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This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that international donor agencies and UN bodies are hindering malaria control in Africa by resisting the use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and DDT in favor of less effective measures. The author contends that a 'vertical' health program approach, combining DDT-based IRS and Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), is the most effective strategy, citing successful implementations in South Africa and India.

This research paper argues that African countries, particularly within the SADC region, should adopt biotechnology and genetic modification to combat food insecurity and climate-change-induced droughts. The author contends that current regulatory stances in Africa are overly influenced by external pressures from the European Union and the Cartagena Protocol, leading to 'regulatory overkill' that may conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and hinder the timely delivery of food relief.

This research paper examines the potential for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) and India, arguing that the agreement is likely to be 'commercially shallow' due to low non-gold trade volumes, competing industrial interests, and India's strategic prioritization of Asia.

The National Chairman's Annual Statement 2008 from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) discusses South Africa's evolving role in global affairs as it approaches the 2009 elections. The statement emphasizes the link between domestic governance and international credibility, outlining three critical tests for the state: responsible leadership during political transition, the resilience of democratic institutions, and the quality of policy implementation in areas such as climate change and conflict resolution. It further addresses regional instability in Africa, the influence of emerging powers like China and India, and the necessity of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

This fact sheet by Friends of the Earth International argues that genetically modified (GM) crops have not contributed to reducing hunger or poverty and are unsuitable for small-scale farmers due to high seed costs and patent restrictions. The document asserts that GM crops do not increase yields, often increase pesticide use, and primarily benefit large-scale industrial farmers in a few countries through 'convenience' rather than productivity.

This 2008 research paper examines how International Investment Agreements (IIAs) and investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms may constrain the ability of states to protect and promote human rights. It finds that most IIAs are silent on human rights obligations for investors and that the confidentiality of arbitration processes often undermines public accountability. The author argues that stabilization clauses in Host Government Agreements further limit the state's right to regulate and recommends the creation of model language to integrate human rights values into future investment treaties.

This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International evaluates the global impact of genetically modified (GM) crops as of 2007, arguing that they provide no significant environmental, social, or economic benefits. The document specifically highlights how herbicide-resistant crops have led to an increase in pesticide use and the emergence of resistant weeds, while failing to improve food security or crop yields.

This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) argues that genetically modified (GM) crops provide no ecological, social, or economic benefits. The document focuses on the increased use of pesticides associated with herbicide-tolerant (HT) varieties, the lack of impact on global hunger and poverty, and the stagnation or decline of crop yields compared to conventional farming.

This 2008 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for the SEED Initiative examines the challenges and processes of scaling up and replicating social and environmental enterprises. It contrasts the 'large scale' ambitions of international development donors with the modest, viability-focused growth goals of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), suggesting that recognition and reward programs should provide more tailored, long-term support and help create enabling environments rather than expecting entrepreneurs to drive systemic societal transformation alone.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the role of 'soft components'—social and institutional investments—in agricultural water management (AWM) interventions at the mesoscale (community or sub-catchment level). Through meta-analyses and case studies across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, the report argues that high initial social capital and participatory methodologies are critical for the sustainable adoption of AWM technologies. It highlights a significant gap in the monitoring and economic valuation of these soft components and their long-term environmental and social impacts.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) examines the global state of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). It analyzes legal frameworks, national and international programs, and the specific challenges faced by emerging and developing economies in integrating environmental, social, and economic criteria into public purchasing.

This case study examines the impact of cotton yarn price volatility on India's handloom weavers and evaluates various government and micro-level interventions designed to stabilize the sector. It highlights the vulnerability of decentralized weavers within a value chain dominated by organized spinning mills and traders, and recommends an integrated approach combining technological innovation, institutional reform, and improved market intelligence.

This 2007 IISD report analyzes the compatibility of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and other market mechanisms for sustainable development (MMSD) with various proposed post-2012 climate regimes. It identifies that while the current project-based CDM works in regimes with differentiated targets, it would be incompatible with a system where all countries have binding targets. In such cases, the report suggests a shift toward Joint Implementation (JI)-style mechanisms or 'expanded CDM' models that include sectoral and policy-based crediting. The report emphasizes the need to balance the developed world's demand for low-cost, additional credits with the developing world's need for sustainable development dividends and equitable access to investment.

This report explores market-based price risk management options for coffee farmers, particularly smallholders in developing countries. It analyzes the volatility of Arabica and Robusta coffee prices and the barriers preventing farmers from accessing futures and options markets. The authors argue that while traditional risk mitigation (like diversification) is costly and inefficient, market-based instruments can make earnings more predictable, provided that intermediaries like local banks and cooperatives are leveraged to bridge the gap between small growers and international exchanges.

This report analyzes the rapeseed/mustard oil sector in India, focusing on the challenges of price volatility and the effectiveness of national revenue management strategies. It examines the sector's importance to the Indian economy, the dependence of rural households and the government on its revenues, and provides recommendations for stabilizing incomes through productivity gains, futures market development, and tax rationalization.

This research paper by Kurt Shillinger analyzes South Africa's transition from a regional hegemon during the apartheid era to a self-appointed champion of the 'Global South' in international diplomacy. It argues that while regional strategic rebalancing within southern Africa is not currently underway, South Africa is actively pursuing a rebalancing of global economic and diplomatic power through non-aligned blocs and the United Nations.

This document is a highlights summary of a report by Friends of the Earth International analyzing the global performance of genetically modified (GM) crops between 1996 and 2006. It argues that GM crops have failed to provide superior yields, reduce pesticide use, or alleviate poverty and hunger, while noting significant public opposition in Europe and instances of environmental contamination.

A 2007 guide by CIEL that explains the structure and functioning of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to help civil society organizations participate in intellectual property discussions. It critiques WIPO's historical focus on expanding IP protections at the expense of sustainable development goals, specifically regarding access to medicines, food security, and traditional knowledge.

This document is a 2007 web exchange between Prof. Steve Berry, Peter Bradford, and Amory Lovins regarding the viability and role of nuclear power in mitigating climate change. The participants debate the economic competitiveness of nuclear energy versus energy efficiency and 'micropower' (distributed renewables), the risks of proliferation and waste, and the energy needs of rapidly developing nations like China and India.

A 2006 report by a coalition of NGOs critiquing the World Bank's energy investment framework, arguing that it continues to fund fossil fuels and large-scale projects while neglecting renewable energy and the energy needs of the poor.