T®DAY Southern African Development Community Vol. 7 No. 1 April 2004

by Munetsi Madakufamba

he Chairperson of SA D C , on 14 May, 2004. To that end, a prepar'IWl'T...... President Benjamin tory meeting of ministers of agricul ,"· TW illiam Mkapa, has launched was held recently to prepare the ageni~a the Regional Indicative Strategic for the summit and identify concr Development Plan (RISDP), a land­ strategies (see box on page 6). mark blueprint meant to guide a new Reflecting on the role Tanzani SADC that has emerged out of a rigor­ played in support of liberation s ous restructuring process. gles in southern Africa, Preside The blueprint for integrated region­ Mkapa said, "Today we fight a diffi al development and poverty eradica­ ent war ... a war against poverty tion was launched on 12 March at the deprivation ... we need all the pe start of a two-day SADC Council of in southern Africa to feel deeply fo Ministers meeting in Arusha, setting in this struggle, to be attached to it, to motion a 15-year mission to, among realise that it is the only hope for otlr other targets, halve the number of peo­ children in a globalising world." ple living below the poverty line in The leafy Tanzanian town of Arush , SADC by 2015. The RISDP, which will be reviewed on a five-yearly basis, has important milestones in all key areas of regional integration. Its time-bound targets are beacons that lead towards continental and international goals, in particular the by Bonifacio Antonio African Union's New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and frican leaders have decided to African leaders instructeo the the UN Millennium Development establish an Agricultural Chairperson of the Commission of the Goals (MDGs). ADevelopment Fund as one way AU "to undertake a feasibility study for The overriding target is to attain of eliminating food deficiency and the expeditious establishment of an annual economic growth rates of at increasing production and productivi­ African Agricultural Development least seven percent, necessary to halve ty in the continent. Fund" aimed at boosting agricultural The African Union (AU) Second the proportion of people living in production. Extraordinary Session held in Sirte, The African leaders recognised that poverty by 2015. The plan is built Libya, recognised the urgent need to to attain self-sufficiency in food pro­ around a number of intervention areas, respond to Africa's critical problems of duction and eradicate hunger, "it is one of which is regional cooperation hunger, poverty and disease by employ­ necessary to promote strategic food in ensuring food security. ing innovative complementary and crops" particularly wheat, rice, corn, In recognition of the critical impor­ comprehensive approaches aimed at cash crops and others in the regions tance of food security and the recur­ optimizing the productivity of Africa's appropriate for their production. rent nature of food shortages in the acknowledged massive resources and To achieve this, Africa needs to region, President Mkapa is convening huge possibilities for sustainable devel­ implement the governments' commit­ an extraordinary SADC summit to dis­ opment. The response would take into ment (adopted last July in Maputo) of cuss and agree on short, medium and account the variations in resource allocating at least 10 percent of their long-term strategies. The summit is potential and endowment in different expected to take place in Dar es Salaam, regions of the continent. continued on page 4 INSIDE

D Policy Review: SADC T®DAY Regional Indicative Strategic Southern African Development Community Plan 3 Vol. 7 No. I April 2004

SADC TODAY is produced by the D Population requiring food Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) six aid decreases 4 times a year on behalf of the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the D SADC formulates seed official positions and opinions of the regulations 5 SADC Secretariat or SARDC. Materials from this newsletter may be reproduced Water management 7 freely by the media and others with attri­ D SADC to create enabling bution to SADC TODAY. environment for smallscale ©SADC, SARDC, 2004 farmers 8

Editorial Committee Chipo Muvezwa, Chengetai Madziwa, D Biosafety frameworks 11 Chenai Mufanawejingo, Phyllis Johnson, Bonifacio Antonio, Clever Mafuta, Pamela Mhlanga, Rudo Meda D Community Building: A cultural perspective of Editorial Advisors Esther Kanaimba food security 13 Head of SADC Public Relations Petronilla Ndebele SADC Information Officer D Around the region: Editors Smallscale farmers 9 News Briefs 14 Munetsi Madakufamba, Virginia Muwanigwa D Book review & recent Design & Layout/DTP Tonely Ngwenya publications 15

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2 SADC TODAY, April 2004 POLICY REVIEW RISDP Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan

he Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), RISDP and food security Tlaunched by Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa during the Council of Ministers meeting held in Arusha in March, is seen as the road ,-iie RISDP emphasises cooperation in sustainable food security in order to achieve last- map through which SADC can 1 ing access to safe and adequate food at all times by all people in SADC. The focus of achieve its major development objec­ the RISDP is on improving food availability, access to food and nutritional value of food, ti ve of poverty reduction. while minimizing food losses, improving forecasting, prevention, mitigation and recovery In line with commitments made by from adverse effects of natural disasters and improving the institutional framework. The member states under the Millenium RISDP has formulated strategies for attaining the goals and objectives for sustainable food Development Goals (MDGs) and New security which include: Partnership for Africa's Development • increasing crop and livestock production, productivity and profitability; (NEPAD), the RISDP identifies the • promoting irrigation and appropriate agricultural production technologies; following priority intervention areas: • promoting trade in food and non-food agricultural products; Cross sectoral • Poverty reduction; • promoting rural non-farm income generating activities, entrepreneurship development, • Combating of the HIV and AIDS and effective food storage and preservation technologies; pandemic; • improving the quality of processing, packaging, labelling and preparation of food ; • Gender equity and development; • broadening and strengthening the early warning system; and • developing Protocols for Food Security and Agriculture, and the Environment. • Science and technology; • Information and communications Source: RISDP document technology; • Environment and sustainable devel- opment; tate achievement of substantive equality availability of integrated, efficient and • Private sector; between men and women through cost effective infrastructure that will • Statistics; mainstreaming gender in all national support and sustain regional economic Sectoral cooperation and integration and regional policies, programmes and • Trade, economic liberalization and development, trade, investment and activities with specific targets. agriculture while contributing towards development; In science and technology, SADC poverty eradication is also emphasized. • Infrastructure support for regional aims to develop and strengthen national The successful implementation of integration and poverty eradication; systems of innovation in order to pro­ RISDP requires a major commitment • Sustainable food security; and vide scientific and technological solu­ of sustainable financial resources. In • Human and social development. tions for sustainable socio-economic order to improve the financial capaci­ "The RISDP accords top priority to development, regional integration and ty of SADC, member states are poverty eradication with the aim to pro­ poverty eradication. The need to use exploring the potential for developing mote sustainable and equitable econom­ modem communication technology to self-financing mechanisms for the ic growth and socio-economic develop­ ensure efficient dissemination of infor­ organization. So far, SADC has relied ment that will ensure poverty allevia­ mation in the region is also a priority. mainly on contributions from member tion with the ultimate objective of its The RISDP proposes policy devel­ states and grants from International eradication," says the policy document. opments towards environmental and Cooperating Partners. HIV and AIDS continue to be the sustainable development to ensure An appropriate institutional frame­ biggest health challenge in the region equitable and sustainable use of the work is also essential for the effective with corresponding adverse impacts environment and natural resources. operationalisation of the RISDP. "The on socio-economic development. The Cooperation in food security is also a RISDP envisages that at the political RISDP aims to decrease the number of major priority area in the regional plan level, the Council of Ministers, infections and affected persons given related challenges that the through the Integrated Committee of through strategies that promote the re­ region has been facing. Ministers (ICM) will provide policy allocation of responsibilities for plan­ Trade promotion, economic liberali­ direction and oversight to implemen­ ning, coordination, implementation, sation and development are highlighted, tation," says the document. At the monitoring and evaluation of the with emphasis on the formation of a operationalisation level, management SADC response across all its sectors .. free trade area by 2008 according to the and coordination of the RISDP will With regard to gender equity and SADC Trade Protocol. The develop­ primarily be the responsibility of the development, the RISDP aims to facili- ment of infrastructure to ensure the SADC Secretariat. 0

