Market Ladies
Beatrice, a stall-holder on Bunyangi Market, is one of many wives and mothers across Africa who are both the breadwinners for their family and the lifeblood of the ordinary people's economy. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, is a strong supporter of market women. She set up a Market Women's Fund: in the main box there is a video which is well worth watching.
Beatrice, a stall-holder on Bunyangi Market, is one of many wives and mothers across Africa who are both the breadwinners for their family and the lifeblood of the ordinary people's economy. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, is a strong supporter of market women. She set up a Market Women's Fund: in the main box there is a video which is well worth watching.
SELLING YOUR CHILDREN
Johnny bought Constance in Bunyangi Market for £30. That he was able to do this indicates the depths of despair into which families have fallen, for Africa loves its children. However, there is a tradition of the sale of girls into marriage - so it is significant that Johnny was sold a girl.
The Independent's reporter in Zambia found evidence that, in desperation, children were being sold, as did The Telegraph in Nigeria
Johnny bought Constance in Bunyangi Market for £30. That he was able to do this indicates the depths of despair into which families have fallen, for Africa loves its children. However, there is a tradition of the sale of girls into marriage - so it is significant that Johnny was sold a girl.
The Independent's reporter in Zambia found evidence that, in desperation, children were being sold, as did The Telegraph in Nigeria
Kibera, a district on the outskirts of Nairobi, is both Kenya's largest slum and the largest in Africa. With a population of about a million, it was first settled in 1912.
The Kenya Government owns the land. The average shack size is 4m by 4m (about 12ft x 12ft) and each houses about 8 people. One latrine - a hole in the ground - is shared by an average of 50 shacks. All water has to be paid for but, since it is provided by the Government, it is clean. However, the Government provides no medical facilities, this being done by charities such as Medicins sans Frontieres.
The Guardian sent a photographer to Kibera; alternatively, read about it.
The Kenya Government owns the land. The average shack size is 4m by 4m (about 12ft x 12ft) and each houses about 8 people. One latrine - a hole in the ground - is shared by an average of 50 shacks. All water has to be paid for but, since it is provided by the Government, it is clean. However, the Government provides no medical facilities, this being done by charities such as Medicins sans Frontieres.
The Guardian sent a photographer to Kibera; alternatively, read about it.
Infant mortality in Africa remains shockingly high. In its World Facts Book, the CIA lists those countries with the highest Infant Mortality rates: all of the worst 20, with the one exception of Afghanistan, are in Africa, and 40 out of the worst 50 are in the same continent. The overall African rate is 82 deaths per 1,000 live births.
In some African countries, Infant Mortality Rates have deteriorated since independence. In Zimbabwe, the IMR in 1990 was 52. By 2006 this had risen by over 30%, to 68.
In some African countries, Infant Mortality Rates have deteriorated since independence. In Zimbabwe, the IMR in 1990 was 52. By 2006 this had risen by over 30%, to 68.
ROYALTY IN AFRICA
Only three African countries still have royal families that are involved in government: Swaziland, Morocco and Lesotho. Since independence, a number have lost their royal families, the best known example being the demise of the Ethiopian royal family in 1974. Other reigning dynasties which have fallen include those of Egypt and Libya.
A few new dynasties have been created but none survived. The most infamous is Bokasa of the Central African who crowned himself emperor at a lavish ceremony in 1979: he was subsequently overthrown in a military coup.
Only three African countries still have royal families that are involved in government: Swaziland, Morocco and Lesotho. Since independence, a number have lost their royal families, the best known example being the demise of the Ethiopian royal family in 1974. Other reigning dynasties which have fallen include those of Egypt and Libya.
A few new dynasties have been created but none survived. The most infamous is Bokasa of the Central African who crowned himself emperor at a lavish ceremony in 1979: he was subsequently overthrown in a military coup.
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THE DEATH OF BABY JOSHUA MHLANGU
BEATRICE'S SMALL BUSINESS:
Beatrice runs a jewellery stall on Bunyangi market. Several western charities are beginning to spotlight the good that can be done by targeting individuals and small businesses which, like Beatrice's, have the potential to grow. Often, these charities concentrate their efforts on the activities of women: they are less likely to abscond, they shoulder more of the family's responsibilities, they have a vested interest in success.
Some of the charities narrow their energies, for example on improving livestock in rural areas. One such is Send a Cow. On a wider scale, a charity which uses the power of the micro-loan - that is, loans which, by our standards, seem pitifully small, as little as £50 ($100) - is Kiva.
One of their problems is delivery on the ground. Kiva have operations all over the world. They use local 'Field Partners', organisations which they entrust to do the local admin. WEEC, a Kenyan organisation, is one which has failed. Read Kiva's explanation - it's interesting.
Beatrice runs a jewellery stall on Bunyangi market. Several western charities are beginning to spotlight the good that can be done by targeting individuals and small businesses which, like Beatrice's, have the potential to grow. Often, these charities concentrate their efforts on the activities of women: they are less likely to abscond, they shoulder more of the family's responsibilities, they have a vested interest in success.
Some of the charities narrow their energies, for example on improving livestock in rural areas. One such is Send a Cow. On a wider scale, a charity which uses the power of the micro-loan - that is, loans which, by our standards, seem pitifully small, as little as £50 ($100) - is Kiva.
One of their problems is delivery on the ground. Kiva have operations all over the world. They use local 'Field Partners', organisations which they entrust to do the local admin. WEEC, a Kenyan organisation, is one which has failed. Read Kiva's explanation - it's interesting.
PHOTOS courtesy of - Malnourished child: Sokwanele; two photos of Kibera: Chrissy Olson; African Market: Jose Canado