Topic: Rural Development

One Acre Fund helps Africa's small farmers keep in their fields

The One Acre Fund provides access to microloans, training, insurance, and other hard-to-get help that boosts farmers' incomes and curbs flight from farms into cities.

China: One fire may be out, but tensions over rural land rights are still smoldering

The same tinderbox that allowed the Chinese village of Wukan to erupt (the confiscation of farmer’s land without fair compensation) is present in thousands of villages across China. The scale of the problem is a matter of both domestic and global concern.

Peru's next president urges vigilantes to fight drug trafficking

To improve the security of Peruvians in far-flung parts of the country, President-elect Ollanta Humala has pledged to 'protect and empower' citizen self-defense groups. Is that a good idea?

Five US cities that ban smoking in public parks

New York City lawmakers voted Feb. 2 to ban smoking outdoors in public parks, public beaches, and even Times Square. In all, almost 500 cities, counties, and towns have banned smoking in public parks. Here are five big cities that have done so.

What Burma (Myanmar) needs to fill its rice bowl

In Burma (Myanmar), once the world's leading rice exporter, indebted farmers are losing their land or cannot afford quality seeds. More aid and credit are available these days, but not nearly enough, say development experts.

Can a terror prison spark a boom?

US Officials say a prison for ‘Gitmo’ detainees will boost rural Thomson, Ill. Don’t count on it.

Is fight against hunger a matter of security?

Hunger and food insecurity can destabilize whole regions. That dimension is raising new interest in tackling the issue, says Kanayo Nwanze, the new head of the UN's International Fund for Agricultural Development.

John Morris: An eye-witness to the rise of photojournalism

As a life-long photo editor, John Morris shepherded some of the 20th century's most iconic images and most well-regarded photographers.

US applies Colombia antidrug lessons to Afghanistan

A new strategy in Afghanistan to combat the opium trade draws on US experience curbing cocaine shipments in Latin America.

Uganda: How a teenage sugar cane farmer lifted her family out of poverty.

A lone bright spot in real estate: farmland

Iowa land prices have jumped 18 percent in a year. But higher values come with a cost.

Despite Alaska's challenges, new farmers take root

The demise of Matanuska Maid Dairy reflects agriculture's decline here. But some niche farms are prospering.

Despite Alaska's challenges, new farmers take root

The demise of Matanuska Maid Dairy reflects agriculture's decline here. But some niche farms are prospering.

Businessman creates hope for struggling U.S. farmers

Bill Gross founded Farm Rescue, an organization that helps disaster-stricken farmers.

U.S.-Africa alliance to help small farmer

The partnership between the US and Kofi Annan's farm group reflects the new international emphasis on agriculture.