SADC TODAY, April 2004 3 CURRENT ISSUES food security Population requiring food aid decreases by Munetsi Madakufamba

ore than seven million people the two governments to declare, sepa­ gramme on irrigation development are expected to be in need of rately, national disasters and appeal for and water management that is aimed at M food aid during the current emergency aid. In Namibia, United reducing the dependency on rain-fed crop season in southern Africa, just Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe, agricultural production is being under half of the number that was inadequate inputs such as seed and fer­ explored. The programme is funded affected last year. tilizer worsened the situation. by the Africa Development Bank. This was revealed by latest informa­ Richard Masundire, Senior The SADC Secretariat is also tion released by the SADC Food, Agricultural Economist at SADC exploring the possibility of creating a Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretariat said the actual situation "food reserve facility" to be supported (FANR) Directorate at the Council of might be slightly different as several by member states and the World Bank. Ministers meeting held in March in the countries were still compiling their The reserve facility would build a northern Tanzanian town of Arusha. crop forecasts. He said only South grain reserve that member states can FANR noted that late rains in most parts Africa had so far announced crop pro­ rely on, as well as a fund that can sup­ of the region were going to result in duction forecasts for the 2003/04 sea­ port other non-food requirements dur­ reduced cereal harvests. son which suggested that a lower har­ ing periods of need. "Because of the delayed onset of the vest than last year was in prospect. The forthcoming SADC Extra­ rainy season, planting which no1mally is Masundire said countries such as Ordinary Summit on Agriculture and carried out in the October-November Angola and DRC that grow cassava Food Security to be held in the period, was late in most member states, were better placed to supplement their Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam on 14 as late as January particularly in parts of cereal production. Cassava requires May, is also expected to make major Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, less rain than most cereals. SADC decisions that support sustainable agri­ Swaziland and Zimbabwe," said countries are being encouraged to culture and food security in the region. Margaret Nyirenda, FANR supervisor at grow more crop varieties as an insur­ "The Extra-Ordinary Summit will the SADC Secretariat. ance policy against bad weather. consider short, medium and lotrg term Although rainfall distribution In addition, the region is employing measures to ensure food security in the improved in January through February, medium to long-term strategies that region, taking into consideration the this was too late to save standing crops ensure food security and sustainable experiences of the recent food crisis," in drought-stricken areas of southern livelihoods. For instance, a new pro- said Nyirenda. 0 Mozambique, Swaziland, and eastern and southern Zimbabwe. "As a result, another poor harvest is expected for the AU to create Agriculture Fund current growing season," said Nyirenda. She said the late rains had also continued from page 1 affected non-cereal production, result­ ing in reduced area planted in all south­ national budgets to transform plans to level in order to avert the negative ern African countries except Angola and boost agricultural production into reali­ impact of drought, desertification, Zambia. Angola has benefited ty. This commitment would also create floods, natural disasters and pests. immensely from the peace dividend the right environment for attracting local The African leaders highlighted the and foreign investment since the end of civil war in April 2002. in the sector. importance of livestock and fisheries African leaders also decided to sup­ in the economic and social develop­ Previously inaccessible parts of the port the "development of the human ment of Africa. They committed them­ country have now been put under agri­ resource potential in the continent selves to "promote the development of cultural production and inputs are freely through education, training, skills devel­ livestock production including the distributed as widely as possible. opment and exchange of expertise" . improvement of natural pastures, dis­ South Africa, the largest grain pro­ "We need to effectively utilise the tribution of veterinary products and ducer and exporter in the region, plant­ results of scientific research for agri­ genetic resources with a view to ed its smallest maize area in 60 years. cultural planning to tackle problems of improving food security". Its prime maize producing areas of Free desertification, soil and water conser­ The summit decided "to strengthen State, Limpopo, North West and vation and environment protection for existing river and lake water basins Mpumalanga have been affected by sustainable agricultural and animal organizations where they exist and drought. Although the country is fore­ resources development," they said. establish new ones wherever appropri­ cast to produce an overall maize sur­ The extraordinary summit decided ate to develop and promote water plus, it is unlikely to export to countries to enhance the Early Warning Systems resources through support to infrastruc­ with a shortage of the staple grain. _ at regional level and their establish­ ture projects, including the construction The situation which has been so bad ment where they do not exist as well of dams and canals, sinking of wells and in Lesotho and Swaziland has prompted as their coordination at continental providing irrigation equipment." 0

4 SADC TODAY, April 2004 ..

CURRENT ISSUES agriculture SADC formulates seed regu lations across borders by Singy Hanyona

