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Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4: PRIORITY INTERVENTION AREAS

4.1 BACKGROUND

The selection of the intervention areas presented in this chapter is based on their contribution to the overarching objectives and priorities identified in the Report of the Review of SADC Institutions, approved by SADC Heads of State and Government in Windhoek, Namibia in March 2001. The intervention areas are divided in two main groups, namely those of a cross-sectoral nature and those related to specific areas of cooperation and integration.

Besides addressing the challenges identified in Chapters 2 and 3, the criteria used to select the priority intervention areas include contribution to poverty reduction and eradication; development integration; balanced and equitable development; integration into the continental and global economy; sustainable development and gender equality.

The presentation of the intervention areas highlights the overall goal, areas of focus, key strategies, and broad targets. The targets take into account the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed parameters and will be reviewed every two years. It should be noted that the targets are not presented in order of priority. The interventions are further elaborated in matrices, which identify the objectives, strategies, measures, time frames, indicators and the line responsibility (attached as annexes).

The interventions provide a broad strategic framework. The directorates at the Secretariat will prepare detailed implementation plans based on this framework.

A number of assumptions have been identified as critical for the attainment of the goals and achievement of the targets. These include the existence of strong political will, good governance, availability of human and financial resources, and effective management of inter-sectoral linkages and synergies.

The priority intervention areas presented in this chapter are as follows:

  1. Cross-Sectoral Intervention Areas
    • Poverty eradication;
    • Combating of the HIV and AIDS pandemic;
    • Gender equality and development;
    • Science and Technology;
    • Information and Communication Technologies;
    • Environment and Sustainable Development;
    • Private Sector
    • Statistics
  2. Sectoral cooperation and integration Intervention Areas
    • Trade/economic liberalization and development;
    • Infrastructure support for regional integration and poverty eradication;
    • Sustainable food security; and
    • Human and social development.

4.2 POVERTY ERADICATION

4.2.1 INTRODUCTION

The SADC region has identified the combating of poverty as the overarching priority in its integration agenda. Accordingly, the 1992 SADC Treaty contains broad goals achieving development and economic growth, alleviation of poverty, enhancement of the standard and quality of live of the people of Southern Africa and support for the socially disadvantaged groups through regional integration.

In recognition of the magnitude of the problem and in line with the commitments that Member States have made under the Millennium Development Goals and NEPAD, the region has adopted poverty eradication as its main goal.

4.2.2 OVERALL GOAL

The overall goal of the poverty intervention area is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development that will ensure poverty alleviation with the ultimate objective of its eradication.

4.2.3 FOCUS AREAS

As indicated in Chapter 2, poverty is caused by many factors. For this reason, poverty eradication is addressed in all intervention areas outlined in this chapter, in particular, in the priority intervention areas of combating of the HIV and AIDS pandemic; gender equality and development; trade, economic liberalisation and development; infrastructure support for regional integration and poverty eradication; sustainable food security; and in human and social development. It is also addressed in the SADC Indicative Plan of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security in view of the importance of good governance for poverty eradication.

4.2.4 STRATEGIES

Eradicating poverty requires that opportunities be created for the poor to create wealth for themselves. This entails building up the capital assets of the poor, redistributing natural assets, constructing and maintaining infrastructure and promoting knowledge and health in poor areas; protecting the environment and reducing economic inequalities. It also entails expanding into regional and international markets and promoting investment to stimulate economic growth and employment creation for the poor.

A key strategy in eradicating poverty is facilitating the empowerment of poor people by laying the political and legal basis for inclusive development, promoting public administrations that foster economic growth and equity, promoting inclusive decentralisation and community development, promoting gender equity, addressing social barriers and supporting poor people's social capital. Another strategy for eradicating poverty is reducing the risks of such events as conflicts, crimes, diseases and economic reforms and crises; reducing the vulnerability of the poor to them; and establishing coping mechanisms.

These strategies are covered in greater detail in the priority intervention areas mentioned above. They are basically consistent with the poverty reduction strategies being pursued by individual Member States, and, in many respects, complement national strategies.

4.2.5 TARGET

Achieve a GDP growth of at least 7 per cent per year and halve the proportion of the population that lives on less than US$1 per day between 1990 and 2015.

4.3 COMBATING OF THE HIV AND AIDS PANDEMIC

4.3.1 INTRODUCTION

HIV and AIDS continue to be the greatest public health and developmental challenge in the region. The levels of prevalence and the incidence of HIV and AIDS in most Member States continue to increase. This is in spite of several measures that have been put in place to address the epidemic. This calls for a radical scaling up of innovative responses at both regional and national levels.

In recognition of the serious threat that HIV and AIDS continues to pose to sustainable development of the region and its integration agenda, SADC has revised and strengthened its Multi-sectoral HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework and Programme of Action 2003-2007. This Strategic Framework is a multi-dimensional response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic by the region. It is aimed at intensifying measures and actions to address the devastating and pervasive impact of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in a comprehensive and complementary way. The focus of the response is both on the prevention of HIV and AIDS and on the mitigation of its impact in order to ensure sustainable human development of member states.

4.3.2 OVERALL GOAL

The overall goal of the SADC HIV and AIDS intervention is to decrease the number of HIV and AIDS infected and affected individuals and families in the SADC region so that HIV and AIDS is no longer a threat to public health and to the socio-economic development prospects of Member States.

4.3.3 FOCAL INTERVENTION AREAS

  • Reduce the incidence of HIV and AIDS infection among the most vulnerable groups in SADC.
  • Mitigate the socio-economic impact of HIV and AIDS.
  • Review, develop and harmonise policies, strategies and legislation relating to HIV prevention, care and support, and treatment within SADC.
  • Mobilise and co-ordinate resources for the HIV and AIDS multi-sectoral response for a multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS in the SADC region.

4.3.4 STRATEGY

  • Coordinate and harmonise the development of policies and strategies in major intervention areas, including prevention, care and treatment, provision of ARVs, nutrition, traditional medicines, procurement and manufacturing of essential drugs and medical supplies of HIV and AIDS.
  • Develop and strengthen the capacity to undertake the mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS at all levels in SADC, and to create the skills needed for the integration of HIV in all policies and programmes, especially in the implementation of the RISDP.
  • Facilitating technical response and networks by providing mechanisms and frameworks for the development of guidelines and exchange of best practices in the major intervention areas such as mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) support to orphans, home based care, and treatment.
  • Coordinate and facilitating the monitoring of Regional and Global Commitments with respect to Abuja, MDG and UNGASS targets for HIV and AIDS and related indicators, and the publication of regular reviews for SADC as a whole to supplement the monitoring being undertaken at the level of individual countries.

4.3.5 TARGETS

By 2010 at least 95 per cent of young men and women aged 15 to 24 have access to information, education, including peer education and youth specific HIV education.

