Waste engineers in Kampala have calculated that “the city generates an estimated 1,500 tonnes of garbage a day, three-quarters of which rots uncollected on the streets, or gets thrown into in sewerage outlets and water channels.” The pair admit that they not only began this project to make money but also to “be part of the solution to the global demand for environmentally beneficial practice.” They hope to eventually expand their capabilities enough to clear every piece of waste from the city and turn it into something useful.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A UN paper on “Small Scale Production and Use of Liquid Bio-Fuels in Sub-Saharan Africa”: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd15/documents/csd15_bp2.pdf

A Video on Electrical Energy from Waste in Durban, South Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIsio3gc6Jk

An article from the BBC on fuel from bananas: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8044092.stm

A Video on recycling ‘e-waste’ in South Africa: http://www.mnn.com/eco-biz/money-green-jobs/videos/assignment-earth-e-waste-creates-jobs

An article from the New York Times on the development of a ‘Waste Powered Fuel Cell for Africa’: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/world/africa/11iht-dirt.1.17710804.html?_r=1

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why do you believe these entrepreneurs were successful? What can we learn from their success?

2. Do you think international intervention in this type of endeavor would have helped or hampered this project?

3. What are the benefits to local business versus those that are created or heavily supported by non-profit, aid or government organizations? What are the difficulties?

Africa in the News: "Sudan vote 'held up by donors'"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Al Jazeera: "Sudan vote 'held up by donors'"

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/11/201011150111520274.html

The south Sudan referendum commission has reached a major milestone towards the impending January referendum for southern succession. This week marks the beginning of registration for voters in the south. The registration is scheduled to take place between 15 November and 1 December and will operate from 3,000 sites across Sudan and in 8 additional countries (Australia, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States).[i] United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) panels have also arrived in Sudan to monitor the endeavor.

While the procedures of the vote are being carried out as planned and on time there has been some criticism from the commission towards international aid groups in reference to funding the referendum. While Sudan’s law requires that all funds be given to the commission which governs it many international groups are refusing to pay directly. For instance, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has “budgeted up to $50 million to help stage the referendum” but will not release any funds directly to the commission. Rather, USAID and other agencies like it are offering assistance in the form of grants and foreign contractors. The chairman of the commission in Sudan, Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil, described the aid which has been offered as patronizing: “They give us finished goods, materials just as you cater for a minor. You don't give a minor cash in case they should misuse it but give them finished goods and services which, incidentally, we resent.”[ii]

Beyond some funding disturbances there are still major issues to be settled before succession were to occur. These include the ever present issues of “border demarcation, issues of citizenship, [and] issues of how to share the oil wealth.” There is also a genuine threat of violence or all out war if the vote isn’t carried out transparently, efficiently, and appropriately. Despite concerns and complications, preparations for the vote have gone forward without major stalemate or violence. The advent of voter registration is encouraging and substantial progress to settle a bitter dispute in a peaceful and democratic manner.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think aid agencies should give funds for the referendum directly to Sudan’s commission? What is the danger in this? What are the benefits?

2. How can international agencies ensure that the proper procedures are met in Sudan? Is funding the effort best? What about election observers? What is best to leave to the Sudanese?

3. Can you think of some complications of voter registration in Sudan? What might be more difficult about this than something similar in the United States? What might be easier?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An article from Voice of America, “Voter Registration Begins in Sudan”: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Voter-Registration-Begins-for-Sudan-Referendum-108164694.html

A video from Maxims News Network on the voter registration in Sudan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4KpA4G5F3w

An article from the Sudan Tribune “Conflicting reports on readiness for voter registration in Jonglei state”: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article36941

[i] “Sudan: UN Panel Monitoring Referenda Arrives on Eve of Voter Registration.” All Africa. 14 Nov 2010. .

[ii] “Sudan vote 'held up by donors.'” Al Jazeera English. 15 Nov 2010. .

Africa in the News: "Mobile Phones 'Powerful' in Promoting Health, Advocates Say"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:44:00 +0000

All Africa: "Mobile Phones 'Powerful' in Promoting Health, Advocates Say"

http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/201011100207.html

This week in Washington policy, health, telecommunication and development representatives have gathered to draft strategies to improve healthcare systems through mobile technology in developed and developing communities alike. The “mHealth Summit” is designed to “advance the discussion around ways mobile technology can increase the access, efficiency and effectiveness of health systems.” While basic needs, like those outlined in the UN Millennium Development Goals, are still waiting to be realized in many parts of the world new, creative solutions are required in order to meet them.

As mobile phone use is dramatically increasing across Africa the potential to use these resources to increase the efficiency of health care systems is remarkable. In fact of the “five billion subscribers today, almost 70 percent of them are in the developing world.” These devices are a reliable resource to send information, in some cases medicinal, from remote areas previously disconnected from available resources. For example, one village could immediately notify another when health care professionals or medical supplies are nearby.

