28/08/2014
Just an observation from traveling in Impact Countries and developed countries.
Part 3
Employment and more . . .
Unless there is a significant, swift change, Impact Country cities will soon explode with population. The World Bank, in a 2009 report stated: "By 2050, two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities, and the greatest growth in urban populations will take place in the least developed countries."
The June 2014 edition of Fortune (Africa's Big Apple, p. 92) adds: "By 2050, Africa's city dwellers will more than triple, from about 400 million to 1.2 billion - one of the faster urbanizations in human history."
The World Bank warns: "This presents many governments with considerable challenges related to urban governance and the provision of services and opportunities to a burgeoning urban population."
Why are cities in Impact Countries growing too rapidly? It's not just the birth rate - it's migration to cities by people looking for opportunities and services. If you've ever been to a city in an Impact Country it is painfully obvious that the cities cannot handle the population now. Hard working people line the streets trying to sell anything. It is clear they are not faring well.
Interestingly, in The Guardian, one of London's leading publications, an answer was posed, one that the Post Harvest Project has touted from the beginning. From the Global Professionals Development Network, June 4, 2013, "Agriculture employs most of Africa's young people and is likely to continue to do so in the future. But to meet the aspirations of millions who want rewarding work, the continent's agricultural sector will have to change markedly. Today's farming by machete and hand hoe does not appeal to young Africans or to policymakers. . . Yet for a generation of young people entering adulthood, agriculture offers the best opportunity to move out of poverty and build satisfying lives."
It only makes common sense, and bears repeating. Most of the people in Impact Countries are farmers, fishermen or fishmongers. Most of them are very poor. But they're not poor because they don't work hard enough. They are poor because there is huge lack of agricultural infrastructure. They lose 50% or more of their harvest and catch. It is no wonder that young people are abandoning food production and moving to the cities for just about any opportunity.
Impact Countries must build agriculture infrastructure so that the vast majority of people employed will have sustainable incomes. Otherwise, the countries will face a young population that eschews farming in favor of the bright lights of cities. But the cities cannot keep up with the growth now. How will they do when the population triples?
Another very difficult truth must be faced. When too many people live in a confined area, and there is not enough jobs or food, where do people turn? Historically, violence breaks out.
Impact Countries can show they understand farmers, fishers and ranchers, and that they care for their present and future by investing in agricultural infrastructure now. Protect the environment at the same time, and rural incomes will increase while the country sustains itself for future generations. Moreover, this investment will help bring its people's work onto the global market, while significantly diminishing hunger at home.
It takes a comprehensive approach to make the agricultural life appealing again. The Post Harvest Project provides such a comprehensive solution. If farmers, fishers and ranchers were able to dramatically reduce heir post harvest losses; could feed their families and have more to provide to the local, national and international markets, everybody benefits. It is basic economics.
Impact Countries must take action now, or face problems in the very near future that no one can afford.
