USADF Hosts Writer and Editor Donovan Webster as Part of Distinguished Lecturer Series:

WASHINGTON - December 16, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 16 , 2008 – The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) hosted a distinguished lecture series presentation this afternoon with Donovan Webster, a freelance writer who recently visited the Aderbissinat Pastoral Wells Project in the Agadez Region of Niger on behalf of the agency. He traveled to Niger to visit the fourteen sites where pastoral wells are to be built with USADF funding.

USADF President Lloyd Pierson remarked on the significance of this project, stating “Access to water is integral to the economic development of the marginalized groups living in these areas. USADF is glad that Mr. Webster was able to travel to the Agadez Region to monitor the progress of the wells and talk to our staff and community members about the wells.”

The fifteen month grant will help meet the demand for drinking water and water for livestock in the Aderbissinat area in an effort to meet critical social and economic needs of marginalized peoples. Existing wells in the region will be refurbished with features such as concrete walls and coverings, which will greatly improve the quality of water.

In speaking about his experience, Webster stated, “The people in this region are in great need and it is wonderful that USADF is able to fund these wells. It will make a tremendous difference in their lives.”

Donovan Webster is currently a correspondent for Outside Magazine and National Geographic Magazine and is a contributing editor for Men’s Health, BestLife, and National Geographic Traveler. He has authored several books.

The distinguished lecture series was launched on October 23, 2008 when USADF hosted the Former President of Benin,Nicephore Dieudonne Soglo.

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 20 African nations. Over the past 25 years, USADF has directly funded nearly 1,500 African projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.

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