lant breeders and seed experts in The Maputo meeting sought to time before they can enter the seed SADC have developed a new address the problem by formulating market," says Muliokela. Pmodel for regional seed certifi­ some technical details, agreed at region­ SADC is also concerned about the cation and quality assurance. The Seed al level, that would allow for smooth differences in import and export pro­ Certification and Quality Assurance seed trade in SADC or beyond. Member cedures among countries in the System, when ratified by govern­ states will present the proposed model region. Although most countries in the ments, would enhance the movement to SADC Ministers of Agriculture for region are now using the Organisation of seed across borders of all the SADC recommendation for adoption and for Economic Cooperation and member states. implementation. Development (OECD) systems, A highly technical meeting recently Once adopted, the system would Tanzania uses the Organisation organised by the SADC Seed Security take care of the management of the of American Seed Certification Network (SSSN), in Maputo, brought clearinghouse arrangements for seed. Association (OASCA) system. together stakeholders and seed experts It would also provide a platform for Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has a to agree on modalities and mechanics efficient exchange of information on flexible system that uses both, for drafting the model. The meeting seed varieties in the region. although the commonly used is the also brought in international experi­ To ensure that the system meets the OECD. ences in seed from the European requirements of the region, some Seed Most countries have a seed class Union (EU). Focal Points (SFPs) have already been whose standards are lower than the Most seed systems in the region are trained for inputting data in the sys­ certified seed class. These are known not yet in tandem with SADC policies. tem. In April 2003, the first regional by various names such as Quality The Community is however working Seed Variety Release Model was Declared Seed (QDS) in Zambia, on harmonizing seed regulations to developed, ai med at reducing bureau­ Swaziland, Tanzania, and Lesotho. In ensure seed security contributes to the cracy in variety testing and release Mozambique, it is known as overall regional goal of guaranteeing within SADC. Guaranteed Seed (GS), in Malawi as food security. With these instruments in place, it is Approved Seed (AS), in Botswana as According to Edward Zulu, hoped that the question of variety testing Government Tested Seed (GTS) and Coordinator of the SSSN, movement and release in SADC would no longer Standard Grade Seed (SGS) in of seeds across borders in the region be an issue. "It is now time to move for­ Zimbabwe. still faces undue constraints. "This has ward," says Stephen Muliokela, Director Meanwhile, the SSSN is develop­ not been in the interest of seed indus­ of the Golden Valley, a private Research ing a database for crop varieties, seed try development, seed security and Station in Zambia, reiterating that the availability and seed legislation. With overall food security," says Zulu. seed release status in the region has been support from the UN Food and Although, the region has had cumbersome. Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the enough aggregate seed stocks to serve According to the old system, for a SADC Seed Security Information farmers at regional level, the various new seed variety to be marketed com­ System will be developed. The system national pieces of legislation have mercially in any of the SADC countries, will help in the storage and dissemi­ brought about difficulties in transport­ it needs to be tested by national author­ nation of seed information in the ing seed from one area of surplus to ities for its distinctness, uniformity and SAQC region. D those of deficit. stability and for its value for cultivation "The systems have remained user­ and use in that country. It must also be unfriendly, time consuming and com­ listed or registered on the national vari­ plex," says Zulu. SADC, through the ety catalogue. Food, Agriculture and Natural Such testing can take between Resources Directorate (FANR) is one and three years depending determined to improve seed trade on the country and the orop, among member states. resulting in delayed The draft regional Seed access and choices by Certification and Quality Assurance farmers to new vari­ System comprises a unified technical eties. "To seed com­ procedure or agreements for seed test­ panies, a return on ing. The missing link, however, seems investment is also to be the "mechanism" which should delayed as be provided to relevant authorities in they will have to SADC before implementation. wait for a long CURRENT ISSUES regional development SADC unveils historic blueprint to fight poverty continued from page 1 where the launch ceremony took place, is widely regarded as the "Geneva of Strategies to ensure food security Africa" . Situated near the famous Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro communique issued by the FANR ministers at the end of February highlighted the fol­ and Serengeti game parks, Arusha is not Alowing issues among other measures to increase agriculture production, productivity only a symbol of sustainable develop­ and food availability: ment, but also a renowned centre that • need to increase household food security and self-sufficiency to decrease over-depend­ has hosted many regional and interna­ ence on government by SADC citizens; tional meetings of historic significance. • need for an increase in Member States' budgetary allocation of "at least 10 percent of nation­ In July 1979, a ministerial meeting was convened at the Arusha al budgetary resources" to agriculture and rural development within five years and other International Conference Centre, innovative financing instruments that promote private and public resource mobilization; bringing together what were then • need to review lessons learnt and share best practices on land reform policies and pro­ known as the Frontline States and grammes in order to enhance access to and use of land for agricultural productivity; donor agencies to ponder ways of • ongoing review of national food security policies; sustainable water and natural enhancing economic liberation and resources management; reducing dependency on the then • increased trade in agricultural products and removal of protectionist policies; and apartheid South Africa. It is at this • establishment of a Regional Food Reserve Facility for emergencies. meeting that the idea of forming SADC was concretised. The Southern Africa Development To facilitate this, sector protocols and an d Human Development and Coordinating Conference (SADCC), charters were introduced and to date, Special Programmes. the precursor to SADC, was then for­ more than 20 have been signed. The RISDP was thus formulated to mally launched at a summit in Lusaka, Over the last two decades, SADC provide a clear direction for SADC Zambia, in April 1980, with nine membership has increased to what it is policies, programmes and activities founding member states. Although today, with Namibia joining in 1990, over the long term. Jakaya Kikwete, SADCC was a loose regional func­ South Africa in 1994, Mauritius in Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs tional cooperation organisation, it 1995 while Democratic Republic of and International Cooperation facilitated important political, admin­ Congo (DRC) and Seychelles also described the RISDP as a framework istrative and infrastructural links and joined in 1997. within which member states should projects. With the organisation growing in align national plans. In 1992, at a summit in the size and mandate and new challenges "The RISDP is a home grown blue­ Namibian capital Windhoek, the and opportunities arising, it became print," he said, adding that its develop­ organisation was transformed, necessary to realign the institutional ment was done by "SADC experts and through a Declaration and Treaty, structure of the 14-member body. their leaders through a consultative from a "coordinating conference" to a Consequently, a decision was taken at and participatory process" . "development community", that is an extra ordinary summit held in Prega Ramsamy, SADC Executive from SADCC to SADC. The aim was Windhoek in 2001 to restructure all. Secretary, said the immediate task to give the organisation an integration SADC institutions. after the launch of the RISDP is to mandate with a formal and legal basis. As part of the process, 21 sectors unbundle the plan, "allocating clear previously coordinated by member and specific roles to key-players with states were collapsed into four direc­ quantifiable deliverables". torates that are now centrally managed Quoting from President Mkapa's by an enlarged SADC Secretariat recent address to the nation, Ramsamy in Botswana. The new direc­ said, " ... like an aircraft on the run­ torates are on Trade, away, we are facing the right direc­ Industry, Finance and tion ... we must now take off''. He said Investment; Food, this statement is true for the United Agriculture and Republic of Tanzania as it is for the atural Resources; rest of SADC.

nfrastructure and "It is indeed, time for us to take off . I L on the wings of the RISDP," said the SADC chief. D CURRENT ISSUES water management Sustainable water management strategies for southern Africa by Charles Mkoka

he vision of food security for United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia water resources development and all makes it imperative to rec­ and Zimbabwe. management. Its vision is to support T ognize that increased agricul­ These basins are endowed with the equitable and sustainable utilisa­ tural production will raise the various natural resources that con­ tion of water for social, environmental demand for water and place addition­ tribute significantly to economic justice, and economic benefit for pres­ al stress on the region's fragile water development through the provision of ent and future generations. resources and environment. food, shelter, medicine and the suste­ This initiative is meant to enhance Southern Africa, well endowed nance of environmental processes. the region's food security through sus­ with productive agricultural land, Agriculture, wildlife and fishing play tainable use of the water resource. presents lots of potential. Challenges an important part in socio- economic All SADC countries have since the however, exist in that water is roles in most of the national early 1990s adopted environmental unevenly distributed throughout the economies in the region. policies and institutional instruments region. Drought still poses a serious Water resource management is inte­ and frameworks, including National threat to food security in the region. gral to attaining food security in the Conservation Strategies (NCSs), Floods have similar disastrous conse­ region, which has an estimated popu­ National Environmental Action Plans quences. lation of about 200 million people. (NEAPs), national environmental Looking at the region as a single Due to the region 's high average annu­ policies and strategies. "bread basket" frees land and water al population growth rate of 2.6 per­ In this regard, Zambia (1985), resources to the economic activities cent, more pressure is being put on the Zimbabwe (1987), and Botswana for which they are best suited. There already stressed water supply. (1990) prepared NCSs, while Lesotho are obvious implications for national SADC has prepared a Regional (1989), Malawi (1994), Zambia sovereignty, but ways exist to deal Strategic Action Plan (RSAP) for (1994), Tanzania (1996), Swaziland with this, including the potential for Integrated Water Resource (1997), South Africa (1997) and better trade or the benefits of regional Development and Management ( 1999- Mozambique developed NEAPS. economic integration. 2004 ), which is used for developing These initiatives are meant to enhance The people of southern Africa particular projects and programmes. sustainable utilisation of water and recognise that water is essential to The major objective of the RSAP is other natural n:sources. 0 their own personal and community to provide a framework for the region survival, to the production of their to successfully meet the food, to their sanitation and con­ of developing a comp~ veyance of waste. hensive integrated • Water is also essential for the gen­ approach to eration of energy, the commodities produced for national consumption and export, the sustenance of the envi­ ronment and the survival of other liv­ ing forms with whom the world shared. The region is blessed with shared watercourses including the Congo, Limpopo, Senqu/Orange and Zambezi. The Zambezi River basin is a vast natural water resource that stretches across eight member states of SADC. The basin covers 25 per­ cent of the combined total area of Angola, Botswana, Malawj, Mozambique, Namibia, AGRICULTURE small-holder farmers SADC seeks to create a for smalls by Virginia Muwanigwa