By 2010, Member States would have reduced the proportion of infants infected with HIV by 50 percent.

All Member States should halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS by 2015. 

4.4 GENDER EQUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT

4.4.1 INTRODUCTION

Women contribute a very significant share to the income of their households, especially in agriculture. Research shows that improved educational and income-earning opportunities for women reduce infant and maternal mortality; educated women have fewer and healthier children, who are more likely to attend school and perform well. Gender equality therefore contributes to the reduction of poverty and overall development.

Despite this evidence, pervasive inequalities exist between women and men in the SADC region. Women constitute the majority of the poor in the region, as a result of their limited access to, and control over productive resources such as land, livestock, credit and modern technology. In addition, women have limited access to adequate health facilities, formal education and employment, and are over represented in the informal sector where returns are extremely low and unreliable. Finally, laws exist in most Member states that restrict women's legal capacity, and have a direct bearing on women's income earning capacities.

These gender gaps undermine the contribution of women who should instead be seen as a powerful resource for development. SADC's policies and strategies should therefore address these gender gaps in order to achieve its poverty reduction and eradication objectives.

4.4.2 OVERALL GOAL

To facilitate the achievement of substantive equality between women and men in the SADC region, through mainstreaming gender into all national and regional policies, programmes and activities, and the adoption of positive measures to accelerate progress in this regard.

4.4.3 FOCUS AREAS

  • Gender policy and institutional frameworks;
  • Women's human and legal rights, including the elimination of violence against women;
  • Gender mainstreaming;
  • Access to, and control of resources; and
  • Access to key political and decision making positions.

4.4.4 STRATEGIES

  • Accelerate the development of explicit gender policies, and establish and strengthen national gender coordination machineries; harmonize them at regional level, and develop a regional gender policy;
  • Ratify international instruments on gender equality, incorporate their provisions into national laws through constitutional and legislative reforms, and set up appropriate enforcement mechanisms and institutions to deliver necessary services.
  • Mainstream gender into all sectoral policies, programmes and activities at national and regional level through gender responsive planning, policy development and implementation, gender capacity building and training, and the collection of gender disaggregated data.
  • Adopt women's economic empowerment policies and strategies in order to address the inequalities in access to, and control of resources; develop specific programmes and put in place gender-responsive budgeting initiatives.
  • Adopt deliberate and positive measures such as affirmative action, with a view to accelerating gender equality in political and decision- making positions;
  • Implement gender capacity building and training programmes at national and regional levels, and disseminate best practices to ensure wide spread diffusion.
  • Eradication and reduction of all forms violence against women and children

4.4.5 TARGETS

Target 1: Development and strengthening of national gender policies and institutional frameworks by end of 2003, harmonization by the Secretariat and development of a regional gender policy by the middle of 2004.

Target 2: Signature, accession, and ratification by Member States of international and regional human rights instruments on gender equality by the middle of 2004, and incorporation by end of 2004;

Target 3: Repeal of gender discriminatory provisions in member states' constitutions, laws, policies and any other sources by mid 2005, and enactment of provisions guaranteeing substantive gender equality by end 2005;

Target 4: Establishment of enforcement mechanisms and service delivery institutions by mid 2006.

Target 5: Adoption of gender responsive planning, budgeting and implementation processes, regular gender capacity building and training programmes; and mechanisms for the collection of gender disaggregated data by end 2006.

Target 6: Development, strengthening and implementation of specific programmes for the economic empowerment of women by end of 2007.

Target 7: The achievement by all Member States of:

  • At least 30% women in decision-making positions in local government, parliament, cabinet and senior positions in the public sector by 2005, or affirmative action measures in place to accelerate the attainment of this target;
  • At least 40% women in decision-making positions in local government, parliament, cabinet and senior positions in the public sector by 2010, or affirmative action measures in place to accelerate the attainment of this target;
  • At least 50% women in decision-making positions in local government, parliament, cabinet and senior positions in the public sector by 2015, or affirmative action measures in place to accelerate the attainment of this target;

    and

  • At least 20% women in decision making positions in large private sector firms as defined by Member States by 2005, 30% by 2010 and 40% by 2015.
Target 8: Eradication and reduction of all forms violence against women and children
  • Reduction by at least 50 percent all acts of violence and abuse of women and children by 2007.
  • Eradication of all forms of violence against women and children by 2015.

4.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

4.5.1 Introduction

Science and Technology is a key driver of socio-economic development and the achievements of most of the objectives of the SADC Common Agenda maybe facilitated by scientific and technological solutions. Technological innovation is a key factor in the development and competitiveness of the regional economies, which leads to wealth creation and the improvement of living standards. Most of the challenges facing regional integration as identified in the RISDP such as food security; energy, water, transport, communications infrastructure and human resources development will require scientific and technological solutions.

4.5.2 Overall Goal

The overall aim of the intervention in Science and Technology in the region is to develop and strengthen national systems of innovation in order to drive sustained socio-economic development and the rapid achievement of the goals of the SADC Common Agenda including poverty reduction with the ultimate aim of its eradication.

4.5.3 Areas of Focus

  • Strengthening of regional cooperation on S&T;
  • Development and harmonization of S&T policies;
  • Intra and inter-regional cooperation;
  • Research capacity in key areas;
  • Technology development, transfer and diffusion; and
  • Public understanding of S&T.

4.5.4 Strategies

  • Development of legal instrument and establishment of an institutional framework for regional cooperation in S&T;
  • Development and harmonisation of policies and strategies and elaboration of programme for regional cooperation in S&T indigenous knowledge systems;
  • Development and harmonisation of legislation for protection of intellectual property rights and promotion of technology development, transfer and diffusion including indigenous knowledge;
  • Encouragement of regional collaboration and networking on research technology development including identification of centres of excellence in the regions;
  • Institution of programmes to promote public understanding of science and technology through various activities including national and regional science, engineering and technology campaigns;
  • Establishment of regional research and technology development programmes, joint research and technology development programmes between two or more member states and other collaborative arrangements;
  • Formulation of policies and strategies to encourage public-private partnerships in research and technology development, and promote public and private sector investment in research and technology development.

4.5.5 Targets

Target 1: Policies and strategies for regional cooperation in S&T including technology transfer and diffusion by 2005

Target 2: Institutional and legal framework for cooperation in S&T by 2006

Target 3: Harmonisation of Intellectual property rights legislations in all member countries by 2010

Target 4: SADC programmes on regional research and technology development by 2006

Target 5: Network of centres of excellence in S&T operational by 2006

Target 6: SADC programme to promote public understanding of science and technology by 2008

Target 7: National expenditures in research and technology development to reach at least 1% of GDP by 2015

4.6 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

4.6.1 INTRODUCTION

SADC Member States recognise the importance of ICT in meeting the challenges posed by globalisation, facilitating the regional integration agenda, and enhancing the socio-economic development prospects of the Region. It is in this context that SADC Member States have agreed on the need to develop an all inclusive, balanced, and socially equitable information and knowledge-based society that is founded on co-ordinated national strategies to effectively integrate ICT into regional development policies.

