NYT: Momentum Rises to Lift Africa’s Resource Curse - More than ever before, Africa has been the target of billions of dollars of investment due to its abundant natural resources. Historically speaking, striking oil, gas, and minerals is frequently more of a curse than a blessing, as instead of prosperity, these discoveries often lead to conflict, inequality, corruption and pollution. However recent legislations and investment policies may provide the momentum needed to overcome this curse. (Kofi Annan)
IPS: Laissez-Faire Failing World’s Dwindling Water Resources - Water shortages continue to be a problem for most developing countries, however many are starting to realize that the free-market ideas used to develop countries may in turn be working against the progress needed to secure water resources for the population. (Stephen Leahy)
AllAfrica: Farmers Adapting but Food Insecurity Persists, Researcher Says - According to surveys, most farmers are implementing strategies to improve crop production and deal with rapidly changing climates. However, many of these changes are slow coming and farmers may find themselves needing to innovate faster and more extensively to meet the growing demand for food. (Patti Kristjanson)
Devex: A reflection of challenges to US whole-of-government aid approach? - The whole-of-government approach and partnerships between government and civil agencies may be becoming commonplace in the international community, but according to a report from the US Government for Accountability Office, this may cause great difficulties in the collection and reporting of information and methodologies, and with USAID often on the budget cutting block, they admit holding such standards may grow harder with limited resources. (Ivy Mungcal)
