The article discusses the efforts of Kenya and Rwanda in tackling plastic pollution through legislation and initiatives. Kenya's Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) and the establishment of the Kenya Producer Responsibility Organisation (KEPRO) aim to ensure producers are responsible for collecting and recycling plastics. The government of Kenya has set ambitious targets for waste recovery and recycling by 2030 and has implemented bans on plastic bags, bottles, and straws. Rwanda has also made significant strides by banning polyethylene bags in 2008 and phasing out single-use plastics in 2019. The GIZ report highlights the absence of primary plastic bag production in Rwanda and the growth of the recycling industry, producing various recycled plastic products.

The article by Ayele Addis Ambelu, supported by Fredrick Mugira, discusses the impact of land acquisitions by investors on local communities in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region. Abreham Bekele and Hiwote Yazie, residents displaced by these investments, share their struggles with losing land and water resources to flower farms. Ethiopia, a major flower exporter, has seen significant land grabs, with international investors, especially from India, acquiring large areas for agriculture. The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association reports substantial earnings from horticulture, but this has come at a cost to the environment and local people. Water bodies are being drained, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides is causing pollution and health issues. The Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency acknowledges the sector's growth but faces criticism for not ensuring sustainable practices. The article calls for government action to address evictions, compensate residents, and regulate water extraction for sustainable development.