While large private water companies grab the headlines, it is more often small private vendors that bring water to the urban poor in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This working paper looks at how water-vending systems operate, how effective they are in meeting the needs of the urban poor, and how this effectiveness might be improved. The paper concentrates on the small-scale and informal vendors, most of whom work independently with very little capital. Nevertheless, they display enormous diversity and flexibility, and are adept at responding to the needs of all but the very poorest households.

While large private water companies grab the headlines, it is more often small private vendors that bring water to the urban poor in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This working paper looks at how water-vending systems operate, how effective they are in meeting the needs of the urban poor, and how this effectiveness might be improved. The paper concentrates on the small-scale and informal vendors, most of whom work independently with very little capital. Nevertheless, they display enormous diversity and flexibility, and are adept at responding to the needs of all but the very poorest households.

This study looks at the many forest-based associations in Guayana that are attempting to use forest-based products and services, and are concerned about sustainability.

A decade ago, public and private water and sanitation were typically presented as very distinct alternatives.

This paper was developed for the Ford Foundation. It covers the key aspects of a pro-poor and ecologically sustainable urban agenda for Africa. Drawing mainly on African researchers and activists, it reviews urban trends on the continent and discusses how these have to be understood in relation to the multiple linkages between rural and urban areas.

Global warming is already hitting Africa. This is increasing the vulnerability of poor communities, especially farmers, who are having to cope with not only more droughts but also sudden, violent and unpredictable rainfall. “Africa – Up in Smoke?” is the second report from the Working Group on Climate Change and Development. It has a foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and draws attention to the fact that climate change is a particular challenge for Africa, where many of the world's poorest countries are located.

Sustainable products (ie, products that provide greater positive or lower negative social, environmental and economic impacts along the value chain than conventional products) have the potential to contribute to sustainable development in developing countries. But at present there are many factors impeding the growth of markets for these products in developing countries. For example, at national level, there is a lack of market information, while at international level ecolabelling requirements impose financial burdens on small-scale producers. This paper aims to bring some fresh perspectives to the debate on international trade, sustainable products, ecolabelling and production and process methods, with a view to helping developing country governments draw up suitable policies to support sustainable products.

African ministers, policy makers, opinion leaders and researchers concerned with land issues gathered in London with international agencies and experts for Land in Africa, a two-day Conference in early November, 2004, to explore current thinking and experience with land tenure issues across the continent. Participants debated how land policies and programmes for land management can best promote secure rights, investment and economic growth. This document highlights the findings and key policy messages emerging from the Conference.

Land tenure and shelter are insecure for many ordinary Africans in both urban and rural areas. Property rights are weak or unclear, and this is widely regarded as a major obstacle to African development. In this dynamic and challenging context, a conference entitled Land in Africa: market asset or livelihood security? Organised by IIED , NRI and the Royal African Society in November 2004, the conference brought together a wide range of interest groups including, African policy makers, academics and civil society representatives, as well as representatives of the private sector and international agencies to debate the way ahead for land rights and land reforms in Africa. This document brings together the proceedings from this conference.