mallscale farmers stand to be The AU, like SADC, aims to may have been rushed into without rewarded for their unrelenting achieve food security within its wider adequate planning, especially around Sefforts in production for subsis­ goal to combat poverty, corruption and the envisaged participation not only tence and trade. SADC and the conflict. by the private sector but also the African Union (AU) concur that the The New Partnership for Africa's smallscale producers. envisaged high economic growth rates Development (NEPAD) believes that Economic policies to reduce pover­ cannot be realized unless farm produc­ "agriculture will provide the engine for ty through improved health, increased tion is significantly increased. growth in Africa." To this end, consulta­ education opportunities, improved SADC's Regional Indicative tive discussions among stakeholders physical infrastructure and a thriving Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) including the African Development private enterprise are also necessary. launched recently in Arusha, Bank, the UN Economic Commission Rural-urban considerations should be Tanzania, by the SADC Chairperson, for Africa, experts from the World Bank incorporated in development of Benjamin Mkapa, gives high priority and especially the UN Food and national and regional policies affect­ to agricultural development and food Agriculture Organisation have resulted ing agriculture, markets, land use and security. in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture urban planning. A meeting of SADC Food, Development Programme (CAADP) -­ New institutions representing the Agriculture and Natural Resources (see box). The plan requires a total varied interests thus need to be set up ministers held in Dar es Salaam investment of some US$4.6 billion for and a clear institutional framework recently emphasised the need for an the period 2002-2015. agreed upon. Policies should provide increase in capacity building and pro­ Increasingly, there are calls to move an enabling environment for fair com- vision of credit at grassroots level to away from concentrating only on farm ensure access to basic agricultural cultivation activities as core business inputs by small, medium and to addressing other non-cultivation NEPAD - The four "pillar" largescale producers. The meeting was issues such as policy, credit, informa­ in preparation for the Extraordinary tion, institutional mechanisms, and Summit on "Enhancing Agriculture participation in national, regional and Sustainable land management and W< and Food Security for Poverty global markets. • Building up soil fertility and moisture holding cap c: Reduction in the SADC Region" to be Traditionally, farmers have relied • Rapidly increasing the area equipped with irrigati1 held in Dar es Salaam in May. on parastatals for marketing of agricul­ The ministers also reiterated the tural products and emphasis was Rural infrastructure and trade-related importance of improved access by invariably on crops and animal hus­ • Infrastructural improvements; small, medium and large producers to bandry. • Adjustments in the promotion and support policie basic agricultural inputs such as fertil­ A regional workshop held to discuss • Exporting countries in the region need to raise t izers, agrochemicals, seed, mechanisa­ agricultural markets and market infor­ to meet the increasingly stringent quality requiren tion, fishing gear, as well as surveyed mation within eastern and southern land, to ensure food security. Africa noted that market liberalisation Increasing food supply and reducing t Access to credit remains one per­ has had a negative impact among • Accessing improved technology; • Provision of improved farm support services; and sistent challenge espec~ally for developing countries. This is due to smallscale producers, possibly "lack oj input for srnallscale produc­ + A supportive policy environment. ers; an increase in the cost of inputs explaining the agriculture ministers' Agricultural research, technology diss commitment "to explore innovative and credit; and a weakening of produc­ • Increased rate of adoption for the most promisir financing instruments that promote er associations that has created a major expansion of African production through the more financing gap, marker concentration; private and public resource mobiliza­ to producers; ... unpredictable incomes and financial tion that could be used to finance agri­ • Technology delivery systems that rapidly bring inr losses by the {?rivate sector. 11 cultural activities including marketing, • Renewing the ability of agricultural research syste irrigation, agro-processing, infrastruc­ The workshop revealed that most new technologies, including biotechnology, to Afr ture, rehabilitation of degraded areas, SADC countries need effective poli­ ductivity while conserving the environment; and capacity building and the provision of cies to govern the opening up of • Mechanisms to reduce costs and risks of adoptin credit at grassroots level." national economies as liberalisation

8 SADC TODAY, April 2004 AGRICULTURE small-holder farmers

1 enabling environment ale farmers

petition through continuous evaluation produce similar crops at the same time kets, albeit with lobbying for "fair not of impacts, provision of inputs and due to lack of adequate planning and free trade" in recognition of the fact other support. reliance on rain-fed production. that the playing field is not level. This Smallscale farmers ' success also This creates a glut on the market, is particularly important for farmers in depends on access to reliable market reduces market opportunities and the developing world who cannot information to facilitate informed depresses prices. National and region­ hope to compete in a free market with decisions. Information on commodity al production planning to balance pro­ their more advanced, better-resourced types, supply, quantities, competitive duction with market needs and counterparts in the developed world. prices to attract increased participation demands is therefore necessary. Regional and international trade is by the private sector, marketing and Investment in irrigation technology possible within such economic blocs trading should thus be provided to to move away from rain-fed produc­ as SADC, Common Market for farmers, traders, consumers and policy tion is also necessary to ensure consis­ Eastern and Southern Africa (COME­ makers. tent supply of varied crops at a prof­ SA), and within the framework of the More effective regional planning itable price. US African Growth and Opportunities involving all stakeholders - govern­ Socio-cultural issues such as gen­ Act (AGOA). ment, private sector, farmers and their der also need to be incorporated with­ Recognition from social partners associations and NGOs - should be in planning and supportive structures will come through a collective voice encouraged to ensure diversification for smallscale producers. This is representing certain interests and of crops . in sync with competitors. because women-specific needs may farmers need to be encouraged to Currently, most countries in the region exist that may not be covered within organize themselves into bodies that gender-neutral policies. Lack of can command respect in production, access to micro-financing is an espe­ marketing and negotiations. cially acute problem among women. The World Agroforestry Centre :trategies of CAADP Very few women, if any, hold key (ICRAF) identifies three prerequisites positions such as minister of agricul­ for a thriving agricultural trade: a :er control systems ture despite the fact that they form the strong private sector to strengthen and ity of agricultural soils; and majority of food producers in the diversify rural and town market cen­ i, especially small-scale water control units. region. tres; a strong consumer voice to ensure Stakeholders in the sector suggest quality, quantity, div · · competi- :apacities that priority be given to the strength­ tion; and a strppg ctor to . .•' ening of representative production and invest in infras · · . of developed countries; and marketing farmer organizations to porting stmct · ir capacity to participate in trade negotiations and ensure lobbying for policy and legisla­ mts of world trade. tion review, provision of credit, collec­ tion and dissemination of relevant Jnger information, market scoping and acquisition of required technology. Adequate, technical, human and financial resources need to be pros-../lfl!.._,._ vided to cooperatives, associa- -­ mination and adoption tions, private sector and individ­ available technologies to support the immediate ual entrepreneurs. Training ~fficient linking of research and extension systems should include transfer of skills in agro-business, mar-.,_ 1vations to farmers and agribusiness ns to efficiently and effectively generate and adapt ket research and develop­ :a, which are needed to increase output and pro- ment. Opportunities do exist new technology. for participation by smallscale producers in regional and global mar- CURRENT ISSUES biotechnology SADC Guidelines on GMOs, Biotechnology and Biosafety

