A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.
Guatemala
Ongoing Femicide - 10/22/09, Upside Down World
Despite the end of the war in Guatemala, the killing, raping and torturing continues. In 2009 there were 8,000 homicide; approximately 10 percent are women and girls. Between 2002 and 2009, there were 197,538 acts of domestic violence, 13,895 rapes and 4,428 women were murdered.
India
Drought hurts India's Rice Production - 10/29/09, Bloomberg
India experienced the weakest monsoon this year since 1972, causing a drop in production. India’s wet season harvest, which accounts for 80 percent of total output, may slump as much as 24 percent. India, the world’s second-largest rice grower, may become a rice importer for the first time in 21 years.
Nepal
Food Stocks Endangered by Floods - 10/22/09, IRIN
The flooding and landslides earlier this month has increased food insecurities for thousands of families in Nepal. As a result of the rains, more than 600 people were killed and 4,000 were displaced. About 25,000 families have lost their food stocks. The affected regions are the most chronically food insecure areas- where people grow their crops largely for subsistence.
Mexico
Genetically Modified Corn Protested - 10/20/09, CNN
Mexico experienced its first public protests last weekend over the government’s decision to allow cultivation of the first genetically modified corn. Corn is grown on about one-third of the country’s land. Environmentalists say that this could ruin the nation’s 55 varieties of native corn. Studies show that transgenic corn has already contaminated some Mexican cornfields.
South Africa
Farmers Sign Land Deal With Congo - 10/21/09, IOL
South Africa signed a deal with the Republic of Congo that will give South African Farmers access to 10 million hectares of farmland. Congo’s plan to improve food security will allow South African farmers to lease land for maize, soy beans, poultry and dairy cattle among other produce. South Africa has one of the most developed agriculture sectors in Africa and is looking to expand into other countries.
Zimbabwe
Food Crisis Worsens as Farmers Continue To Be Attacked - 10/30/09, IRIN SW Radio Africa News
The food crisis is set to worsen as commercial farmers continue to come under both physical and legal attack. The ongoing aggression against farmers is having a huge impact on the current summer cropping program. More than two million people are facing hunger. In the upcoming months, 1.4 million metric tons of cereal will be available but more than 2 million tons are needed to meet Zimbabwe’s basic food needs.
Guatemala
Malnutrition Continues to Rise - 10/16/09, Miami Herald
The rainy season has not done enough to stop a drought that is exacerbating malnutrition. According to government officials, more than 460 people have died of malnutrition this year. The drought is also affecting other parts of Central America.
Nepal
World Poverty Reduction Day in Nepal - 10/16/09, Xinhua
Nepal marks World Poverty Reduction Day on October 16-18. The UN Millennium Campaign organized the three-day campaign for Nepal. The Prime Minister stated that the policies and programs set forward by the Nepal Government makes it clear that Nepal is committed to eradicate poverty and achieving the MDGs.
Mexico
GMO Testing Approved - 10/16/09, Agence France Press
Mexico approved its first permits for genetically modified test crops of corn. The government hopes to boost the maize production, which has been a highly controversial topic.
South Africa
Unsupported Small Farmers Take Action - 10/16/09, All Africa
A group of small-scale farmers have filed a complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the government. The small farmers are accusing the government of not assisting them to make a living and therefore undermining their human right to food security.
Zimbabwe
Soldiers Committing Sexual Violence on Farms - 10/08/09, SW Radio Africa News
There have been serious cases of sexual violence- including rape- by soldiers on farms they are invading. Armed forces continue to illegally seize land and are using sexual violence as a weapon. When women are evicted from the farms, they are also being exposed to sexual abuse.
Saturday is International Eradication of Poverty Day. Today is Blog Action Day ’09 Climate Change. Now more than ever climate change, and poverty go hand in hand. It is impossible to address one without considering the other.
It is estimated that 150,000 people die each year as a result of climate change. This grim figure doesn’t even account for the millions of people each year whose livelihoods are impacted by climate change’s effects.
Food and water security are critical to alleviate poverty. But with climate change comes increasingly unpredictable weather like poor rainfall or floods, destroying homes and crops. While climate change affects us all, people living in poverty are hit first–and worst.
And by 2015, it is estimated that 375 million people, most of them in poor countries, will be adversely affected by climate change annually through natural disasters.
While the challenge is huge, the solutions start with small steps. Many of our partners now operate programs and take action that both address poverty and seek to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Here in the US, we too can make changes.
