Land tenure is an institution, i.e. the rules that govern the legal and customary relationship among people with respect to land. These rules define access to use rights, control, transfer, obligations and restraints to land. Secure land tenure means possessing fully exclusive and transferable property rights. This creates a strong incentive to invest in among others fixed improvements to increase land productivity. Insecure land tenure discourages private investment and overall economic growth.
In Africa, many rural households rely on land for their livelihoods. Land is therefore critical for food security and poverty eradication. Increased access to land (with all other factors held constant) leads to an increase in agricultural activities such as food (and cash crop) production hence income growth and food security. In the contrary, loss of access to land reduces food production and income. Again, long term guaranteed access to exclusive use rights to land promotes resource use which results in more efficient and profitable agricultural production, therefore increasing food availability and income.
Inappropriate land policies are a constraint to growth and development and put the disadvantaged at risk of food insecurity. For example, many African communities have customary systems, where land is owned and controlled by traditional practices. Customary leaders will, at their discretion, lease or rent land out to whomever they deem worthy. Recently in Ghana, hundreds of farmers have had their land forcefully taken over by a biofuel firm which bought the land from the chiefs. There was apparently no consultation with the farmers who have not yet been compensated. This has caused a major food security issue for the affected farmers. In open access systems, there is no incentive to invest in good farming practices and fixed improvements as benefits will accrue to free-riders who do not contribute to developing the gains. For example in communal grazing areas, with unrestricted land use, high stocking rates lead to soil erosion and land degradation. This reduces productivity of the land in question and will necessitate the conversion of marginal land into productive use, thus causing further environmental damage. The reduced productivity has an effect on food security and income generation. In some areas, absence of land markets translates into the underutilization of land and land-based resources. Land markets may facilitate the transfer of land to the most effective users.
Food security and poverty reduction policies must take into consideration the links that access to land and land systems have with food availability, hunger, access to income/capital, and poverty. Land policies should take into account livelihoods, environmental issues and markets as these are directly linked to food availability and access.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Contending with the effects of climate change in Africa
Much of the policy, development, economic and humanitarian talk today is centred on climate change. Everyone is affected by climate change; however the most vulnerable are the rural populations whose main livelihood activities depend on rain-fed agriculture. The reasons for the vulnerability and food insecurity of these populations among others include poverty, decreasing agricultural productivity, poor infrastructure and market access, population pressure especially in marginal areas, increasing human and animal diseases, weak institutional and land tenure arrangements, etc.
To these vulnerable populations, climate change means 1) increased climate variability i.e. increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, and 2) changes or shifts in the growing season, both of which affect food production and consequently food security. Consequently, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, environmental degradation, reduced dietary intake, distress sale of productive assets, and the like will increase as people strive to cope.
To contend with the effects of climate change should not only include mitigating climate change but also reducing vulnerability (adaptation) - employment of risk reduction and risk management strategies. These strategies should strengthen the adaptation capacity and coping strategies of poor communities thus enhancing their resilience and protecting their livelihoods. Governments should build appropriate management capacities, policies, institutions and partnerships that respond effectively to climate change as well as prevent physical and socio-economic damage, while at the same time promote land use planning and weather risk transfer. Governments should also strengthen their disaster preparedness, response and crisis management mechanisms.
To these vulnerable populations, climate change means 1) increased climate variability i.e. increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, and 2) changes or shifts in the growing season, both of which affect food production and consequently food security. Consequently, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, environmental degradation, reduced dietary intake, distress sale of productive assets, and the like will increase as people strive to cope.
To contend with the effects of climate change should not only include mitigating climate change but also reducing vulnerability (adaptation) - employment of risk reduction and risk management strategies. These strategies should strengthen the adaptation capacity and coping strategies of poor communities thus enhancing their resilience and protecting their livelihoods. Governments should build appropriate management capacities, policies, institutions and partnerships that respond effectively to climate change as well as prevent physical and socio-economic damage, while at the same time promote land use planning and weather risk transfer. Governments should also strengthen their disaster preparedness, response and crisis management mechanisms.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Does biotechnology offer a solution?
The recent price hikes of food all around the world have created fear of increasing food insecurity in African countries. Much of the blame for the hikes has been put on speculations on the world markets. However, other factors have also contributed. Increased consumption of meat in growing economies has led to higher demands for grains on which the livestock feed. High oil prices, erratic and unreliable weather patterns (a possible symptom of the ongoing climate change), and increasing demand for biofuels, also play a role in changing the supply-demand relationship for food. What the African continent perhaps needs is to fully commit itself to endow in biotechnology.
African agriculture is in most parts extensive and subsistence. This means that few inputs such as fertilizers, agrochemicals and irrigation are used, and only the surplus is sold in markets. Such farming systems on their own cannot sustain the population of a country. Measures like increased soil productivity or increased crop productivity have to be undertaken. Soil productivity can be increased through organic manure, which may not be readily available, or inorganic fertilizers, which if not subsidized are usually unaffordable by farmers. Crop productivity can be increased through the use of pest resistant varieties, drought tolerant crops, high yielding varieties, all of which are good examples of biotechnological innovations.
Biotechnology is the purposeful and controlled manipulation of biological systems to manufacture or process useful products. Biotechnology has been successfully used to develop Bt corn, potatoes and cotton, which are pest resistant and so eliminates the need for expensive and toxic pesticides. Hybrid maize and pearl millet varieties that significantly increase maize and millet yields, disease-free cassava cultivars, disease resistant bananas; drought resistant soybeans are all part of the wider applications of biotechnology.
Theoretically, biotechnology has the potential to increase the supply of food and accordingly minimize price hikes. In practice however, other factors come into play. As mentioned above, demand for biofuels will divert cereals and other foods from consumption purposes to industrial purposes. High oil prices will have an effect on transport, processing and storage costs, which are factored into food prices. And unpredictable weather patterns may force farmers choosing crop varieties with lower, but more reliable, yields.
Adding to this is the fact that biotechnology is costly, and requires a large amount of investment in research and development. Well-trained extension officers are required to disseminate information to farmers. Knowledge and previous experience have to be channelled out of the universities and into the field. Furthermore, increased supply of food through biotechnology must go hand in hand with improved road networks to make markets accessible to farmers. Processing and storage facilities are required to maintain a constant supply of food in lean years and increase rural incomes through value-added products.
The success of biotechnology depends very much on collaboration between different government ministries, institutions of higher learning, NGOs and CBOs. It is not only about implementing the full use of this technique in agriculture in Africa, but equally important is to enforce it. Make it work, for now and for the future. This requires a committed government that views agriculture as an important vehicle to eradicate poverty and drive development.
African agriculture is in most parts extensive and subsistence. This means that few inputs such as fertilizers, agrochemicals and irrigation are used, and only the surplus is sold in markets. Such farming systems on their own cannot sustain the population of a country. Measures like increased soil productivity or increased crop productivity have to be undertaken. Soil productivity can be increased through organic manure, which may not be readily available, or inorganic fertilizers, which if not subsidized are usually unaffordable by farmers. Crop productivity can be increased through the use of pest resistant varieties, drought tolerant crops, high yielding varieties, all of which are good examples of biotechnological innovations.
Biotechnology is the purposeful and controlled manipulation of biological systems to manufacture or process useful products. Biotechnology has been successfully used to develop Bt corn, potatoes and cotton, which are pest resistant and so eliminates the need for expensive and toxic pesticides. Hybrid maize and pearl millet varieties that significantly increase maize and millet yields, disease-free cassava cultivars, disease resistant bananas; drought resistant soybeans are all part of the wider applications of biotechnology.
