GEOTHERMAL FUTURE FOR EAST AFRICA?

A recently concluded study by UNEP published in SciDev suggested that geothermal production in East Africa could leap forward in 2009. The African Rift Geothermal Development Facility (ARGeo) - will drive forward the plan to harvest the steam potential in the region. Kenya alone has a potential to generate at least 4000MW of energy from geothermal sources. Currently Kenya generates roughly 1000MW from hydro, thermal and geothermal sources. A recent press conference by the Ministry of Energy revealed Kenya's plans for nuclear power generation. Which resource should be tapped? Should Kenya generate at all costs or aim for renewable sources?

MORE AID?

The United Nations recently requested for the largest amount of aid ever in the face of the spreading economic crisis, the secretary general's argument was that the developing world needs the money now more than ever. Ironically, the last decade has seen developing countries (especially in Africa) expand at rates not seen since the 1960s. Aid inflows were surpassed by repatriations as the biggest source of foreign cash inflows. Although the amounts of aid money today is greater than ever before, was this the cause of the recent African success stories? Is Aid truly the key?

THE NEW WORLD ORDER

A new party in charge of the US government will undoubtedly herald a new approach to US foreign policy. This change comes at a time when China has made major inroads into Africa in the commodities and infrastructure sectors. Russia has invested heavily in commodities and financial markets across the continent. India at Turkey have established treaties and detailed plans for investment and trade with Africa. Today, foreign direct investment from the US and Europe no longer constitute the bulk of inflows ot the continent. What type of relationship change between Africa and the West are needed? Can Africa benefit from increased competition for its resources?

THE MALAWI MODEL - A RETURN TO AGRICULTURAL SUBSIDIES?

In recent global headlines Malawi has been featured prominently for the seemingly impossible turnaround from being a net recipient of staple food aid (Maize) to becoming a net exporter of the commodity. The Independent has hailed the development as a 'Farming Revolution'. A driving force behind the 'Malawi miracle' has been heavy government subsidies on agricultural inputs, for example fertilizer prices were reduced by a factor of over 100 from 6000 Kwachas to 600 Kwachas. With the benefits clear for everyone to see, should this hail a return to the pre-structural-adjustment agriculture subsidies for Africa?

AFRICAN REVOLUTION OF VALUE ADDED AGRIBUSINESS?

The first private equity fund investing solely in agriculture-related businesses has recently been unveiled in South Africa. Agri-Vie has made clear its intention to focus on firms/entrepreneurs that are in the agribusiness value chain. For close to five decades, the returns from agricultural in African countries has stagnated and in many cases dropped. Exporters too have not been spared as the goods they bring to the world markets are mostly unprocessed and hence are priced in bulk (substantially lower than the final retail price). Could this be the turning point for agriculture on the continent?

POWER SHARING BAD FOR AFRICA?

Recent violent elections in Zimbabwe and Kenya, talk of potential crisis in upcoming elections in Ghana and Burundi, political infighting in Sudan and contested elections in Nigerian courts all paint a dire picture of the evolution of democracy on the continent. Yesterday, an historic deal was signed in Harare bringing the MDC and ZANU-PF together in a power-sharing government of national unity. Johann Kriegler, a retired South African judge in charge of a commission of inquiry into the causes of the recent election violence in Kenya says that coalition governments are not the solution as it violates the very principal of democracy and competition in politics at the expense of stability. What way forward for African democracy?

Problems with the Nile treaty?

According to a recent article in the East African, a row is simmering between the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments about a supposed secret agreement between Cairo and Kampala on the diversion and use of additional water from the Nile river for domestic activities. The Nile Treaty (1929) gives Egypt rights to more than 70% of the Nile water and has been severely disputed by East African countries from which the Nile originates. Can a solution be found? What sharing scheme would be fairest for all the countries through which the Nile flows?

WHY NOT TRADE WITH OURSELVES?

