A Beacon of Hope Amidst Adversity: The Story of Tariro Children’s Home

In the spirit of giving, Kutsaga staff extended their corporate social responsibility by heeding a heartfelt call for help from Tariro Children’s Home. Nestled in the heart of Kadoma, Tariro Children’s Home has been a beacon of hope for orphaned and vulnerable children since its establishment in 2006. On 19 December 2024, a Kutsaga delegation…

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Stakeholders geared for African Union Extraordinary Summit on CAADP in Uganda

Stakeholders are geared for the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit to mark the adoption of a new 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035, as well as the Kampala CAADP Declaration to be held in Uganda from 9 to 11 January 2025.   In her remarks for the African Union…

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The Social Impact of Large-Scale Construction Projects in Africa

Emerging lessons from rebuilding Mbare Retail Market in Harare, Zimbabwe   Writes Charles Dhewa   Introduction   Across Africa, it has become common practice for large-scale infrastructure projects to be decided and implemented by government departments, engineers, and architectural designers without fully involving social scientists. Such projects include road construction, dam construction, residential housing, and…

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AGRA promoting innovations in the agriculture space

Writes AGRA   For over a decade, AGRA has been at the forefront of promoting innovations in the agriculture space. These innovations have fuelled growth in the agriculture sector in Africa. In under 10 years, the agricultural GDP in Africa has seen significant growth. In 2022, agriculture, forestry, and fishing contributed around 17% of Sub-Saharan…

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Mozambican relief agency distributes 80 tons of food products to hunger victims

Writes Felicidade Banze MAPUTO (Mozambique) – Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) has begun the distribution of more than eighty tons of food products to people affected by hunger in the country’s central province of Sofala where more than 13 000 people are facing acute hunger. INGD’s delegate in Sofala, Aristides…

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The Food Industry’s Role in Combating Gender-Based Violence: A Call to Action

Writes Zvikomborero Machinga   Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pressing social issues of our time, affecting individuals and communities across all sectors. Defined as harmful acts directed at individuals based on gender, GBV encompasses physical, mental, sexual, and economic harm. Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their…

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NEAT plants trees, joins church in donating Christmas food hampers to the needy

National Environment Awareness Trust (NEAT) in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated food and new clothes to two orphanage homes as an early Christmas gift to the underprivileged members of the community.   The event, held on Saturday, was a celebration of community spirit and generosity led by the Church…

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US$13 billion lost to dust and sand storms: AUC’s Commissioner Josefa Sacko

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 09/12/24 – Around 13 billion dollars of gross domestic product in North Africa and the Middle East is lost to sand and dust storms, African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).   The diplomat made these remarks while speaking at the United Nations Convention Forum (COP16) on combating…

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Elliot Goliath donates borehole to boost Chedonje Primary School’s agricultural projects

Chedonje Primary School has received a significant boost to its agricultural projects, thanks to the generosity of a local businessman who has funded the drilling of a borehole on the school’s premises. The borehole will provide a reliable source of water for the school’s agricultural projects, including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and environmental conservation.  …

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Blessing Mapfumo wins World Aquaculture Society’s Africa Honorary Award 2024

The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) has awarded Blessing Mapfumo, a Zimbabwean based in South Africa, with the Africa Honorary Award 2024, an award which is “conferred upon an identified individual who has made a longstanding and significant contribution within the WAS”.     Mr. Mapfumo, a long-serving aquaculture professional, led the establishment of the WAS…

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African sanitary and phytosanitary experts reiterate harmonisation and adoption of good practices

Libreville, Gabon 6/12/24 – Experts in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary issues from the continent reiterated in Libreville (Gabon) the need for harmonisation and the adoption of African standards to deal with the integration of good practices at the global level.   These positions were taken at an African Union coordination and consultative forum…

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Sanitary and phytosanitary system aims to harmonise effective measures: AU programme coordinator

Libreville, Gabon 4/12/24 – The policy framework of the African Union’s sanitary and phytosanitary systems seeks to strengthen the efficiency of intra-African trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), senior AU programme coordinator Chiluba Mwape said in Libreville, Gabon.   Chiluba Mwape, who was speaking at the fifth coordination session…

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FAO Initiates Digital Agriculture Project in Rural Rwanda

Agriculture drives economic growth across Africa, but most smallholder farmers still rely on outdated tools, leading to low yields and profits. Digital technologies offer a solution by streamlining processes, improving access to data, and boosting productivity.   The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the “Fostering Digital Villages through Innovative Advisory and Profitable Market Services…

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African experts analyse implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary policy framework

