Inclusive agriculture in the Philippines, and other news (12 November 2019)

Each week we highlight some of the international development stories from across the globe that have caught our attention

• The World Bank has committed $500 million for agricultural projects in the Philippines, including development of coastal resilience and fisheries, and the Mindanao inclusive agriculture development project. Read more in Philstar.

• The recently released 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey has shown that there have been improvements in maternal healthcare, and the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases such as malaria. Many of Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goal indicators have remained unchanged since 2013. Read more in Premium Times (Nigeria).

• A delegation from Azerbaijan led by the minister of agriculture Inam Karmov, have held talks with the US over agricultural reforms with the aim of increasing food security in the country. Read more in Azvision.

• Norway aims to allocate up to NOK 300 million per year in aid to support developing countries increase access to clean energy and reduce poverty. The money will be spent as guaranteed investments for businesses willing to support renewable energy use in developing countries. Read more in All Africa.

• A high-level delegation from the United Nations Peace Building Commission has visited Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire to assess peace building priorities. The delegation also aims to increase cooperation supporting cross-border issues and identify areas for further engagement. Read more in All Africa.

• MPs in Ethiopia have approved around $700 million of loan agreements, including $280 million from the World Bank for development projects in pastoral areas and $85 million from the French Development Agency for increasing private sector engagement and good governance practices. Read more in The Reporter (Ethiopia).