OVERALL GOAL

The overall goal of the ICT intervention is to shift gear in order to move beyond the current emphasis on backbone infrastructure development towards addressing structural bottlenecks such as:

  1. Reinforcement of citizens' connectivity and ability to effectively use ICT, and be involved in ICT planning and national development;
  2. Development of skills at individual and institutional levels to increase ICT use and capitalise on innovative ICT applications;
  3. Strengthening of governments' capacity to develop effective policy and regulatory frameworks to create conducive environments to ensure market development and public participation in the information and knowledge-based society.
  4. Building a self-sustaining process with the positioning of the community as an effective participant in the information and knowledge-based society - i.e. transition from e-readiness to e-participation.

4.6.2 AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Creating the requisite harmonized policy environment, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks to promote ICT diffusion and use;
  • Human resources development and institutional capacity building for rapid and effective ICT diffusion and use; and
  • Promoting ICT applications across all sectors and improving universal access to ICT tools in order to improve efficiency and productivity.

STRATEGIES

Policy and Regulatory Framework
  • Assist Member States in the formulation of National ICT policies based on SADC guidelines;
  • Promote the active participation in international ICT fora to learn from other experiences, and consolidate a SADC position in this regard;
  • Establish a SADC database on e-readiness and undertake e-participation assessments for effective strategy formulation and knowledge exchange
  • Build ICT literacy and awareness including commitment to the development of conducive policy environments and legal and regulatory frameworks for the knowledge-based economy.
Human Resource Development & Institutional Capacity Building
  • Creation of knowledge society focal points and research/training networks - networks of excellence - which will provide expertise, lead in the development of national programs and act as a continuous resource for the development of the SADC knowledge society and knowledge based economy;
  • Support key ICT research institutions, universities and other educational institutions through cheaper and faster internet access and partnerships with more advanced counterparts;
  • Develop strategies which promote mass E-literacy and create a self-sustaining culture of ICT use and development;
  • Develop strategies and actions that ensure the diffusion and use of ICT in service delivery at all levels of social and economic development.
  • Implement high level training programmes for SADC policymakers and regulators. This will include training for trainers programs in ICT in partnership with the private sector.
Sectoral ICT Applications
  • Promote the use of ICT across all sectors as a tool to increase efficiency and productivity. Some critical areas where ICT is required are:
  • Applications to support e-education - ICT applications for formal education (primary and secondary) and tertiary education
  • Applications to support e-health - ICT applications for preventive and curative Health
  • Applications to support development and promotion of Tourism - ICT applications to promote regional cultural, heritage and tourism growth and development
  • Applications to support development in Agriculture - ICT Applications for poverty alleviation through Agriculture and Fishing
  • Applications to support e-commerce - increase the region's small and medium sized firms' participation in global trade by exploiting the opportunities offered through the development of electronic commerce.
  • Applications to support e-government - The application of ICT in the public sector must go through a process of re-engineering to ensure that existing inefficiencies are eliminated and the citizens' interest are the focal point.

TARGETS

Target 1: Review the 1996 Telecommunications Protocol and the Broadcasting protocol to accommodate the wider perspectives of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) by 2005.

Target 2: Submit a request for funding SADC ICT plan to the EU for approval by 2003.

Target 3: Assist member states in developing a national integrated ICT policy and strategic plan as specified in the SADC ICT guidelines by 2005.

Target 4: Convene a preparatory SADC ICT Forum in 2004 to define SADC's position on the final work plan of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) which will take place in Tunis 2005. Encourage full participation of SADC member states in all preparatory meetings and the first WSIS meeting scheduled for December 2003 in Geneva.

Target 5: Develop SADC model legislative provisions (MLP) or guidelines on pertinent ICT issues to clearly define the digital landscape. An e-commerce MLP is scheduled to be completed by 2004.

Target 6: Develop an ICT performance index and standards to facilitate cross-country e-readiness comparisons by 2005.

Target 7: Facilitate dialogs between ICT stakeholders via seminars and forums 2004-2006

4.7 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

4.7.1 INTRODUCTION

SADC Member States have committed themselves to integrated and sustainable development as reflected by the Treaty establishing the organization, and their active participation in the negotiations and ratification of major Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). To this end, the SADC Region has endeavoured to put in place mechanisms for the implementation of MEAs such as the United nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD); United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); Basel/Bamako Convention; Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs); and Ramsar Convention. In addition, Member States are committed to the attainment of Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability.

While some encouraging progress has been made in environmental management, the Region continues to experience high levels of land degradation, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation services and poor urban conditions. These factors are linked to the high and rising levels of poverty in the Region, whereby the poor are both victims and agents of environmental degradation. These environmental challenges undermine the sustainability of the socio-economic development of the region.

4.7.2 OVERALL GOAL

The overall goal of the environment intervention is to ensure the equitable and sustainable use of the environment and natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

4.7.3 AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Creating the requisite harmonized policy environment, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks to promote regional cooperation on all issues relating to environment and natural resources management including transboundary ecosystems;
  • Promote environmental mainstreaming in order to ensure the responsiveness of all SADC policies, strategies and programmes for sustainable development;
  • Regular assessment, monitoring and reporting on environmental conditions and trends in the SADC region;
  • Capacity building, information sharing and awareness creation on problems and perspectives in environmental management;
  • Ensuring a coordinated regional positions in the negotiations and implementation of MEAs; and other agreements

4.7.4 STRATEGIES

  • Development a legal framework for regional cooperation in areas of environment and natural resources including transboundary ecosystems;
  • Harmonization of National Environmental Policies and legal frameworks
  • Integration of environmental and sustainable development issues into sectoral, national and sub-regional socio-economic planning.
  • Development of harmonized environmental information system;
  • Build capacity for collection, management and exchange of information/data for the sustainable management of environment and natural resources.
  • Development and implementation programmes on environment and natural resources management, including transboundary ecosystems
  • Harmonization of positions and coordination of regional efforts to ensure maximum benefit for SADC member states in all MEAs; and coordination of the development and implementation of national and sub-regional action programmes and resource mobilization

4.7.5 TARGETS

Target 1: Legal instrument for regional cooperation in environment and natural resources finalized by 2006

Target 2: Environmental standards and guidelines developed and being implemented by 2008

Target 3: State of Environment Reports for Southern Africa produced regularly at intervals of five years.

