Dian Spear, University of Cape Town y Chandni Singh, Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS)
There is increasing evidence from across many African and South Asian countries that contextual, timely climate information, helps farmers manage the risks they face.
Historically low rainfalls have led to severe droughts in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. But various solutions exist to mitigate the social and economic impact.
The rise of the middle class in Africa is fuelling consumer economies and protection policies. But they tend to be disconnected from sustainability issues.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s comments about weapons as part of development for Africa could have the opposite effect if conditions aren’t strict and democratic processes aren’t followed.
With frequent irregularities, it’s easy to become cynical about elections in Africa. But polls are an essential component of the continent’s growing democracy.
Most African cities are expensive, informal and non-industrial. This has produced unique socioeconomic and environmental risks that must be carefully considered in policy development.
There are rising concerns that rapid deforestation across the Amazon and Southeast Asia could spread to Africa. The continent hasn’t yet seen vast agricultural expansion but it could be on the way.
The World Bank has changed direction. It won’t be giving up on public funding, but it will increasingly be trying to attract private investors to developing countries.
Africa should be concerned about news that the World Bank is looking to migrate from the model that largely relies on funding member states to become a broker of private capital.
Anthropologue et démographe, professeur émérite au Muséum national d’histoire naturelle et conseiller de la direction de l'INED, Muséum national d’histoire naturelle (MNHN)