For example, we can conserve water by turning off the tap when we clean our teeth. Bhanwari can conserve water because she was able to install a taanka.
We can shift our buying power to local, organic produce. Lal Maya learned how to grow crops native to her area, crops that are drought tolerant and better able to resist pests.
Here, many of us are learning how to reduce our garbage and compost our food scraps. In Mexico, one community is learning how to grow mushrooms, a quick-growing crop, with discarded corn-cobs which provide a great environment for mushrooms to thrive.
People everywhere are making small changes and adapting. We need the governments of the world to follow our example. It is possible to mobilize and create change. Persistence does pay off and change can happen, as Doña María Juárez testify.
Take a stand, make a change and join with Bhanwari, Lal Maya, and Doña María Juárez and the millions of others who are taking action around the world fighting to end climate change.
Take Action:
Tell the UN what you will miss the most.
Sign the petition for a climate change treaty to be agreed upon in Copenhagen this year.
Participate in the International Day of Climate Change Action on Oct 24
Guatemala
Action Alert: Community Leader Murdered by Private Security Guards - October 7, 2009, Upside Down World.org
Revisiting last week’s story on the indigenous community members shot and killed by private security guards from the Guatemalan Nickel Company (a subsidiary of the Canadian company HudBay). Continued violence marks a breakdown in negotiations as the private mining company continues to violently and illegally evict community members from the property. "The attack resulted in the death of community leader Adolfo Ich Xaman and a number of gun-related injuries suffered by other community members." The historical context of this dispute goes back to the 1970s and 1980s where the then military regimes granted access to the private nickel-mining companies. Conflicts between the companies and the communities have recently become more aggressive and upside down world is asking its readers to take action and sign a letter directed to the Guatemalan government officials.
India
240 Die in India as Monsoons Follow Drought - October 5, 2009, New York Times
In addition to 240 deaths, hundreds of thousands have been left homeless due to heavy rainfall lasting 4 days. Drought, which occurred prior the heavy rains, has combined with the floods leaving Indian villages in turmoil. In addition to the 240 deaths, crops have been ruined, cattle have died and hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed. There have been a total of 1,184 total deaths across India's 127 districts year-to-date.
Nepal
Nepal's Tibetans Squeezed as China Flexes Muscles - October 7, 2009, Associated Press
As Beijing's 60th anniversary took place, dozens of Tibetan exiles, "who were suspected of planning anti-China protests," in Nepal were gathered and arrested. The preemptive arrests are part of the government’s response to pressure from Beijing. Regular patrols and interrogations are making life difficult for Tibetan exiles living in Nepal. As Maoist influence has grown in Nepal, the ties with China have strengthened. "Nepal only survives on the goodwill of China and India, and China's condition is that the government should impose restrictions on Tibetans living here," said an anonymous Tibetan community leader.
South Africa
We Have Land Rights but no Water Rights-Farmers - October 5, 2009, Inter Press News Agency
The lack of available water comes as no surprise to black farmers in Limpopo as distribution of water remains a contentious issue in South Africa. Smallholder black farmers (many of whom were involved in land reform) acknowledge that "water rights are not linked to land rights." Despite the launch of the government-project, "Water for Growth and Development Framework"(which will attempt to attain water security by 2030), little has changed and there are no available legal mechanisms that can protect the small farmer. The diminishing quantity and quality of water poses additional challenges to farmers as the sustainability of their farms is questioned.
Abahlali baseMjondolo Supported all Over the World - October 7, 2009, Pambazuka.org,
In response to the armed takeover of Kennedy Road by the African National Congress, Abahlali baseMjondolo is now receiving support from around the world. This link allows you to follow the movement, check out the most recent articles, blogs, press statements, photos and videos and join the movement in solidarity.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Media "still not free" - October 8, 2009, BBC News
As the supposed ban on foreign reporters has been lifted, reporters are still weary about government-placed restrictions. Private newspapers in Zimbabwe remain unable to publish the news without approval from the government’s media watchdog organization-the Zimbabwe Media Commission. However, this organization does not yet exist. Zimbabwe’s two current newspapers are controlled by the state and it appears as if there is no intention to allow alternative views into publication as everyone waits for the Media Commission to materialize.
Women's Empowerment
Strategies for Policy Makers: Bringing Women into Governments, 2009, eldis.org
Authors Whitman and Gomez from the Institute for Inclusive Security have created a report focusing on strategies for bringing women into government positions. The authors argue that the "involvement of women in post-conflict governments have tended to build governance systems which are stable and transparent." Whitman and Gomez offer a number of possible suggestions that would help to foster the increased integration of women's roles in government as well as "success stories" from Rwanda, Cambodia and Afghanistan.