Target 4: The Strategy and Programme for the Management of the Brown Environment in southern Africa finalized and being implemented by 2005

Target 5: Finalization of the Strategy and Programme for Brown Environment Management in Southern Africa;

Target 6: Adoption of environment responsive planning and implementation processes, regular environment and sustainable development capacity building and training programmes by 2007

Target 7: Implementation of at least 50% of the transboundary natural resources management programmes and projects in line with NEPAD initiated by 2008

Target 8: A SADC Plan of Action for the implementation of the 2002 Johannesburg Plan of Action (2002 WSSD) developed by 2004 and specific programmes and projects emanating from the plan developed by 2005

Target 9: Principles of sustainable development integrated into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources by 2015

4.8 PRIVATE SECTOR

4.8.1 INTRODUCTION

World trends have shown that a developed private sector, linked to a robust public- private partnership, and an achievement based and inclusive public - private sector dialogue, encourage better orientation of the economy in meeting human needs. The Private Sector is a strategic vehicle through which the SADC Region will achieve its objectives including deeper integration and poverty alleviation.

The business environment of the Region will be determined by agreed policies for private sector development and the willingness of member countries to address existing and potential impediments which hamper the in-country and cross-border development of business.

4.8.2 OVERALL GOAL

The overall goal of the interventions indicated in this section is to integrate the private sector - the engine of growth - in policy and strategy formulation, and programme implementation in the SADC new development model in order to accelerate and achieve sustainable Regional economic integration.

4.8.3 AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Public-private sector partnership and dialogue
  • Quality of dialogue between the public and private sector
  • Capacity in the private sector institutions and at the SADC Secretariat to meet the needs of the anticipated partnership and improved dialogue
  • Information flow between the public and private sectors, including the SADC Secretariat

4.8.4 STRATEGIES

  • Institutionalise Public - Private sector dialogue through the development of a SADC Policy. The consultative process and development of this Policy will be completed within 2004
  • As immediate interim measures, prior to the SADC Policy on Public Private Sector partnership, the Private Sector will be adequately represented at all decision-making levels of the SADC structures where Private Sector related issues are being discussed, and National Private Sector Institutions will be incorporated into SADC National Committees
  • SADC will adopt the ASCCI White Paper as a current Regional Agenda for dialogue between Member States and the Private Sector
  • Institutionalise and support a Private Sector Unit as part of the restructured SADC Secretariat which should be resourced to meet the needs of the private sector in support of regional economic integration and development, and the implementation of the Public - Private sector dialogue/participation Policy
  • Review and facilitate the development of the capacities of SADC Chambers and Business associations and facilitate the development of a sustainable capacity enhancement programme
  • Carry out a regional competitiveness and business climate survey biennially followed by a SADC Biennial Business Forum to accelerate the creation of an enabling regional environment for private business development

4.8.5 Targets

Target 1: A SADC policy on Public-private Sector partnership by June 2004

Target 2: SADC Private sector MOUs reviewed, enhanced and signed explicitly allowing for engaging the private sector through the structures of SADC by June 2004

Target 3: Adoption by Summit of a public-private sector Action Plan based on the ASCCI White Paper, to be implemented over the RISDP period, at the 2004 Summit.

Target 4: Competitiveness and Business Climate Survey launched in September 2003, and completed and final report circulated in June 2004 to facilitate private sector-public dialogue on an on-going basis

Target 6: Institutionalise a Private Sector Unit to carry out a support function for both the Secretariat and Private Sector Institutions as part of the restructured SADC Secretariat by January 2004

Target 7: Facilitate the assessment of capacity, and capacity building, within SADC Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Business Associations to be conducted in 2003, and thereafter every two years.

Target 8: Facilitate the creation of sector business associations where these add value to public-private sector dialogue on an on-going basis.

4.9 STATISTICS

The harmonised development policies and macroeconomic convergence are crucial to the regional integration process. SADC has placed the strengthening of structures to deal with regional integration high on its agenda. For these structures to function efficiently and effectively, there is a need to improve the capacity of national and regional statistical systems to provide the required statistical data needed for regional integration. SADC will develop the core indicators for the monitoring and evaluation of the RISDP and the regional policies and programmes derived therein, taking into account the Millennium Development Goals.

AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Legal framework in statistics
  • Comparability of all SADC statistics
  • Informal sector statistics database
  • Statistical capacity in SADC
  • Integrated regional statistical database
  • Statistical database on poverty

STRATEGIES 

  • Development of a legal framework for regional cooperation in statistics;
  • Harmonisation of statistical information (economic, social and cross cutting) in SADC;
  • Collation, processing and dissemination of official statistics
  • Development of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of regional integration;
  • Capacity building for national and regional statistical systems

Targets

Target 1: Development of a legal Framework, 2004-2006

Target 2: Harmonisation of SADC statistics, by 2015

Target 3: Development of integrated regional statistical database in all priority areas including poverty, gender, informal sector, HIV and AIDS, by 2015

Target 4: Development of indicators for monitoring and evaluation, 2004-2005

Target 5: Enhancement of statistical capacity in SADC, by 2015

Target 6: Development of economic models and forecasting mechanisms for Statistics, 2004-2006

Target 7: Establishment of a multi-sectoral Forum of users and producers of statistics, 2004

Target 8: Enhancement of the utilisation of cost effective ICTs in sharing information in the priority areas, 2015

4.10 TRADE, ECONOMIC LIBERALIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT

4.10.1 INTRODUCTION

Global trends and developments indicate that those nations or groups of countries that are successfully implementing trade and economic liberalization policies are experiencing high economic growth and an improvement in the quality of life of their peoples. Given the changing global environment, the creation of large markets has become synonymous with increased foreign investment and economic growth as investors search for economies of scale and efficiency gains in the production process. Markets have to be competitive at local and international levels. Small and protected markets have been rendered non-viable by globalisation.

Developments in the African continent show that many regional economic communities are integrating their markets with some having long established customs unions while others are at advanced stages and moving towards common markets. Within SADC there is the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Some SADC Member States are in the Free Trade Area of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa States (COMESA), which envisages establishing a customs union by the year 2004. The issue of multiple memberships of SADC Member States in regional integration blocs should be resolved as a matter of urgency in order to facilitate the establishment of a SADC Customs Union. The United States has proposed negotiating a free trade agreement with SACU. These developments have serious implications on SADC's future, particularly in deciding on the geographical configuration for the second phase of the negotiations on the economic partnership agreement with the European Union in the context of the Cotonou Agreement.

SADC has been implementing the Trade protocol, since September 2000 that will lead to a Free Trade Area by 2008. As one of the building blocs of the African Union, SADC has to keep pace with developments on the continent in order to avoid slowing down the continental integration agenda of achieving an Africa wide single market.

It is imperative, therefore, that as a way of fostering a global partnership for development, SADC further develops trade and financial systems that are rule-based, predictable and credible. The Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan considers trade and economic liberalization for deeper integration and poverty eradication as one of its key catalytic intervention areas. The pursuit of this intervention area entail implementing programmes on achieving a free trade area, a customs union and would lead to the establishment of the SADC common market.

