All publications and documents

Graham von Maltitz is a research fellow of the Botany Department, University of Stellenbosch. He was previously a principle researcher and research group leader of the Global Change and Ecosystems Dynamics group of the Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) unit, CSIR, South Africa, where he has over 30 years of experience. He trained as a systems ecologist, and rural development…

Recent calls to change the SDGs and to lower ambition confuse two issues. The first is whether goals, such as universal access to healthcare, education, safe water, and clean energy, are achievable by 2030, which includes issues of technical and operational feasibility as well as affordability. The second is whether such goals are likely to be achieved given the failure rich countries to honor…

COVID-19 could compound an already-dire humanitarian situation in the Sahel by exposing up to 50 million more people to food insecurity. There is a risk of governments using the pandemic for political gain, or to repress dissent, which would further destabilise the region. Because the informal economy provides most of the employment in the region, it should be better protected against…

The fragile, poor, and conflict-affected Sahelian countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso were expected to witness catastrophic health and security situations following the emergence of COVID-19. However, the number of cases and deaths has remained relatively low in all three countries compared to other parts of the world. As of August 6, 2020, there have been 1,152 confirmed cases per…

Almost all processes that produce air pollutants also impact health and contribute to climate change. Emphasizing the near-term human health benefits of managing air pollutants can act as a major driver for policy change, which in turn, can achieve long-term benefits for reducing climate change. Fast action to reduce short-lived climate pollutants – especially methane, black carbon…

This brief by IFPRI aims for a better understanding of the intersection between climate resilience and youth employment, and where it may be stronger geographically, which is necessary to generate better policy and adaptation options for the future of agriculture and of young people. The world’s population is increasing, creating a pressing need for jobs in places where the youth cohort is…