Libreville, Gabon 03/12/24 – An African Union coordination and consultative forum on sanitary and phytosanitary policy is being held today in Libreville, Gabon, to analyse the development and accelerate actions to safeguard consumer health and facilitate safe trade on the continent.   Experts in this area will adopt the action matrix of the issues raised…

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Africa’s fertiliser strategy will bring sustainable agricultural productivity and food sovereignty

African Union Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Ambassador Josefa Correia Sacko reaffirmed in Dakar that the Africa Soil Initiative and the mechanism to finance the action plan provide a clear path to achieving sustainable agricultural productivity and food sovereignty in Africa.   The diplomat, who was speaking…

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Saving banana in Southern Africa from a deadly fungal disease – Banana Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4

Writes Dr Mathew M. Abang   Grown in more than 135 countries in the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Oceania and Africa, bananas and plantains are staple crops for the food security of some 400 million people. With around 15 percent of global production exported, the total trade value of bananas was about USD 7.5 billion…

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Human interest stories spur sustainable development: Fatou Lo

Fatou Lo, the UN Women Representative and Chairperson of the United Nations Communication Group (UNCG) for Zimbabwe has urged the media to focus on human interest stories in their coverage to promote sustainable development.   She was addressing a UN-Media Seminar on Development Reporting on 21 November 2024 in Masvingo after the journalists had concluded…

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African Agri Investment Indaba drives solutions for Africa’s growing food crisis

The African Agri Investment Indaba which took place in Cape Town and was organised by the African Agri Council, addressed sub-Saharan Africa’s worst food crisis in decades. With over 800 participants from 20+ countries, the event focused on tackling the urgent food scarcity affecting millions.   Over 16 million people in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe…

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Drought mitigation in Masvingo Province: UN and partners support irrigation schemes

Following the negative impact of the El-Nino-induced drought that affected Southern Africa, Zimbabwe included, the United Nations (UN) country team is supporting smallholder farmers in irrigation schemes in Masvingo Province.   One such initiative is the Mushandike Irrigation Scheme located in Masvingo District which is one of the oldest irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. The scheme…

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Smallholder farmers’ savings and lending groups providing lifeline to children’s education

“I dropped out of school just after starting my secondary level, there was no point – where was I going to get school fees? What about exam registration fees? Dropping out to help my mother work and to take care of my younger siblings was my option”, said Ashley Marime clenching her jaw, clearly trying…

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Livestock farming boosts Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector

Livestock farming is vital in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector because it boosts the country’s economy, food security, and rural livelihoods. Farmers, agricultural service providers, and other actors in the livestock value chain rely on livestock for employment and revenue.   In a speech read on behalf of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson in the Ministry of…

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AFSA Launches New Booklet Showcasing Agroecology Success Stories From Kenya At COP29

Writes Kirubel Tadele   Baku, Azerbaijan – As the second week of COP29 negotiations continues, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) launches its latest publication, Agroecology Works: Evidence from Kenya. This booklet offers a deep dive into the transformative power of agroecology through 15 inspiring stories from across ten counties in Kenya, providing a rich…

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UN helps Zimbabwe sustain food and nutrition security: Hon Chadzamira

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Hon Ezra Chadzamira, has said Zimbabwe has managed to sustain food and nutrition security through United Nations Agencies’ support in the country.   He made the remarks in Masvingo today at a workshop by the United Nations in Zimbabwe to build partnerships and…

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FAO seeks urgent action to address Eastern Africa’s food security crisis

Eastern Africa is a region of stark contrasts, where immense potential coexists with pressing challenges. On one hand, it presents a myriad of business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide, offering a gateway to emerging markets with significant growth potential.   However, this promising outlook is tempered by the persistent threat of drought and severe…

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AU-IBAR highlights urgent need to address Antimicrobial Resistance

Yesterday, during the opening of the 6th World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) campaign for Africa in Cameroon, AU-IBAR’s Director Dr. Huyam Salih highlighted the urgent need to address Antimicrobial Resistance (hashtag#AMR)—a growing global threat that knows no borders. Dr. Salih underscored that 60-75% of emerging human pathogens originate from animals, making the responsible use of…

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EAFF Raises Concerns over Food Safety in Eastern Africa Amid Aflatoxin Threats

The Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) has raised alarm over food safety in the region, particularly in maize production, amid concerns that failure to address these issues could impact negatively on regional trade.   Speaking at a workshop in Bomet County, EAFF Chairman Philip Kiriro emphasized the importance of tackling food safety challenges to prevent…

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ZIMSOFF exchange visits help farmers improve agro-ecological practices

