agriculture

In most of sub-Saharan Africa, maize is a staple food crop. This paper explores some of the reasons why maize markets fail and argues that a major reason is because there is so little trust or cooperation between governments and private traders.

The lingering effects of El Niño have affected around 7 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Oxfam and its local partners have been helping some of the most vulnerable people in the region to become more resilient to extreme weather patterns.

Despite progress, much work remains to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to support the millions of people already hit by climate change. This paper presents new data commissioned from the research consultancy CE Delft on the greenhouse gas emissions footprints and water scarcity footprints of major food commodities. 

Africa is losing billions to corruption, poorly negotiated deals and tax dodging. Leaders must listen to their people. They must crack down on tax dodging and maximize progressive revenues to create a more human economy for Africa.

Zimbabwe has declared a 'state of disaster' regarding drought in the country that has been triggered by El Nino. With one in five Zimbabweans facing food struggles, Oxfam says this could shock the international community into action.

Millions of poor and vulnerable people face hunger and poverty this year and next because of record global temperatures, droughts and erratic rains in 2014 and 2015, compounded by the development of possibly the most powerful El Niño on record.

Thanks to four simple tools farmers in Ethiopia are protecting their livelihoods against climate change.  

As the South pushes along the long road to real and lasting peace and reconciliation, many South Sudanese are rebuilding their agricultural capacity in order to rebuild their lives. 

This paper is one of a series published by Oxfam in West Africa since 2009 on the effectiveness of aid in the agriculture and food sector. It analyses the West African context and reviews ECOWAP by looking at the processes and complex institutional structures currently in place.

Wealthy countries have committed to helping countries in Africa to adapt to climate change, but few women producers, who are on the front line of dealing with the impacts, are feeling the benefit.