As SADC establishes a Customs Union, it will be necessary to take steps to deepen monetary cooperation in the region which would led to the establishment of a monetary union. This process is linked to achieving macroeconomic convergence, stable and harmonised exchange rates systems, liberalisation of the capital and current accounts transactions and adoption of market oriented approach to the conduct of monetary policy.

The policies and strategies that are adopted for trade, industry, finance and investment should take into consideration the special needs of less developed member countries and ensure that a win-win situation prevails. In the case of the trade protocol, the principle of asymmetry was adopted to address the concerns of less developed member countries in terms of tariff reduction and also on rules of origin for some products, which were made less stringent for them, at least in the first three years. Deliberate policies will also be required to deal with industrial development for the periphery areas or countries that may not be as competitive as others.

Such development variations could also be addressed through targeted cross-border investment in productive activities and corridor development, which would spread development across the region. Strategies will therefore be required to develop a competitive and balanced industrial base in SADC that optimally utilizes local resources through comprehensive value addition and creating an enabling environment for increased investment and sustained economic growth. The process of value addition of local resources particularly in mining and agriculture, will also take into account environmental concerns in order to ensure sustainable development. At the same time cross-cutting issues such as gender, HIV and AIDS, information and communications technology, statistics and science and technology will be mainstreamed into all areas of focus.

In developing the policies and strategies for industrial and mining development, the question of the informal sector both in terms of trade liberalization and actual production should be taken on board. Although there are no statistics, it is known that informal cross border trade is substantial and is thriving throughout the region. A large proportion of the population derives its livelihood from informal employment.

4.10.2 OVERALL GOAL

The overall goal of this intervention is to facilitate trade and financial liberalization, competitive and diversified industrial development and increased investment for deeper regional integration and poverty eradication through the establishment of a SADC Common Market.

4.10.3 AREAS OF FOCUS:

  • Market integration through the establishment of the SADC free trade area, the SADC Customs Union and the SADC Common Market;
  • Attainment of macroeconomic convergence;
  • Development and strengthening of financial and capital markets;
  • Attainment of deeper monetary cooperation;
  • Increasing levels of investment in SADC including FDI; and
  • Enhancing SADC competitiveness in industrial and mining and other productive activities for effective participation in the global economy.

4.10.4 STRATEGIES

  • Fast tracking the implementation of the Protocol on Trade to achieve the FTA, which should be informed by, and take into account the recommendations of the mid-term review of the SADC Protocol on Trade. However, fast tracking in those areas that have already started doing so should continue;
  • Negotiations on the establishment of a SADC Customs Union should commence in 2005 having fulfilled some prerequisites such as ensuring that the FTA is established, carrying out studies on impact of a Customs Union and then commence negotiation for a common external tariff. The problem of multiple membership to many regional organisations should have been resolved by then;
  • Preparations for the establishment of a monetary union;
  • Negotiations on establishment of SADC Common Market should commence soon after establishing a customs union.
  • Harmonization of policies, legal and regulatory frameworks that address the business environment and the free movement of all factors of production;
  • Formulation and implementation of stability-oriented macroeconomic policies to achieve macroeconomic convergence and engineer credibility;
  • Promotion of SADC as an attractive investment destination based on the observance and implementation of the Investment MoU and subsequently the Protocol on Finance and Investment;
  • Consolidation of implementation of the industrial and mining development strategies;
  • Enhancing competitiveness through industrial and mining development and promotion of increased productivity in productive sectors; taking advantage of the rich natural resource base in relation to commodity market, as well as sustainable development, expansion and diversification of industry;
  • Entrepreneurship development with particular emphasis on small and medium scale enterprises.

4.10.5 TARGETS:

Target 1: Free Trade Area - 2008 (to be informed by the outcome of the mid-term review to be completed by June 2004);

Target 2: Completion of negotiations of the SADC Customs Union - 2010;

Target 3: Completion of negotiations of the SADC Common Market - 2015;

Target 4: Diversification of industrial structure and exports with more emphasis on value addition across all economic sectors - 2015 taking into account the following indicators: 

  • Diversify (increase of non-traditional exports) and sustain exports growth rate of at least 5% annually;
  • Increase in intra-regional trade to at least 35% by 2008;
  • Increase in manufacturing as a percentage of GDP to 25% by 2015.
Target 5: Macroeconomic convergence on:
  • Inflation rate single digit by 2008, 5% by 2012, and 3% by 2018;
  • Ratio of budget deficit to GDP not exceeding 5% by 2008 and 3% as an anchor within a band of 1% by 2012 and be maintained at the 2012 level up to 2018;
  • Nominal Value of public and publicly guaranteed debt should be less than 60% of Gross Domestic Product by 2008; and this be maintained through out the plan period (2018).
Target 6: Other Financial indicators
  • External reserves/import cover of at least 3 months by 2008 and more than 6 months by 2012;
  • Central Bank credit to Government less than 10% of previous year's tax revenue by 2008; less than 5% by 2015;
  • Increase the level of savings to at least 25% of GDP by 2008 and to 30% by 2012;
  • Increase domestic investment levels to at least 30% of GDP by 2008;
  • Gradual interconnection of payments and clearing system in SADC by 2008;
  • Achieve currency convertibility by 2008;
  • Finalise the legal and regulatory framework for dual and cross listing on the regional stock exchanges by 2008;
  • Liberalising exchange controls: Current account transactions between Member States by 2006 and the capital account by 2010;
  • Increase the share of credit accessed by women and SMEs to at least 5% of total private sector credit by 2008.
Target 7: The establishment of a SADC monetary union by 2016
  • Finalise preparation of institutional, administrative and legal framework for setting up a SADC Central Bank by 2016;
  • Launch a regional currency for the SADC Monetary Union by 2018. 

4.11 INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND POVERTY ERADICATION

4.11.1 INTRODUCTION

The infrastructure development goals and strategies for the RISDP have been formulated in line with the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations Organisation, in particular, the reduction of poverty, reducing by half the number of people without access to the basic services of water supply and sanitation by 2015, ensuring environmental sustainability in all developmental activities, and full exploitation of public private partnerships. Attention was also paid to the priority areas of NEPAD which include restoration of peace and stability; entrenchment of good governance; rehabilitation and construction of infrastructure facilities; bridging the digital divide between the North and the South; strengthening human resources development (including reversing brain drain; supporting agriculture and the environment; and redefining the relationship with partners. In view of the Millennium Development Goals and the regional infrastructure development needs, SADC has made the Infrastructure and Services Directorate consisting of Transport, Communications, Water, Tourism and Energy a priority intervention area.