Writes Lloyd Rabaya  Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers’ Forum (ZIMSOFF)’s recent exchange visit in Shashe, Masvingo, has proved to be of great importance to farmers as they taught each other various agroecology elements. During the two-day visit, farmers had the opportunity to watch and learn from other practicing farmers on best sustainable practices that include water…

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The Imperative of Upholding Climate Agreements for Local Communities and LMICs

Writes Ebrima Jarra, Soil Scientist and Civil Actor from The Gambia A Path Toward Equitable and Sustainable Development by “The Soil Solution” (NGO) Abstract As climate change accelerates, its impacts disproportionately burden local communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These communities, often with minimal contributions to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, face severe challenges,…

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Climate change threatens Africa’s developmental gains

African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Ambassador Josefa Correia Sacko reaffirmed in Baku, Azerbaijan, that climate change poses a threat to Africa’s economies and jeopardises the continent’s developmental gains.   Amb Josefa Sacko, who was speaking at the United Nations event on Africa’s climate achievements and the importance of…

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Regenerative Agriculture and Agro-biodiversity for Food Security in Africa and India

Empowering Smallholders through Market Approaches   The lack of agricultural biodiversity in farming systems threatens nutritional security for nearly 3 billion people in India and Africa or roughly 40 percent of the global population.   Around 600 million smallholder farmers (with a bulk in India and Africa), who are working on less than two hectares…

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FAO workshop focuses on supporting agri-food system transformation in Southern Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Office for Southern Africa convened a Multidisciplinary Team meeting to discuss and agree on how FAO can better support agrifood system transformation in Southern African countries.   The meeting was held today 11 November 2024 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe.  …

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COP29: A test of wealthy countries’ commitment to securing a liveable planet

OWN CORRESPONDENT As COP29 opens in Baku, Azerbaijan, tomorrow, ActionAid International’s Global Lead on Climate Justice, Teresa Anderson, says: “Frontline countries who have done almost nothing to cause the problem are being pushed deeper into debt by the climate crisis. Yet they are the ones getting stuck with an escalating climate bill as they bear…

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Rural women take the lead in Zimbabwe’s food sovereignty

Writes Lloyd Rabaya With the sharp voices of the Zvamahande Primary School pupils cutting through the air echoing the food sovereignty message with their poems, the farmers from various provinces who were gathered at Shashe Agroecology School celebrating the International Day of Rural Women, which was preceded by International Food Sovereignty  Day, lauded and ululated…

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Tinubu reappoints Mustapha as DG National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency

Writes Toyin Omozuwa   The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the reappointment of the Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha for a second tenure of 5 years.   His reappointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the…

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The role of baseline studies in anchoring local solutions and resilience

Writes Charles Dhewa   In addition to unearthing community resilience and coping mechanisms, baseline studies can be good at identifying relevant partners and local expertise. A lot of market infrastructure in many African countries has remained unused because construction has not been adequately informed by baseline studies. The absence of baseline data also leads to…

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COP16 Biodiversity Summit: Delayed crucial agreements may hamper Global Biodiversity Framework implementation

Dr. Christian K. Tiambo, Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) – International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)   Progress at COP16   The “People’s COP”, COP16 summit concluded on the 2nd of November in Cali, in the Valle del Pacífico Event Center, the second largest and most modern event space in Colombia and the…

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Conference spotlights strategies to eliminate hunger by 2025

A high-level political forum on global action against hunger is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with stakeholders seeking to achieve this goal, importantly in Africa where a large proportion of the population is food insecure annually and increasingly goes hungry.   These were the sentiments for His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe,…

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PARM Stories Challenge: Winners speak at 20th CAADP PP, 15th ADFNS

The winners of the Platform for Agricultural Risk Management (PARM) Stories Challenge were sponsored by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to attend the commemoration of the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS), the 20th edition of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform (PP) and the associated Malabo…

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A Food Security Statistics Project is Enhancing Food Security Data across Africa

Reliable food security statistics are essential for informed decisions on food access, quality, and affordability.   Recognizing this, a regional collaboration between the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Statistics Norway, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), has supported eight African nations in strengthening their food and nutritional security…

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Pan African Youth Forum: Empowering Youth Through Education for Climate Resilience

On November 2, 2024, at the Pan African Youth Forum in Oran, Algeria, the event titled “Empowering Youth through Education for Climate Resilience” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including youth leaders, educators, and policymakers, to address the urgent need for climate education. This gathering underscored the pivotal role that young people can play…

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Agri-Food Systems: Inclusive education and skills training empower women and youth

On the 30th of October 2024, Ash-Gric held a side event at the African Union’s  20th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP PP) and the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) under the theme “Inclusive Education & Skills Training: Empowering Youth and Women for Resilient Agri-Food Systems.”   The event…

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