Theoretically, biotechnology has the potential to increase the supply of food and accordingly minimize price hikes. In practice however, other factors come into play. As mentioned above, demand for biofuels will divert cereals and other foods from consumption purposes to industrial purposes. High oil prices will have an effect on transport, processing and storage costs, which are factored into food prices. And unpredictable weather patterns may force farmers choosing crop varieties with lower, but more reliable, yields.
Adding to this is the fact that biotechnology is costly, and requires a large amount of investment in research and development. Well-trained extension officers are required to disseminate information to farmers. Knowledge and previous experience have to be channelled out of the universities and into the field. Furthermore, increased supply of food through biotechnology must go hand in hand with improved road networks to make markets accessible to farmers. Processing and storage facilities are required to maintain a constant supply of food in lean years and increase rural incomes through value-added products.
The success of biotechnology depends very much on collaboration between different government ministries, institutions of higher learning, NGOs and CBOs. It is not only about implementing the full use of this technique in agriculture in Africa, but equally important is to enforce it. Make it work, for now and for the future. This requires a committed government that views agriculture as an important vehicle to eradicate poverty and drive development.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
HIV not the only driver of AIDS in Africa
It has been over 25 years since AIDS was first publically reported. This virus has over the years transformed societies, influenced policies, and has been at the core of governments’ interventions especially in sub-Saharan Africa. There have been endless attempts to find a cure to this disease, none of which have yet been successful.
The evolution of AIDS is society has changed from being an abomination or cause of hysteria to a showbiz event. In some cases, politicians have argued that HIV does not cause AIDS and they were rightly criticized for it. What they should have been praised for, is raising the question of whether HIV solely causes AIDS. What is important now is not that knowledge of what causes AIDS but rather how to prevent the transmission of the disease. HIV together with a series of complex social and political factors causes AIDS.
Take the society drivers of HIV for example. Beliefs abound that having sex with a young virgin could cure AIDS. Of course science and common sense tells us that is not true. But looking deeper reveals the heart of the problem. Virginity has always been associated with purity, and in some societies AIDS victims are somehow considered unclean. The stigma against those infected, together with the need for acceptance encourages coherence to traditional dogma. In these same societies, counsel and information are derived from elders, traditional healers, and possible witch doctors whose word is deemed gospel truth. In the absence of more credible information about HIV/AIDS, all listeners will believe what they are told. In such cases, societal perceptions, more than just HIV would have aided and abetted AIDS.
Attempts at finding a cure for AIDS should therfore be concentrated as much in the societal and political realms as in the laboratories.
The evolution of AIDS is society has changed from being an abomination or cause of hysteria to a showbiz event. In some cases, politicians have argued that HIV does not cause AIDS and they were rightly criticized for it. What they should have been praised for, is raising the question of whether HIV solely causes AIDS. What is important now is not that knowledge of what causes AIDS but rather how to prevent the transmission of the disease. HIV together with a series of complex social and political factors causes AIDS.
Take the society drivers of HIV for example. Beliefs abound that having sex with a young virgin could cure AIDS. Of course science and common sense tells us that is not true. But looking deeper reveals the heart of the problem. Virginity has always been associated with purity, and in some societies AIDS victims are somehow considered unclean. The stigma against those infected, together with the need for acceptance encourages coherence to traditional dogma. In these same societies, counsel and information are derived from elders, traditional healers, and possible witch doctors whose word is deemed gospel truth. In the absence of more credible information about HIV/AIDS, all listeners will believe what they are told. In such cases, societal perceptions, more than just HIV would have aided and abetted AIDS.
Attempts at finding a cure for AIDS should therfore be concentrated as much in the societal and political realms as in the laboratories.
Friday, July 3, 2009
A missed opportunity for small holder farmers
Over the last two years, food prices especially of staples have increased at unprecedented rates. In many countries, the prices have doubled or tripled. Between March 2007 and March 2008, wheat and maize prices increased by 130% and 35% respectively. Rice prices increased by 80% in the period up to 2008.
The effect of increased food prices is felt worldwide especially by poor (both urban and rural) net food buyers. They reduce real income, which pushes poor people deeper into poverty and worsens food security. However, farmers may stand to benefit from high food prices. High prices result in higher revenue per unit of production which culminates into a higher profit margin. Also, high prices provide an incentive to farmers to increase production. As such the price hikes caused by growing food demand can be met by increasing food supply. Unfortunately this is theoretically sound but hardly plausible in practice. Under the current state of agriculture in Africa, it would be impractical to consider the high food prices as an opportunity for small holder farmers.
First of all, smallholder farmers lack the necessary means to increase agricultural productivity. Farmers cannot afford the much required seeds, fertilizers, and other agrochemicals to increase productivity. High input prices increase costs of production which reduce the profit.
Secondly farmers do not have access to markets because roads are poor or transportation is expensive. To take advantage of increased prices in food markets, farmers need to have access to them.
In addition, high food price increases do not often filter down to the farm-gate of smallholder farmers. Due to logistical constraints, they are forced to depend on middle men with whom they have little bargaining power.
Thirdly, a huge amount of farm produce is gets spoilt due to lack of storage and processing facilities, as well as value-adding systems.
A fourth reason is that small farmers are constrained in their access to credit and other financial services. Credit is an important source of capital to finance fixed and variable costs, as well as to cover other operating expenses in farming.
Finally, smallholder farmers do not have access to the latest market information with which to make production and supply decisions.
In order to truly capitalise on the price increases, Africa requires structural and policy reform. Appropriate investments in development oriented policies and programmes will increase the smallholder farmer’s potential to increase production and benefit from high food prices. Increased investment in agriculture is necessary both in the short and long-run.
Strategies to improve smallholder agriculture must start with making agriculture more favourable to smallholder farmers. An example would be to provide subsidised or cheap inputs (fertilizer and seed), credit, and information to farmers. Malawi has been successful in its efforts to increase agricultural production of the poor through provision of subsidized fertilizers and seed. Cheap inputs reduce production costs, giving small holder farmers a competitive edge in the formal economy.
Coupled with this is the need for improved infrastructure. Substantial investments are required to improve roads and railways. It is important for smallholder farmers to have direct access to well-functioning input and product markets. As such, the middle man is eliminated, or his influence is reduced therefore the high food prices translate to increased profit for farmers. Furthermore, farmers must have access to technology and other communication systems.
Because individual smallholder farmers do not possess much bargaining power, collective action (e.g. cooperatives) among these farmers is vital to make small holder farmers more competitive and sustainable. Through collective action, farmers gain economic power, and the unit transaction costs associated with marketing and distribution of farm produce are reduced. The South African government identified cooperatives as a means to empower the rural poor and smallholder farmers and as such increased its support to cooperative organisations by providing grants, loans, training, market and other resources.
To sum it all, a conducive policy environment is required if farmers are to benefit from the current high food prices. Although it is not known how long the food prices will stay high, government can never go wrong with increasing its support for farmers. Investment in agriculture has a compound effect on increasing rural income, improving food security, eradicating poverty, and thus economic development. Governments of Africa, through the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) have committed to increasing agriculture growth by 6 percent annually. This is good news for the continent as Agriculture-led development is the key to Africa’s development.