A recent news article in the East African showed that trade between the three main East African Community (EAC) countries has not shown the growth that was anticipated four years after the signing of the East African Community Customs Union Protocol. The business community has blamed slow integration of cross-border controls and specifications, overlapping and conflicting regulations, and a general lack of high level inter-governmental coordination that would result in the true benefits of the Custom Union. All Unions have teething problems, some such as the EU took decades to reach consensus. Do we have that luxury in East Africa? Can we afford to wait?

A NEW AFRICAN DEMOCRACY?

The recent elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe hold a valuable lesson. From the events that unfolded in the two elections, with massive vote rigging and state sponsored violence resulting in chaos and bloodshed, leading to mediated talks geared toward eventual power sharing, it seems a new 'African democratic interpretation' may be manifesting itself. For the last two decades Africans have lost their lives fighting for democratic change in the hope of creating fair political environments that undoubtedly have proven to be critical to successful and prosperous societies. What do these recent events mean for democracy in Africa as we know it?

WHAT WAY OUT OF POVERTY?

"If you are poor, you are not likely to live long,". These were comments made by Nelson Mandela at his village house in Eastern Cape province for a birthday interview. He went on to mention that "there are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty". This way of thinking has largely been manifested in the relationships between Africa and the West. African governments and private organizations routinely demand hand outs in the form of Aid and Debt Forgiveness, suggesting these are the most effective ways to alleviate poverty. Are resources finite? Can the end of extreme poverty only come with the end of extreme wealth?

WHAT DOES AFRICA OWE ZIMBABWE?

Robert Mugabe faces the prospect of even more pressure to dialogue with the opposition MDC today as the G8 environment ministers meeting gets under way in Kobe, Japan. Although not an environmental issue, the recent Zimbabwe election crisis has drawn Mugabe in to the meeting agenda. More recently, the AU summit meeting in Egypt concluded with no clear agreement on how to deal with Zimbabwe now and in the future. Assuming the G8 summit concludes in the same way that the AU meeting did, with no clear resolution, what other steps can Africa take to save Zimbabwe?

DARFUR GETTING WORSE

According to a piece by CNN correspondent Nic Robertson, the situation in Darfur is going from worse to worst. There have been recent reports of up to 66 UN FAO vehicles being hijacked with over 30 of their drivers still missing. While the UN Force in Darfur has the mandate to protect itself and 'shoot back' the contingent is heavily outnumbered and out gunned by (some say) state sponsored militias. Accusations and counter accusations abound between the UN, Sudan, Chad, the US and the EU with no solution in site. What is the way forward for Darfur? Who can solve this crisis where so many have failed?

FAILED PROMISES?

Recently there have been appeals from eminent persons including Kofi Annan, Graca Machel, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and several African leaders that the for G8 countries to make good on the promises of 'economic justice' made at the Gleneagles summit in 2005. To date Africa is facing a $40bn shortfall in promised Aid. This is against a backdrop of rising food and fuel prices and declining food production across the continent. Oxfam, a charity organization, estimates that 5 million African lives are at risk due to this shortfall. Given the consistent donor failures to deliver on Aid pledges, to what extent should Africa depend on and plan for Aid inflows?

OBAMA NOMINATION

On Tuesday evening on June 3 2008, Obama declared himself the victor of the US Democratic National Party’s nomination campaign. Obama now looks set to become the first black US national to win a major party nomination in a presidential contest. Obama is half Kenyan and on Tuesday celebration broke out across Kenya as news of his victory came in. African countries have expressed more optimism in US/Africa relations when the Democratic Party is in control. Coming hot on the heels of Pres. George Bush’s hugely successful PEPFAR, what future would an Obama presidency hold for Kenya and Africa as a whole?

RAILWAY PRIVATIZATION

A few years ago Kenya and Uganda entered in to a joint concession agreement with Rift Valley Railways Ltd. (a South African Consortium) to manage their respective railway networks. Massive investment was required to bring both country rail networks to a useable state as both had never been upgraded since they were built in the late 19th century. Neither country had the funds to do the required upgrade and sought to concession. However, only a year into the agreement, Uganda and Kenya are looking for an exit route claiming that RVR has not kept up to the agreed performance contract. Is privatization the best way forward for infrastructure development in Africa?

