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sub-Saharan Africa

FAO/IFAD/WFP/Eliza Deacon

African urbanization creates opportunity for rural farmers: FAO

Rapid urbanization in Africa is creating opportunities to strengthen rural economies, as demand for food rises in cities and towns.

That’s according to a major new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), published on Monday, which argues that a “sweeping transformation” is needed to unlock the potential of the countryside and stop the depopulation of rural areas.

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UN Photo/Emmanuel Akinbobola

Holistic measures needed for income equality in Africa

There is no “silver bullet” to resolving the stark income disparities in sub-Saharan Africa.

That’s the view of the chief economist for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Africa, Ayoduele Odolusa, who points to the “Tree of Equity” in its latest report which outlines policy changes needed to promote income equality on the continent.

The report reveals that despite solid economic progress over the past 25 years, poverty is still very high when compared to other developing regions.

Action plan gives “renewed hope” to people with albinism in Africa

The endorsement of an action plan on albinism in Africa has given “renewed hope” to people born with the condition, a UN human rights expert has said

Ikponwosa Ero was speaking ahead of International Albinism Awareness Day, observed this Tuesday, 13 March.

Albinism results from a lack of melanin, producing lighter than normal skin and hair.

People with the condition have suffered discrimination and exclusion, and some have even been killed for their body parts due to superstitious beliefs.

FAO/Giulio Napolitano

UN and Africa Special: Sub-Saharan Africa

In this week’s special programme during the holiday season: the International Monetary Fund or IMF, looks at what a drought, earthquake or pandemic can do to economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Natural disasters hold back a country’s ability to produce, leading to an economic slowdown according to two top economists from the IMF.

Sub Saharan Africa has been especially prone and natural disasters have adversely impacted the overall economic performance of the region.

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UN Photo/Albert González Farran

Non-state groups responsible for 60,000 deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa

In the past decade, armed groups have been responsible for 60,000 deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, according to the head of UN peacekeeping operations.

Herve Ladsous made the remarks at an event to mark the tenth anniversary of community violence reduction (CVR) programmes in peacekeeping.

These community-driven programmes aim to combat insecurity and include mediation and development of alternative livelihoods for youth involved in armed violence.

Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.