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Grants Send Leading Scholars to 15 African Countries for Field-based Research
Article
Kevin Dias
April 27, 2012
From food security to the engagement of emerging donors, serious policy challenges facing Africa will be at the forefront of 15 researchers’ fieldwork thanks to the Africa Initiative’s 2012 research grants of up to $15,000, it was announced today.
Ethiopia's Drive to Improve Farming: Is it Making a Difference?
Research Paper
April 4, 2012
The Ethiopian government has been boosting agricultural production by availing fertilizers, improved seeds and better management practices to its farmers. But is this act making a difference in the lives of farmers?
International Women's Day: 'Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures.'
Article
March 6, 2012
International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8 every year, recognizes the achievements of women all over the world. March 8 became prominent in 1975 when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International peace. The resolution also stipulated that member states of the UN should observe the day in accordance with their historical and national traditions. The UN theme for 2012 is ‘Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures.’ In Africa, several countries have planned celebrations in honour of women’s achievements.
Growing Clout of the BRICS and South Africa’s Role
Article
March 5, 2012
This paper examines how emerging powers – notably Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) – are positioning themselves in relation to the system of global governance, the ideas they articulate, and the extent to which their rise constitutes a counter-narrative to that which is presented by the West. A key question that emerges is: Does the rise of emerging powers signal the decline of the West? In the context of this global transformation, where does South Africa, the continent's representative among the emerging powers, stand?
Credit Pitfalls in Post-Conflict Liberia
Research Paper
March 5, 2012
External interventions in the economies of countries emerging from conflict have been touted as a good avenue to rebuild the private sector and hasten effective economic recovery. In this regard, the provision of credit is promoted as a vehicle to economic recovery and combating poverty. But in Liberia, the provision of credit and other lending schemes raises a number of questions. Are loan programs effective for the growth of domestic enterprises in the aftermath of conflict? Can loan programs work without significant improvements in the business climate?
Closing the Gap between Humanitarian Relief and Development Assistance
Opinion Piece
Meagan Kay
March 2, 2012
When emergency relief turns into a protracted crisis, what happens to the aid that falls between short-term humanitarian relief and development assistance over the medium-term? Who should deliver it?
Improving Agriculture in Nigeria
Research Paper
February 27, 2012
Boosting agricultural productivity in Nigeria could dramatically reduce poverty and improve the quality of life throughout the country. This research paper identifies changes that can be effected to better develop this struggling sector.
The Changing Dynamics of China’s Trade with Nigeria
Policy Brief
February 27, 2012
“Oil for Infrastructure” was the dominant trade relationship between Nigeria and China for most of the last decade. However, following the end of the Obasanjo administration in 2007, the program was replaced by a cash exchange. Since this transition, many infrastructure projects started under the “oil for infrastructure” arrangement have been stalled. This policy brief suggests that the degree, to which commercial contracts are overruled by political changes in Nigeria, as well as other African states, may make “oil for infrastructure” exchanges unworkable. |