Kenyan nurses suffer after self-diagnosis

“ … when you are stigmatized, you hide away, you are in denial, you become depressed, and you stay away in isolation. That kills us …”   Audio Slide Show

Mushroom farmers bloom in Cameroon

In the NW region of Cameroon, mushrooms are a cherished delicacy, eaten by almost every household. Yet in the markets mushroom is scarce and farmer say successful cultivation is highly profitable.

Mauritius fisherman do not want EU trawlers

Mauritian fishermen are angry about  fishing vessels from the European Union in their territorial waters. And environmentalists are concerned that over-fishing may deplete the Indian Ocean of its stocks of fish.   Audio Slide Show

Mauritius introduces new ways to collect blood

The Mauritius blood bank is introducing new ways to get the youth to give blood. The drive could also help the country reach one of its MDG goals. Audio Slide Show

Partnerships make Sao Tome cocoa grow

Small farmers in Sao Tome are reaping the benefits of entering niche markets. Andrea Serpagli, a spokesperson for the International Fund for Agricultural Development in Sao Tome, told Tinus de Jager that the success of the farmers sprout from partnerships and knowledge gained from other similar projects.

Women and children need climate change education

70% of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are women. Many of these are semi-illiterate, yet they are the most affected by changes in climate.

Traditional farmers adapt to climate change

Experts say small-scale farmers are in a better position to adapt to climate change. IPS’s Tinus de Jager interviews Andrea Serpagli, from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, on their successful programme in Sao Tome.

Farmers can grow food and bio fuels in West Africa

Tinus de Jager speaks to Hugo Verkuijl, DG of MaliBiocarburant, who produces biofuels “in a way that supplements farmers' incomes, contributes to poverty alleviation and respects the environment”. The question is whether farmers can grow both food and fuel in Western Africa.

Women scientists must do more to succeed in Africa

Women in science face a difficult time getting recognition; they often have to put in more to get the same recognition as men.

Cameroon farmers fight infertile soil

Farmers blame infertile soil for the low food crop yields in many part of Cameroon. Aaron Yancho Kaah reports from the North-western region the country.

MDR TB on the rise in South Africa

Hospitals in South Africa are reporting increases in cases of multidrug-resistant – or MDR – tuberculosis.
Audio Slide Show

Six out of ten girls drop out of Benin school

Overcrowding and a lack of infrastructure is putting a strain on the Dangbo High School in Benin, but some 57% of female pupils drop out because of early sexual activities. Sipho Stuurman reports from the Bonou region. Audio Slide Show

Cell phones are working for West African farmers

While many farmers in West Africa are still struggling to get information on crops and farming techniques, it seems as if more readily available information ... on commodity prices and the weather ... are reaching even subsistence farmers in the region.

Invest oil money in infrastructure: IFAD

Concerns about oil money not reaching the poorest of the poor in West Africa still abound, but NGOs say issues can still be addressed. Steven Schonberger, the West and Central Africa regional economist for IFAD, told Tinus de Jager that oil money put into infrastructure could boost the agriculture in the region.

Land is the issue in West Africa

Tinus de Jager interviews Steven Schonberger, IFAD’s Regional Economist for West and Central Africa, on the problems and success in establishing good farming practices in the region.

Mauritius considers new abortion laws

Mauritius has wants to allow abortion, but the Bill before Parliament specifies when this will be legal. Nasseem Ackbarally says arguments for and against the practice are taking centre stage in the island nation.
Audio Slide Show

Health service works for truck drivers

Small weather stations could help Kenyan farmers

Often the horn of Africa is unprepared to deal with sudden changes in climate, but small weather stations could change the luck of farmers in the region. Martha Nyambura reports.

Mauritians worried about new dam

The Mauritian Government has started the construction of 14-million cubic metres dam at Bagatelle, in the center of the island, to collect water that presently runs to the sea. But farmers in the area fear the new dam may damage their crops, particularly sugar cane and vegetables, and affect their livelihood.

SADC says better infrastructure would stop Diepsloot-like water issues

Problems with providing water to residents in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, prompted IPS to look at the issue at a regional level. Sipho Stuurman asked Southern African Development Community (SADC) water expert, Phera Ramoeli, about the problems the region faced.

Women process food to fight climate change

It is estimated that African farmers who sell their surplus harvest receive only 10 to 20 percent of the price of their produce due to post harvest losses brought about by extreme climatic conditions and the lack of access to appropriate technologies. But, says Martha Nyambura, women in the Kilifi county of Kenya, are now looking at new methods to help them combat harsh conditions.