« The CFA  franc is  a killer!»

 “Rapport Cyclope 2009”  is a reference document on world markets and commodities.  It was published on May 12th  and highlights  the agonies of various economic sectors in the franc zone, which  are suffering  under the impact of India and, in particular, the status of the CFA currency.  The situation of other African countries, notably Zimbabwe,  is not comparable, according to  Gérald Estur, co-author of the report.

The poor are entitled to more respect

About a month ago I was contacted by an FAO official on posting in Ouagadougou. His is in charge of an emergency project aimed at helping the most destitute farmers. The project area extends over several provinces, which have been declared priority areas. Among them is the province of Sanguié, near  Koudougou.  The project co-ordinator had called to see me to present the project and ask me to help him trace the 600 poorest farmers in Sanguié.