The effect of increased food prices is felt worldwide especially by poor (both urban and rural) net food buyers. They reduce real income, which pushes poor people deeper into poverty and worsens food security. However, farmers may stand to benefit from high food prices. High prices result in higher revenue per unit of production which culminates into a higher profit margin. Also, high prices provide an incentive to farmers to increase production. As such the price hikes caused by growing food demand can be met by increasing food supply. Unfortunately this is theoretically sound but hardly plausible in practice. Under the current state of agriculture in Africa, it would be impractical to consider the high food prices as an opportunity for small holder farmers.
First of all, smallholder farmers lack the necessary means to increase agricultural productivity. Farmers cannot afford the much required seeds, fertilizers, and other agrochemicals to increase productivity. High input prices increase costs of production which reduce the profit.
Secondly farmers do not have access to markets because roads are poor or transportation is expensive. To take advantage of increased prices in food markets, farmers need to have access to them.
In addition, high food price increases do not often filter down to the farm-gate of smallholder farmers. Due to logistical constraints, they are forced to depend on middle men with whom they have little bargaining power.
Thirdly, a huge amount of farm produce is gets spoilt due to lack of storage and processing facilities, as well as value-adding systems.
A fourth reason is that small farmers are constrained in their access to credit and other financial services. Credit is an important source of capital to finance fixed and variable costs, as well as to cover other operating expenses in farming.
Finally, smallholder farmers do not have access to the latest market information with which to make production and supply decisions.
In order to truly capitalise on the price increases, Africa requires structural and policy reform. Appropriate investments in development oriented policies and programmes will increase the smallholder farmer’s potential to increase production and benefit from high food prices. Increased investment in agriculture is necessary both in the short and long-run.
Strategies to improve smallholder agriculture must start with making agriculture more favourable to smallholder farmers. An example would be to provide subsidised or cheap inputs (fertilizer and seed), credit, and information to farmers. Malawi has been successful in its efforts to increase agricultural production of the poor through provision of subsidized fertilizers and seed. Cheap inputs reduce production costs, giving small holder farmers a competitive edge in the formal economy.
Coupled with this is the need for improved infrastructure. Substantial investments are required to improve roads and railways. It is important for smallholder farmers to have direct access to well-functioning input and product markets. As such, the middle man is eliminated, or his influence is reduced therefore the high food prices translate to increased profit for farmers. Furthermore, farmers must have access to technology and other communication systems.
Because individual smallholder farmers do not possess much bargaining power, collective action (e.g. cooperatives) among these farmers is vital to make small holder farmers more competitive and sustainable. Through collective action, farmers gain economic power, and the unit transaction costs associated with marketing and distribution of farm produce are reduced. The South African government identified cooperatives as a means to empower the rural poor and smallholder farmers and as such increased its support to cooperative organisations by providing grants, loans, training, market and other resources.
To sum it all, a conducive policy environment is required if farmers are to benefit from the current high food prices. Although it is not known how long the food prices will stay high, government can never go wrong with increasing its support for farmers. Investment in agriculture has a compound effect on increasing rural income, improving food security, eradicating poverty, and thus economic development. Governments of Africa, through the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) have committed to increasing agriculture growth by 6 percent annually. This is good news for the continent as Agriculture-led development is the key to Africa’s development.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Famines in Africa
Africa is plagued with famines, many of which are triggered by natural disasters such as drought, locusts, livestock and crop disease. Recently, famines have increasingly been triggered or aggravated by conflict and war. The table below lists some African famines, their causes and estimated mortality statistics.
Africa has the potential to eradicate famines. All that is required is political will and long-term commitment by national governments, regional bodies and the international community. Otherwise, many Africans will die or be pushed further into poverty and food insecurity in famines that can be prevented.
| Year | Location | Causal triggers | Estimated mortality |
| 1902-1908 | Nigeria | Drought | 5 000 |
| 1906-1907 | Tanzania | Conflict | 37 500 |
| 1913-1914 | Sahel, West Africa | Drought | 125 000 |
| 1917-1919 | Tanzania | Drought & Conflict | 30 000 |
| 1922 | Zimbabwe | Drought | 47 |
| 1929 | Tanzania | Drought | 500 |
| 1943-1944 | Rwanda | Drought & Conflict | 300 000 |
| 1949 | Malawi | Drought | 200 |
| 1957-1958 | Ethiopia | Drought & Locusts | 250 000 |
| 1966 | Ethiopia | Drought | 50 000 |
| 1968-1970 | Nigeria | Conflict | 1 000 000 |
| 1969-1974 | Sahel, West Africa | Drought | 101 000 |
| 1972-1975 | Ethiopia | Drought | 350 000 |
| 1974-1975 | Somalia | Drought | 20 000 |
| 1980-1981 | Uganda | Drought & Conflict | 30 000 |
| 1982-1985 | Mozambique | Drought & Conflict | 100 000 |
| 1983-1985 | Ethiopia | Drought | 800 000 |
| 1984-1985 | Sudan | Drought | 250 000 |
| 1988 | Sudan | Conflict | 250 000 |
| 1991-1993 | Somalia | Drought & Conflict | 400 000 |
| 1998 | Sudan | Drought & Conflict | 70 000 |
| 2003-2008 | Zimbabwe??? | Land reform??? | |
| 2003- | Sudan | Drought & Conflict |
Africa has the potential to eradicate famines. All that is required is political will and long-term commitment by national governments, regional bodies and the international community. Otherwise, many Africans will die or be pushed further into poverty and food insecurity in famines that can be prevented.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Poverty, Food Security and the Environment
Are poor people forced to degrade their environment in order to cope with food insecurity?
When hard times threaten poor people’s food security, they employ coping strategies to meet their immediate food needs, increase their disposable income, and preserve their asset portfolios. Some of these strategies are: over harvesting wild foods (leaves, roots and game meat); cutting trees to make charcoal for sale; clearing forests for cultivation; draining swamps and encroaching on other marginal areas; and over grazing. These activities have detrimental effects on the environment, particularly causing soil erosion and degradation. These problems are worsened by population pressure.
Are the poor people unaware of the consequences of their actions on the environment? They are most likely aware but often have no better alternative. For example a poor person who has to choose between selling his livestock and cutting trees to make charcoal will choose the latter. To the poor person, meeting an immediate need takes preference over a longer-term one.
Is it possible to create a sustainable food secure environment without undermining or destabilising the natural environment and resource base? Are the tradeoffs between food security and the environment reconcilable? Can environmental protection be achieved without destabilising the livelihoods of the poor people who depend on the environment for their survival?
When hard times threaten poor people’s food security, they employ coping strategies to meet their immediate food needs, increase their disposable income, and preserve their asset portfolios. Some of these strategies are: over harvesting wild foods (leaves, roots and game meat); cutting trees to make charcoal for sale; clearing forests for cultivation; draining swamps and encroaching on other marginal areas; and over grazing. These activities have detrimental effects on the environment, particularly causing soil erosion and degradation. These problems are worsened by population pressure.
Are the poor people unaware of the consequences of their actions on the environment? They are most likely aware but often have no better alternative. For example a poor person who has to choose between selling his livestock and cutting trees to make charcoal will choose the latter. To the poor person, meeting an immediate need takes preference over a longer-term one.
Is it possible to create a sustainable food secure environment without undermining or destabilising the natural environment and resource base? Are the tradeoffs between food security and the environment reconcilable? Can environmental protection be achieved without destabilising the livelihoods of the poor people who depend on the environment for their survival?
