East Africa drought pushing food prices up sharply

Food prices in some East African markets have almost doubled in the past 12 months because of an ongoing drought, an economist with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned. In FAO’s latest Food Price Monitoring and Analysis Bulletin, the agency reports that local prices for maize, sorghum and other cereals are “near or at record levels” in areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.The drought has affected the southern part of the region but in some countries, like Somalia and South Sudan, the crisis has been exacerbated by conflict and violence. FAO economist Mario Zappacosta, has been speaking to Sandra Ferrari.

Job creation and entrepreneurship programme for Gambian youth

Fostering economic opportunities for young people in the Gambia is the goal of a new initiative launched this month by the country, together with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Eur opean Union Emergency Trust for Africa. The Gambia Youth Empowerment Project also aims to reduce the number of young people risking their lives migrating to other countries, especially in the EU. The €11 million project has been described as a “building block” in the construction of a new Gambia which prioritizes youth, job creation and trade. The West African country recently experienced a power shift with the inauguration of President Adama Barrow following two decades of rule by Yahyeh Jammeh. Here’s Dianne Penn.

In times of conflict, radio unveils realities on the ground

In times of conflict, radio unveils the realities of what’s happening on the ground, according to the head radio at the joint UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). As part of their coverage of World Radio Day (WRD) Jumbe Omari Jumbe took a trip to a girls’ school in the El Salaam camp for the internally displaced. The Day is celebrated throughout the world to highlight the unique power radio has in bringing people together as well as its contribution to resolving conflicts around the globe. Solar-powered radio handsets were handed out to the students at the school by UNAMID’s communications team. Here’s Jumbe Omari Jumbe’s report.

Presenter: Matthew Wells

Production Assistant: Sandra Guy

Duration: 10'00"