- Tanzania’s mining sector has grown rapidly in recent years. A new study provides background information on the industry, its impacts, and the legal and political environment of its operation. It argues for a joint effort of all stakeholders to overcome typical challenges of the extractive resource industry in Africa, in order to make Tanzania the “best performer in her class”. More»
- The destruction of tropical forests contributes 15-20% to the greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activity. Initiatives to reduce deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) are widely considered vital to mitigate climate change. However, they carry considerable risks, if not designed properly. more»
Africa in the Global Climate Negotiations – - African countries view the existing financial mechanisms for climate mitigation and adaptation as inadequate, complex and fragmented. They demand a climate change adaptation fund worth $67 billion per year by 2020, and want developed countries to contribute 0.5% of GDP for climate action in developing countries. In the negotiation process in Bali, Africa identified itself with the demands of other developing countries which wanted developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2020, and at least 80% to 95% below 1990 levels by 2050. more»
Energy Crisis in Kenya: The Way Forward – - The energy crisis is here: Drought-related low water levels in Kenya’s major hydroelectric facilities have led to power rationing, cutting off Kenyans from electricity supply for three days per week. What can be done – and what is already being done to address the situation? more»
Energy Security and Adaptation to Climate Change in East Africa and the Horn of Africa: Large Scale Hydropower vs. Decentralized Renewables – - Drought-induced reduction in hydropower generation has become a persistent feature in the region’s electricity generation. Expanding decentralized renewable energies for electricity generation provides an important and cost-effective measure of adapation to climate change. more»
Towards a Joint African Position on the Road to Copenhagen – - In May 2009, African environmental ministers and other stakeholders from the continent met in Nairobi in order to work towards a shared vision and joint African position in the global negotiations on climate change, preparing for the UNFCCC conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. more»
- Maize as the staple food of Kenya is in trouble - both at production and marketing levels. The Government of Kenya has introduced subsidies to reduce high maize prices, with limited success so far. Expansion of irrigation for food production is under way. Reforms of the National Cereals and Produce Board are needed.
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Family Law Reform in Kenya: The Marriage Bill 2007 – - The recent publishing of the Marriage Bill 2007 – due for parliamentary debate later this year – has elicited much controversy and misconception. What is the planned family law reform in Kenya really about? more»
Gender Based Violence in Kenya's Post-Election Crisis – - When Kenya exploded after the December 2007 elections, thousands of women experienced sexual violence. What has been done since then to help the victims? more»
High Food Prices – Who gets the Money? – - A maize shortage has led to an unprecedented price hike in Kenya; government has declared the food insecurity a national disaster. Many Kenyans attribute food price inflation to mismanagement and corruption. But to what extent does it result from actual scarcity? Do food crop producers - many of them small farmers - profit from high food prices?
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Civil Society in Kenya – - Civil society has become a critical player in African politics. In Kenya, civil society underwent many changes after the transition from KANU to NARC in 2002, and it was severely affected by crisis after the December 2007 elections. more»
- China's role in Africa has rapidly grown in recent years. A dialogue between Chinese experts on Africa and African civil society organizations discussed opportunities and concerns in the Sino-African relationship and explored possibilities for engagement and advocacy work. more»
- The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) for the Sudan is more than half way through its implementation period. In a series of dialogue sessions, the National Civic Forum (Sudan) analysed the agreement's progress and problems. more»