Friday, February 27, 2009
African farmers can learn from Israel
Israel is an arid nation faced with land and water constraints. Many farmers in Israel farm under difficult conditions on an average farm size of 2ha, and yet meet 70% of the country's food needs, and produce goods for export worth 2 billion US dollars annually. Can the African governments, agricultural sectors, and smallholder farmers with similar land size holdings, and better climatic conditions learn from Israel's success?
Israel's agriculture is characterised by intensive production supported by a close collaboration and interaction between scientists, extension advisors, farmers and agro-industries. This results in mordern agriculture in a "desert country". Agricultural success in Israel rests in government investment in the sector and a two-way information flow from farmers and researchers.
A lot of Israel's agriculture is based on cooperative societies. Members of a cooperative may produce collectively, or may own individual farms but purchase inputs and market their products collectively.
In Israel, farmers strive to maximise production on a limited space of land. One of such ways is through close-spacing. Yield per hectare can be increased simply by increasing the seed sown by decreasing the space between plants.
In addition farmers focus on growing short-term vegetables which ensure income every three months, rather than planting long-term crops.
Israel is one of the world's most advanced agriculture users with half its arable land under irrigation. Over the past 25 years, agriculture output has increased sevenfold with hardly any increase in water used. This has been attributed to advanced water saving and irrigation technologies, notably the drip system which directs water flow straight to the root zone of the plants.
Africa, which is blessed with good climate and soils is many places should learn fron Israel that is limited by land and water. Africa should learn to maximize her resources sustainably to feed her people and the rest of the world. All it take is committment from the governments, researchers, and farmers. A lot of agricultural research is on going in many Universities and agricultural colleges. The next step is to convert the research output and information into action.
Israel's agriculture is characterised by intensive production supported by a close collaboration and interaction between scientists, extension advisors, farmers and agro-industries. This results in mordern agriculture in a "desert country". Agricultural success in Israel rests in government investment in the sector and a two-way information flow from farmers and researchers.
A lot of Israel's agriculture is based on cooperative societies. Members of a cooperative may produce collectively, or may own individual farms but purchase inputs and market their products collectively.
In Israel, farmers strive to maximise production on a limited space of land. One of such ways is through close-spacing. Yield per hectare can be increased simply by increasing the seed sown by decreasing the space between plants.
In addition farmers focus on growing short-term vegetables which ensure income every three months, rather than planting long-term crops.
Israel is one of the world's most advanced agriculture users with half its arable land under irrigation. Over the past 25 years, agriculture output has increased sevenfold with hardly any increase in water used. This has been attributed to advanced water saving and irrigation technologies, notably the drip system which directs water flow straight to the root zone of the plants.
Africa, which is blessed with good climate and soils is many places should learn fron Israel that is limited by land and water. Africa should learn to maximize her resources sustainably to feed her people and the rest of the world. All it take is committment from the governments, researchers, and farmers. A lot of agricultural research is on going in many Universities and agricultural colleges. The next step is to convert the research output and information into action.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Why did the chicken cross the road?
We all know that the chicken crossed the road to get to the other side. But what did the chicken want to do on the other side? I think he had the following issues on his mind:
· It wanted to speed up the peace process in “the most dangerous place in the world”- Somalia. Somalia has for decades failed to reach a peace agreement. This has badly affected the food security and poverty in that East African nation. One in six children in Somalia is malnourished
· Support Tendai Biti, Zimbabwe’s new finance ministers revive “the world’s worst economy”. Zimbabwe may soon become part of the South African Rand monetary Union.
· Release more aid to compensate victims of human rights violations such as amputees, rape victims, war widows of Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war.
· To help stop the spread of cholera in Zimbabwe
· Provide humanitarian and government relief to the people in Karamoja, N.E Uganda. This semi-arid area is plagued with border conflicts, armed cattle raids, among other things and has experienced 14 droughts in 25 years.
· To speed up the clean-up process of the oil spill that occurred in Ongoniland in Nigeria.
· To reach out to the farmers in Guinea that have lost crops and livestock on which thousands depend for food and cash as a result of extreme cold conditions.
· To join the Ghanaian farmers in their demonstrations against cheap rice imports that are destroying their livelihoods.
· And many other issues.
· It wanted to speed up the peace process in “the most dangerous place in the world”- Somalia. Somalia has for decades failed to reach a peace agreement. This has badly affected the food security and poverty in that East African nation. One in six children in Somalia is malnourished
· Support Tendai Biti, Zimbabwe’s new finance ministers revive “the world’s worst economy”. Zimbabwe may soon become part of the South African Rand monetary Union.
· Release more aid to compensate victims of human rights violations such as amputees, rape victims, war widows of Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war.
· To help stop the spread of cholera in Zimbabwe
· Provide humanitarian and government relief to the people in Karamoja, N.E Uganda. This semi-arid area is plagued with border conflicts, armed cattle raids, among other things and has experienced 14 droughts in 25 years.
· To speed up the clean-up process of the oil spill that occurred in Ongoniland in Nigeria.
· To reach out to the farmers in Guinea that have lost crops and livestock on which thousands depend for food and cash as a result of extreme cold conditions.
· To join the Ghanaian farmers in their demonstrations against cheap rice imports that are destroying their livelihoods.
· And many other issues.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Opportunity Cost in Agriculture Strategies
Opportunity cost is the cost of the next best alternative foregone when making a decision. Decision making in any sphere often posses an opportunity cost. In agriculture for example, a decision to plant coffee or cotton (cash crops) on a field means that maize or potatoes (food crops) cannot be grown. Farmers constantly face such enterprise choice decisions. However, farmers make decisions based on factors within their control, taking into account the factors out of their control. For example, enterprise choice may be based on soil type, input and labour availability, market accessibility, availability of credit, infrastructure, etc. These are further influenced by the wider macro environment including but not limited to legislation, taxes, tariffs, and polices.
At the national or policy making level, planning is about choices between focusing on large farms or small farms; investing in intensive or extensive agriculture; promoting food crops or cash crops; insisting on a free market or state intervention; creating self reliance or trade; e.t.c. Whatever strategy is chosen, there is a need for investment in stable markets, agricultural research, extension and credit services, and good infrastructure. Governments should create an enabling environment and increase its budget allocation to agriculture, given that agriculture is the backbone on many African countries.
At the national or policy making level, planning is about choices between focusing on large farms or small farms; investing in intensive or extensive agriculture; promoting food crops or cash crops; insisting on a free market or state intervention; creating self reliance or trade; e.t.c. Whatever strategy is chosen, there is a need for investment in stable markets, agricultural research, extension and credit services, and good infrastructure. Governments should create an enabling environment and increase its budget allocation to agriculture, given that agriculture is the backbone on many African countries.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Cow extraordinaire
It is one of the most unique livestock animals. No wonder these cows are a pride to the tribes that own them. Indigenous to the Great Lakes region of Africa, specifically parts of Rwanda and Uganda, the Ankole-Watusi cow is a magnificent traffic stopper simply because of its huge, huge horns. Formally regarded as sacred animals, these graceful cows are used more as symbol of status than for productivity.
These hardy animals are able to survive in the harsh African climate and can utilize poor quality feed and water. Their long horns regulate body temperature by moving blood through the horns in honeycombed vessels, which is cooled by moving air. An Ankole steer named Lurch was awarded a guiness world record for largest horn circumference on and animal which measured 95.25cm.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Effect of food price hikes on HIV
Whereas it is probably true that HIV occurs primarily among the poor, it is also possible that poverty plays a big role in the spread of the epidemic. Poor households affected by HIV are characterised by food insecurity and poor standards of living. Already faced with multiple social and economic shocks, the additional stress of high food prices renders it impossible for these households to cope with the threat of HIV.
