unecasetup's blog

Of the world’s fifty-two Small Island Developing States (SIDS), six are in Africa. They include; Cape Verde, Comoros, Guinea Bissau, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe and Seychelles. These countries range in size from the smallest, Seychelles, which is composed of 115 small islands representing the largest number among African SIDS, to the largest, Guinea Bissau, which comprises close to 80 islands.  For most, these countries trigger vivid images of tourist heavens characterized by tranquil beaches, palm trees, clear turquoise waters or colourful coral reefs.

Africans are eating like the rest of the world, but what they are eating isn’t necessarily good for them. White bread with jam and butter is fast becoming the new breakfast trend and substitute for traditional porridge, the likes of pap or uji. Research shows that over the last 50 years Africans have dramatically changed their diet and are eating more of the same foods as the industrialized world. At least 18 African countries have changed more than 25 % of their diets.

Grappling with goals for sustainable development is not only a demanding task but also a big challenge. Sustainable development seeks to achieve social and economic progress in ways that will not exhaust the earth's natural resources. The world's resources are finite, and growth that is unmanaged and un-sustained will lead to deteriorating conditions for all.  We owe it to future generations to explore lifestyles and paths of development that effectively balance opportunities with possibilities. Therefore, creating goals are an important dimension to sustain development.