ADC approved the following Biosafety to the Convention on guidelines recommended by the Biological Diversity; SSADC Advisory Committee on + The region should develop a harmo­ Biotechnology and Biosafety in nized policy and regulatory systems August 2003 as interim measures based on the African Model Law on aimed at guiding the region on issues Biosafety and the Cartagena relating to biotechnology and biosafe­ Protocol on Biosafety and other rele­ ty. This should assist countries in the vant international processes; region to avoid situations similar to + Member States without a regulatory Argentina (see box below). framework for GM crops should use approved guidelines and should not Handling of Food Aid import GM grain for seed before + SADC should develop and adopt a approved guideline are in place; + SADC should encourage Member harmonised transit information and + Risk assessments should be done management system for Genetically on a case-by-case basis and every States to commission studies on the Modified food aid designed to facili­ genetic modification should be test­ implications of biotechnology and tate trans-boundary movement in a ed in the environment under which bio-safety on agriculture, environ­ safe and expeditious manner; it will be released. ment, health and socio-economics + SADC is encouraged to source as part of an integrated monitoring Food aid preferably from within the Capacity Building and evaluation system. region, and advise all cooperating + Member States should develop partners accordingly; capacities at national and regional Public Awareness and Participation + Donors providing Genetically level in order to develop and exploit + Member States should develop Modified food aid should comply the benefits of biotechnology; public awareness and participatory with the Prior Informed Consent + SADC should allocate resources for programmes on Biotechnology and principle and with the notification capacity-building in management Biosafety that involve all stake­ requirements in accordance with of biotechnology and bio-safety; holders. 0 Article 8 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety; + Food aid consignments involving grain or any propagative plant mate­ Argentina GM experiment goes wrong rial that may contain GMOs should be milled or sterilized prior to distri­ by Sue Branford bution to beneficiary populations; rgentina is one country that has embraced genetically modified (GM) technology most whole­ + Food aid in transit that may contain Aheartedly. Today, more than hall of its arable land is covered with GM soya beans. GMOs should be clearly identified Yet something has gone wrong. Argentina's main agricultural research institute has warned that unless and labelled in accordance with the move into soya monoculture is reversed, "a decline in agricultural production will be inevitable". national legislation; At first, GM technology seemed like a gift for farmers. The pampas, an area of rich land that fans + SADC countries managing or han­ out for roughly 600 kilometres around Buenos Aires, were suffering from serious soil erosion, caused dling food aid in transit that may partly by repeated ploughing. RR soya seemed the solution: it allowed farmers to control weeds by contain GMOs are encouraged in spraying glyphosate during the growing season and thus farm without ploughing. The proliferation of the absence of national legislation weeds had earlier made such no-till farming unsuccessful. to make use of the requirements Driven by the huge demand on the world market for soya meal as cattle fodder, farmers enthusi­ astically adopted the technology. Soya looked like an ideal export product where the country had under the AU Model Law on "comparative advantage ". The area under soya cultivation increased by 60 percent in the second hall Biosafety and/or the South African of the 1990s, output more than doubled. Guidelines on the handling of tran­ After a currency collapse in December 2001, only export crops remained profitable. About sit material which may be GMO. 150,000 small farmers who had cultivated rice, maize, lentils, potatoes, fruit and other food crops, were driven off the land, hit both by low prices for their products and by herbicide contamination from Policy and Regulations soya farmers' spraying. + Each Member State should develop New weeds, probably naturally resistant to glyphosate and opportunistically occupying the new national biotechnology policies and ecological niche, are proliferating. Soya, sprouting inconveniently from seeds dropped during har­ strategies and expedite the process vesting, is also becoming a nuisance. The case of Argentina shows that genetic modification of crops, by its very nature, permits farm­ of establishing national biosafety ers to indulge in irresponsible practices such as deluging the soil with glyphosate, something that regulatory systems; would be impossible in conventional farming . + All Member States should sign and (Excerpt from an article in New Statesman, 01March2004) ratify the Cartagena Protocol on

10 SADC TODAY, April 2004 CURRENT ISSUES biotechnology National biosafety frameworks a prerequisite for modern agricultural biotechnology