A key explanation for the big impact of price hikes on HIV lies in the fundamental role that food plays in the survival of HIV patients. Nutrition is important because of the following reasons. Firstly, the infection-illness period, which on average is about eight years, can be extended by a good diet among other things. People infected by the virus require up to 50% more energy requirements (100% for children) than the uninfected. Secondly, good nutrition both in quality and quantity is actively vital in the prevention of opportunistic infections which occur because of reduced body immunity. A sound diet may therefore prolong life; more especially delay the progression of HIV to AIDS. Thirdly, adequate nutrition is of utmost importance to the patients on Anti Retroviral Therapy. Some drugs must be taken with food, and most are not effective if the patients are malnourished.
Given the dominant importance of nutrition in the life of HIV patients, high food prices constrain the ability of affected households to access good nutrition. This occurs largely because purchasing power as well as disposable income is reduced. The poor, in attempt to cope with the rising food prices reduce their dietary intake, both in quality and quantity-a hindrance to effective treatment of the disease, and prolongation of life.
Similarly, in response to the increased household expenses due to rising food prices, people tend to migrate in search of food and work. Migration is often from the rural to the urban areas. While in Urban areas, the immigrants may engage in commercial sex, or may have multiple sex partners thus increasing the risk of infection. In Africa, highest prevalence has been recorded at trading centers, border posts, and at major transport routes.
A number of households cope with food insecurity caused by rising food prices by withdrawing children from school either to reallocate resources away to food purchases or so that the children may work for food or cash. Out of school, Children are exposed to the risk of HIV infection and are denied the much needed education that would create awareness to prevent future infection.
The price hikes, and consequently food insecurity not only affect people’s standards of living but also expose them to higher risk of HIV infection and AIDS. A common trend among price hikes, food insecurity and HIV/AIDS is that they are all an echo of what has been and somewhat a prediction of what is to come. What is important now is to draw lessons from the past, and make decisions in the present that will influence a better future. A feasible all encompassing resolution, that is already active in many countries, is to create/strengthen synergies between the different sectors of the economy such as agriculture, health, education, social welfare, finance, gender, local governments, civil society, NGOs and communities that will improve support systems, promote education and HIV sensitization, build household resilience to shocks, promote livelihoods, and mitigate coping strategies that push HIV infection or deter HIV treatment.
Link to full article in the NEPAD newsletter
A key explanation for the big impact of price hikes on HIV lies in the fundamental role that food plays in the survival of HIV patients. Nutrition is important because of the following reasons. Firstly, the infection-illness period, which on average is about eight years, can be extended by a good diet among other things. People infected by the virus require up to 50% more energy requirements (100% for children) than the uninfected. Secondly, good nutrition both in quality and quantity is actively vital in the prevention of opportunistic infections which occur because of reduced body immunity. A sound diet may therefore prolong life; more especially delay the progression of HIV to AIDS. Thirdly, adequate nutrition is of utmost importance to the patients on Anti Retroviral Therapy. Some drugs must be taken with food, and most are not effective if the patients are malnourished.
Given the dominant importance of nutrition in the life of HIV patients, high food prices constrain the ability of affected households to access good nutrition. This occurs largely because purchasing power as well as disposable income is reduced. The poor, in attempt to cope with the rising food prices reduce their dietary intake, both in quality and quantity-a hindrance to effective treatment of the disease, and prolongation of life.
Similarly, in response to the increased household expenses due to rising food prices, people tend to migrate in search of food and work. Migration is often from the rural to the urban areas. While in Urban areas, the immigrants may engage in commercial sex, or may have multiple sex partners thus increasing the risk of infection. In Africa, highest prevalence has been recorded at trading centers, border posts, and at major transport routes.
A number of households cope with food insecurity caused by rising food prices by withdrawing children from school either to reallocate resources away to food purchases or so that the children may work for food or cash. Out of school, Children are exposed to the risk of HIV infection and are denied the much needed education that would create awareness to prevent future infection.
The price hikes, and consequently food insecurity not only affect people’s standards of living but also expose them to higher risk of HIV infection and AIDS. A common trend among price hikes, food insecurity and HIV/AIDS is that they are all an echo of what has been and somewhat a prediction of what is to come. What is important now is to draw lessons from the past, and make decisions in the present that will influence a better future. A feasible all encompassing resolution, that is already active in many countries, is to create/strengthen synergies between the different sectors of the economy such as agriculture, health, education, social welfare, finance, gender, local governments, civil society, NGOs and communities that will improve support systems, promote education and HIV sensitization, build household resilience to shocks, promote livelihoods, and mitigate coping strategies that push HIV infection or deter HIV treatment.
Link to full article in the NEPAD newsletter
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Neem "miracle" tree
The Neem tree is an interesting multipurpose plant that has various medicinal and agricultural benefits to humans as well as animals. Although it is native to India, it grows widely in many parts of Africa. Different parts of the Neem tree are used for different purposes in different regions of the world. The most commonly used plant parts are the fruit, seed oil, leaves, bark and roots.
The Neem tree has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory purposes among others. Neem bark, leaves, flowers and fruit pulp are used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions such as leprosy, diabetes, ulcers, constipation, various skin disorders such as scabies, ringworm, and acne. It can also be used to treat problem skins in animal. Extracts from the plant are used to prevent and heal gum disease, prevent cavities, and reduce plaque.
Naturally containing pesticide properties, the neem tree is used in agriculture as an insecticide and fungicide, which do not pose toxic threats to the environment. Such agricultural uses include: grain storage (an insecticide against worms and beetles, thus increasing shelf life), soil amendment (rich plant manure, anti-nemtode, increase nitrogen in soil), prevention of fungal diseases in plants such as powdery mildew.
Plant this evergreen miracle tree in your backyard and enjoy the benefits and blessings of nature.
Sources: Discover neem Planet Natural
The Neem tree has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory purposes among others. Neem bark, leaves, flowers and fruit pulp are used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions such as leprosy, diabetes, ulcers, constipation, various skin disorders such as scabies, ringworm, and acne. It can also be used to treat problem skins in animal. Extracts from the plant are used to prevent and heal gum disease, prevent cavities, and reduce plaque.
Naturally containing pesticide properties, the neem tree is used in agriculture as an insecticide and fungicide, which do not pose toxic threats to the environment. Such agricultural uses include: grain storage (an insecticide against worms and beetles, thus increasing shelf life), soil amendment (rich plant manure, anti-nemtode, increase nitrogen in soil), prevention of fungal diseases in plants such as powdery mildew.
Plant this evergreen miracle tree in your backyard and enjoy the benefits and blessings of nature.
Sources: Discover neem Planet Natural
Friday, January 30, 2009
Vulnerability to food insecurity
Millions of people in Africa are vulnerable to food insecurity, even in good years. Many households are unable to meet their basic food needs, and their vulnerability is increased by volatile food prices especially of staples such as maize. Vulnerability, poverty and food insecurity, although they may be used interchangeably in the short-run, they are different concepts in the long run. Poverty and food insecurity usually describe livelihood status at a particular point in time, whereas vulnerability is forward looking. Over the long-term, people move in and out of food insecurity and poverty. Vulnerability therefore refers to the probability of slipping into food insecurity or remaining food insecure. It refers to the inability to cope with uncertain shocks, stresses and threats such as prolonged droughts, floods, pest and disease outbreaks, market failure, and civil strife, all of which are prevalent in many parts of Africa. Because vulnerability is closely linked to uncertainties, everyone is vulnerable; however some more than others. The challenge therefore is to identify the vulnerable, build and sustain their resilience, and reduce the risks of falling back into poverty and food insecurity for those who have moved out.
