We can't just read a book and then adamantly defend the author's words as truth without having ever even stepped foot in the place they are speaking about or having much understanding of the context for their work.

Governance is so much more than just elections or the number of women or minorities in public office. It's about how much the public feels they're a part of the decision-making process.

If Congress passed an amendment to the Farm Bill to allow just 25 percent of Food for Peace food aid grains to be purchased closer to their destination, the U.S. government could save almost $200 million and reach 6 million more people -- almost exactly the shortfall in the Sahel.

As we watch a devastating drought unfold in the Sahel for the third time in less than a decade, putting millions at risk of hunger, it occurs to me that perhaps the international community has been responding to these crises over the years with a lot of heart, but maybe not as much head.

For women in Gao, water has become a nemesis. Without it, you can't bathe the kids, clean yourself after using the bathroom, or wash out the grit that settles into your hair. You can't slake your thirst -- a problem in a city where temperatures have been averaging over 105 degrees.

Stifling summertime heat is just one of the problems in the Sahel, a weather-battered band that stretches from coast to coast in northern Africa. The region has a long history of alternating drought and damaging floods that torment its residents with famine.

It's become apparent that one of the most efficient, cost-effective, and impactful interventions that we and our NGO colleagues have to offer is one that may come as a surprise to some. It's cash.

Having not fully recovered from drought in 2010, many communities in Niger have seen their struggles multiply as more Malian refugees arrive.

I had the chance to speak with Lara Crampe, Development Officer for IIRR. She has proposed to give the talk titled "Sex, Slacktivism, and How Not to C...

Millions of Americans have been hit hard by the economic downturn and are working hard to escape the trap of poverty. Mischaracterizing social welfare programs makes it hard to adequately understand and address these problems.

Janessa Goldbeck is a woman on a bicycle -- and a mission to ride 4,200 miles for her country. But she needs your help. Janessa's not a professional ...

passion, perseverance and innovation are sometimes highlighted at the expense of professionalism. When Nick Kristof, for example, told Maggie Doyne's story, he highlighted her youth and her passion.

Reuters is stepping up to provide more comprehensive coverage of humanitarian aid. Recently, they launched the 'Future of Aid' section that is filled ...

If what I think I have to offer isn't needed and yet I insist on giving it, then I have to suspect that something other than generosity is at play.