Two locust and drought stories focused my mind on the real meaning of progress. The first, on France 2, described the plight of French farmers. The second, on BBC News, the trouble in Niger.
But the difference, oh, the difference:
In Europe the drought meant monetary loss.
The second half of 2005 will also be challenging in Europe.
“In addition, conditions in the Western European market are less certain in the second half of 2005, as farmers may delay equipment purchases due to European Union farm subsidy reforms and drought in certain regions,” Richenhagen said.
In Africa it still means starving children.
The food crisis in Niger also threatens three other countries in the region – Mali, Burkina Faso and Mauritania, the United Nations has warned.
At least 2.5m people in the three countries need food aid and like Niger they were hit by drought and a plague of locusts last year.
And you know what is the best thing about progress? We know about those far away places and are able to do something to soften the blow.
posted by Judith
The Dish 