Vulnerability is determined by a cumulative chain of events through time. What happened in the past is reflected in the present status, and what happens in the present influences the future status (LĂvendal and Knowles, 2007). This makes measurement of vulnerability to food security difficult. However, understanding the present conditions is vital in determining the threats to food security and how they can be effectively managed. Vulnerability, though difficult to measure, is closely related to the food security status, asset portfolio, livelihood activities, and the context surrounding the people. A common thread running through all these in relation to vulnerability is the need for steady inflow of money to build or maintain a sustainable level of resilience. In the past, vulnerability to food insecurity was largely translated to the need for emergency food aid. However, food is not the only answer. Essentially vulnerability occurs when people lack income and access to resources. The vulnerable must be with income and other means to prevent asset depletion, establish sustainable livelihoods, and access infrastructure, thereby building resilience to uncertain shocks and stresses.
Vulnerability is determined by a cumulative chain of events through time. What happened in the past is reflected in the present status, and what happens in the present influences the future status (LĂvendal and Knowles, 2007). This makes measurement of vulnerability to food security difficult. However, understanding the present conditions is vital in determining the threats to food security and how they can be effectively managed. Vulnerability, though difficult to measure, is closely related to the food security status, asset portfolio, livelihood activities, and the context surrounding the people. A common thread running through all these in relation to vulnerability is the need for steady inflow of money to build or maintain a sustainable level of resilience. In the past, vulnerability to food insecurity was largely translated to the need for emergency food aid. However, food is not the only answer. Essentially vulnerability occurs when people lack income and access to resources. The vulnerable must be with income and other means to prevent asset depletion, establish sustainable livelihoods, and access infrastructure, thereby building resilience to uncertain shocks and stresses.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Intensive and Extensive farming and the Environment
Agricultural systems can either be intensive i.e. where agricultural yield is increased on a limited or on the same acerage of land by increased use of inputs such as fertilizers, irrigation, or can be extensive, where agricultural production is increased by bringing more land under cultivation and relying on natural soil nutrients. Both these agricultural systems increase agricultural production to meet the demand for food and reduce hunger and poverty. However, if not properly managed, both have detrimental effects on the environment.
A notable example of intensive agriculture is the green revolution in Asia, which doubled cereal production between 1970 and 1995, with only a 4 percent increase in cultivated land. By slowing the rate at which land is reclaimed for agricultural purposes, intensive agriculture conserves wetlands, forests and biodiversity. Extensive agriculture on the other hand, which is the most common agricultural system in Africa, leads to the degradation and loss of forests, wetlands, soils, through nutrient depletion and soil erosion.
Despite the benefits of intensive agriculture, intensification causes several environmental problems not only on the farm but also in the surrounding areas. Inappropriate use of agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc pollute water sources, interfere with soil chemistry, disrupt ecological systems, kill important soil flora and fauna, and poison people.
The environmental effects of intensive and extensive agriculture vary between regions. Overcoming these problems in order to make agriculture more environmentally sustainable may be achieved through measures such as information and sensitization of farmers through extension officers, improving land tenure systems and through policies that reduce poverty (because poverty is a likely driver of environmental degradation).
A notable example of intensive agriculture is the green revolution in Asia, which doubled cereal production between 1970 and 1995, with only a 4 percent increase in cultivated land. By slowing the rate at which land is reclaimed for agricultural purposes, intensive agriculture conserves wetlands, forests and biodiversity. Extensive agriculture on the other hand, which is the most common agricultural system in Africa, leads to the degradation and loss of forests, wetlands, soils, through nutrient depletion and soil erosion.
Despite the benefits of intensive agriculture, intensification causes several environmental problems not only on the farm but also in the surrounding areas. Inappropriate use of agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc pollute water sources, interfere with soil chemistry, disrupt ecological systems, kill important soil flora and fauna, and poison people.
The environmental effects of intensive and extensive agriculture vary between regions. Overcoming these problems in order to make agriculture more environmentally sustainable may be achieved through measures such as information and sensitization of farmers through extension officers, improving land tenure systems and through policies that reduce poverty (because poverty is a likely driver of environmental degradation).
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Voices of wisdom from Africa
African proverbs are full of wisdom and guidence for daily living. Here are a few collected by Steward Julia in the book "Words to the wise: A collection of African proverbs."
- A horse owns only the grass in its stomach. Setswana, South Africa
- Flowing water makes stagnant water move. Somalia
- A man's deeds are of greater importance than the facts of his birth. Maasai, Kenya
- A man wo takes advice is still a man who acts on his own free will. Nigeria
- A louse bites after hiding in your blanket. Setswana, South Africa
- When an ape cannot reach a banana with its hand, he says it is sour. Bambara, Mali
- When one person on the street kills a dog, the whole street is called "the street of dog killers". Nigeria
- A good thing sells itself; a bad thing advertises itself for sale. Swahili, East Africa.
- Caution is not cowadice; even the ants march armed. Baganda, Uganda
- Live with him who prays, and thou prayest; live with the singer, and thou singest. Egypt
- The eye crosses the river before the body. Ndebele, Zimbabwe
- A louse bites after hiding in your blanket. Setswana, South Africa
- Quarrels end, but words once spoken never die. Sierra Leone
- No elephant is ever burdened by its own trunk. Xhosa, South Africa
- However long the night might be, there will be a morning. Morocco
- The reward of life is death. Anyuak. Sudan
- Copying everyone else all the time, the monkey one day slit his throat. Zulu, South Africa
- If you see someone riding a log, compliment him on his beautiful horse. Tunisia
- The goat is not big in cowtown. Vai, Nigeria
- One who enters the forest does not turn back on hearing twigs breaking. Bemba, Zambia
- The family is like a forest; if you are outside, it looks dense. If you are inside, you see that each tree has its own position. Akan, Ghana
- You cannot turn the wind, so turn the sail. Swahili, East Africa
- A sinking vessel needs no naviagtion. Swahili, East Africa
- My country is my country even though it is unjust to me. Morocco
Monday, January 19, 2009
Rebel Joseph Kony of Uganda is breaking his rules
The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group in Uganda under its notorious leader Joseph Kony, has for over 20 years haunted the Northern parts of Uganda, some parts of Southern Sudan, and more recently North Eastern DRC. These rebels have ruthlessly abducted hundreds of children as soldiers and sex slaves, brutally killed thousands of people, displaced hundreds of thousands, and many more scarred for life by rape, maiming, and loss of kin.
All of these inhumane acts have been done in the pretext of restoring the Ten Commandments. This purpose is absurdly insane and meaningless simply because Kony is contradicting himself. He is breaking the very same commandments that he wishes to restore. For example: the third commandment says, “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord.” The rebellion uses the Lord’s name in vain. No Lord (God) would be pleased with such atrocious acts “in his name” against humanity. The sixth commandment which says, “You shall not kill”, speaks for itself. The fifth commandment says, “Honour your father and mother...” In the African tradition, parents go beyond biological fathers and mother and include uncles, aunts and any elderly person in the community. Kony has killed them.