by Mwananyanda Mbikusitwa Lewanika

he majority of countries in commissioned by the biotechnology crops that can be sold on world markets. SADC have no national industry. The situation is further com­ Modern agricultural biotechnology T biosafety regulatory regimes, pounded by the fact that innovations in heavily relies on monocul tures of genet­ often referred to as biosafety frame­ modern agricultural biotechnology are ically modified seed. This does not pro­ works, which enable countries to reg­ controlled and protected by intellectu­ mote food security but reduces agricul­ ulate the research, development and al property rights (IPRs). tural diversity as exemplified by the marketing of genetically modified Modern agricultural biotechnology recent food crisis in southern Africa. organisms (GMOs). can contribute to food security in For example, communities that cultivat­ ed maize, but multi-cropped with tradi­ The frameworks are comprised of developing countries if its techniques are employed to increase food produc­ tional staple foods like cassava and national policy, appropriate legislation sorghum were still food secure in the tion. This could be through the devel­ and administration structures that often face of drought and maize failure. prescribe national implementation regu­ opment of food crops that can grow Research and development in new lations and complementing guidelines. under stressful conditions such as genetically modified crops is concen­ Administration structures permit or drought. Currently, on the market, trated on crops of interest to developed deny the introduction of GMOs into a there are no genetically modified countries and does not take into account country based on parameters such as crops that are drought tolerant. unique challenges faced by small-scale risk assessment and socio-economic Genetically modified crops that are farmers in developing countries. factors. In addition, they are responsible commercially available now exhibit Although genetically modified seeds for the development of mechanisms for herbicide tolerance, pest resistance, are more expensive than hybrid and tra­ public awareness on issues pertaining to and virus resistance or a combination ditional seeds, farmers have to buy biosafety as well as public participation of these and other traits. Canola, seeds every planting season, as they in the decision-making process. maize, cotton and soya beans account­ cannot save their best seed or exchange In SADC, only Malawi, South ed for more than 99 percent of world­ seeds, as is customary practice. 0 Africa and Zimbabwe have national wide biotechnology crops in 2001 and biosafety frameworks. this scenario remains. Dr. Mbikusitwa Lewanika is the chairperson Only South Africa and Zimbabwe The focus of modern agricultural of the SADC Advisory Committee on have practical experience in handling biotechnology is on producing cash Biotechnology and biosafety. GMOs. Against the obvious implica­ tions, it is not advisable to introduce genetically modified crops in countries Defining the terms without national biosafety frameworks. Global biotechnology companies he terms biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are often have developed most of the innova­ mistakenly used interchangeably. Biotechnology is a general term that refers to tions in modern agricultural biotech­ Tscientific techniques that use living organisms or their components to produce nology but are profit rather than need­ useful products. It is usually classified as either being traditional biotechnology or driven. Simultaneously, innovations in modern biotechnology. agricultural biotechnology coming Traditional biotechnology includes well-established techniques like plant breeding from public institutions are declining and the use of micro-organisms in industrial production such as beer brewing , pro­ due to lack of investment in research duction of antibiotics, yoghurt and vaccines. Modern biotechnology is comprised of and development. recently available scientific techniques such as Recombinant Deoxyribonucleic Acid I addition, most (DNA) technology (Genetic Engineering) , Monoclonal Antibodies, Cell Cultu re and ..~ .. ,•mv ~·· IR1!'llooli.t·~~~ Tissue Culture. Deoxyribonucleic acid is hereditary material (genes) that is found in all living organisms. It is reproduced and passed on from one generation to another and it is responsible for passing traits from parents to their offspring. Recombinant DNA technology allows scientists to take hereditary materi al from one organism and put them into another. This changes the characteristics of organ­ isms, making new forms of plants, animals and micro-organisms known as GMOs. GMOs are of concern as they bypass reproduction and they are significantly more novel than conventionally modified organisms. They usually incorporate hereditary material from distant or unrelated organisms in combinations that are unlikely to occu r in nature.

SADC TODAY, April 2004 11 CURRENT ISSUES health and food security Mainstreaming HIV and AIDS into food security strategies by Virginia Muwanigwa

SADC has committed itself to main­ ensure that AIDS-related issues streaming HIV and AIDS into its poli­ are mainstreamed in all the cies and programmes in response to the core areas of integration. scourge's multifaceted nature and In addition, a regional meet­ implications on the social, economic ing of national AIDS councils, and political outcomes at household, the fust of its kind, is expected community, national and regional lev­ to take place in May 2004 to els. The mainstreaming is aimed at alle­ finalise a four-year business viating poverty in general and ensuring plan as mandated by the food security in particular. Maseru Summit. The exact SADC, among other stakeholders date and venue are being in the region, recognises that HIV and AIDS make it expe­ dient for a response that does not consider the problem a A communique released at the medical one but one that has end of the meeting noted that socio-economic and cultural "the high incidence of HIV implications likely to reverse and AIDS in the region has a all developmental efforts. devastating impact on all sec­ SADC's Multi-sectoral tors and levels of society and HIV and AIDS Strategic consequently on food securi­ Framework and Programme ty" . Against the fact that farm­ of Action 2003-2007, con­ ing is generally labour inten­ tained in the Regional sive and therefore not suitable Indicative Strategic for people who are chronically Development Plan (RISDP), ill, the ministers noted that seeks to intensify measures Jabour saving technologies and actions to address the should be explored. A vicious cycle between poverty, HIV and AIDS and food insecurity prevention of HIV and AIDS In some countries in the and mitigation of its impact in region, community-based order to ensure sustainable structures are being set up to human development of member states. finalised. SADC is also mobilising address the problems deriving from In July 2003 , SADC leaders signed resources through an HIV and AIDS HIV and AIDS. These efforts include: the Maseru Declaration on HIV and Trust Fund, which would be used to home-based care to relieve besieged AIDS, demonstrating their commit­ support programmes aimed at fighting medical facilities; and community-driv­ ment to addressing a number of issues the pandemic. en orphan care programmes. including: prevention and social Specific to food security, a vicious The Southern Africa HIV and AIDS mobilisation; improving care, access cycle results between conditions of Information Dissemination Service to counseling and testing services, poverty and susceptibility to HIV and (SAFAIDS), however, observes that treatment and support; accelerating AIDS. This in turn, increases the level more attention has been given to HIV development and mitigating the of vulnerability through chronic ill­ prevention, and to treatment of oppor­ impact of HIV and AIDS; intensifying nesses, productivity and job losses, tunistic infections and even antiretro­ resource mobilization; and strengthen­ diminished prospects for economic viral drugs than to the fundamental ing institutional, monitoring and eval­ recovery, and a tendency for risky nutritional and primary survival needs uation mechanisms. behaviour just to meet basic needs. of the poor, rural or urban. A SADC Council of Ministers meet­ That the issue is being viewed at An integrated approach to liveli­ ing held in Arusha, Tanzania, recently, the highest levels in SADC is seen in hood enhancing programmes thus reviewed progress on implementation that a Food, Agriculture and Natural becomes necessary to mitigate the of decisions that were taken at the Resources Ministers meeting held in challenges arising from HIV and Maseru Summit on HIV and AIDS. February in Dar es Salaam, included AIDS. So too, does long-term invest­ These include the establishment of a HIV and AIDS among the priorities to ment in agricultural infrastructure special HIV and AIDS unit at the be addressed at the forthcoming such as dams, good transport net­ Secretariat. The unit has since been SADC Summit on agriculture and works, irrigation facilities, seed and established under the chief director to food security. input provision. 0

