This is one of those things I can’t sit still about. When I hear about poverty in Africa, I feel some kind of need I can barely describe. It’s a mixture of outrage, helplessness, the rejection of helplessness, world weariness, and mostly, the desire to do something. I can’t understand how someone wouldn’t be interested in this topic.
Anyway, I’m trying to find a starting point. TED.com has some fascinating talks about poverty in Africa, particularly by Jacqueline Novogratz. I’m going to read books about this, starting with The Bottom Billion by Paul Collier, maybe then The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs, then Deep Economy by Bill McKibben, and The White Man’s Burden by William Easterly. Maybe once I get a little more background on this issue I’ll delve into Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo. I definitely want to get my hands on Jacqueline Novogratz’s Blue Sweater, too.
So much to read! Better get cracking. I’m going to try to keep this updated so I don’t fall behind.