Mobile technology initiatives have already proven to be successful in increasing the efficiency of healthcare in Africa. In Uganda, mobile phones have dramatically reduced the diagnosis time for HIV positive infants from three months to two weeks. Local clinics in isolated areas can send blood samples to hospitals which test the sample and return the results via SMS. This allows the children to begin treatment much sooner and greatly increases their chances of survival. As a result “the number of HIV-positive infants receiving treatment has more than doubled, from 40 per cent to more than 90 per cent in the last two years.”[1]

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Can you think of other types of aid that could be enhanced through the use of mobile devices?

2. Are there any concerns with the use of mobile devices for healthcare? What about patient privacy or the accuracy of information passed through a cell phone? How could these concerns be overcome?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An article from the Center for International Health and Development at Boston University titled “Can the ubiquitous power of mobile phones be used to improve health outcomes in developing countries?”: http://www.globalizationandhealth.com/content/2/1/9

An article from aidsmap entitled “Mobile phone messages improve adherence and HIV control in Kenyan trial”: http://www.aidsmap.com/page/1540898/

An article from Smart Planet entitled “Bill Gates: mobile health technology will save lives, help overpopulation”: http://www.smartplanet.com/people/blog/pure-genius/bill-gates-mobile-health-technology-will-save-lives-help-overpopulation/4908/

A video from CNN titled “Cell phones save lives in Rwandan villages” : http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=video&cd=1&ved=0CDwQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Frss.cnn.com%2F~r%2Frss%2Fcnn_health%2F~3%2F-cUnc_exaTs%2F&ei=xBLbTIfINcH98AaUqLXCCQ&usg=AFQjCNHj4YCzO3ft2eKGlpfNATEw3PgqGA&sig2=eKY7NRaNvg_bgZdQBihI9g

[1] Nakkazi, Esther. "Mobile Technology Doubles HIV Treatment Rate in Babies." SciDev.Net. 1 Nov. 2010. .

Africa in the News: "Guineans cast ballots in presidential poll"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:48:00 +0000

CNN: "Guineans cast ballots in presidential poll"

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/11/07/guinea.election/index.html

Sunday, November 7, 2011 marks Guinea’s first free and fair presidential elections since the country gained its independence 52 years ago. This is the first election to move the country from military rule to democratic governance and is a major milestone for the region of West Africa. This election follows the primary elections last June in what was called “the nation's most credible and democratic election ever.” The results of the June poll allowed opposition leader, Alpha Conde, and former prime minister, Cellow Dalein Diallo, to compete in Sunday’s runoff. Reports indicate that the election was a close race but generally transparent, peaceful, and technically sound.

While both parties seemed satisfied with the elections it was not without its complications. Diallo, the front runner, noted that his coalition was short on representatives to monitor the voting in some regions due to displaced supporters fleeing recent ethnic and political unrest. At least 2,800 people have been displaced since election proceedings began, however local officials of Diallo’s coalition claim the number is more likely between 15,000 and 20,000. The people who fled potential violence said they had been “threatened with death by the towns' residents if they did not leave before the election.” Although Guinea has not seen significant politically motivated violence yet, the threat of an outbreak is sincere. However, many are optimistic of a peaceful transfer of power. The end result will depend on how the candidates decide to mobilize their supporters after the results of the election are announced.

Despite the threat of violence, Guinea’s successful execution of last Sunday’s election is a constructive democratic development for the country and the region. It has set the stage for future elections and the democratic notion that “those who govern are accountable to those they govern” has entered the mind frame of the general public. If the transfer of power is peacefully executed it has the potential to provide political stability, allowing for greater foreign investment, international aid, and in turn, economic development.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do you think is the best way to ensure the transfer of power in Guinea happens peacefully? Do you think the AU, UN or other international agencies should get involved? Or do you think this should be up to the Guineans?

2. Do you think the act of voting has democratic value in itself? Does it change the way people thing about government? Do you think the influence is the same if the election results are not (or perceived not to be) accepted by the leadership?

3. Do you believe democratic principles, human rights, civil rights, etc. are more or less important that stability? When is one more important than the other? Why?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An Al Jazeera (English) article on the Elections: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/11/2010117175249728291.html

An article from UN Dispatch: http://www.undispatch.com/analysis-guineas-presidential-election-part-1

A video entitled ‘Guinea Election Preview’ by TV2Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xy8nXNN8Hk

Africa in the News: "'Postponement of Abyei Referendum is Undesirable But May Be Unavoidable' – RVI"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:26:00 +0000

Sudan Tribune (Paris): "'Postponement of Abyei Referendum is Undesirable But May Be Unavoidable' – RVI"

http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/201011010928.html

Speculation that Sudan’s January referendum that will decide if the northern and southern regions will split into two autonomous states or remain as one will be delayed in the Abyei border region has continued to mount following a local non-profit report. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which ended Sudan’s civil war 20 years ago and provides guidelines for the referendum requires a separate vote for the people of Abyei to decide if they would be absorbed into the Northern or Southern regions in the event of a split. Although the referendum is expected to be held on time in the rest of Sudan, several key issues have yet to be negotiated for the preparations of the referendum in Abyei to move forward.

