Africa Initiative (AI) original research publications are produced through field-based work on policy issues critical to the continent in five thematic areas: conflict resolution, energy, food security, health, and migration — with special attention to the crosscutting theme of climate change. Policy briefs and discussion papers are produced by AI Research Program grantees, while backgrounders are written by emerging scholars within the Exchange Program. The objective of all AI publications is to build capacity among researchers conducting work on Africa and to increase knowledge across the AI’s thematic areas.

After the Exodus: the Challenges of Return Migration in Zimbabwe
Africa Portal Backgrounder No. 58
Riley Dillon
May 7, 2013

While the Zimbabwean government is attempting to encourage return migration, it has yet to introduce substantial policies or programs to address the challenges migrants and their families may face in resettlement.

#Migration
African Enfranchisement in Global Climate Change Negotiations
Africa Portal Backgrounder No. 57
Charles Roger
May 1, 2013

Historically, African delegations have faced challenges in global climate change talks, but in recent years they have managed to negotiate more effectively, both individually and as a group.

Malaria Risk Factors Facing Uganda's Batwa Population
Africa Portal Backgrounder No. 56
Didacus Bambaiha Namanya
March 26, 2013

With climate change holding the potential to aid the expansion of malaria into formerly non-endemic zones, vulnerable groups in those areas require special attention from national policies to ensure that increasing health risks are managed accordingly.

#Health
Women and Urban Food Insecurity in Southern Africa
Backgrounder No. 55
Ndeyapo Martha Nickanor
March 18, 2013

In Southern Africa, food insecurity and malnutrition are usually viewed as rural problems even though the locus of poverty is shifting to cities, causing growing deprivation among the region's most vulnerable urban dwellers.

#Food Security
From Principle to Practice: Improving Water Management in Nairobi
Africa Portal Backgrounder No. 54
Stephen Otieno
February 25, 2013

Against the myriad of challenges that Nairobi's municipal utilities face on a daily basis, this paper identifies institutional gaps and explains how policy-relevant research can contribute to the progressive realization of adequate water for all.

#Climate Change