There is a small glimmer of hope from China entering the scene.

But that is only if Western evangelists are disenfranchised from crusades into Africa intent on preventing locals from accessing contraception; and if Africans follow Chinese determination to quickly bring an end to expansion of their own populations.

Colinsett, I’d also like to think that there is a glimmer of hope that China can not only lift large parts of Africa out of poverty but can direct them towards a sustainable future.

But…is there any indication that Chinese aid is in any way being directed towards population stabilisation or sustainability?

As far as I can determine, aid is being doled out for one reason only; so that China can get easy access to African resources. In fact, the Chinese are quite forthright about this.

So it is not in their interests to fight various African governments, religions or cultural practices in attempting to introduce the widespread use of contraception or the concept of limits to growth.

I can’t see any good at all coming out of China’s ‘aid’ involvement in Africa.

Ludwig, the imagined faint glimmer has nothing to do with Chinese benevolence.

China has a billion+ of their own to worry about. They also face the certainty that less than half that number will ever approach western standard of affluence. With that in mind, preferential assistance to Africans over their own Chinese citizens is indeed unlikely.

Chinese are reading the market for resources fairly successfully – much to the annoyance of western competitors who imagined they had captive suppliers.

Under western influence African problems have only become more entrenched as their populations have grown. If they look towards the example of China they might be inspired to do more in relation to their excessive population pressure which overpowers any advancements they hope to make. Yes, Ludwig - it’s a dream, I know.