Articles
NEPAD: A New Agenda or Another Rhetoric in Africa’s Political Adventurism?
African states have passed through many stages of developmental metamorphosis since independence. Each stage has marked a political milestone for which a disproportionate amount of political inertia has dealt decelerating blows to development. This article examines the challenges facing the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). NEPAD was born against the backdrop of widespread political imbroglio involving civil wars, human rights abuses, and limited financial resources for development in Africa. NEPAD is perceived to have made considerable progress in agriculture, infrastructure, environment, and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) implementations. The development partners, however, are accused of having failed to meet their financial and other commitments, a condition that African leaders branded “a letdown by donors who failed to live up to their pledges.” This article argues that the ability of NEPAD to deliver Africa out of the current political and economic limbo depends largely on how well it can galvanize the political will of African state agents and the moral conscience of local and international partners to implement the NEPAD strategies.
Should Land be Returned to White Farmers in Zimbabwe?
This article discusses the Zimbabwean land crisis from a rights perspective. After reviewing colonial and postcolonial history, the article looks at the rights dilemmas generated by the land crisis. It concludes by suggesting policies that attempt to constructively engage all parties concerned.
Rejuvenating African Economies: The Role of Engineering in International Development
Africa’s ability to meet its human welfare needs, participate in the global economy, and protect the environment will require considerable investment in science and innovation in general and engineering in particular. This article argues that viable strategies for building competence in engineering should seek to link engineering training directly to infrastructure projects. The African policy community should launch a global review of the lessons learned from international development efforts over the last fifty years that could guide a new phase of international development cooperation with a focus on the role of science and engineering in sustainable development.
Ecosystems Management in Africa – Case Study: Lake Chad River Basin Commission
Drawing on the findings of a recent institutional assessment of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, conducted between September 2005 and May 2006, this case highlights the role of human capital and institutions in shaping the evolution of systems of innovation in Africa.
Making Liberia Safe through Comprehensive Security Sector Reform
Security-sector reform is critical for establishing stability in post-conflict African countries. From its first day in office, the Johnson-Sirleaf government made security-sector reform a high priority in Liberia, and the United Nations, the United States, and other supporters are helping Liberia build new police and armed forces. Yet Liberia and its partners need an overarching security-sector architecture and strategy. This article’s analysis and recommendations toward that end may help not only Liberia but also other countries struggling to create effective, legitimate, coherent, and affordable security sectors.