§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the(a) aim, (b) structure and (c) methods of the European Union projects in Botswana to which his 486W Department makes a financial contribution with particular reference to the effect their implementation (i) has and (ii) has had on the Gana and Gwi; and if he will make a statement. [134455]
§ Hilary BennAlong with other EU member states DFID contributes to the European Development Fund (EDF), which supports projects in Botswana on the basis of a strategy agreed between the EU and the Government of Botswana. The strategy for the period 2001–07 highlights the challenges of poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS, and commits the EU to focus its programme mainly on human resource development. The strategy recognises that poverty is especially prevalent among those living in the remotest parts of Botswana and among ethnic minorities, but does not contain specific objectives for the impact of the EU programme on particular ethnic groups.