Despite the ever nearing date of the referendum, negotiations to resolve outstanding issues over the Abyei region have remained in a stalemate. The most contemptuous issues include “north-south boundary demarcation, the appointment of members of the referendum commission, the question of voter eligibility and residency and issues of public security.” As a result, no necessary procedures for the referendum, such as voter registration, have begun with just over a couple of months before voting day. Even if the disputed subjects were to be agreed upon today, there is little hope that the legal requirements for a vote to take place would be met in time. The report concluded that the “postponement of the Abyei referendum is undesirable but may be unavoidable.” However, the parties have made clear that the rest of Sudan will carry out the vote on January 11.

Several proposals have been made to resolve the disputes and move preparations for the Abeyi vote along even if it does not occur in January. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) of the south has suggested that they hold the Abyei vote independently of the National Congress Party (NCP) in the north following the initial referendum. However, many have argued that any vote independent of Sudan’s current ruling party would not only violate the CPA but “would be unlikely to gain full international recognition or promote national consensus.” Others have suggested that the Abeyi region be split into two, half going to the north and half going to the south. However, border demarcation and citizenship issues have proven impasses for successful negotiation.

If the referendum may indeed be delayed in Abyei the complications may not be. After the referendum has been completed and the dust has settled, outstanding issues such as citizenship and the sharing oil revenues must still be addressed. The stakes in this region are so high that without successful negotiation unresolved conflicts could trigger another civil war. It is the responsibility of the NCP, SPLM and the international community to ensure that something is applied to deter this harrowing possibility. However, the success of the CPA and preparations for the larger referendum to date should be encouraging for the possibility that there is still time for a ‘political fix.’

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think Sudan’s referendum in the Northern and Southern regions will carry on without Abyei’s? What would be the consequence?

2. Do you believe the despites over Abyei will be ever be resolved? What could the USA and the international community do to ensure that it is done peacefully?

3. Of the potential solutions listed here, which do you think might be best? Can you think of a solution both the SPLM and the NCP would agree on?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A ‘Guide to Abyei’s Referendum’ from IRIN News: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?reportid=89832

A series of posts on the Abyei referendum from The Enough Project: http://www.enoughproject.org/blogs/abyei-sudan%E2%80%99s-other-referendum-part-i

A video and article on the Abyei referendum from France 24 (in English): http://www.france24.com/en/20101014-officials-rule-out-january-referendum-disputed-abyei-sudan-south-north-politics

A video clip of John Prendergast and George Clooney speaking on Abyei at the Council on Foreign Relations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD6UoO-QM4k

Africa in the News: "Free Newspaper Makes Headlines"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:42:00 +0000

CNN: "Free Newspaper Makes Headlines"

http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/21/is-african-media-becoming-more-free/

The latest newspaper in Mozambique is printing nearly 10 times as many copies previous papers – and it’s free. The model behind the newspaper is nothing new, like many websites or basic cable, the organization is making money from advertisers, not readers. Erik Charas, the publisher of Verdade (or ‘truth’), says he’s not a newspaper man, but a social entrepreneur who hopes to encourage knowledge and ambition throughout Mozambique with this latest business venture.

Although his readership is primarily low income, Charas says they still have a lot of buying power. He explains that his readers could use the dollar they would have spent on the newspaper and buy a coke or airtime for their cell phones. Companies wishing to advertise such products and services could stand to gain quite a bit from this previously untapped audience. Charas explains the value of a free paper beyond access to information for readers as well - “you don’t have to make a choice feed your brains or feed your stomach, ultimately you have been empowered because your dollar counts.” The advertisers hope the readers will choose to make that dollar count towards their bottom line.

However this newspaper has much more to offer than advertisements and financial empowerment. Beyond the desire to give low-income Mozambicans access to knowledge, Charas explains that his wish is to “build ambition” through his newspaper. He hopes the newspaper will do this by opening “a window to another world” for its readers by exposing them to luxury items like the i-phone or BMWs. The idea is that when people want more out of their own lives they will want more out of their country as well. Through this desire Charas hopes that Mozambicans will demand better government, social services, businesses and jobs.

The effect of the newspaper on the public can already been seen – “in the districts and regions where Verdade is distributed, there was a proven link between reading the newspaper and increased political involvement.” For instance, these regions saw a higher percentage of the population vote, especially women. With these social benefits, not to mention a business model which has been posting profits in one of the poorest countries in the world, it certainly seems to be beneficial for all actors involved.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you believe developing the media, and its autonomy, in Africa is important to influence more transparent governing? What might be at risk when access to information is not widely available?

2. Do you believe access to information is a human right? Should governments, aid organizations, etc. work to provide free access to information where it is not available? Who might be primarily responsible for providing this?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

UNESCO’s Page on Information and Communication Technologies: http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=19377&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Findings and Plan of Action from the Carter Center’s Right of Access to Information in Africa: http://www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/peace/americas/conference2010/african-reg-findings-plan-of-action.pdf

The Verdade Website (in Portuguese): http://verdade.co.mz/

Africa in the News: "UN-Backed Polio Campaign to Reach 72 Million African Children"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:26:00 +0000

UN News Service: "UN-Backed Polio Campaign to Reach 72 Million African Children"

http://allafrica.com/stories/201010261040.html

Although the incidences of polio have dramatically increased in Africa, as in the rest of the world, since the discovery of its vaccine in 1952 the eradication of the disease is not complete. In 2009, the disease spread from Nigeria, the only African country to never have stopped polio transmission, across 24 countries highlighting the importance of complete eradication throughout the world. Now 15 African countries are engaging in what is hopefully the final push to rid the continent of the disease.

