Hope Springs Once Again for Nigeria’s Returnee Migrants

Nigeria accounts for some of the largest number of irregular migrants trying to reach Europe from Africa.

Getting to the Heart of Irregular Migration in Nigeria’s Markets

Thousands of migrants mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa have died or ended up in slavery as they attempt to travel to Europe irregularly through the desert and across the sea. Many were recruited by traffickers who deceived them into believing that the passage to Europe would be safe and easy.

For Love of the Game: Using Football to Educate Nigerians About the Dangers of Irregular Migration

Hundreds of desperate young Nigerians die yearly in the Sahara Desert or at sea while making irregular journeys to Europe. The desperation to reach Europe at all cost, irrespective of the risks, is a major social problem in Africa’s most populous country.

AUDIO: No Blue Economy Without Conserving the Oceans

Sabine Jessen is the National Director of the Oceans Program for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Speaking to IPS at the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi, she argues that we first need to figure out what we need to conserve, before we think about what resources we can still use without threatening the ecosystems we need to preserve.

“My Number Was Six”

Outwardly, Feras Fayyad is stoic in face of the immense turmoil both he and his country are going through. All of 30 years old, Fayyad, who runs Sout Raya, a radio station in Turkey, exudes calm. His voice is almost soothing.

Climate Smart Agriculture Could Ease Malawi’s Food Insecurity

Climate smart agriculture practiced by some farmers in Malawi has improved harvests. However, the organizations supporting the practice among smallholder farmers who have witnessed reduced harvests due to climate change are not working together, and there is no uniform policy. This has compromised what could otherwise improve food security. Pilirani Tambala reports from Lilongwe.

Zambia Makes Progress in the Prevention of HIV Transmission From Mother to Child

Chisha Mutale reports from Lusaka that substantial progress has been made against the transmission of HIV from mother to child by the the Zambian government and its cooperating partners.

Indian Ocean Islands Unprepared for Climate Change

Nasseem Ackbarally reports from Port Louis Mauritius that despite clear evidence of climate change, the Indian Ocean Islands have not done much in terms of adaptation and mitigation.

Policy and Attitudes Hampering Fight Against HIV and Aids Amongst Sex Workers in Kenya

New HIV infections remain high among sex workers in Kenya. In this report from Nairobi, Mary Itumbi says attitudes towards sex workers and policies that criminalize sex work are largely to blame.

Gender-based Violence Widespread in Zimbabwe

Rutendo Mawere reports from Harare on the link between gender-based violence and HIV and efforts to stop the practice. *with additional reporting by Ish Mafundikwa

Tradition and Poverty Among Drivers of HIV in Malawi

Malawi, which has a population of 14 million, has an HIV prevalence of 10 percent. Almost a third of the infected are aged below 30. This is in part the result of early sexual debut for young girls, a practice encouraged in parts of the country where girls participate in traditional initiation ceremonies. Pilirani Tambala looks at why young Malawian girls are engaging in sex too early and what is being done to discourage the practice.

The Limpopo River basin; Many rivers but not enough water

There are many rivers in the Limpopo basin which is shared by Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa but some of the communities within it are dealing with serious water scarcity. 

Eucalyptus Trees Make Way For Food Crops

A project to reclaim agricultural land lost to eucalyptus plantations is bearing fruit in Cameroon.

Limpopo River basin irrigation water under-utilized in Zimbabwe

Ish Mafundikwa reports that only a fraction of the water available for irrigation in the Limpopo River basin in Zimbabwe is being used.

WASH Still a Work in Progress in Zimbabwe

Ish Mafundikwa reports from Harare that five years after the deadly cholera outbreak that hit Zimbabwe, the country is still struggling to upgrade its water and sanitation infrastructure.

Different Water Fortunes for Batswana in Limpopo Basin

Botswana is a very dry country but there are places where there is enough water for irrigation. There are also places in the Limpopo basin where even water to drink is difficult to get.

Zambezi River Authority Working to Avoid Kariba Mistakes at Batoka

Tens of thousands of people were forcibly moved from their homes to make way for the Kariba Dam almost 60 years ago. A new Hydroelectric Scheme is being proposed at Batoka upstream from Kariba and the Zambezi River Authority is  working to ensure that the lives of those in the vicinity are not overly disrupted.

Lack of Funds Hampering Nigeria’s Fight Against Climate Change

Nigeria experienced its worst flooding which left a trail of destruction in 2012. Meteorologists are forecasting more flooding this year but, beyond warning those who face flooding, the government has not done much to move them as it lacks the money to relocate them.

Improved Seed Improves Ethiopian Farmers’ Lives

Ethiopian farmers are learning that seed security is the basis of food security.

Zimbabwe Finally Working on Climate Change Policy

Despite all the evidence of climate change, Zimbabwe has no policy on climate change. Garikai Chaunza reports from Harare that the country is finally working on a climate change policy.

Inadequate Support for Agriculture Costs Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe used to be self sufficient in maize, the staple crop and often produced a surplus which was sold to neighbouring countries. But since the land reform programme launched in 2000, the country has failed to meet its needs. Experts blame insufficient support by the government for the agricultural sector's poor performance.