12 SADC TODAY, April 2004 COMMUNITY BUILDING culture A cultural perspective of food security in southern Africa

? traditional.African beli~f, food security is considered as a gift from the spir­ done, it is believed that the spirit its. Good rams and plentiful harvests are events that call for celebration and responds through a voice that is heard I thanks giving to the ancestral spirits through traditional ceremonies. Organized corning from within the cave. When rainmaking or harvest ceremonies are performed uniquely in different ethnic the spirit has conveyed its message, groups in southern Africa, withstanding the pressure to adopt western beliefs. the ceremony is over and there is hope for good rains in the country. On an ancient shrine in Zambia's sure at the royal byre. On the fourth day, The slaughter of a goat as a sacrifice Eastern Province, drums, song and the King joins the warriors in the tradi­ to the spirits is done as part of rainmak­ dance are used to appease the spirits and tional Incwala dance. The ceremony ing ceremonies in some parts of request for favourable rainfall to nurture ends with the King eating the first fruits Tanzania. Village leaders and spirit crops. This is common in years when of the new season before the communi­ mediums in the villages are selected to rainfall is etrntic. After the harvests, the ty can do so. The following day is set lead the rainmaking ceremonies. They N' cw ala ceremony, common an1ong the aside for peace and meditation. then take the blood of the slaughtered Ngoni, celebrates good crops and victo­ In Zimbabwe, there are numerous goat and pour it on a tree which has ry in combat. This ceremony receives a rainmakers including those residing at been chosen as the shrine. This is done lot of support and it is given credit for the Nharira Hills, just outside Harare to. appease the ancestors and to plead for uniting people, regardless of their cul­ and Njelele in Matabeleland. The the land which has become dry due to tural backgrounds, in Zambia. majority of rainmakers' families are lack of rain. In Swaziland, the Incwala, also descendants of the Venda. During a After a good harvest, the Wagogo in known as the 'first fruits ' ceremony, is time of drought, a black ox is killed the Dodoma region of Tanzania gather the most sacred of all Swazi cere­ and the meat is distributed amongst in celebration and thanksgiving to the monies. Held in December or January village leaders gathered at the ceremo­ spirits for the good rains. The harvest­ each year, the ceremony begins with ny. Traditional beer is also brewed for ed maize is used to brew beer, which preparations by the Bemati or 'people this ceremony. Very early the next day, will be shared by the whole communi­ of the water' who collect foam from the the custodian of the rainmaking cere­ ty at a lively ceremony where food is waves off the coast of Mozambique. mony together with other village eld­ also prepared for the celebrations. Upon appearance of the full moon, ers go to a secret shrine and squatting These celebrations can go on for as youths are sent to collect sacred branch­ on their haunches and clapping rhyth­ long as two months, with the commu­ es, lusekwane from an acacia species. mically, they relay their pleas to the nity moving from one household to These are used to build a small enclo- spirit within a cave. When this is another in thanksgiving for the good harvests. African culture and beliefs also play a crucial role in environmental SADC re-affirms commitment to UNESCO conservation through taboos which force the society to comply with cer­ ADC has reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with UNESCO. The tain societal norms. For example, for Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr Prega Ramsamy said recently in Gaborone that the Ndebele of Zimbabwe, trees can­ Sa number of developments have taken place since the formalisation of cooperation not be felled indiscriminately. There between SADC and UNESCO through the 1996 memorandum of understanding. are certain trees that are prohibited to Ramsamy was speaking at a meeting with UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura. bum for household use. It is believed He ~o~mended Matsuura for his contribution to SADC and said he had played a major role this would cause disharmony amongst 1n bnng1ng UNESCO nearer to the people. Ramsamy said SADC would need UNESCO sup­ the residents of the homestead. This in port in the implementation of its major activities planned for this year. Such activities he said turn reduces desertification, thus included the launching and operationalisation of the SADC Culture Trust Fund which i~ intended to mo.bil i z~ re~ources for the promotion of cultural programmes in the region. maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Preservation of animal species T.he operat1onahsat1on ~f the SADC Arts and Culture Multidisciplinary Festivals will provide the platform for artists and culture performers to share experiences and network­ through totemic taboos is also used in ing of . i~eas . Other priority activities include establishing a SADC media accreditation body African communities. Some totemic t~ fac1 htat~ easy movement of media personnel in the region in performing their profes­ taboos entail that a certain clan should sional duties. not eat meat from the animal which is Also, Ramsamy urged UNESCO to continue its collaboration with SADC in areas of their totem. All those tribes who education, training and human resources development. Priority activities include coordi­ revere their totem therefore directly nating and monitoring the implementation of the Intra-Regional Skills Development protect the environment. Programme. Sources: Hemans Trevor, Those were Ramsamy said UNESCO should also give the region support on the development of the days, 1987 the SADC HIV and AIDS strategic framework and programme. The framework provides The SADC Challenge, December the region with concrete strat~gic direction in the fight against HIV and AIDS and the key 2002-February 2003 areas of focus are on prevention, support, care, treatment and procurement of anti-retro­ Swaziland travel guide on line, viral drugs. (Botswana Daily News) www.mytravelguide.com 0

SADC TODAY, April 2004 13 AROUND THE REGION news briefs Boost for SADC restructuring process

ADC has received a major boost including the development of the 15- A press release by the secretariat towards its restructuring process year Regional Indicative Strategic says that other activities under the Sthrough financial assistance Development Plan (RISDP), said the agreement will include the establish­ provided by the Norwegian Agency for Executive Secretary of SADC, Prega ment of a Policy Analysis and Development Co-operation (NORAD). Ramsamy during the signing ceremony. Strategic Planning Unit at the SADC A financing agreement worth These funds will go a long way Secretariat and the streamlining of US$600,000 was signed recently towards the implementation of the the RISDP with NEPAD.The RISDP between NORAD and SADC as part of RISDP, which "requires the develop­ is the blueprint for the region's a total contribution ofUS$1,7 million. ment of medium and short-term busi­ development objectives, providing a Since the restructuring process began ness plans, expenditure frameworks clear direction for SADC policies in 2001, most of the planned activities and additional capacities at the and programmes over the long have been successfully completed, Secretariat," according to Ramsamy. term. 0

Mozambique to host Export processing zones increase zone six games -- Zimbabwe's earnings

eparations for the Zone Six imbabwean companies operat­ exports," said Chihota. He said that at SADC games to be held in ing in Export Processing Zones least 29,000 jobs had been created P:Mozambique from 24 April - Z (EPZs) have generated more through the programme since its 2 May, are now at an advanced stage. than US$770 million in export earn­ inception. The games organised by the ings since the project was started The programme has achieved more Supreme Council for Sports in Africa seven years ago, an official said. than what was expected of it when it (SCSA) will attract athletes in the Export Processing Zones Authority was first launched, and there was under-20 age group from all SADC (EPZA) chairperson, Lovemore room for improvement to add further countries except DRC and the United Chihota said that at least 174 compa­ momentum, he said. Republic of Tanzania. The athletes nies, with a total investment of The government introduced the will take part in various events lined US$155 million, were operating in the concept of EPZs in 1997 to promote up for this tournament including ath­ special economic zones. exports as a way of generating foreign letics, football, netball, boxing and "EPZ companies are contributing currency, creating jobs and securing basketball. more than ten percent of the country's transfer of technology. (The Herald) 0 Mozambique is the first host of the games, which are expected to become biannual "in order to expose Zambia to wipe out hunger ------the region's youths to an elite com­ petition that will prepare them for he Zambian government is logical needs in today's world," he said. higher competitions such as the Olympic games to be held later this determined to wipe out hunger Sikatana outlined some of the chal­ year in Athens," said Charles T through agro-forestry, the coun­ lenges as helping to eradicate hunger Dzimba, Programme Officer of the try's Agriculture and Cooperatives through food production systems SCSA. Minister Mundia Sikatana has said. based on agro-forestry methods of soil The major objective of the games Sikatana said this recently when he fertility and land regeneration. is to "promote regional integration officially opened a three-day Regional Others included lifting the stan­ through developing sport among the Agro-forestry Steering Committee dards of more rural poor through mar­ youth," said Dzimba. (RASC) workshop in Lusaka. ket driven tree cultivation systems that The SCSA is the official arm The minister said the annual nutrient generate income and build assets. responsible for implementing all depletion rate over the last 30 years in About 150,000 farmers in Malawi, SADC sports activities as contained in the SADC Protocol on Culture, Africa had translated into an equivalent Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Information and Sport. of US$ 4 billion worth of fertiliser. Zimbabwe were now using fertiliser The games have been received "Agro-forestry which focuses on trees and Zambia's Eastern province with much enthusiasm by all partici­ trees on farm and landscapes, attempts had 30,000 such farmers. (The Times pating member states. 0 to meet the economic, social and eco- of Zambia) 0

