Ms. Eleanor Musarurwa said:

> ... help struggling farmers in Southern Africa.
> ... CNFA's Agribusiness Volunteer Program...

> I am currently recruiting volunteers for
> three beekeeping assignments in Zimbabwe:

This sounds like a fine program.
I hope someday to become worthy of consideration
for participation.

But Zimbabwe?

Here's what the US State Department says to people who
might be considering a trip to Zimbabwe.  Be sure to
read the line about "farms".  Understand that land
ownership, specifically farms, are a very touchy
subject there.  Have been for about a year.  People
are dying over farms.

http://travel.state.gov/zimbabwe_warning.html

  "This information is current as of today,
  Thu Apr 03 19:33:25 2003.

  ZIMBABWE

  This Travel Warning is being issued to alert
  Americans to the political, economic and
  humanitarian crises in Zimbabwe.

  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of
  the risks of travel to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is in
  the midst of political, economic, and humanitarian
  crises with serious implications for the security
  situation in the country. All U.S. citizens in Zimbabwe
  are urged to take those measures they deem appropriate
  to ensure their well being, including consideration of
  departure from the country.

  Approximately half the population of Zimbabwe faces an
  urgent food crisis and possible famine. The humanitarian
  crisis is expected to worsen in coming months and may
  lead to unrest and possible large-scale migration of
  Zimbabweans to urban or border areas, with further
  disruption and an increase in crime and instability.

  Commercial farms should be avoided at all times,
  especially those occupied by settlers or so-called
  "war veterans," who are typically young government
  supporters acting with impunity outside the law.

  In November 2002, U.S. Embassy staff members were
  detained and one was beaten by war veterans on a
  farm near Harare...."

Here's a entire section of recent news on Zimbabwe,
from papers in South Africa:

http://www.iol.co.za/html/news/zimbabwe/index.php


        jim (who fills up passports before they expire)

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