Given Kony’s contradictions in breaking the Ten Commandments, he has no grounds on which to base his rebellion. Either he is insane or he has an incentive to keep the war going. This raises many questions: it has been over 20 years, why hasn’t the rebellion been crushed? Are the governments of the affected countries not doing enough? Is the rebellion externally supported and resourced? Is there more to this rebellion than is being revealed?
This rebellion nonsense in Africa must stop. How many people must die? How much infrastructure must be destroyed? How much damage must be done before Africa (and the rest of the world) rises to heed the cries of the dead and suffering? Many people’s livelihoods have been reduced to the confines of refugee camps. Others have had to flee to the forests and live like wild animals. Children have been orphaned and forced to the streets. Development in the affected regions is stagnated. There is disruption in the implementation of policies and programs to improve health, food security, education, agriculture, small business growth and general poverty eradication. This is no wonder that Africa remains largely underdeveloped and impoverished.
Is there hope for Africa? Yes there is hope!
For more insight into the Joseph Kony and the Rebellion in Uganda, visit www.petereichstaedt.blogspot.com
All of these inhumane acts have been done in the pretext of restoring the Ten Commandments. This purpose is absurdly insane and meaningless simply because Kony is contradicting himself. He is breaking the very same commandments that he wishes to restore. For example: the third commandment says, “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord.” The rebellion uses the Lord’s name in vain. No Lord (God) would be pleased with such atrocious acts “in his name” against humanity. The sixth commandment which says, “You shall not kill”, speaks for itself. The fifth commandment says, “Honour your father and mother...” In the African tradition, parents go beyond biological fathers and mother and include uncles, aunts and any elderly person in the community. Kony has killed them.
Given Kony’s contradictions in breaking the Ten Commandments, he has no grounds on which to base his rebellion. Either he is insane or he has an incentive to keep the war going. This raises many questions: it has been over 20 years, why hasn’t the rebellion been crushed? Are the governments of the affected countries not doing enough? Is the rebellion externally supported and resourced? Is there more to this rebellion than is being revealed?
This rebellion nonsense in Africa must stop. How many people must die? How much infrastructure must be destroyed? How much damage must be done before Africa (and the rest of the world) rises to heed the cries of the dead and suffering? Many people’s livelihoods have been reduced to the confines of refugee camps. Others have had to flee to the forests and live like wild animals. Children have been orphaned and forced to the streets. Development in the affected regions is stagnated. There is disruption in the implementation of policies and programs to improve health, food security, education, agriculture, small business growth and general poverty eradication. This is no wonder that Africa remains largely underdeveloped and impoverished.
Is there hope for Africa? Yes there is hope!
For more insight into the Joseph Kony and the Rebellion in Uganda, visit www.petereichstaedt.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 17, 2009
African cultural practices may further food insecurity
Food security is all about the stable availability, accesses and utilization of food to support a healthy and active lifestyle. Absense of any of the above pillars implies food insecurity or vulnerability to food insecurity. The measures of food insecurity among others are malnutrition, stunting, wasting, low birth weight, morbidity, mortality rate and coping strategies employed.
Among the many causes of food and nutrition insecurity such as low agricultural production, low purchasing power, political instability, disease, drought, e.t.c, is cultural practices. Some cultural practices prevent children and women (including pregnant and lactating women) from accessing a balanced and nutritious diet, which results in malnutrition, starvation, stunting, wasting, illness and death.
For example, in the past, many African cultures forbade women from eating foods such as eggs, milk, fish, chicken, all of which are rich in protein. In some cultures today, only men are allowed to eat the gizzard of a chicken because it is believed to make men potent and women infertile.
Some cultures forbid pregnant and lactating women from eating furits and vegetables claiming that they are harmful to infants.
In some parts of Africa, women and children only eat after the men have had thier fill. This leaves an inadequate food in both quantity and quality for the women and children.
The result of these and many more cultural practices is malnutrition, stunting, wasting, morbidity and mortality in children. This not only affects them as children but also affects their physical and mental capacity as adults. Women will have problems during pregnancy and birth.
In keeping up with the Jonses, some households in Africa avoid eating widely growing and readily available, highly nutritious vegetables as they are considered inferior foods. Those households miss out on balanced diets (consequently malnutrition) and spend their already meagre income on purchasing food in markets.
Africa has an abundant supply of food and is bursting with naturally growing nutrient rich fruits and vegetables. Why spend money on food and yet we can freely harvest it from our backyards! Let us put aside our pride and ignorance and take advantage of nature's free gifts. Let us let go of those cultural practices that hold us back, rather than benefit us.
Among the many causes of food and nutrition insecurity such as low agricultural production, low purchasing power, political instability, disease, drought, e.t.c, is cultural practices. Some cultural practices prevent children and women (including pregnant and lactating women) from accessing a balanced and nutritious diet, which results in malnutrition, starvation, stunting, wasting, illness and death.
For example, in the past, many African cultures forbade women from eating foods such as eggs, milk, fish, chicken, all of which are rich in protein. In some cultures today, only men are allowed to eat the gizzard of a chicken because it is believed to make men potent and women infertile.
Some cultures forbid pregnant and lactating women from eating furits and vegetables claiming that they are harmful to infants.
In some parts of Africa, women and children only eat after the men have had thier fill. This leaves an inadequate food in both quantity and quality for the women and children.
The result of these and many more cultural practices is malnutrition, stunting, wasting, morbidity and mortality in children. This not only affects them as children but also affects their physical and mental capacity as adults. Women will have problems during pregnancy and birth.
In keeping up with the Jonses, some households in Africa avoid eating widely growing and readily available, highly nutritious vegetables as they are considered inferior foods. Those households miss out on balanced diets (consequently malnutrition) and spend their already meagre income on purchasing food in markets.
Africa has an abundant supply of food and is bursting with naturally growing nutrient rich fruits and vegetables. Why spend money on food and yet we can freely harvest it from our backyards! Let us put aside our pride and ignorance and take advantage of nature's free gifts. Let us let go of those cultural practices that hold us back, rather than benefit us.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Poor infrastructure stifles agriculture development
Agriculture palys a major role in the economic growth of many African countries. However, poor infrastructure is a major contributory factor to the slow pace of Africa’s agriculture development. Many rural farmers struggle to get their produce onto the market, while at the same time, urban dwellers have to pay a high price for food due to high transport costs resulting from poor road networks.
In between the farm and the market, a large amount of food is wasted because of lack of storage or preservation facilities. Many African countries do not have the capacity to maintain a constant supply of food between harvests. During the harvest season, farmers incur losses because the large supply of food drives the food prices so low that farmers’ production costs are barely met. Additionally, farmers cannot withhold the sale of food for the future when the supply of food is lower than the demand hence fetch a higher price.
With better infrastructure and market information, food can be transferred from the food surplus regions to food deficit areas, while at the same time promote inter and intra-regional trade within the continent. Also, inputs (such as fertilizers and farm equipment) and technology necessary for increased production and yield can reach the farmers.
Governments must increase their investment in infrastructure as an important step in promoting the development of agriculture and consequently promoting economic growth in Africa.
In between the farm and the market, a large amount of food is wasted because of lack of storage or preservation facilities. Many African countries do not have the capacity to maintain a constant supply of food between harvests. During the harvest season, farmers incur losses because the large supply of food drives the food prices so low that farmers’ production costs are barely met. Additionally, farmers cannot withhold the sale of food for the future when the supply of food is lower than the demand hence fetch a higher price.
