Daily Archives: May 22, 2012

Can the African Development Bank help in bringing 50 million people out of poverty?

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22 May 2012

And by the sweat of our brows shall we eat - and not by the hands of donors

Top of the agenda at the G8 summit of world leaders held in the USA, is the thorny issue of Africa’s food crisis, and the emergence of a plethora of initiatives designed to help poor countries grow more food for domestic consumption.

But investment in food farming – per capita, in Africa remains appallingly low.

Productivity and production yield continues to be hampered by illiteracy, low farming skills, insufficient seed crops and poor soil management.   

The special session which focused on agriculture policy in Africa and in particular – a fresh initiative called – the ‘New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition’, was hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama at Camp David near Washington.

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World leaders discuss Africa’s growing food insecurity

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22 May 2012

Although average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) across the African continent has improved slightly in the last five years, yet poverty and hunger continues to blight communities.

The impact of the global economic  downturn on the ability of Africa to become not only food sufficient, but a major exporter of foods is damaging the very foundation upon which such potential may be harnessed.

Whilst erratic weather conditions, poor seeds quality, poor soil conditions, lack of modern technology  - expertise and investment capital, continue to hamper progress in achieving food security in Africa, there are serious questions as to the political commitment of governments and the agenda of international investors.

World leaders meeting at the G8 Summit in the USA, have heard it all before and the script is no different this time either.

But according to the Africa Press Organisation (APO), the ‘Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)’ (http://www.agra-alliance.org) has been given a key role in the G8’s next phase of a shared commitment to achieve global food security.

What hope does this initiative bring to Africa’s desperate need to become food sufficient?

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