Global Peace Convention November 17 21 2010 Nairobi

Global Peace Convention November 17 – 21, 2010, Nairobi Kenya “Peace through Socio-economic Empowerment” David O. Otieno (Country Representative, Africa Now)

WHO WE ARE • Africa Now is an International development charity tackling poverty in Africa by helping small-scale producers and promoting ethical trade

WHAT DO WE DO Promotion of equitable and sustainable work and jobs for the poor especially in the rural areas; • Projects • Services • Advocacy

PROJECTS Community Water & Sanitation Dairy Goat Natural Resource Management Greening Rusinga Initiative

Bee-keeping Support for Women Owned Enterprises (SWOES) Fishing on Lake Victoria

Why? • Poverty is a major source of conflict • Disadvantaged people can make use of the available opportunities to permanently improve their living standards • Equitable distribution and utilization of resources promotes peace and empowers the poor to take charge of their destiny.

Cont. • Market based opportunities in business and trade can be made accessible to everyone – irrespective of their status! • Ethical and Fair-trade practices can increase income and well-being of small scale African producers and workers

Effective utilization of a natural resources

Clean drinking water as a critical resource for communities

Cont.

Helping marginalized Communities out of poverty – How? § Knowledge of higher value products § Processing techniques and equipment for value addition § Business skills trainings § Market Knowledge

Cont. § Links to financial services § Working with the Private sector § Ethical trading practices and investment policies § Building capacities to provide ethical business development services

Way Forward • A collaborative effort among all stakeholders (Aid agencies, Government, research institutions, Youth and Adults etc). • Governments to devolve more resources to the local communities • Enhancement of accountability among the key players • Peace is everyone’s responsibility!

Cont. Thank You!