The disease has no cure, can be fatal, but takes only two drops of an oral vaccine to prevent. The current $43 million UN backed effort will deploy 300,000 health workers in October and November with the goal to vaccinate 72 million children under 5 years old in high risk areas. The health workers will set up both fixed immunization posts and house to house vaccination teams travelling by car, foot, or boat to reach more remote areas. Just last week Nigeria, African’s epicenter of polio transmission, immunized almost 30 million children last week alone. Similar operations are taking place in Sudan, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali among 10 others.

The UN has described the effort of African leaders to combat polio as “unprecedented cooperation and commitment.” The success of this program has shown the importance of cooperation from all actors in humanitarian efforts. Luis G. Sambo, African Regional Director for the UN World Health Organization highlighted that for public health initiatives such as eradicating polio, “essential government support can make the difference between success and failure.” Due to the effort, outbreaks of the disease have slowed tremendously, only Liberia, Mali and Uganda recording new cases and Nigeria reducing the prevalence by 98 percent in the past year. As said by Gianfranco Rotigliano, UNICEF's Regional Director for West and Central Africa, "political leaders across Africa answered the challenge posed by this dreadful disease and the results are before us.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do you think are the principle reasons polio has been eradicated in the United States and not in Nigeria? What would change this reality?

2. What lessons could we learn from the successful cooperation of this initiative?

3. Why do you think it might be easier for governments, aid organizations, etc. to carry out this program than other health, development, or educational programs?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

A video on polio immunization in Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcG_ud_I89Q

The WHO report of current immunization efforts: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2010/polio_20101026/en/index.html

‘Fast Facts’ on polio in Sub-Saharan Africa: http://www.unicef.org/immunization/files/FastFactsPolioNIDsWCARRegionAtRisk.PDF

A Wall Street Jornal Article titled “Bill Gates Revamps His War on Polio”:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303348504575184093239615022.html

Africa in the News: "Ethiopia: First Ever Carbon Credit Trade"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:50:00 +0000

Addis Fortune (Addis Ababa): "Ethiopia: First Ever Carbon Credit Trade"

http://allafrica.com/stories/201010220379.html

The World Bank recently bought the Ethiopia’s first ever carbon credit for $34,000 from the Humbo Community Based Forest Management Project. The deal was introduced by World Vision Ethiopia to try to shift the communities surrounding the Humbo forest from cutting trees for subsistence to profiting from its preservation. The World Bank has pledged to invest $726,000 in carbon credits from the project in the next 10 years.

This project is an example of one type of carbon trading and the “first large-scale forestry project in Africa to be registered by the United Nations (UN) under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol.” The idea behind this type of carbon trading is to offset the emissions from the developed world, by creating incentives to preserve forests which absorb carbon in the developing world. Currently these carbon credits are bought and sold voluntarily, as is the case for this project.

The $34,000 spent by the World Bank will be divided between the 800 members of the project’s cooperatives. This is said allow the local communities to preserve the forest without financial burden to themselves. The money will also provide “100,000 cooking stoves” not only a humanitarian accomplishment, but also “could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60 percent.” The project is also supplementing income lost by cutting a portion of the trees in 10 years, selling the firewood and sharing the revenues, and also allowing new shoots to grow.

As a result of this project, the Humbo forest is estimated to absorb 330,000 tons of carbon in the next ten years. Locally, the preservation of the forest will “recharge ground water; improve biodiversity; and reduce soil erosion, flooding, and drought.” The success of this project and others like it may be indicative of a growing trend in Africa to profit from preserving rather than extracting, and ultimately degrading, resources from the environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A short film explaining Carbon Credits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfQyPl6BkP4&feature=related

An article from Reuters about carbon trading and forests in Africa: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66F2IO20100716

An article about Carbon trading with Kenya: http://www.scidev.net/en/news/kenya-hopes-to-become-africa-s-carbon-trade-hub.html

The African Carbon Credit Exchange Website: http://www.africacce.com/

A video on carbon trading in Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6pHgBdBB4o

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think this arrangement is fair to the communities surrounding the Humbo forest? How might you be able to tell?

2. What role does Africa play in global climate change? What are some of the consequences of developing in an environmentally friendly way versus a more traditional way?

3. Do you think that carbon trading like this should be mandatory in some cases? In which ones?

Africa in the News: "Zimbabwe: Mixed Reaction to Relax Sanctions Call"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:48:00 +0000

Business Day (Johannesburg): "Zimbabwe: Mixed Reaction to Relax Sanctions Call"

http://allafrica.com/stories/201010200157.html

Since 2002, Zimbabwe’s government and economy have been under a cloud of sanctions from European Union (EU) and United States (US) governments. These sanctions were imposed in response to alleged human rights abuses and election fraud by President Robert Mugabe and his regime. Since then, the EU has continuously renewed and increased the number of entities included in the sanctions every year. The United States has passed the Zimbabwe Democracy and Recovery Act which orders directors of financial institutions to “oppose and vote against any extension of any loan, credit or guarantee to the Zimbabwean government or any cancellation or reduction of debt.” While there doesn’t seem to be much public objection to the sanctions in the Europe or the US, officials from Zimbabwe’s neighbors, South Africa and Botswana, have called for their termination.