DDT USE IN UGANDA

According to a recent article in the East African Uganda has commenced country-wide spraying of crops with DDT, the controversial insecticide who’s use was credited with the near-elimination of malaria in Africa and complete elimination in many tropical areas around the world. However In the 1960’s after decades of DDT use, side-effects of the chemical in plants, animals and humans led to its ban soon thereafter. This ban, some experts say, has resulted in the resurgence of malaria across Africa – in areas where it was once under control. Uganda risks loosing key export markets for fresh produce as buyers reject goods with trace elements of DDT. What is the way forward for Uganda? Should national health trump the exporters lobby?

KENYA BIOFUEL PRODUCTION

A recent article in Afrol News reports that the implementation of plans to grow biofuel crops in Kenya's Tana River Delta could be illegal since the government study grossly inflated the economic benefits of the program without fully assessing the initiatives environmental impact. The scheme, proposed by Mumias Sugar Company in February 2008, has prompted outrage among local people, conservationists and farmers. The Kenyan government will now convene three-day public hearings, beginning on Tuesday 6th May. The world is faced with a severe food supply crisis partly because millions of hectares of land are use to grow biofuel crops. Are biofuels the appropriate long-term alternative?

WHEN PEACE-KEEPERS GO BAD

It is not the first time but the UN Peace Keeping Force has been brought in to the limelight once again with reports that members of the force have been illegally trading weapons, minerals and precious metals with rebels and unscrupulous dealers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is in the wake of similar investigations two years ago which revealed improper dealings between the force and traders in Liberia. The UN’s mandate in an crisis zones is to keep peace. If UN soldiers are trading in weapons, then peace cannot be maintained. What is the way forward for the UN? For governments?

Support The Lwala Community Clinic

Greetings,

I am forwarding you this information about a unique community clinic
in rural Kenya born out of vision and hope.

The Lwala Community Clinic is in its third year of operation.
Currently the Clinic is looking at many different ways to support its
operation including through foundations and private donations,
focusing in the areas of health, education and microfinance.

On a personal note, being in Kenya, I can only share with you concerns
about food prices, and or shortages, which will face this country in
the coming months. As a dispute resolution professional, I am very
concerned that food insecurity may roll back any gains from the
current stability, and exacerbate outstanding issues of IDPS. Not to
mention, insecurity will make it harder to for grassroot efforts such
as this, to continue accessing support. Already many SMEs have found
it difficult to make ends meet.

I am hoping with your networks, expert knowledge and social justice
concernsyou might have ideas and ways to support the working of this
clinic. I have also drawn on any connection to Kenya as well as
college.

Some immediate ways to help

* Read more about the clinic at
http://www.lwalacommunityalliance.org/index.php.

* Help set up screenings of the film, Sons of Lwala, to share with
others an example of leadership, vision, and giving back.

* Learn more about the many projects of Lwala. See if there is a
match between your interests and expertise and the work of the clinic.

For any ideas for activities or screenings of the film, Sons of Lwala,
please write back.

Kwaheri,

GLOBAL FOOD PRICE CRISIS

Global food prices have been on a relentless rise since the third quarter of 2007. Particularly affected have been food staples such as rice, wheat and maize all of which are the primary nutrition source for over 5 billion people in the world today. Major exporters of these staples (including The Philippines and India) have banned exports in an attempt to control the supply and prices of the staples within their borders. Global leaders from the UN, World Bank and the EU have issued warnings of the continued upward spiral of staple food prices coming on the back of general price increases occasioned by the increase in the price of oil. How prepared are developing countries to counter this issue? What role should governments, private sector and development partners play to control the current crisis and to prevent this in the future?

