Recently we're seen instability in Kenya - formerly regarded as one of the most stable African states. Now it's Zimbabwe looking very volatile. No oil there, so we'll probably let Mugabe carry on and destroy what's left of a once prosperous country.

The way much of Africa has been treated the rich west is despicable, but no doubt very profitable. Politicians might very reluctantly admit that the gap between the rich and poor is wider now than ever before, and still increasing, but they won't take any real action. Rich farmers in the west still get handouts from our taxes help them compete with poor African farmers. The only loans available for governments are tied to privatisation of water supplies.

So while the WTO and IMF are ensuring that water companies make a healthy profit from supplying something essential for human life, over a billion people still don't have access to clean water and 5000 children die every day across the continent due to lack of clean water and sanitation.

Another million babies die each year in their first month from preventable infections and 1 person every 13 seconds dies of AIDS in Africa, all while rich drug companies try to block the manufacture of generic drugs, seemingly preferring to see people die than use a copy of a drug they developed to save lives.

Bit of rant, sorry. An article about Zimbabwe lead to me reading other stuff about Africa and although we all know it's shit, seeing numbers like those... 5000 kids a day... it's just sad really.

If 5000 white kids started dropping dead each day you know they would find the money to sort it out. All this cash was found to 'help' Afghanistan and Iraq, just a little of that could save millions of lives across the neglected continent.

Ok, so Africa is fucked, but what can we do about it?

Other than donating to any of the many charities doing great work, or spending a bit more on fairtrade products, voting for someone who does give a shit about Africa, how about (finally on topic!) tourism?

While I bet in some countries the only ones benefiting from the tourist Dollars are the corrupt leaders, in many others I'm sure the money spent really helps people that actually need it. How much could increased tourism help Africa?