South African President Jacob Zuma told members of the EU parliament that the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe had not only hurt South Africa’s economy, but stunted Zimbabwe’s ability to work through its political troubles. The current political arrangement in Zimbabwe is a ‘unity government’ where Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party and Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) share posts, decision making, and responsibility. Zuma and his staff have explained that it has been difficult for the two parties to become unified when one is limited by sanctions and the other is not. He suggests that for the two parties to reconcile and “for the sake of political progression” the sanctions be suspended or completely lifted. Botswana’s President, Ian Khama, an open critic of Mugabe in the past, also urged EU and US governments to lift the sanctions. He cites the economic hardships Zimbabwe has endured as a result of the sanctions and called them “a hindrance ... as the political and economic situation is improving.”

Some officials of the EU government have expressed the potential for “a fresh look” at the sanctions dependent on further political developments. However, others have been more reserved, pointing out the necessity and nature of the sanctions. German Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Albrecht Conze opposes lifting the sanctions based on their specific nature which he says targets only a certain small group of people and cannot be considered a threat to the national economy. Others support the continuance of the sanctions as a matter of principle, justifying the sanctions based on Mugabe’s continued human rights abuses and political schemes which warranted the sanctions in the first place.

DICUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think the sanctions only hurt targeted individuals or the general public in Zimbabwe? How might you be able to tell?

2. Do you think it is right to have sanctions on one portion of Zimbabwe’s unity government and not on the other? Do you think this inhibits the two party’s ability to work together?

3. Do you think the sanctions are accomplishing their intended effect?

4. Are sanctions an effective way to bring about change? Can you think of a course of action the international community could take to end human rights abuses and promote democracy in Zimbabwe that would be more effective?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Website on Sanctions in Zimbabwe: http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/zimbabwe/zimb.shtml

An Article with Commentary on Lifting the Sanctions from The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/apr/13/zimbabwe-sanctions-weaken-democracy

A Voice of America Video on Robert Mugabe’s leadership In Zimbabwe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFgwuqQXHpE

Article and Video from the BBC on Gordon Brown’s Response to Calls on Lifting the Sanctions: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8548916.stm

A video from ‘Africa Today’ on Lifting the Sanctions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL74Q8rwlSs

Africa in the News: "Sudan: Obama Issues Tough Conditions On Resumption of Relations"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:48:00 +0000

The East African (Nairobi): "Sudan: Obama Issues Tough Conditions On Resumption of Relations"

http://allafrica.com/stories/201010250110.html

At a recent press conference, Mr. Johnny Carson, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, laid out the Obama administration’s conditions to resume diplomatic relations with Sudan after the January referendum. The conditions included “the full implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the assurance that the referendum in the south will be held on January 9 as scheduled, the commitment to reach agreement on pending issues of CPA, and a comprehensive resolution for peace in Darfur.”

On the other hand, the Sudanese government has set forth conditions as well to “ensure a democratic and legitimate referendum,” including “the US to lift economic sanctions against Sudan, the US to remove Sudan from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism and for Washington to help influence the deferment of the ICC warrant of arrest against President al-Bashir.” Resuming diplomatic relations would have to take these conditions into account.

The administration’s current policy toward Sudan of “constructive engagement” has angered many who find the actions of the Sudanese regime unpardonable. Others applaud the efforts as a positive change in U.S. strategy by being “pro-active and help prevent an outbreak of war rather than react later.” The position of the U.S. Government on the issue has consistently been that the referendum must be held peacefully, transparently, democratically and on time. We may have to wait until January to determine if the shift to engagement with the Sudanese government results in the fulfillment of this appeal.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Do you believe ‘constructive engagement’ will be effective in ensuring a peaceful referendum in Sudan? What do you think would be the best course of action?

Do you believe Sudan’s conditions will be met if the referendum goes on peacefully, democratically and on time? Do you believe they should be? What if offering them meant preventing a war?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Video of the October 22, 2010 brief on Sudan from the Foreign Press Center: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjRb-0Yz8Ys&feature=channel

An article from the State Department on Sudan with a section on U.S.-Sudanese relations: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5424.htm#relations

An article on US Diplomacy in Sudan from the Council on Foreign Relations: http://www.cfr.org/publication/23063/intensifying_diplomacy_on_sudan.html

An article on U.S.-Sudan diplomacy with regard to the upcoming referendum: http://allafrica.com/stories/201009150218.html

Africa in the News: "Could a Split Benefit Sudan?"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:13:00 +0000

The Guardian: "Could a Split Benefit Sudan?"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/oct/02/south-sudan-split-benefit

In 2005, a 30 year civil war between forces in the Northern and Southern regions of Sudan concluded with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). This agreement also set forth preliminary terms for a future referendum which would take place in January 2011 and would allow South Sudan the opportunity to become independent if approved. As the date for this referendum has drawn closer, preparations have been made to carry out the vote fairly, transparently and peacefully. Anticipation has risen as it has becomes clearer that the Sudan will likely split into two independent nations. While there are still many contemptuous issues which have yet to be resolved the leadership of both regions have made clear their commitment to hold the referendum on time.

