Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Breakdown of US Foreign Aid in Africa

It took me awhile to find accurate and viable data on this subject but the US Census has published this information recently. Its interesting to see how much Africa has been supported by the United States compared to other regions in the world.

http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s1262.pdf

Here is a further breakdown of each individual country and how much they have recieved.
 http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s1263.pdf
 

Any surprises that catch your eye?

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

South Africa Protecting Its Wildlife

 



In my attempt to find an article that was a bit further from politics than usual I came across this current issue. This year, 227 rhinos have been illegally killed. Last year, only 122 were killed. All across the world, trade of rhino horns is banned, but in the black market they are very wealthy. It was very disheartening to learn how much technology has improved the ability for poachers to kill these animals. The poachers use helicopters to fly above the rhinos. They use dart guns to stun and make the rhino unconscious. Then they land, cut off the horn, and leave the rhino to die.

One of the reasons rhino horns is in such high demand is because of the old traditions of African medicine. The rhinos are believed to hold power and within the horn holds healing strength. An issue like this makes you wonder how a modern Africa would not just be beneficial on a humanity global scale, but would also benefit the defenseless animals that share this planet with us.