Climate Change
Local Voices, global choices: for successful disaster risk reduction (DRR). A Collection of case studies about community-centre partnerships for DRR - 2009, eldis.org
This report is an interesting look at community-based participation and the effects of climate change. The report focuses on the ways that local communities can make a lasting difference when their "local voices are respected and different actors come together to form strategic partnerships to work collaboratively to reduce disaster risks." The case studies range from formulation of community action plans in Malawi to building community resilience in Nepal. This report looks at how partnerships with local communities help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on rural communities.
UN Climate Talks Split on Treaty - October 9, 2009, BBC News
The UN climate talks in Bangkok’s latest round have come to a three way split. Developing countries are seeking an extension of the Kyoto Protocol while developed countries are seeking a totally new agreement. The third possibility would include a series of decisions to be made at the Copenhagen Talks. Developing countries and environmental groups are charging that developed countries are "dragging their feet" on the issue. Moreover, developing countries want the Kyoto Protocol extended because of existing obligations held by developed nations.
A timely discussion of the problems with the global food system, and solutions created by ordinary citizens around the world.
When: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 6:00pm
Where: Goldman Theater, The David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley
What: An insightful discussion on the global food system, the challenges and innovative solutions local communities are initiating.
Who: Dr. Raj Patel (Author & Activist), Brahm Ahmadi (The People’s Grocery), Jeff Conant (Food & Water Watch), and Rajasvini Bhansali (IDEX). Moderated by Pete Stanga (IDEX)
Join us for this eye-opening panel to learn how communities around the world, from Brazil, India, South Africa and Oakland are facing the challenges posed by the current food system. Find out how people are organizing and creating local alternatives. Learn what you can do.
Everyone is welcome. Recommended donation of $10, no one turned away for lack of funds.
For more details contact Gillian Wilson at IDEX - (415) 824-8384 | idexevents@idex.org
We hope to see you there!
Guatemala
Ongoing Femicide - 10/22/09, Upside Down World
Despite the end of the war in Guatemala, the killing, raping and torturing continues. In 2009 there were 8,000 homicide; approximately 10 percent are women and girls. Between 2002 and 2009, there were 197,538 acts of domestic violence, 13,895 rapes and 4,428 women were murdered.
India
Drought hurts India's Rice Production - 10/29/09, Bloomberg
India experienced the weakest monsoon this year since 1972, causing a drop in production. India’s wet season harvest, which accounts for 80 percent of total output, may slump as much as 24 percent. India, the world’s second-largest rice grower, may become a rice importer for the first time in 21 years.
Nepal
Food Stocks Endangered by Floods - 10/22/09, IRIN
The flooding and landslides earlier this month has increased food insecurities for thousands of families in Nepal. As a result of the rains, more than 600 people were killed and 4,000 were displaced. About 25,000 families have lost their food stocks. The affected regions are the most chronically food insecure areas- where people grow their crops largely for subsistence.
Mexico
Genetically Modified Corn Protested - 10/20/09, CNN
Mexico experienced its first public protests last weekend over the government’s decision to allow cultivation of the first genetically modified corn. Corn is grown on about one-third of the country’s land. Environmentalists say that this could ruin the nation’s 55 varieties of native corn. Studies show that transgenic corn has already contaminated some Mexican cornfields.
South Africa
Farmers Sign Land Deal With Congo - 10/21/09, IOL
South Africa signed a deal with the Republic of Congo that will give South African Farmers access to 10 million hectares of farmland. Congo’s plan to improve food security will allow South African farmers to lease land for maize, soy beans, poultry and dairy cattle among other produce. South Africa has one of the most developed agriculture sectors in Africa and is looking to expand into other countries.
Zimbabwe
Food Crisis Worsens as Farmers Continue To Be Attacked - 10/30/09, IRIN SW Radio Africa News
The food crisis is set to worsen as commercial farmers continue to come under both physical and legal attack. The ongoing aggression against farmers is having a huge impact on the current summer cropping program. More than two million people are facing hunger. In the upcoming months, 1.4 million metric tons of cereal will be available but more than 2 million tons are needed to meet Zimbabwe’s basic food needs.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Malnutrition Continues to Rise - 10/16/09, Miami Herald
The rainy season has not done enough to stop a drought that is exacerbating malnutrition. According to government officials, more than 460 people have died of malnutrition this year. The drought is also affecting other parts of Central America.