Bridging the infrastructure gap has the potential for deepening integration through the sharing of the production, management and operations of infrastructure facilities, hubs, and development corridors. Strategic regional infrastructure interventions are key to attracting investment into the region, improving competitiveness and promoting trade. In view of the fact that the majority of the Region's population lives in rural areas, an integrated, efficient and least cost infrastructure system will unleash the production potential of these communities and provide the necessary links to markets, thereby significantly contributing towards poverty eradication and gender balance. Empirical evidence suggests that poverty reduction and gender balance have the potential to increase awareness and responsible behaviour both of which are necessary factors that can significantly contribute towards mitigating the spread of HIV and AIDS.

4.11.2 Overall Goal

The overall goal of infrastructure support intervention is to ensure the availability of a sufficient, integrated, efficient and cost effective infrastructure system and provision of sustainable services that will support and sustain regional economic development, trade, investment, and agriculture thus contributing towards poverty eradication.

4.11.3 Focus Areas

  • Ensuring the availability of sufficient, reliable and least cost energy supplies;
  • Using tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable socio-economic development, poverty eradication and as a key incentive for the conservation and utilization of the region's natural resources;
  • Providing efficient, cost-effective, safe and fully integrated transport, communications and meteorology systems;
  • Promoting the integrated water resources development and management and their equitable sharing of the resource and benefits therefrom for the mutual benefit of all.

4.11.4 Strategies

4.11.4.1 Energy

Electricity: 

  • Promote power pooling through the extension of grid interconnections to cover all Member States and upgrading/strengthening existing grids.
  • Consolidate the transformation of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) from a co-operative to a competitive pool and create a regional electricity market.
Petroleum and gas:
  • Promote joint exploration and development of resources, and the harmonisation of policies, regulations and legislation to facilitate cross border trade, improve capacity utilisation, and cooperate in joint procurement of petroleum products in the world market.
Cross-cutting Issues:
  • Improving access to affordable energy services to rural communities through rural electrification and development of new and renewable energy sources.
  • Institutional strengthening, human resources development, information collection, processing and exchange, and research and technology development.

Targets

Target 1: Establishment and strengthening of private sector regional associations such as the Petroleum and Gas Association, and regional associations of regulators such as the Regional Electricity Regulatory Association by 2004;

Target 2: Establishment of energy data banks and planning networks by 2005;

Target 3: Harmonization of energy sector policies, legislation, rules, regulations and standards by 2006 to facilitate energy market integration;

Target 4: Identification and strengthening centres of excellence for energy research and technology development by 2008;

Target 5: Achieve100% connectivity to the regional power grid for all Member States by 2012;

Target 6: 70% of rural communities have access to modern forms of energy supplies by 2018.

4.11.4.2 Tourism

  • Facilitate the signing and ratification of the Tourism Protocol by all Member States;
  • Cooperate in marketing and promotion strategies, action plans, and implementation programmes to promote intra-regional and international tourism;
  • Brand SADC as a tourism destination of choice and promote SADC destination identity and competitiveness through marketing and promotion activities;
  • Introduce a UNIVISA system to facilitate intra-regional travel for the development of tourism through the easing or removal of travel and visa restrictions and harmonization of immigration procedures; and to facilitate movement of international tourists in the region in order to increase the market share and revenue of the region in world tourism;
  • Create an enabling environment to enhance competitiveness of the region as an attractive investment location and develop tourism-specific incentives to encourage the growth of private sector initiatives in the sector;
  • Promote community-public-private partnerships (CPPPs) in tourism development including SMEs, women and youth;
  • Encourage development of SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) and tourism-based Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs) as tourism product varieties;
  • Promote competitiveness, quality, and standardization of services and infrastructure in the tourism industry through harmonization in the grading and classification system for hotels, other accommodation establishments and ground operators;
  • In the development of human resources, Member States will harmonise standards of training in their countries and ensure that tourism-training institutions in different parts of the region are complementary to one another in the training courses.
  • To ensure equity, balance and complementarity in the regional tourism industry by developing and harmonising policies, strategies and legislation.

Targets

Target 1: Facilitate the implementation of the Tourism Protocol by all Member States by 2005.

Target 2: Development of Tourism Policy and Strategy document by 2004.

Target 3: SADC share of World Market of tourist arrivals to reach 5% by 2005.

Target 4: Gender mainstreaming by in the tourism industry 2005.

Target 5: Increase the SADC share of World tourism receipts from 1% in 2001 to 3% by 2005.

Target 6: Implement the SADC UNIVISA system by 2008.

Target 7: Harmonise policies, legislation and standards by 2008.

Target 8: To brand SADC as a destination of choice for tourism.

4.11.4.3 Transport and Communications and Meteorology

  • Increase efficiency and reduce the costs of operations;
  • Ensure appropriate levels of accessibility and mobility in rural areas;
  • Promote sustainable sources of funding for the provision and maintenance of infrastructure;
  • Promote public-private partnerships in the provision of infrastructure and services;
  • Liberalize markets in road transport, air transport services, coastal shipping, and railway services to ensure competitiveness and efficiency;
  • Promote harmonization of policies, rules and regulations to improve the level of safety and facilitate the cross-border transportation of people, goods and information;
  • Improve accessibility to affordable universal communications services through the use of appropriate technology;
  • Liberalise the provision of postal services, and separate the policy and regulatory responsibilities to create a level playing field for all service providers.

Targets Transport

Target 1: Liberalise regional transport markets by 2008.

Target 2: Harmonise transport rules, standards and policies by 2008.

Target 3: Recovery of all costs for maintenance of infrastructure by 2008 and full infrastructure investment costs by 2013.

Target 4: Removal of avoidable hindrances and impediments to the cross border movement of persons, goods and services by 2015.

Targets Communications and Metrology

Target 1: Upgrade the capacity of ground stations to retrieve information from the high-resolution second-generation meteorological satellites by 2005;

Target 2: Develop appropriate policy and legal frameworks to facilitate operational cost-recovery, harmonisation and regional integration by 2006;

Target 3: Develop operational capacity of regulators to respond to customer expectations by 2007;

Target 4: Facilitate growth of public - private sector partnerships to achieve national universal access to services by 2010.

Target 5: Separate operational responsibilities of policy units and regulators particularly for the postal services by 2005

4.11.4.4 Water

  • Establish and strengthen shared watercourse institutions in order to facilitate the development of comprehensive, integrated basin-wide plans;
  • Improve the legal and regulatory framework at national and regional levels to ensure harmonised policies and legislation and consistency with international water principles;
  • Promote the development of strategic water infrastructure (rehabilitation and expansion of existing facilities, creation of new facilities, regional programme for water supply and sanitation, pre-feasibility studies for strategic regional infrastructure projects e.g. water transfer and storage; irrigation; flood control and drought mitigation);
  • Strengthen the capacity of national and regional water institutions for water resources planning, development and management;
  • Enhance the knowledge base on water resources through improved information management, research and technology development (to improve the availability and quality of water); and
  • Promote awareness and public participation in policy and programme formulation and implementation.