The majority of coverage in the anticipation of the referendum has been full of fear and uncertainty. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the countdown to the referendum “a ticking time bomb of enormous consequence.” Southern Sudan’s President Salvia Kiir has requested and been granted UN peacekeeping troops to be deployed across ‘hotspots’ on the border. There has yet to be an agreement on who exactly will be eligible to vote, where the north/south border will be drawn, and how two independent countries would share oil revenues, access to the Nile or other resources. All of these issues have the possibility of sparking economic turmoil or war.

However, a recent opinion article from the UK’s “The Guardian,” has highlighted the potential benefits from a north/south split in Sudan. While attention must be paid to the concerns of holding the referendum and its aftermath, perhaps increased concentration on the potential benefits for both the North and the South is productive as well. The author of the article, Nesrine Malik explains that “we must not conflate the northern government with the people of the north, some of whom, in conversations with me over the past few days, have expressed cautious optimism regarding the separation.”

Indeed there may be benefits for both the people of the northern region which have not been given enough recognition in the midst of so many negative reports. First, the region has long seen the oil rich region to the south as a major source of revenue and invested quite a bit into it. If the north is on its own, it will be forced to turn “its gaze inward” and “compelled to invest in itself and its people, to develop its infrastructure and resurrect a decimated civil society.” Although the northern government may be reluctant to lose a major source of revenue, the people of the north may see an influx of investment in their own communities. This is not to mention the cost savings of peace.

Politically, there may also be a benefit to a split for the people of both sides of the border. Sudan without the South could warrant a significant change in political culture. Perhaps the government may “start to think more carefully about the marginalization of regions such as Darfur and the disgruntled eastern provinces,” for “fear that another rebellion may be on the cards, and to marshal as much revenue as possible from what is left of the country.”

Although there are many legitimate concerns, it is possible that “secession may be the beginning of a real and lasting change.” Of course many challenges lay ahead of both the northern and southern regions of Sudan. The challenges of carrying out the referendum must still be met and efforts to ensure that the procedure set forth in the CPA must be carried out. However, after the referendum, if the South does indeed become independent, both sides will have to confront reality without the other. Perhaps it may be more beneficial to hope for the positive opportunities change can bring than dwell on the negative.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Do you think the interests of the people and the interests of the government are the same in Northern Sudan? In the South? Where might their interests differ? How could you determine this?

Is there anything that the international community could/should do to accentuate the potential positives of a split for the north?

Can you think of any other potentially positive consequences of a split for both the northern and southern regions?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

A video with background information and a panel discussing the referendum in Sudan from Al Jazeera: http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/insidestory/2010/09/20109217504924681.html

A video from CNN on the Referendum: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/24/un.obama.sudan/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+rss/cnn_latest+(RSS:+Most+Recent)

AllAfrica.com’s Topical Page on Sudan: http://allafrica.com/sudan/

Audio from the United States Institute of Peace’s Conference “Sudan’s 2011 Referendum and Beyond”: http://www.usip.org/newsroom/multimedia/audio/audio-sudans-2011-referendum-and-beyond

The Enough Project’s Sudan Page: http://www.enoughproject.org/conflict_areas/darfur_southern_sudan

The Ninetieth Iteration of the Ambassador Andrew Young Lecture Series - "MCC's Commitment on Africa" featuring Mr. Daniel Yohannes

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:02:00 +0000

On Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at the Embassy of Ghana, The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa held the 19^th iteration of the Ambassador Andrew Young lecture series entitled “MCC’s Commitment to Africa,” featuring Daniel W. Yohannes, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The speakers emphasized the importance to continue the effort to educate the American public, policy makers, and those in the Africanist community on Africa and U.S. policy towards the continent. Mr. Yohannes focused on President Obama’s policy plan towards Africa and the MCC’s place in fostering peace, security, good governance and development on the continent.

Edith Hazel, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Ghana and host of the event, provided welcoming remarks while Bernadette Paolo, President and CEO of The Africa Society, served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, provided remarks on the Africa Society, commenting on the change he has personally seen in the American public and policy makers on their perception of Africa through increased education provided by the organization. Noah Samara, CEO of WorldSpace and Africa Society board member, had the honor of introducing his fellow brother of Ethiopia, Daniel Yohannes.

Mr. Yohannes began his remarks by commenting on the MCC and the Africa Society’s shared goal: “our commitment to helping Africans help themselves replace poverty with prosperity.” He went on to remind the audience of President’s Obama’s message, that Africa’s prosperity is not isolated, but rather tied to the prosperity of the United States. While the United States certainly plays a supporting role in Africa’s development, it is African governments themselves which must be responsible, accountable and “willing to do everything possible to create sustainable environments for growth that will open up opportunities for investment and trade.” Mr. Yohannes explained how the MCC’s performance based grants, which are awarded to countries with firm political, economic, and social policies aims to foster this type of culture in development and investment on the continent. Mr. Yohannes ended with a reminder that “the purpose of foreign assistance must be creating the conditions where it’s no longer needed,” where African trade, commerce and innovation are independent.

