Thomas P.M. Barnett :: Weblog

I guess this plan is worth a try? One thing that sticks out is the part about women doing the majority of the small scale farming in Africa. I've often wondered if this model contributed to Africa's development problems? I seen this in the Middle East as well. Woman work the field all day while man sips tea. Quite a contrast to the West, or East Asia. I wonder why it ended up being this way? Could it be the Ice Age climate of Northern Europe/Asia that produced monogamy, more "equal" gender relations, less children but more attention to raising them? This is certainly dangerous ground I'm treading but its worth pondering and thinking about how it relates to development. With women having farming, mothering, and sex duties, the men of Africa and the Middle East might not be too willing to see these women end up on "Girls Gone Wild" video's as globalization sweeps in?

The Gates foundation has Malaria as it's primary focus, but water and ag are necessary in recovery, so this is a very good move on thier part. Regardless of the role of women in these societies, I think focusing on whoever will show results is the best policy.