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Saturday, May 30, 2026
News and Views from the Global South
SOUTH AFRICA: Saving Water, Money and Improving Livelihoods
For many months now, a hosepipe connected to a leaking cistern in Isaac Mooi's outside toilet daily pours an estimated 100 litres of wasted water into the aged sewer system of the Emfuleni Municipality, in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg.
ECONOMY-ZIMBABWE: Good Policies Make for Good Business
With effective political and economic policies, Africa can be a haven for multinational companies (MNCs) even in the continent's least developed countries.
ZIMBABWE: Harvesting Water for Food Security
Earth mounds running across her field hold back the water that Caroline Ndlovu uses to grow maize, pumpkins, beans and watermelons long after the short rainy season in this arid part of Zimbabwe.
ECONOMY: Same Old System Can Only Produce New Crisis
The world is in financial crisis thanks to the reckless behaviour of bankers, say campaigners, yet ordinary people are picking up the tab. Debt activists fear the recession will provide cover for a fresh round of toxic debt to countries in the South.African Govts Urged to Invest in Social Protection
Allocating just one percent of GDP to social protection could make a massive difference to the lives of the continent’s poorest children.
Could Water-Efficient Maize Boost Africa’s Food Security?
As controlled field trials of a genetically modified (GM) crop are about to begin in five African countries amidst promises of improved crops grown under poor conditions, critics are charging organisations with selling out the interests of African farmers.NAMIBIA: Increase Needed in Social Grants for Foster Children
Seventeen-year-old Jason* wants to be a pilot and his 14-year-old foster sister, Gracie*, wants to be a lawyer. In the impoverished district of Rehoboth, south of Windhoek, dreams such as these do not always come true.ZIMBABWE: Free Maternal and Child Care Needed From Government
Mother-to-be Agnes Ncube budgets up to 100 dollars each month from her informal roadside business just so she can pay for the maternal services at her local government clinic.
WEST AFRICA: Black-Eyed Peas Key to Economic Development
The black-eyed pea, commonly known as the cowpea, is the new kid on the block when it comes to improving the welfare of women and their families in West Africa, researchers say.
AFRICA: Can Research Strike a Balance Between Food and Fuel Crops?
While researchers and farmers are still divided on the benefits of growing crops for biofuel production as Africa grapples with food security, Senegal is steadily working to balance the growing demands for food and biofuels.SOUTHERN AFRICA: Social Protection, a Human Right?
Without contributions from well wishers and government grants of between 68 and 104 dollars per month per child, the House of Mother and Child in Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg, would barely be able to provide for the 18 vulnerable children who call the place home.
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Small Amounts of Cash Make a Big Difference
After being diagnosed HIV-positive Margaret Bikyele could not even manage the simplest of household chores, let alone being able to work to generate an income for her and her two sons.Irrigation Transforms Lives in Southern Zimbabwe
More than a million people will need food aid in Zimbabwe this year. As the government looks to boost agriculture production, one rural community is leading the way by using irrigation schemes to improve food security and income.ZIMBABWE: Big Market, Bigger Challenges for Matabeleland Farmers
Most fruits and vegetables sold in Bulawayo are imported from South Africa, because farms immediately around Zimbabwe's second city cannot meet demand. Locals are paying high prices as a result.
Revolution in African Agriculture Gathering Momentum
As one major meeting on agriculture ends, another begins: farming is truly back on Africa's agenda.
AFRICA: Modified Banana Could Cure Deadly Disease
An innovation by researchers in Nigeria could be a cure for the devastating Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) - responsible for annual losses in excess of 500 million dollars of crop across East and Central Africa. But it has also fuelled debate on the genetic engineering of crops in Africa.Doubts Over Zimbabwe Diamonds
Three days of tense deliberations by members of the Kimberley Process have failed to reach consensus on whether diamonds from Zimbabwe's Marange fields should be certified as conflict-free. Zimbabwe has already announced that it intends to resume exports of the precious stones immediately.Artists Refuse Silence on Zimbabwe Atrocities
In a bold attempt to stoke public debate on national healing, an art exhibition is challenging the government to publicly acknowledge one of the most hideous episodes in Zimbabwe's history.Broken Promises on Zimbabwe Press Freedom
Fourteen months after Zimbabwe's government of national unity was formed, harassment, arbitrary arrest and general intimidation of journalists remains common.Savings Spurned in Zimbabwe Water Purification
Zimbabwe spends an estimated 100 million dollars a year importing aluminium sulphate for water treatment plants. But a local entrepreneur has developed a technique to extract the needed compound from kaolin and flint clays abundantly available within the country.
ZIMBABWE: Water Scarcity No Obstacle To Bulawayo Farmers
A project in Zimbabwe's second city, Bulawayo, is creatively using "marginal water" to ease water scarcity while helping residents provide food and earn a living.« Previous Page — Next Page »
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