The night ended with a rousing question and answer session, which brought to light many of the tough questions the MCC must face. After the lecture was drawn to a close, Mr. Yohannes was given enormous thanks and the audience lingered to enjoy a few more jovial moments among fellow friends of Africa.

Africa in the News: "Wal-Mart sets sights on Africa in £2.9bn bid for Massmart"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:41:00 +0000

The Guardian: "Wal-Mart sets sights on Africa in £2.9bn bid for Massmart"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/sep/27/wal-mart-bid-massmart-south-africa

The world’s largest corporation, Wal-Mart, is in negotiations to move into Sub-Saharan Africa through a £2.9bn takeover of Massmart, a South African based chain of superstores. Massmart currently consists of 290 stores in 13 Africa countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe under a variety of brand names. This deal is Wal-Mart’s first attempt to gain access to African markets which it deemed as a “’compelling’ growth opportunity.” Many within the region see Wal-Mart’s desire for business as a vote of confidence in their economies.

However, the takeover may prove complicated for Wal-Mart, particularly in the case of Zimbabwe, as the U.S. is still enforcing targeted sanctions due to its disapproval of Robert Mugabe’s regime which has been accused of “ongoing human rights violations, land seizures and intimidation of political participants.” Things could also get complicated for the company within South Africa in the midst of ongoing strikes across industries for wage increases. Wal-Mart’s reputation ‘for being anti-union and for a ruthless approach in keeping down wages,” leads Michael Bride, deputy organizing director for global strategies at America's UFCW union, to speculate that “The company may very well adopt a policy of racing to the bottom in terms of wages and salaries and then denying workers a voice." Opposition to the takeover has already been voiced by the Congress of South African Trade Unions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A Forbes article on reactions of South Africans over the proposed take over: http://www.forbes.com/2010/09/28/walmart-takeover-labor-union-opposition-equities.html?boxes=Homepagechannels

A short South African News Report on the Issue: http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_me/2010-09-29/500195547382.html

Overview of U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe: http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/zimbabwe/zimb.pdf

An article from Africa Recovery on “Africa's untapped investment potential”: http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/subjindx/132inves.htm

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you believe this type of investment in African economies is positive? What might be some of the negative/positive side effects?

2. Do you think Wal-Mart’s desire to move into African markets is a good indicator of economic growth on the continent?

3. What may be some cultural implications of a large U.S. corporation entering Sub-Saharan African markets?

Africa in the News: "Kenya to Build Africa's Biggest Windfarm"

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:39:00 +0000

The Guardian: "Kenya to Build Africa's Biggest Windfarm"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jul/27/kenya-wind-farm

As Africa develops, so does an unprecedented demand for electricity. Many countries have struggled to meet the demand causing blackouts to be increasingly common. There has been substantial debate over Africa’s right, capability and responsibility to develop sustainable power generation over more traditional, less expensive, methods. In this climate of domestic and international pressure, to create more electricity that is both cheap and green, many African countries have turned to the wind.

Kenya, backed by the African Development Bank, has invested £533m in a new project to install 365 wind turbines around Lake Turkana, the largest of its kind on the continent. At their completion (estimated in 2012) the turbines are projected to be able to hold a capacity of 300MW – or “a quarter of Kenya's current installed power and one of the highest proportions of wind energy to be fed in a national grid anywhere in the world.” However, Kenya’s electricity has been considered very green by any standard as “nearly three-quarters of KenGen's installed capacity comes from hydropower, and a further 11% from geothermal plants.”

Although Kenya is not alone; many African countries are making strong moves to invest in wind power. Both Ethiopia and Tanzania have begun major plans to construct wind farms which will generate more than 10 and 15 percent of current electrical capacity respectively. South Africa has recently become the first African country to offer a “feed-in tariff for wind power” which incentivizes production by tendering cash for selling power to the national grid.

However, there are considerable obstacles to providing electricity where is has never been available before, whether it is green energy or not. Less than one fifth of Kenyans currently have access to electricity, leaving huge gaps to fill in service delivery, many of these gaps existing in remote, rural, undeveloped areas. The transportation of turbines to their intended sites (as well as necessary improvements to roads and bridges to allow for transportation), the construction of transmission lines and substations, and similar infrastructure development all add huge costs to a green energy solution.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Video on Renewable Energy in East Africa from GVEP International: http://vimeo.com/14270751

UN Report on Renewable Energy in Africa: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/sdissues/energy/op/nepadkarekezi.pdf

Website for the Sustainable Energy Africa Organization: http://www.sustainable.org.za/

Video on Renewable Energy in West Africa from the Green Actors of West Africa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7vZlM8ltNY

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Should African countries develop energy sources as cheaply as possible, as quickly as possible or as sustainably as possible? Is it a zero sum choice?

2. If you lived or ran a business without electricity, would you want access to it as quickly as possible regardless of its source or do you think you would be willing to wait if you knew it would come from a renewable source? Would the price make a difference?

3. Do you think regulating the carbon credits of businesses in the US could help African economies? Should African businesses have the same standards as businesses in the US?