Targets

Target 1: Long term regional water policy and strategy developed and approved by March 2004;

Target 2: Increased awareness, broad participation and gender mainstreamed in water resources development and management by 2005;

Target 3: Centres of excellence for water research and technology development are identified, strengthened by 2005;

Target 4: Water sector policies and legislation harmonised by 2006;

Target 5: Establish and strengthen at least eight River Basin Organisations by 2006;

Target 6: Water data banks and planning networks are established and fully operational by 2007;

Target 7: Training and institutional capacity strengthening programmes developed and implemented by 2008;

Target 8: Halve by 2015 the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water and sanitation services;

Target 9: Develop by 2015 water resources infrastructure needed to double land under irrigation.

4.12 SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY

4.12.1 INTRODUCTION

The production of food and cash crops is adversely affected by periodic droughts and floods, and by morbidity and loss of labour caused by HIV and AIDS. Both of these causes can be said to be beyond the control of Member States. However, food production can be enhanced through improved access to productive resources, improved market prices for agriculture products, less dependence rain-fed agriculture, good governance and social stability.

The level of food insecurity in SADC is high and rising. Between 1990-92 and 1997-99, FAO estimates the number of undernourished people in the region to have increased from 52.7 million to 77.2 million or from 42 percent to 51 percent of the entire population. Although there have been improvements in a small number of countries, average per capita dietary energy and protein intakes remain below the recommended levels at 2,160 kcal per day, against a recommended level of 2,700 kcal per day, and at 49g per day compared to 68g per day, respectively.

Over and above the problem of chronic food shortage, periodic food crisis leave many people without food. The 2001/2002 food crisis, for example, affected over 15.2 million people across the region. As a result of rising food shortages, food imports have almost doubled in the region over the past fifteen years. The pressure exerted by these imports on foreign exchange receipts is likely to rise in the future and this diverts resources from productive investments for most Member States. Ensuring sustainable food security in the region contributes directly to poverty reduction.

4.12.2 OVERALL GOAL

The overall goal of co-operation in Food Security is to achieve sustainable access to safe and adequate food at all times by all people in SADC for an active and healthy life.

4.12.3 AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Food Availability: In order to enhance long-term availability of food in SADC, the objective of regional co-operation in this area is to improve the availability of food.
  • Access to Safe Food: The objective in this focus area is to improve access to safe food.
  • Nutritional Value of Food Consumed: With respect to nutritional value of food consumed, the objective is to improve the nutritional value of food and minimize food losses.
  • Disaster-induced Emergencies: Regarding disaster-induced food emergencies, the objective is to improve forecasting, prevention, mitigation and recovery from adverse effects of natural disasters.
  • Institutional Framework: The objective here is to strengthen the institutional framework and build capacity for implementing food security programmes in the in the SADC region.

4.12.4 STRATEGIES

FOOD AVAILABILITY

The main strategies to increase production, productivity and profitability of crop, livestock and fisheries taking into account comparative advantages, will be through:-.

  • Promoting farmers access to key agricultural inputs such as, improved see, fertiliser and credit.
  • Promoting efficient irrigation systems.
  • Improvement of soil fertility through appropriate technologies.
  • Promoting diversification and intensification of agricultural production systems.
  • Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable use and management of natural resources, including Land, Fisheries, Forestry, and Wildlife.
  • Strengthening research-farmer-extension linkages to facilitate dissemination and adoption of technologies (including biotechnology) to farmers and other stakeholders.
  • Empowering women and small-scale farmers to have access to key productive resources including land, credit and training.
  • Promoting labour saving agricultural support systems and technologies for farmers.
  • Encouraging the involvement of commercial or large-scale farmers in food crop production through appropriate policies.
  • Prevention and progressive control of trans-boundary animal diseases.
  • Sustainable management and utilisation of farm animal genetic resources.
  • Promoting the development of mariculture and aquaculture.
  • Promoting access to appropriate technologies for handling, processing and conservation of fish by artisan fishermen.
In collaboration with relevant Directorates, the second set of strategies pertain to the promotion of trade in food and non-food agricultural products and enhancing advocacy for fair trade practices in agriculture as follows:-
  • Improving rural infrastructure network particularly roads and markets.
  • Removing trade barriers to agricultural products.
  • Encouraging public and private investments in agriculture.
  • Strengthen farmer support services and farmers associations.
  • Encouraging partnerships between commercial and small-scale producers in agriculture.

TARGETS

Target 1: Establish a technical facility to support land reform programmes by 2005/6.

Target 2: Double cropland under irrigation from 3.5% to 7% as percentage of the total by 2015.

Target 3: Increase fertilizer consumption from 44.6 kilograms per hectare of arable land to 65 kilograms per hectare of arable land by 2015 (world average is 98.8 Kg/ha).

Target 4: Increase cereal yield in kilograms per hectare from an average of 1,392 during to 2,000 (world average) by 2015.

Target 5: Double the adoption rate of proven technologies such as improved seed varieties, management of water and land, by 2015.

Target 6: Reduce the incidences of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) in particular Foot and Mouth Disease by half in 2015 with the ultimate objective of elimination.

Target 7: Increase livestock production by at least 4% annually.

Target 8: Adherence to SPS Measures and standards in line with WTO Agreements.

4.12.5 ACCESS TO FOOD

The main strategies to transform subsistence agriculture to commercial production and promote rural industries will be through:-

  • Promoting rural non-farm income generating activities, including agro-processing.
  • Promoting entrepreneurship development in rural areas.
  • Promoting Agri-Business.
  • Promoting effective food preservation and storage technologies.
  • Improving rural infrastructure for rural industries including provision of electricity, water and banking services.

TARGETS

Target 1: Increase the daily per capita dietary energy and protein intake from 2,160 kcal to 2,700 kcal and 49g to 68g by 2015 respectively.

Target 2: Halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger by the 2015.

4.12.6 NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF FOOD

The main strategies to improve food utilisation and safety will be through:

  • Promoting standardization and improving quality of processing, packaging, preparation and preservation of food.
  • Promoting consumer/food education and awareness.
  • Promoting food safety and in particular the safe use of biotechnology.
  • Promoting the consumption of nutritious food, especially among vulnerable groups, such as people living with HIV and AIDS, under five children, pregnant women and old people.
  • Promoting food fortification, particularly for micronutrients.
  • Promoting effective co-ordination with other stakeholders, particularly Water and Infrastructure.

TARGETS

Target 1: Halve the proportion of underweight children who are less than five years of age between 1990 and 2015.

4.12.7 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR FOOD SECURITY

The main strategies to reduce the impact of food related disasters are as follows: 

  • Broaden and strengthen the early warning system to cover food availability, access to food, information on staple food markets, and information on crop and livestock pests and diseases.
  • Establish a food reserve facility.
  • Promote food related safety nets.
  • Adopt measures to ensure availability of and access to agricultural inputs; and rehabilitate land and infrastructure.
TARGETS
  • Target 1 Develop an integrated regional agricultural information system based on existing systems by 2005.

