A Chat With George Ayittey
The internet is a powerful tool. For better or worse, information and people are pretty much accesible at the click of a button. Last week I sent an email to American University Professor George Ayittey. George is a very accomplished economist who studied in Ghana and has written many books on state of the African economy. He is equally intense and educated about the history and current condition of Africa.
George is the founder of the Free Africa Foundation His research is relevant because it underscores a driving belied for ISAW; Africa can never free Herself until She can feed Herself. It is amazing to think that the continent as geographically blessed as Africa must import $40Billion annually for food. George attributes this to a large degree on African governments unwillingness to invest in agriculture.Though this seems an intuative solution, it was a tremendously positive affirmation to have George Ayittey endorse the ISAW project. As ISAW continues to move forward, helping Africa feed Herself will remain paramount in our endeavors. It was an overwhelming honor and inspiration to receive encouragement from Professor Ayittey.
April 16, 2008 at 9:27 pm
ISAW’s vision is phenomenal and way overdue! Having the encouragement of someone suchas George Ayittey not only confims this thought of mine but opens up a whole new world to those of us in the fight to “feed Africa”. ISAW will undoubtly succeed in its mission! Great Job.
May 2, 2008 at 7:33 am
I believe George Ayittey said (in a recent BBC interview) that the number
was $20 billion in food imported, not $40 billion.
Still, the point is not lost.
Better utilization of Africa’s land for food production seems to be
at the heart of the issue.
By the way, can you provide any link for the Free Africa Foundation?
Thanks, -rolf