With better infrastructure and market information, food can be transferred from the food surplus regions to food deficit areas, while at the same time promote inter and intra-regional trade within the continent. Also, inputs (such as fertilizers and farm equipment) and technology necessary for increased production and yield can reach the farmers.
Governments must increase their investment in infrastructure as an important step in promoting the development of agriculture and consequently promoting economic growth in Africa.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Africa: Independence or In-dependence?
“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime”. For a long time, these words have been echoed and promoted by countless leaders and NGOs throughout Africa. Despite this, the continent is more in debt and more dependent on external aid than ever before, and words like "poverty", "disease" and "food insecurity" are more often than not associated with Africa. Why then does it seem like Africa has not “learnt to fish”?
For a relatively long time now African countries have been involved in all the manner of schemes, initiatives and programmes aimed at wresting the continent from its unending cycle of poverty and scarcity. These projects, which are development oriented, are geared at empowering Africans to be more self-reliant. The policies appear well meaning on paper and perfect on the drawing board but all too often fall short of the desired results. Yes pockets of improvement can be seen littered across the continent but there is no denying the fact that generally speaking the rich are getting richer and hardly anything has changed for the poor.
The shortcomings seem to lie in the lack of skills to determine when it is necessary to “give a man a fish” and when it is imperative to “teach him to fish”. In times of crisis such as during droughts or floods, when the poor people are in dire distress and require emergency food intervention then it is appropriate that they are given the fish. However, such interventions are short-term and should be proceeded by medium and long-term interventions that will give the affected people resilience in case of future shocks and stresses. Many Africans have been so used to getting handouts from the government such that whenever there is a crisis, they wait for the government’s intervention. Resources which are spent on “giving people fish” could be freed up for more sustainable development projects.
The governments too have got this dependency syndrome, but in a greater scale. For some governments, a substantial portion of their national budgets is financed by donor funds. This situation is neither acceptable nor sustainable, considering the high rates of corruption. Africa should not behave like the sea gull that follows the trawler hoping the fish will be thrown into the sea. It is high time Africa learns how to fish for herself.
In many ways, the African leaders are teaching their people how to fish. There have been successful projects that have made a difference in the lives of many poor people. However, there are many cases whereby people have been taught to fish for the big fishes in the big ocean without being taught how to catch the little fish in rivers and dams that they are familiar with. Many projects have been inappropriate to the livelihoods of the people they are targeting. For example, some leaders have been talking about the modernisation of agriculture through tractors yet the majority of the farmers they are targeting do not have hand-held hoes and/or own less than a hectare of land. The governments often assume that what is successful in one country or region will automatically be a runaway success in another hence providing the right answers to the wrong question.
Who or what is to blame for Africa’s backwardness? I believe that a significant part of the explanation lies with Africans’ chronic lack of self-confidence. We are not confident in Africa as a continent. We are not confident in ourselves, our people, and our countries. We have all the resources and tools necessary for economic growth but we seem to lack the confidence that they will work. Even if development friendly policies are developed, they are not enforced because they lack the support from the general public, who expect to be spoon-fed. Furthermore we cannot keep blaming colonialism or apartheid because they are long gone. Although the current generation of Africans has been raised in independent countries, we unfortunately still behave like we are not independent. The finger remains firmly pointed at us, the people of Africa and it is about time we pulled the veil of dependence from over our eyes. Let us learn how to fish sustainably, and if we cannot fish then maybe we can try something that works for us.
Link IOLS-Reserach
For a relatively long time now African countries have been involved in all the manner of schemes, initiatives and programmes aimed at wresting the continent from its unending cycle of poverty and scarcity. These projects, which are development oriented, are geared at empowering Africans to be more self-reliant. The policies appear well meaning on paper and perfect on the drawing board but all too often fall short of the desired results. Yes pockets of improvement can be seen littered across the continent but there is no denying the fact that generally speaking the rich are getting richer and hardly anything has changed for the poor.
The shortcomings seem to lie in the lack of skills to determine when it is necessary to “give a man a fish” and when it is imperative to “teach him to fish”. In times of crisis such as during droughts or floods, when the poor people are in dire distress and require emergency food intervention then it is appropriate that they are given the fish. However, such interventions are short-term and should be proceeded by medium and long-term interventions that will give the affected people resilience in case of future shocks and stresses. Many Africans have been so used to getting handouts from the government such that whenever there is a crisis, they wait for the government’s intervention. Resources which are spent on “giving people fish” could be freed up for more sustainable development projects.
The governments too have got this dependency syndrome, but in a greater scale. For some governments, a substantial portion of their national budgets is financed by donor funds. This situation is neither acceptable nor sustainable, considering the high rates of corruption. Africa should not behave like the sea gull that follows the trawler hoping the fish will be thrown into the sea. It is high time Africa learns how to fish for herself.
In many ways, the African leaders are teaching their people how to fish. There have been successful projects that have made a difference in the lives of many poor people. However, there are many cases whereby people have been taught to fish for the big fishes in the big ocean without being taught how to catch the little fish in rivers and dams that they are familiar with. Many projects have been inappropriate to the livelihoods of the people they are targeting. For example, some leaders have been talking about the modernisation of agriculture through tractors yet the majority of the farmers they are targeting do not have hand-held hoes and/or own less than a hectare of land. The governments often assume that what is successful in one country or region will automatically be a runaway success in another hence providing the right answers to the wrong question.
Who or what is to blame for Africa’s backwardness? I believe that a significant part of the explanation lies with Africans’ chronic lack of self-confidence. We are not confident in Africa as a continent. We are not confident in ourselves, our people, and our countries. We have all the resources and tools necessary for economic growth but we seem to lack the confidence that they will work. Even if development friendly policies are developed, they are not enforced because they lack the support from the general public, who expect to be spoon-fed. Furthermore we cannot keep blaming colonialism or apartheid because they are long gone. Although the current generation of Africans has been raised in independent countries, we unfortunately still behave like we are not independent. The finger remains firmly pointed at us, the people of Africa and it is about time we pulled the veil of dependence from over our eyes. Let us learn how to fish sustainably, and if we cannot fish then maybe we can try something that works for us.
Link IOLS-Reserach
Monday, January 12, 2009
The African Wind
Wind is an acronym for WAYS of INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT. The winds of change are blowing; blowing as gently as a breeze and as fiercely as a tornado. Africa stand up on your feet and harness the benefits.
Africa is a beautiful continent. It is blessed with fertile soils, breathtaking landscapes, tonnes of minerals, priceless flora and fauna and most of all irreplaceable human capacity. Africa has a great deal of potential to feed her children, improve the standards of living of her people bring about sustainable development.
The lyrics to a soundtrack from one of the many "Jungle Book" movies says, "Take good care of nature and it will take good care of you..." That is what ought to be done. We should love, respect and take care of this continent. It sustains us. It sustained our forefathers and we would like it to sustain our children.
Rise up Africa. Let us not sit back and watch the world pass us by.
Africa is a beautiful continent. It is blessed with fertile soils, breathtaking landscapes, tonnes of minerals, priceless flora and fauna and most of all irreplaceable human capacity. Africa has a great deal of potential to feed her children, improve the standards of living of her people bring about sustainable development.
The lyrics to a soundtrack from one of the many "Jungle Book" movies says, "Take good care of nature and it will take good care of you..." That is what ought to be done. We should love, respect and take care of this continent. It sustains us. It sustained our forefathers and we would like it to sustain our children.
Rise up Africa. Let us not sit back and watch the world pass us by.
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