Global Justice Merseyside

We believe a fairer world is possible

corporate takeover of Africa

Corporations v Tanzanian Farmers: Dan Iles Talk at The Casa 6.30pm- Wednesday 27th April

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We want to invite you to a very important talk and discussion at

The Casa Club, 29 Hope St, Liverpool,  L1 9BQ(0151) 709 2148    on what is happening with this new Africa Alliance and how we can show solidarity with the small farmers who are affected.

Dan has just recently returned from a fact finding visit to Tanzania to gather important research on how the Tanzanian  farmers are fighting back successfully against the Big Corporations that are trying to grab control of land, seeds and soil.

On the other side passionate small-scale farmers are strengthening their networks and deepening pre-existing knowledge in an attempt to keep control of their resources.

Also, a  gentle reminder to please note the early start: 6.30pm sharpish as our guest speaker has to get a train before 9.00pm due to a prior early commitment next day – but, of course we can continue discussion ’til 9.00.dan Illes Tanzania talk

Our next meeting is 20th May 2014 at 2.00pm . New members are very welcome!

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We had a very enjoyable and informative meeting with our Preston WDM Group in the very posh  Preston Town Hall in April.   Many thanks to Janet and other local members  for their  great  and welcome hospitality too!

Maya gave a good introduction to the Stop the corporate takeover of Africa’s Food campaign and we can’t wait to get hold of the  Resources for this action with  the Edible Rice Map of Africa to put on our cake Stunt. It sounds exciting and will be too when we get to a venue near you soon.

This is what the WDM says about how the UK Government is connected with this new wave of carve up of Africa:

Attracted by high growth rates and untapped markets, big companies like Monsanto, Unilever and Nestlé are setting their sights on Africa. To help them there are a number of initiatives, championed by governments like the UK, that claim to support agricultural production in Africa.

However, the real beneficiaries of these schemes are the companies themselves who are set to increase their control over Africa’s land, seeds and markets at the expense of small-scale farmers who feed most of the continent.For corporate giants like Unilever and Monsanto, this means vast profit.

But for small-scale farmers, who feed most of the population, it means losing control of their livelihoods and the resources needed to grow food.

Over 100 African farmers groups have called this a ‘new wave of colonialism.’ Send a message to Justine Greening, Secretary of State for International Development, urging the government to stop funding this corporate takeover.

 

– See more at: http://www.wdm.org.uk/food/about-the-campaign#sthash.Dnp5OB4E.dpuf

Have a look at WDM’s spoof video on the matter.  Our WDM  staff  have got a good take on what it’s all about.