Energy, Food, Water Security and Social Development in Africa

Recently, it appears to be almost impossible to develop an international relationship based on mutual understanding, which exclusively countenances trust and stability. For this reason, it seems imperative to create more comprehensive security networks in such a world where demand for energy is vastly growing. Beside traditional energy resources, some other options such as solar energy and biofuels must be taken into consideration in order not to cause any more damage to the environment at least. This may only be achieved through international coordination and cooperation but by the leadership of “bona fide” actors, not only in terms of their policies but also their action plans. From the same perspective, development of energy based transportation which forms the backbone of economic interaction for the benefit of the economy of the continent also requires continental coordination and cooperation.

Ongoing convergence and co-operation tendency in the relation between Turkey and African countries recently have reached a new level, which may be described as a higher level of strategic partnership. The Turkey-Africa Strategic Partnership, in the context of the report released after the Head of States Summit held in Africa (2008), emphasized that there are certain important roles which need to be undertaken by NGOs in this partnership process. As an example, such events similar to the forum, from which this book resulted, provide intellectual contribution to the formation of a continental awareness and TurkeyAfrica long-term relations. So these events should be promoted within the scope of the so-called “win-win” partnership process, which must be focused on stability, equality and consideration.

From the INTRODUCTION