Nepal
World Poverty Reduction Day in Nepal - 10/16/09, Xinhua
Nepal marks World Poverty Reduction Day on October 16-18. The UN Millennium Campaign organized the three-day campaign for Nepal. The Prime Minister stated that the policies and programs set forward by the Nepal Government makes it clear that Nepal is committed to eradicate poverty and achieving the MDGs.
Mexico
GMO Testing Approved - 10/16/09, Agence France Press
Mexico approved its first permits for genetically modified test crops of corn. The government hopes to boost the maize production, which has been a highly controversial topic.
South Africa
Unsupported Small Farmers Take Action - 10/16/09, All Africa
A group of small-scale farmers have filed a complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the government. The small farmers are accusing the government of not assisting them to make a living and therefore undermining their human right to food security.
Zimbabwe
Soldiers Committing Sexual Violence on Farms - 10/08/09, SW Radio Africa News
There have been serious cases of sexual violence- including rape- by soldiers on farms they are invading. Armed forces continue to illegally seize land and are using sexual violence as a weapon. When women are evicted from the farms, they are also being exposed to sexual abuse.
Labels: Guatemala, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Saturday is International Eradication of Poverty Day. Today is Blog Action Day ’09 Climate Change. Now more than ever climate change, and poverty go hand in hand. It is impossible to address one without considering the other.It is estimated that 150,000 people die each year as a result of climate change. This grim figure doesn’t even account for the millions of people each year whose livelihoods are impacted by climate change’s effects.
Food and water security are critical to alleviate poverty. But with climate change comes increasingly unpredictable weather like poor rainfall or floods, destroying homes and crops. While climate change affects us all, people living in poverty are hit first–and worst.
And by 2015, it is estimated that 375 million people, most of them in poor countries, will be adversely affected by climate change annually through natural disasters.
While the challenge is huge, the solutions start with small steps. Many of our partners now operate programs and take action that both address poverty and seek to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Here in the US, we too can make changes.
For example, we can conserve water by turning off the tap when we clean our teeth. Bhanwari can conserve water because she was able to install a taanka.
We can shift our buying power to local, organic produce. Lal Maya learned how to grow crops native to her area, crops that are drought tolerant and better able to resist pests.
Here, many of us are learning how to reduce our garbage and compost our food scraps. In Mexico, one community is learning how to grow mushrooms, a quick-growing crop, with discarded corn-cobs which provide a great environment for mushrooms to thrive.
People everywhere are making small changes and adapting. We need the governments of the world to follow our example. It is possible to mobilize and create change. Persistence does pay off and change can happen, as Doña María Juárez testify.
Take a stand, make a change and join with Bhanwari, Lal Maya, and Doña María Juárez and the millions of others who are taking action around the world fighting to end climate change.
Take Action:
Tell the UN what you will miss the most.
Sign the petition for a climate change treaty to be agreed upon in Copenhagen this year.
Participate in the International Day of Climate Change Action on Oct 24
Labels: Blog Action Day. Poverty, Climate Change
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Action Alert: Community Leader Murdered by Private Security Guards - October 7, 2009, Upside Down World.org
Revisiting last week’s story on the indigenous community members shot and killed by private security guards from the Guatemalan Nickel Company (a subsidiary of the Canadian company HudBay). Continued violence marks a breakdown in negotiations as the private mining company continues to violently and illegally evict community members from the property. "The attack resulted in the death of community leader Adolfo Ich Xaman and a number of gun-related injuries suffered by other community members." The historical context of this dispute goes back to the 1970s and 1980s where the then military regimes granted access to the private nickel-mining companies. Conflicts between the companies and the communities have recently become more aggressive and upside down world is asking its readers to take action and sign a letter directed to the Guatemalan government officials.
India
240 Die in India as Monsoons Follow Drought - October 5, 2009, New York Times
In addition to 240 deaths, hundreds of thousands have been left homeless due to heavy rainfall lasting 4 days. Drought, which occurred prior the heavy rains, has combined with the floods leaving Indian villages in turmoil. In addition to the 240 deaths, crops have been ruined, cattle have died and hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed. There have been a total of 1,184 total deaths across India's 127 districts year-to-date.
