I suppose the Lisbon event provides an opportunity for the EU to demonstrate in concrete, unambiguous terms that it is still a worthy development partner to which African nations can look up for a push in their poverty reduction and developmental initiatives, global geopolitical changes notwithstanding.

Improving the capacity of achievement-oriented governments in Africa to provide the basics of a normally decent life for their hardworking citizenry, would reduce the likelihood of conflict/civil unrest. Indeed, it is an essential prerequisite for the sustenance of democratic development on the continent.

First of all, the ‘dumping’ of cheap agricultural produce (in their raw or processed form) on the West African markets has destroyed the livelihoods of millions of small scale farmers in Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and other West African countries. These farmers, men and women, depend on the production of say onion, tomato and other vegetables for food and scarce income during prolonged dry seasons when farming activities are only possible in river valleys.

Secondly, there is no evidence that the large majority of the voiceless small-scale farmers would choose to focus on production aimed at international trade as their priority is to produce what they consume and exchange the surplus for income which can be used to meet other basic needs (e.g. health services, education of children, clothes, etc.). Thirdly, from my little understanding of world trade, the Doha round of negotiation within the WTO is as yet incomplete. To be fully operational, the ETA has to tick certain boxes within the WTO trade rules. In other words, countries that sign the EPA will still need to wait until the round of WTO negotiations are complete. So why the hurry?

Fourthly, with the exception of South Africa, there are no social security guarantees for farmers and others whose livelihoods suffer from global market fluctuations. In the export crop regions of wetter parts of Africa, access to food from forests is able to act as a buffer against say world cocoa price fluctuations.

The key point being made is that there are numerous developmental hurdles to be overcome before African countries are pulled to the river, like the proverbial horse: do they have to drink? The ongoing call for ‘fair trade’ is welcome, and these EPA agreements are not to be hurried as they will have certainly have irreversible long term impact on people and the environment.

My argument is that like Pandora’s Box, the EPAs will unleash hardship, suffering and displacement of farmers from their land. People will be forced off their land and where do we think they will go? First to the cities, through risky illegal journey across the high seas, etc. Steadily they will trickle on as their ancestors did after the ice age. So, sooner or later, it may be that will the last person leaving the continent please remember to turn off the paraffin lantern?

One thing that is very clear is that African leaders will be watching to see what sort of reception they will be accorded at Lisbon. Will it anywhere near that which African leaders got in China or not? Will the agenda be strengthening the economic progress of Africa or not?

On the other hand, European leaders will be looking to the seriousness that is expected of leaders to match word to deed. They will seek to also explore, I imagine, the real ‘better option’ of building Africa’s economic progress through the western model.ie model of freedom and democracy.

So, in a nut shell it will be an interesting meeting of minds.

What is encouraging on both sides of the table are the likes of ’solid leaders’ like the German President and the current South Africa President Thabo Mbeki. This is encouraging because the issue of Africa as an emerging continent, or as an emerging frontier of resource and people value will be given its much needed publicity.

What is challenging is the issue of sustaining progressive discussions that will be covered at the meeting. THAT is the crucial part out of this meeting.

So, with these we wait to see how this important meeting unfolds.

Patrick Khamadi - Advisor International Development

Given the nature of climate change, what regional approaches are required to enable countries in Africa cope with the vagaries of continental and global climatic changes? For example, drought and flood resistant seed exchanges have been found to be useful in minimizing the impact of enviornmental changes in Asia.

The EU would act as a catalyst for the new AU and help us in the part to cooperation and development. I am optimist that this deal is a new deal of a partnership of equals that would work in the favour of the duo. We need our voices to count and be listened to.

Henry Ekwuruke
Programme Director
Development Generation Africa International
A Youth-led NGO in Nigeria.