Despite the pivotal role small-scale farmers have in economic transformation, there are critics who question the viability of small farming as a way out of poverty and as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development, including the writer of the article that appeared in EBR’s 37th edition. Tsegaye Tegenu (PhD) outlines the multifaceted challenges that small farmers continue to face that undermine their potential for economic growth.

According to the United Nations Development Programme, governance is the “exercise of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels.” Those who know how to govern themselves in an efficient manner have created prosperous societies.

Globalisation has created a highly interconnected world. The increased flow of trade, investment and people, sustained by rapid transport and communication, is one of the features of the globalised world – one that provides immense potential for economic growth and development. However, countries should be competitive to tap the maximum benefit that globalisation brings forth.

Development requires continuous learning. This is because achieving inclusive and sustainable development is a complex and comprehensive process. That’s why nations have to learn from the experiences of other countries that have achieved better records of development. Though China is facing economic challenges related to its strategic transition, its development experience can still provide a number of important lessons for other countries.
The Chinese successful development experience –double-digit economic growth for nearly thirty years and its position as one of the most powerful economic powers in the world – are important development outcomes that developing countries should note.

Why the 3rd Conference on Financing for Development is critical for the Post-2015 Development Agenda

Addis Ababa, the third largest diplomatic hub in the world, is preparing to host one of the most important conferences of the year: the 3rd International Conference on Financing for Development (also known as the Addis Conference), which will be held from July 13-16, 2015. It is going to be attended by high-level representatives of governments, international and non-governmental organizations and the private sector.