KENYAN POLITICAL CRISIS SEEMINGLY OVER

On Sunday April 13 at 4:00pm, President Kibaki unveiled Kenya’s new cabinet after almost three months of political unrest, uncontrolled violence that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Kenyans. Kenya finally has a cabinet in place which means that the coordination of all government activities can begin. In the last three months, Kenyans economic has suffered immensely. The IMF and other reputed institutions downgraded Kenya’s economic growth outlook from 5.8% to 2.5% for the year 2008. What development priorities should the current government have? What are critical areas in national development that need to be addressed in the near term and long term?

SALES OF NATIONAL ASSETS

Recent media reports have indicated that the allocations of Safaricom Ltd (a mobile phone company owned by the government and two other private entities) shares in the recently concluded initial public offering may shift in favor of foreign investors should Kenyans not raise enough money to purchase at least 25% of the shares offered. What ownership criteria should be used in developing countries when they dispose of national assets through financial markets? Should nationals get first priority whenever a public asset is sold? Should foreign ownership be restricted in certain circumstances?

ZIMBABWE ELECTION – LESSONS LEARNT FROM KENYA?

Citizens of Zimbabwe have been waiting for three days for the official results of their recently held presidential, parliamentary and civic elections to be announced. This is despite the fact that results are announced, printed and displayed at individual polling stations throughout the country. Parliamentary and Presidential tally’s have been trickling in at an excruciatingly slow pace. Despite clear differences, the tallying and announcement exercise mirrors what took place in Kenya at the end of last year. Are there lessons to be learnt from the Kenya aftermath? Should development partners and civil society step in as rapidly as they did in Kenya?

POST ELECTION VIOLENCE - DEHYRDATION IN KENYA IDP CAMPS

Between the last few days of December 2007 and February 2008, hundreds of thousands of Kenyan citizens have been forced into Internally Displaced Peoples Camps (IDP Camps) where food, security, and shelter is available. However, the overwhelming demand for relief food by more than 600,000 IDPs (according the USAID report January 28 2008) has led to severe capacity constraints at the camps. Currently, health staff, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and dehydration remained the most pressing health concerns. How can the issue of dehydration be tackled at the camps?

DFID RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT

Please join DFID Research for Development.Research for Development (R4D) is a free access on-line database containing information about research programs supported by DFID. R4D provides you with the latest information about cutting-edge research in Sustainable Agriculture, Killer Diseases (Malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS), Climate Change and Fragile States. This unique database contains over 20,000 project records of current and past research.Visit now by clicking www.research4development.info to access research, case studies and news on DFID Research. Plus sign up to receive alerts of the latest news, case studies and development research.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN KENYA – IS IT EFFECTIVE?

For the last two weeks the residents of Kipevu in Mombasa have been struggling to cope with toxic fumes that have been emanating from a discarded cargo transport vehicle destined for a Uganda mine. It has taken close to a fortnight for officials from the National Environmental Management Agency (NEMA) to contain the spread of what is apparently identified as an ‘acid’. How capable is your local environmental custodian? In the case of Kenya, is this a problem of inadequate budgeting or inadequate coordination?

The Kenyan Crisis – How has Kenya been affected?

Kofi Annan has been in Kenya for over two weeks now as the Chief Negotiator of a team consisting of Eminent Persons (Her Excellency Graca Machel of the ANC party of South Africa and His Excellency Benjamin Mkapa former President of the Republic of Tanzania). Yesterday, Annan indicated that the talks are near collapse and he shifted his focus to the disputing party leaders President Mwai Kibaki and Hon. Raila Odinga in an attempt to rapidly finalize the negotiation sticking points. How has the current crisis affected Kenya? What is the outlook for a lasting solution to the current crisis? Do the negotiations mark the beginning or the end of the final solution to the crisis?

The Kofi Annan-Led Conflict Resolution Talks

Kofi Annan has been in Kenya for over two weeks now as the Chief Negotiator of a team consisting of Eminent Persons (Her Excellency Graca Machel of the ANC party of South Africa and His Excellency Benjamin Mkapa former President of the Republic of Tanzania). Throughout the course of the mediations, some dialogue and comments questioning the necessity of foreign influence in mediation process has been raised in many quarters. Is foreign mediation necessary? Will an entirely home-grown solution produce the best results?