The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a multi million dollar fund for import-dependent poor countries to help adapt their farming industries quickly to cope with galloping global food prices. Concern is mounting at the FAO that poor countries’ food needs will not be met by outside production this year as prices for basic commodities such as wheat are rising and supply is limited, FAO director general Jacques Diouf said in the Burkina Faso capital Ouagadougou on 12 January.
Health equity in economic and trade policies
Fund launched for poor countries struggling with high food prices
Integrated Regional Information Network, 14 January 2008
Lessons from the Green Revolution: Effects on human nutrition
Kerr RB
Current debates about the potential positive and negative implications of agricultural biotechnology for human nutrition do not seem to be well informed by lessons learned from the Green Revolution. This paper will examine the following question: what was learned from the Green Revolution concerning its effects on food consumption and/or nutrition? 2) In what respects is the agricultural biotechnology issue similar to the Green Revolution? 3) In what respects is it different? 4) Under what circumstances (if any) do you think it would be appropriate to introduce genetically engineered crops into the farming systems of developing countries? 5) What are the pros and cons of the preceding recommendation?
Presentations from side-events to summit
EuropAfrica
In the morning of the second day of the EU-Africa Summit representatives from the side-events got the opportunity to present their views to the Heads of States and Governments. Civil Society Organisations, Youth, Trade Unions and the Private Sector got three minutes respectively. Alpha Omar Konaré, president of the African Commission expressed that he was very happy with the fact that there were ‘many voices’ of civil representation - entrepreneurs, the youth and various associations - that are involved in the partnership between the two continents and ready to collaborate so that this cooperation between Europe and Africa can develop in a positive way for all parties. He also quoted the Civil Society Declaration, mentioning the lack of power equilibrium between both Continents.
The macroeconomic framework and the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa: the cases of Ghana and Malawi
African Forum and Network on Debt and Development , 2007
Have traditional restrictive macroeconomic policies and budget ceilings limited some governments from giving HIV/AIDS the attention it deserves? This paper analyses the links between macroeconomic frameworks provided by the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and HIV social spending in Ghana and Malawi. It reviews major channels through which fiscal and monetary policies impact on public expenditure frameworks and how this, in turn, affects the ability of the countries to design and implement public programmes for those living with and affected by AIDS. Authors stress the need for a fundamental shift in the design and execution of the macroeconomic framework.
IP Provisions in EU Trade Agreements: Implications for Developing Countries
Santa Cruz MS: ICTSD Programme on IPRs and Sustainable Development Issue Paper 20, June 2007
This study is one further contribution of the ICTSD Programme on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)and Sustainable Development to a better understanding of the proper role of intellectual property in a knowledge-based economy. The objective of the study is to generate and expand understanding of the policy of the EU regarding IPRs in bilateral and regional trade agreements. Additionally, it attempts to evaluate the impact of IP provisions proposed by the EU at a critical phase of EPA negotiations.
The Africa-EU Strategic Partnership
AU Commission/NEPAD, African States; European Commission, EU Member States
This Joint Strategy, which will provide an overarching long-term framework for Africa-EU relations, will be implemented through successive short-term Action Plans and enhanced political dialogue at all levels, resulting in concrete and measurable outcomes in all areas of the partnership. The purpose of this Joint Strategy is to take the Africa-EU relationship to a new, strategic level with a strengthened political partnership and enhanced cooperation at all levels. The partnership will be based on a Euro-African consensus on values, common interests and common strategic objectives. This partnership should strive to bridge the development divide between Africa and Europe through the strengthening of economic cooperation and the promotion of sustainable development in both continents, living side by side in peace, security, prosperity, solidarity and human dignity.
The Development Dimension or Disillusion?: The EU’s Development Policy Goals and the Economic Partnership Agreements
Stocchetti M: The Nordic Africa Institute, Policy Notes Trade 1, October 2007
The EU and the ACP countries aim to conclude the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) by the end of December 2007. All parties agree that these trading arrangements are meant to be first and foremost “development instruments”. However, their positions differ greatly on how the EPAs will impact on the ultimate goal of poverty reduction. In this policy note Marikki
Stocchetti addresses the key issues of this disagreement.
The macroeconomic framework and the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa: the cases of Ghana and Malawi
African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), 2007
Have traditional restrictive macroeconomic policies and budget ceilings limited some governments from giving HIV and AIDS the attention it deserves? This paper analyses the links between macroeconomic frameworks provided by the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and HIV/AIDS social spending in Ghana and Malawi. Authors stress the need for a fundamental shift in the design and execution of the macroeconomic framework and propose policy recommendations.
Governments (Still) Pondering How to Make Drugs Accessible
Cronin D: IPS News, 30 October 2007
The struggle to make medicines affordable to the world’s poor, especially in Africa, is raging on at the highest levels. Last week the European Commission took a landmark decision on generic drugs and next week a high-level intergovernmental meeting will look at ways to prevent patents from blocking access to drugs.
Access to medicines divides rich and poor at WHO
Moreira A: Valor Economico, 6 November 2007
Two proposals to change the current patent system are causing a new diplomatic battle at the World Health Organisation in November. One concerns the launch of new medicines and the other seeks to make existing drugs available at low prices in developing countries. A coalition of developing countries, amongst them Brazil, and non-governmental organisations are defending a “patent pool” to combine intellectual property rights on existing medicines, and a “prize fund” to reward and stimulate discovery of new medicines for so-called neglected diseases. The two initiatives are receiving strong opposition from some rich countries and the pharmaceutical industry. They have also caused a split between the two major Latin American countries. Mexico is moving away from Brazil’s position and is making alliance with the US, alleging that it has commitments in the trade agreement with Washington.
Further details: /newsletter/id/32614