4.12.8 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

The main strategies for implementing the FANR long-term plan (RISDP) will be through the following:

  • Development of relevant legal instruments to foster cooperation in Food Security, Agriculture, and Natural Resources.
  • Development a Medium-term Action Plan for FANR addressing food security issues.
  • Completion of the Annex to the Trade Protocol on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures.
  • Implementation of existing Protocols on Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife.
  • Capacity building to implement strategies highlighted in the RISDP.

TARGETS

Target 1: Relevant legal instruments on Food Security and Agriculture developed by 2006/7.

Target 2: Medium-tern Action Plan on food security programme by 2004.

Target 3: Completion of the Annex to the Trade Protocol by 2005.

Target 4: Implementation of existing protocols on Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife on-going up to 2015.

4.13 HUMAN AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

4.13.1 INTRODUCTION

The social and human development intervention contributes to the reduction of poverty, developing and utilization of human capabilities required for promoting investment, efficiency, competitiveness, and to deeper integration as well as consolidating historical, social and cultural ties and affinities of the people of the region. This area is also critical in addressing cross-cutting issues such as human poverty, gender mainstreaming, HIV and AIDS, science and technology, ICT and media access.

4.13.2 OVERALL GOAL

The overall goal of the Social and Human Development Intervention is to contribute to the reduction of human poverty and to improve the availability of educated, well informed, skilled, healthy, flexible, culturally responsive, productive and efficient human resources for the promotion of SADC's equitable economic growth, deeper integration and its competitiveness in the global economy.

The intervention will also contribute towards the reduction of human poverty, combating of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, development and utilisation of science and technology and ICT and the empowerment of women.

4.13.3 AREAS OF FOCUS 

  • Develop and sustain human capabilities through increased access of the population to quality and appropriate education, training, employment, welfare and social development, nutrition, health, cultural and sporting services as well as information in all Member States.
  • Develop positive cultural values, attitudes and practices that are geared towards promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing productivity, maintaining harmonious labour-management relations, cultural tolerance, promoting gender equality, consolidation of cultural ties and the spirit of regional identity, commitment to deeper regional integration as well as combating of HIV and AIDS.
  • Increase utilization of human capabilities through the provision of information, promotion of public understanding of science and technology, employment and income generating opportunities, including preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of cultural industries, cultural festivals and sporting events to contribute towards the reduction of poverty.
  • Promote media diversity and access to media and information for the population of SADC through intensified use of local languages in the dissemination and exchange of information on issues of national and regional interest, including encouraging behavioural change for preventing and controlling the spread of the HIV and AIDS.

4.13.4 Strategies: Development and Sustenance of Human Capabilities

  • Coordination, harmonisation, monitoring the implementation and engendering of regional policies, strategies and Protocols in the areas of education, training, health, nutrition, welfare and social development, culture, information, sport, employment and labour for combating human poverty, HIV and AIDS as well as developing and strengthening mechanisms for addressing emerging communicable diseases.
  • Establishment of exchange programmes and mechanisms for key stakeholders including students, academic staff, high level experts/researchers, artists, media professionals, sports persons, tripartite partners and populations leaving near borders, special exchange programmes as well as the promotion of excellence in culture and sports for regional identity.
  • Harmonisation of special support programmes for vulnerable groups including orphans, physically and mentally handicapped people and especially children affected by the impact of HIV and AIDS pandemic and creation of opportunities through various stakeholders dealing in cultural and sporting activities and the welfare of people with disabilities to provide special programmes, user-friendly facilities and training opportunities for them as well as promoting mechanisms for the sharing of best practices on the role of the family in enhancing social integration of vulnerable groups.
  • Coordination of interventions at both regional and national levels to combat illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.
  • Establishment of centres of specialisation and excellence for the training and development of strategic interventions and programmes on priority human development such as high level and critical skills development, including vocational training, and productivity, including science and technology, ICT, joint procurement and manufacturing of essential educational materials and health services, including essential drugs and ARVs, research, as well as mechanisms for referral of patients for tertiary care and combating of major diseases such as HIV and AIDS, TB and malaria.
  • Coordination of the development, harmonization and standardisation of the qualification and accreditation systems and frameworks with a view to increase access to education and training opportunities and to promote comparability in the educational and training systems and their outputs.
  • Allocation of adequate human and financial resources for the provision of essential services for human development as well as promoting their efficient utilization.
  • Promotion of positive cultural values, attitudes and practices for human development, gender equality and deeper regional integration and regional identity.
  • Increasing access to education in science and technology, ICT by women in order to address gender disparities.
  • Coordination and harmonisation of programmes to enhance and improve access to and the flow of information.
  • Consolidation of policies and strategies to facilitate the creation of a conducive environment for the media to operate in.
  • Coordinate and harmonise SADC positions on international commitments in the area of social and human development.

Strategies: Utilisation of Human Capabilities

  • Harmonization of policies and programmes for employment creation, income generation and productivity improvement with a view to enhance the labour absorptive capacity of the national economies as well as measures to reduce the brain drain in the region and mitigate the impact of the HIV and AIDS pandemic on the workforce.
  • Harmonisation of policies and facilitating the establishment of mechanisms for the movement of labour and for the promotion, conservation and preservation of tangible and intangible regional cultural heritage as well as the promotion and protection of creativity.
  • Consolidation and promotion of tripatism and social dialogue in addressing labour and employment issues as part of the regional integration agenda as well as developing mechanisms for stakeholder participation in the implementation of the RISDP, including in the SADC National Committees, SADC Cultural Trust Fund and Forum for Dialogue.
  • Coordination and standardisation of databases and information systems in the area of social and human development and special programmes, particularly for human capital formation, labour markets, productivity improvement, cultural development, and combating human poverty, HIV and AIDS, TB, malaria and other major diseases.
  • Development of a policy framework for the facilitation of cross-border informal trade for employment creation and income generation.
  • Coordination of policies and strategies to enhance and strengthen infrastructure for the constant flow of and dissemination of information.

4.13.5 TARGETS

In view of the long gestation period required for interventions in social and human development to yield expected results, targets in this area will be in line with those of the Millennium Development Goals. These broad targets are as follows:

  • All Member States should achieve universal primary education and ensure that all children complete a full course of primary schooling by 2015.
  • Enrolment gaps between boys and girls in primary and secondary education should be eliminated preferably by 2005, and at all levels of education by no later than 2015.
  • Under-Five Mortality Rates should be reduced by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015 in all Member States
  • Maternal Mortality Rates reduced by three quarters between 1990 and 2015 in all Member States.
  • All Member States should halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases by 2015.
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