Sustainability Research in Kenya and Uganda
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Abstract: Some groups dominate; other groups fall behind. In the end, life is a struggle, and the world today reflects the outcome of that struggle? (Sachs, 327). In the world, there are eight hundred and forty-two million people in developing, transition and developed countries. Twenty-four percent of the total numbers are located in sub-Saharan Africa. Eight hundred forty-two million people live in marginal lands and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods (Benneh). Many of these people live in sub-Saharan Africa and depend on agriculture as their major source of income. In Kenya today, there are about twentytwo million people (Commins, 296), and Uganda has about twenty-six million (Rowe). Agriculture is of central importance in the two countries; it is the main part of the economy and it is how most people make a living. In both countries, there are more small farmers than larger commercial ones. These farms, however, are barely able to support the families that tend to them. ?They are impoverished, but they are capable and resourceful? (Sachs, 227). These farmers may have heard, through the grapevine of other farmers, that there are resources and technologies that can help them improve their crops. Even so, they do not have the means to be able to access these resources and technologies. These farmers make due with the resources that they have, the best they can. These farmers are the reason why sustainability research is so important in both countries. Therefore, researchers and scientists need to talk to these farmers to get a feel for the land and the needs of the farmer. Sustainability research needs to put the people first, because the achievement of these practices depends on the farmers and the people who are supporting the research, be it the private or public sector. Sustainability research also needs to focus on gender equality and the fact that women do much of the family farming. Researchers need to make these methods women-friendly, because often times? women do not have the strength that the men might to get the labor end of the job done. Many Americans today, think that they are donating a lot of money to get these research projects started and to help fight poverty. However, the reality is that the people who need the money and effects from the research the most, are not receiving these things.