Both ENDS
What is the reason behind the European Investment Bank’s 500 million loan to the Brazilian development bank BNDES? The money, paid for by the European taxpayer, comes from the ‘climate funds’ intended for projects to stop climate change. Does this make BNDES the most logical choice? Anouk Franck went to Brazil to find out more about this loan.
Our Deputy Director Paul Wolvekamp joins in the discussion on food security. Together with Aad Kessler and Coen Ritsema he wrote an article in 'the Broker', in which he argues that the current (Dutch) policy is detrimental to small-scale agriculture worldwide. That's a shame, because, according to the authors, small-scale agriculture can contribute greatly to global food security in the future. Wolvekamp: "Small-scale farming produces at least half of the global food supply, offers most of the employment in rural areas and provides local people with a fall-back option in times of economic crisis and shortages.”
In 2007 five protesters perished in demonstrations against the 'give away' of Mabira forest in favor of sugar cane production. Last week president Museveni called for a 'solution' and named demonstrators 'economic saboteurs'. Both ENDS partner NAPE and it's director Frank Muramuzi are ready to continue the struggle for Mabira.
