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Theoretical Intellectuals

In Africa, I often meet agronomists who say they have no work. Surprised, I ask them, "Why?" and they reply, "there aren't any projects!" By projects they mean development initiatives liberally funded by international institutions-Aid projects, `good governance' projects, etc.
In Africa, everyone pounces on this kind of activity. And when there aren't any more, they fold their arms and wait. That makes you think about this continent that has so much fertile land, yet people continue to die of hunger!
So, dear fellow agronomists, how about rolling up your sleeves? You need to change your way of thinking, your taste for easy money. You leave university with diplomas that are of no use to anyone. Instead of being `theoretical intellectuals', how about becoming `real intellectuals', that's to say, people who translate their knowledge into concrete action? Government and NGO officials, representatives of international institutions and other people keen on debating `the struggle against poverty' should understand this: the only way to tackle poverty is to make the poor productive.

Information for Agricultural Development in ACP Countries Number 111, June 2004.