1. Introduction

2012 was a recovery year for Kenya following the drought in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs) in 2011. The language was one of resilience, building on lessons learnt from 2011, building local capacities, particularly at community and local government level which feeds into preparedness for the next drought, an inevitability within the next couple of years. The urban informal settlements and slums experienced price spikes which continue to create hardships for the chronically poor.

1. Introduction

Haiti is recovering gradually following the earthquake that devastated a large part of the country on January 12, 2010. The Government together with NGOs and other institutions are still working to relocate people from the different remaining camps to more secure shelters. Finding durable solutions to this problem takes time, nonetheless, from an initial 1,500,000 homeless people; the number of persons still in camps in October 2012 has reduced to 390,000.

Pregnant with her sixth child, Mariam has already fled with her family three times, desperately searching for a safe haven from the deadly violence consuming Syria. Today, she lives with her husband, five children, and 100 other people in what was a primary school building. Their savings now depleted and her husband unable to find steady work, Mariam is finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet for her family. “I find life hard in the school,” she says. “We have not enough water and no money.”

1. Introduction

The security and political situation remains volatile in Afghanistan, including in Concern’s programme areas of Takhar and Badakshan Provinces. Despite the unpredictability of the situation, progress is being made on programme development, emergency preparedness and advocacy. The sequential withdrawal of international military forces, initiated in 2011, will intensify in 2013, culminating by mid-year. The impact of transition on access to programmes and on programme implementation will be monitored and modified accordingly.

1. Introduction:

1. Introduction

1. Introduction The political environment of the country has continued relatively consistent and stable since the sudden death of Prime Minister Zenawi, who has been leading the country for twenty-one years. In what is described by the United States government, for example, as ‘historic, peaceful, and constitutional’ transition (Reporter1), Hailemariam Dessalegn, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister to serve until the next election in 2015.

WASHINGTON, DC, May 22, 2013 — Bread for the World Institute and Concern Worldwide U.S. will host an international meeting for civil society leaders on maternal and child nutrition on Monday, June 10, 2013 in Washington, D.C. This meeting will garner political support for commitments made at “Nutrition for Growth,” a pledge conference to be held in London on June 8. Rajiv Shah, administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will serve as the keynote speaker for the international meeting.

The latest IMF World Economic Outlook highlights a surge in economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. While such a trend is welcome, it should not be a cause for complacency, argues Connell Foley, Director of Strategy with Concern Worldwide

Given the generally negative perceptions of Africa amongst the general public, it is heartening to read the latest IMF World Economic Outlook report suggesting that growth south of the Sahara will hit 6.1% next year.