Facebook Therapy in Zambia,
"Social networking sites appear to be growing in appeal beyond their traditional use as platforms to inform people about what’s on and what’s happening. Given the growth of mobile technology in Africa, these platforms offer cheap and easy access to therapy/counselling/advice for many people, especially the rural poor, who often need it (for HIV/AIDS advice, domestic violence issues, etc) but don’t have access to traditional opportunities e.g. face-to-face counselling."
Trans-border tourism parks expected to promote regional stability, environmental conservation, and development
In an innovative move Southern African countries have charted out a trans-border tourism park in the hopes of creating increased stability, environmental protection, and development.
Sources:
SA Node April 2011, pgs. 4-5http://newsletters.clearsignals.org/SANode_April2011.pdf#page=4
Source: http://www.portalangop.co.ao/motix/en_us/noticias/economia/2011/3/17/Angola-avails-000-
square-kilometres-land-for-tourist-project,b98cfa94-66c9-469c-b43d-0cd251b90e3b.html
For more information about the Okavango/Zambeze, aka Kavango/Zambezi (Kaza) project:
http://www.peaceparks.org/tfca.php?pid=27&mid=1008
For more information about the Wildlife Management and Tourism colleges.
http://www.peaceparks.org/story.php?pid=100&mid=28
Zambia Forecasted to Outperform African Countries
GDP has, for better or worse, been the main indicator of economic and societal health for most of the world since the beginning of development work.. A strong and growing GDP signals hope for citizenry that the outlook for job and business opportunities as well as increased social safety nets looks good. For foreign governments and companies, a growing GDP signals investment potential and security . As such, having a sustaining a strong rate of GDP growth is the holy grail of development.
Sources:
South Africa Node, October 2010, pg. 4:http://newsletters.clearsignals.org/SA-Node_Oct2010.pdf#page=4
http://www.lusakatimes.com/2010/10/05/cost-business-affecting-zambias-economy-dodia/
http://www.lusakatimes.com/2010/10/11/uk-survey-tips-zambias-economy-growth/
Map Image source:
http://www.topnews.in/regions/zambia
Flag Image Source:
http://www.internationaleducationmedia.com/zambia/
Buy phone credit and get free life insurance
"Trustco, the microfinance and microinsurance provider has signed an agreement with Zimbabwe’s Econet Wireless for the roll-out of a product, which would see the operator’s subscribers get free life insurance when they buy airtime for their cell phones. No contracts would have to be signed
beforehand and Trustco would not have to collect payment from individuals each month. As long as subscribers buy airtime, they will be covered by the
Sources:
South Africa Node, September 2010:http://newsletters.clearsignals.org/SA-Node_Sept%202010.pdf
COMACO, making markets and conservation work together
Some wildlife conservationists are now being criticized for not acknowledging the cost-benefit analysis for local communities. When asking a local community to stop all game hunting, you risk undermining their economy and create potential for poaching if you do not provide an alternative source of income. This is exactly what has been happening throughout Africa ever since traditional hunting practices were outlawed.
Sources:
South Africa Node, Sept. 2010http://newsletters.clearsignals.org/SA-Node_Sept2010.pdf
http://www.itswild.org