ODI 2005 WebLog : Niger: Shared responsibility for a slow response: "Until very recently, the Niger government and UN agencies avoided free food distributions. The focus was on subsidised cereal sales, cereal banks, food and cash for work, subsidised fodder provision and preventative veterinary care. In part, the reluctance to accept a need for free food seems to have stemmed from concerns that it would disrupt markets, create dependency and undermine development efforts. As a recent HPG report argues, fears about dependency should not be a justification for not providing relief. "
Quality analysis from ODI on this and other topics...

Aljazeera.Net - Whales capable of cultural learning

Google: An Apology - ZDNet UK Comment Good retort to Google's ridiculous sulk when reporters researched its boss using Google itself.