Reports

Review of climate change adaptation practices in South Asia

November 21, 2011

Climate change is predicted to have severe consequences for South Asia. Imbalances in economic growth, inequality among castes, classes, between genders, and a region beset by disasters, have added to the suffering of the poor and those most vulnerable and marginalised. Some of the predicted impacts of climate change include increased variability in both monsoon and winter rainfall patterns; increase in average temperatures, with warmer winters; increased salinity in coastal areas as a result of rising seas and reduced discharge of major rivers; weakening ecosystems; the recession of glaciers in the Himalayas; and increased frequency and/or severity of extreme weather events.

Download file:

rr-climate-change-adaptation-south-asia-161111-en.pdf

Sorcery beliefs and practices in Gumine: a source of conflict and insecurity

November 21, 2011

This report discusses the findings related to witchcraft and sorcery, and how this contributes to insecurity in Gumine District.

Download file:

Sorcery_report_FINAL.pdf

Not a game: Speculation vs food security

October 3, 2011

Food prices are a matter of life and death to many in the developing world. Financial markets that should be helping food growers and processors to manage their risk and set prices have become a potential threat to global food security. Deregulated and secretive agricultural commodity derivatives markets have attracted huge sums of speculative money, and there is growing evidence that they deliver distorted and unpredictable food prices. Financial speculation can play an important role to help food producers and end users manage risks, but in light of the harm that excessive speculation may cause to millions, action is required now to address the problem. This briefing explains what has gone wrong with financial markets and what the United States, the European Union and other G20 members should do to fix them.

Download file:

111003 ib-speculation-vs-food-security-en.pdf

Ten years of Eastern Highlands Family Voice

September 28, 2011

Eastern Highlands Family Voice (EHFV) has been working with those affected by family violence in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea for the last ten years. This report by EHFV and Oxfam looks at its case histories over the last three years, to help build a profile of who uses their services and why. The information will help identify what information and support is needed by clients, so that EHFV can improve and better target their counselling services.

Download file:

EHFV-Oxfam-report-Sep2011.pdf

Land and Power: The growing scandal surrounding the new wave of investments in land

September 22, 2011

The new wave of land deals is not the new investment in agriculture that millions had been waiting for. The poorest people are being hardest hit as competition for land intensifies. Oxfam’s research has revealed that residents regularly lose out to local elites and domestic or foreign investors because they lack the power to claim their rights effectively and to defend and advance their interests. Companies and governments must take urgent steps to improve land rights outcomes for people living in poverty. Power relations between investors and local communities must also change if investment is to contribute to rather than undermine the food security and livelihoods of local communities.

Download file:

bp151-land-power-rights-acquisitions-220911-en.pdf

bp151-land-power-rights-acquisitions-220911-summ-en.pdf

Yemen: Fragile lives in hungry times

September 19, 2011

Widespread hunger and chronic malnutrition have taken hold in Yemen. A protracted political stalemate over much of the past six months has left the government in paralysis, prompting a fuel crisis that has brought the economy to the verge of collapse. A recent study by Oxfam found many communities to be on the brink of disaster. In other parts of the country the United Nations has found that some vulnerable communities are now facing critical levels of malnutrition.

Download file:

110919 bp152-yemen-fragile-lives-hungry-times-en.pdf