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 21:48:00 +0000

‘A Somali journalist's life is short anyways'

http://cpj.org/blog/2010/09/a-somali-journalists-life-is-short-anyways.php

Beyond the current conflict in Somalia between Islamist factions Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam and Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government, a violent and repressive struggle between the insurgents, the government and reporters over control of the country’s media has become a humanitarian crisis in itself.

Reporter Tom Rhodes details the challenges of media entities within the country to report the truth, or much of anything at all, without the fear of violent repercussions. However, some journalists and news organizations are fighting back to provide the people of Somalia with up to date and unbiased information.

Rhodes explains that four months ago, BBC operations in the country were forcibly halted, their property stolen and local media contracts cancelled by Al-Shabaab. Hizbul Islam also announced a ban on music to radio stations. These bans were headed by most, as the penalty for defying these “hard-line militant Islamist rebel groups” is often “death by crossfire and assassination.” However, the Shabelle Media Network, described as “one of Somalia's leading independent broadcasters” broadcast their news and music despite the risks. The Network has paid dearly for their resistance, five of its journalists murdered since the conflict between insurgents and the Transitional Government began in 2006.

The threat of violence on the media seems to be less immediate for the outlets working within the government controlled zones in Mogadishu, however, the fear insurgents hold over outlets and the self-censorship resulting from it are still strong. This is complicated by government threats to suspend radio stations in their controlled areas who comply with insurgent demands. Government authorities also censor information which may be contrary to their interests. Police have detained, interrogated and deleted the work of journalists and cameramen which did not fit the government’s proscribed narrative.

Nevertheless, many journalists throughout Somalia have done no less than risk their lives to report on “one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters.” Others have continued their cause by reporting outside of the country’s borders.

MORE INFORMATION

Informative BBC Q&A on the Somali Conflict: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4760775.stm

Shabelle Media Network website: http://www.shabelle.net/

Amnesty International Article on Journalists in Somalia”: http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/report/journalists-under-attack-somalia-government-steps-media-crackdown-2010-07-22

CNN Video on Journalists and Conflict in Somalia: http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2010/07/01/barnett.somalia.journalist.cnn.html

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What opportunities are being held from the Somali people without media able to report freely?

2. Who do you think the reporters in Somalia could turn to for help?

3. What actions do you think the people of Somalia could take to restore media freedom? What actions could the US government/people take?

4. How much do you rely on the media for information about your community, country, the world? Do you believe these outlets could be biased? Does this make a difference? What could you do to make sure you are getting truthful information?

MGI - Lions on the Move: The Progress and Potential of African Economies

noreply@blogger.com (The Africa Society) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:18:00 +0000

The McKinsey Global Institute recently published a study entitled “Lions on the Move: The Progress and Potential of African Economies” which brought some interesting facts and predictions for the future of economic development across the continent. The report’s findings were generally positive but noted that economic development is diverse throughout the continent and serious challenges pose significant threats to potential growth. Overall, the report explained that real GDP has risen by 4.9 percent per year between 2000 and 2008, more than twice the pace in the previous two decades and at one of the most rapid rates in the world.

The report argued that Africa’s accelerated grown was not solely a result of a resource boom, but rather “improved political and macroeconomic stability and microeconomic reforms.” The occurrence of violent conflicts has decreased overall, while stability has increased, creating better business climates and greater opportunity. Many African governments have also adopted progressive fiscal policies, lowering inflation, foreign debt and budget deficits, and thereby stimulating markets.

The future predictions of the report were generally positive, citing encouraging external and internal trends for the continent. Externally, the report cites “the global race for commodities, Africa’s increased access to international capital, and its ability to forge new types of economic partnerships with foreign investors” as the most promising developments. Internally, Africa’s labor force, urban populations and number of middle-class consumers are all on the rise. This leads for expectations that increased internal stability and demographic trends will place economic development on the continent in an upwards trajectory.

The report ends by asserting Africa’s increased importance in the global economy. More specifically, the sectors with the greatest growth potential are agriculture, natural resources, infrastructure and those that are consumer-facing. The report concludes with a word of advice: “Global executives and investors cannot afford to ignore the continent’s immense potential.”

MORE INFORMATION

The Full McKinsey Global Institute Report: http://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/publications/progress_and_potential_of_african_economies/pdfs/MGI_african_economies_full_report.pdf

McKinsey PodCast - Foreseeing the Potential Rise of Africa's Economic Lions: http://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/publications/assets/progress_and_potential_of_african_economies/index.asp

Overseas Development Institute Blog (many posts on African economies): http://blogs.odi.org.uk/blogs/main/default.aspx

New York Times Article “Report Optimistic on Africa Economies”: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/world/africa/24africa.html?_r=1

African Buisness News Video about the Role of the Private Sector in African Economic Development: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejkG3JuE4s8

UNECA’s Economic Report on Africa 2010: http://www.uneca.org/era2010/

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Is African economic development inevitable? Or is it something that requires deliberate engineering?

2. Can Africa’s economic development be profitable, sustainable and responsible for all involved actors? How can African/American governments, people, and business work towards this?

3. What should the American government, businesses and individuals do to aid in the economic development of Africa? What should they be cautious of?