14 SADC TODAY, April 2004 Publications book review Africa in 2025: Some scenarios

Review by Chipo Muvezwa

magine a rich Africa which enjoys good relations, is economi­ Meanwhile, religious institutions, emphasising individual responsi­ cally empowered, politically stable with wars down the history bility, work, effort and savings, would reinforce this climate. I ane and enjoying widespread, effective democracies through The best outcome, the study says, is one in which "the lions an involved and authoritative traditional leadership. This is one of mark their teffitory". This fourth scenario is introduced by a quo­ the four scenarios set in a study produced by the United Nations tation from Martinique's Aime Cesaire, poet, suffealist and intel­ Development Programme's African Futures project "Africa 2025". lectual leader of the anticolonial movement: "We do not wish to The objective of the book, "Africa 2025: What possible futures revive a dead society ... We must create a new society ... rich with for sub-Saharan Africa." edited by Alioune Sall of the University of all the productive capacity of today, warm with all the brother­ South Africa, was to explore possible scenarios for the region. hood of old." It looks to a leadership - political, religious and tra­ More than a thousand Africans, in 46 countries, women and men, ditional - with a social vision rooted in the spread of information, Anglophone and Francophone, and from very different back­ training, the rule of law and pluralism. grounds, were involved in this exploration. They first determined This scenario sees the continent as enjoying a rich future, the status quo in Africa at the dawn of the 2 lst century and then with more productive economies and widespread effective constructed four scenarios for the next 25 years. democracies. These scenarios were given metaphorical names: "the lions In a foreword to the book, President Thabo Mbeki describes are trapped"; "the lions are hungry"; "the lions come out of their the publication as a bold attempt at trying to understand the con­ den"; and "the lions mark their teffitory". In each case, there is a tinent's future. "Like other such projects, it has to 'think the consideration of the conditions that must be in place for these unthinkable' yet at the same time present plausible scenarios scenarios to become reality. which can be of some value to policy makers," he says. Among The four scenarios encompass a wide range of possible futures its basic assumptions is that a number of people seek lives that and they vary markedly. The first scenario, "the lions are trapped'', blend a mix of scientific reason with uniquely African values. sees the region struggling to get out of the situation it cuffently Some of what the scholars regard as likely to be most influ­ finds itself in. The old pattern of looking after relationships domi­ ential for the next generation is unsurprisingly: urbanisation; the nates, but with no envisaged boost to productivity. role of government; peace and security; leadership; and new The second scenario "the lions are hungry" , is the hopeless information and communication technology. Religion, surpris­ picture painted by American journalists such as Robert Kaplan, ingly, is also seen as particularly important. of "lawless lands plagued by violence, wracked by hunger and Even more surprising, given their domination of the conti­ poverty, adrift at the whim of warlords hungry for power and nent's economic policies for three decades, the International new wealth to pillage" . Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and foreign aid, are regard­ The third, "the lions come out of their den" , is a type that a ed as less decisive. 0 number of Asian countries have experienced starting with Japan. New generations of entrepreneurs and politicians will create new Africa 2025: What possible futures for sub-Saharan Africa? relationships between political and economic power and commit Published by University of South Africa, Pretoria and UNDP, to continent-wide economic integration. 2003 Recent publications and acquisitions African Savannas: Global narratives and From War to Peace on the Mozambique­ Social History and African Environments. local knowledge of environmental change. Malawi borderland. Beinart, William and Mcgregor, Joahn Basset, Thomas. J and Crummey, Donald Englund, Harri - 2002 (eds) - 2003. (eds). - 2003 Available from: Edinburgh University Available from: New Africa Books, 99 Available from: James Currey Ltd, 73 Press for the International African Garfield Rd, Claremont 7700, Cape Botley Road Oxford OX2 OBS. Institute, London Town. E-mail: [email protected] 22 George Square, Edinburgh E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.jamescurrey.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.newafricabooks.co.za Website: www.eup.ed.ac.uk Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa to Aids and Governance in Southern Africa: 2020: Socio-economics and policy Political and Economic liberalisation in Emerging theories and perspectives. research -- Working Paper 49. Ehui, S, Zambia 1991 - 2001. Compiled by Chirambo, Kondwani and [et. al.]. - 2002 Rakner, Lise - 2003. Caesar Mary - 2003 Available from: International Livestock Available from: The Nordic Africa Institute Available from: Institute for Democracy Research Institute. P.O Box 1703 SE-75147 Uppsala in South Africa (IDASA) P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya Sweden E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] E-mail: nai@ nai.uu.se [email protected] Website: www.ilri.cgiar.org Website: www.nai. uu.se Website: www.idasa.org.za

SADC TODAY, April 2004 15 SADC diary

Venue

Zambia South Africa Malawi Namibia

Mauritius South Africa Botswana Mozambique

Zambia South Africa South Africa

Zambia

Botswana Botswana South Africa Angola Botswana

Botswana Tanzania Tanzania Malawi South Africa Botswana

Mozambique Zimbabwe Belgium Botswana Botswana Botswana Mozambique

Currency checklist Public Holidays in SADC for the period April 2004 - May 2004

Country Currency (US$1) 4April Peace and National Angola Reconciliation Day Angola Kwanza (100 lwei) 79.84 4April Heroes Day Tanzania 7 April Women's Day Mozambique Botswana Pula (100 thebe) 4.83 9April Good Friday All except DRC, Mozambique, Mauritius DRC Congo Franc 381.00 10 April Public Holiday Botswana, Malawi, Seychelles, Zambia 12April Easter Monday All except DRC, Mauritius, Seychelles, Lesotho Maloti (100 lisente) 6.57 Mozambique Malawi Kwacha (100 tambala) 105.00 18 April Independence Day Zimbabwe 19April Public Holiday Zimbabwe Mauritius Rupee (100 cents) 25.4 19April King's Birthday Swaziland Mozambique Metical (100 centravos) 27,000.00 25April National Flag Day Swaziland 26April Union Day United Republic of Tanzania Namibia Dollar (100 cents) 6.60 27 April Freedom Day South Africa Seychelles Rupee (100 cents) 5.18 30 April Education and Youth Day DRC South Africa Rand (100 cents) 6.59 1 May Workers Day AllSADC 2May Maulid Day United Republic of Tanzania Swaziland Lilangeni (100 cents) 6.60 3May Public Holiday Malawi Tanzania Shilling (100 cents) 1109.00 4 May Cassinga Day Namibia 17May Liberation Day DRC Zambia Kwacha (100 ngwee) 4750.00 20May Ascention Day Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland Zimbabwe Dollar (100 cents) 4214.01 25May Africa Day Angola, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe 25May Heroes Day Lesotho 2 March 2004 ._r 26May Public Holiday Zambia

16 SADC TODAY, April 2004