Nepal
Nepal's Tibetans Squeezed as China Flexes Muscles - October 7, 2009, Associated Press
As Beijing's 60th anniversary took place, dozens of Tibetan exiles, "who were suspected of planning anti-China protests," in Nepal were gathered and arrested. The preemptive arrests are part of the government’s response to pressure from Beijing. Regular patrols and interrogations are making life difficult for Tibetan exiles living in Nepal. As Maoist influence has grown in Nepal, the ties with China have strengthened. "Nepal only survives on the goodwill of China and India, and China's condition is that the government should impose restrictions on Tibetans living here," said an anonymous Tibetan community leader.
South Africa
We Have Land Rights but no Water Rights-Farmers - October 5, 2009, Inter Press News Agency
The lack of available water comes as no surprise to black farmers in Limpopo as distribution of water remains a contentious issue in South Africa. Smallholder black farmers (many of whom were involved in land reform) acknowledge that "water rights are not linked to land rights." Despite the launch of the government-project, "Water for Growth and Development Framework"(which will attempt to attain water security by 2030), little has changed and there are no available legal mechanisms that can protect the small farmer. The diminishing quantity and quality of water poses additional challenges to farmers as the sustainability of their farms is questioned.
Abahlali baseMjondolo Supported all Over the World - October 7, 2009, Pambazuka.org,
In response to the armed takeover of Kennedy Road by the African National Congress, Abahlali baseMjondolo is now receiving support from around the world. This link allows you to follow the movement, check out the most recent articles, blogs, press statements, photos and videos and join the movement in solidarity.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Media "still not free" - October 8, 2009, BBC News
As the supposed ban on foreign reporters has been lifted, reporters are still weary about government-placed restrictions. Private newspapers in Zimbabwe remain unable to publish the news without approval from the government’s media watchdog organization-the Zimbabwe Media Commission. However, this organization does not yet exist. Zimbabwe’s two current newspapers are controlled by the state and it appears as if there is no intention to allow alternative views into publication as everyone waits for the Media Commission to materialize.
Women's Empowerment
Strategies for Policy Makers: Bringing Women into Governments, 2009, eldis.org
Authors Whitman and Gomez from the Institute for Inclusive Security have created a report focusing on strategies for bringing women into government positions. The authors argue that the "involvement of women in post-conflict governments have tended to build governance systems which are stable and transparent." Whitman and Gomez offer a number of possible suggestions that would help to foster the increased integration of women's roles in government as well as "success stories" from Rwanda, Cambodia and Afghanistan.
Climate Change
Local Voices, global choices: for successful disaster risk reduction (DRR). A Collection of case studies about community-centre partnerships for DRR - 2009, eldis.org
This report is an interesting look at community-based participation and the effects of climate change. The report focuses on the ways that local communities can make a lasting difference when their "local voices are respected and different actors come together to form strategic partnerships to work collaboratively to reduce disaster risks." The case studies range from formulation of community action plans in Malawi to building community resilience in Nepal. This report looks at how partnerships with local communities help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on rural communities.
UN Climate Talks Split on Treaty - October 9, 2009, BBC News
The UN climate talks in Bangkok’s latest round have come to a three way split. Developing countries are seeking an extension of the Kyoto Protocol while developed countries are seeking a totally new agreement. The third possibility would include a series of decisions to be made at the Copenhagen Talks. Developing countries and environmental groups are charging that developed countries are "dragging their feet" on the issue. Moreover, developing countries want the Kyoto Protocol extended because of existing obligations held by developed nations.
Labels: Climate Change, Guatemala, India, Nepal, South Africa, South Africa Zimbabwe, Women's Empowerment
A timely discussion of the problems with the global food system, and solutions created by ordinary citizens around the world.When: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 6:00pm
Where: Goldman Theater, The David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley
What: An insightful discussion on the global food system, the challenges and innovative solutions local communities are initiating.
Who: Dr. Raj Patel (Author & Activist), Brahm Ahmadi (The People’s Grocery), Jeff Conant (Food & Water Watch), and Rajasvini Bhansali (IDEX). Moderated by Pete Stanga (IDEX)
Join us for this eye-opening panel to learn how communities around the world, from Brazil, India, South Africa and Oakland are facing the challenges posed by the current food system. Find out how people are organizing and creating local alternatives. Learn what you can do.
Everyone is welcome. Recommended donation of $10, no one turned away for lack of funds.
For more details contact Gillian Wilson at IDEX - (415) 824-8384 | idexevents@idex.org
We hope to see you there!
Labels: Events, Food Security