Positive prospects for 2025 tobacco selling season

There are positive prospects for the 2025 tobacco selling season following a bumper harvest projected to surpass 300 million kilogrammes attributed to good rainfall.   Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development on Tuesday, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chairperson Patrick Devenish was happy with the…

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Goat farming takes centre stage in Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth

A local agricultural organisation, Mash Goats, hosted a day-long goat farming training session aimed at empowering communities with agricultural entrepreneurial skills. Speaking to journalists at the training session in Harare, the initiative’s founder, Tatenda Mashozhera, stated that equipping people with knowledge of goat farming is crucial for bridging the unemployment gap. “Empowering communities with agricultural…

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Agriculture sector experts refine techniques for fifth biennial review report

NAIROBI, KENYA – A continental training of trainer’s seminar for agriculture development programme experts is taking place in Nairobi to prepare experts from regional economic communities to support the biennial review mechanism in data collection, to ensure that data continues to be of high quality.   This event centred on efforts to critically analyse the…

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Funding for Research, Development and Innovation for an industrialised Africa: Are we on the right track or it’s just a pipe-dream?

Writes Prf Ereck Chakauya   There is no doubt that research and development (R&D) is a good feed to sustainable innovation and industrialisation. R&D fosters a culture of experimentation and learning and can create an ideal ecosystem for entrepreneurship and start-ups to thrive as well as address societal needs such as food, shelter, energy, health…

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AUDA-NEPAD urges PAP to embrace biotechnology for improved agricultural productivity

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has urged the Pan-African Parliament to embrace technology for improved agricultural productivity on the continent.   Speaking to parliamentarians during a committee meeting at the PAP headquarters in Midrand, South Africa today, the Head of the Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation at…

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Outgoing AU Commissioner honoured by AU-IBAR in Nairobi for her work on the continent

Addis Ababa – The outgoing African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Correia Sacko, was honoured in Nairobi by the Inter-African Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for her work on the continent.   The farewell event, organised by the specialised technical office, came at a time when the Angolan…

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Transforming Africa’s Agrifood Systems: FAO’s Commitment to Sustainable Agricultural Growth

By Sibiri Sylvain Herve Ouedraogo, Programme Officer, FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF)   The Regional Capacity development workshop in Zimbabwe   Agriculture is at the heart of Africa’s economy, providing livelihoods for nearly 60% of the population. However, inefficiencies in agrifood systems—ranging from poor infrastructure to climate vulnerability and weak market access—have limited the…

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FAO collaborates with African Union to enhance food and nutrition security

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the African Union (FAO), has pledged to continue to work with the African Union in promoting food and nutrition security on the African continent. Speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) Capacity Development Workshop running in Harare, Zimbabwe from 17…

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Africa requires US$15 billion annually for addressing climate change: Josefa Sacko

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – At least 15 billion dollars a year up to 2030 is the amount the continent needs to increase its capacity to adapt to and mitigate climate change, outgoing African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said.   The Ambassador, who made a name for herself during two terms in the Department of…

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FAO holds Africa regional capacity development workshop

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is holding a two-week long training workshop on administrative, finance, and operational matters in Harare. Speaking to Spiked Online Media ahead of the meeting today, Dr. Patrice Talla, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, said the training was…

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Outgoing AU Commissioner Josefa Sacko honoured with medal for outstanding work

Addis Ababa – 16 February 2025 – Angolan Josefa Correia Sacko, outgoing African Union Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, was honoured in Addis Ababa, with a medal of honour of merit, by the President of the Republic, Mohamed Oud Ghazouani.   Th honour came on the sidelines…

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Josefa Sacko says African women are the backbone of the continent’s agri-food systems

Addis Ababa 14 February 2025 – Women are the backbone of Africa’s agri-food systems, contributing immensely to production, processing, distribution, and family livelihoods, outgoing African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Josefa Correia Sacko said in Addis Ababa.   The Angolan diplomat at the end of her mandate at the…

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Josefa Sacko leaves a rich legacy for new AUC Commissioner for Agriculture

A ‘very rich’ legacy built up during the last eight years at the head of the continental body’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) portfolio is her gift to the new African Union Commissioner, the outgoing Commissioner of the African Union, Josefa Correia Sacko has said.   The diplomat said this during…

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38th AU Summit: Eswatini hails election of Moses Vilakati as Commissioner for Agriculture

The Government of Eswatini has hailed the election of former Cabinet Minister, Mr. Moses Vilakati, as the Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) in the African Union Commission. This achievement follows a highly competitive election held at the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where…

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Adopt agricultural practices that can withstand climate change: Commissioner Josefa Sacko

Commissioner of the African Union’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Correia Sacko said in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) that although agriculture is an important sector, most farmers on the continent practice rainfed agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate change.   The Diplomat, who made these remarks at the International…

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Food for thought in a warming climate

Over the past 30 years, extreme events such as wildfires, droughts, floods, and heat waves have multiplied due to the warming climate.   According to climate models and research conducted by the IPCC, NASA, and other scientific institutions, their frequency, intensity, and duration are expected to grow in the future. Apart from the dramatic toll…

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Issuance of acquired Land title deeds not in the best national interest

Writes Dr Tapiwa Mashakada   The land reform program which started in 2000, sought to address historical injustices and imbalances in land ownership and distribution patterns.   Before 2000, fertile agricultural land was owned by only 4500 white farmers while the black African majority were confined to tribal trust lands where the land was rocky,…

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AUC Candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Dr John Basera committed to strengthening agricultural development

Dr. John Basera, a leading candidate for the position of Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission (AUC) has highlighted his vision, experience, and plans to strengthen agricultural development and the blue economy across Africa.   Speaking to Spiked Online Media, Dr Basera demonstrated that he is a…

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Continent still not exploiting potential of animal resources, says Commissioner Josefa Sacko

The continent is still not exploiting the full potential of its animal resources, largely because it is failing to fully utilise the opportunities available and address key challenges such as animal feed and health, African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said in Addis Ababa.   The diplomat, who was speaking at the launch of the…

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Over 67 million people food insecure in Horn of Africa as climate shocks, conflict rise: Report

About 67.4 million people in the Horn of Africa are food insecure, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, said in a joint report.   This is a rise from 64.8 million at the end of November 2024, the institutions said,…

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Young people are active agents of change in Zimbabwe’s national climate action efforts

Zimbabwe Children and Youth Position Paper on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0 (2025 – 2035)   Prepared by Cinderella Ndlovu and Eric Morgen Moyo    Rapporteurs: Linet Ndou, Natalie Gwatirisa, Shamiso Mucha   Introduction   The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the core of the Paris Agreement and serve a critical role in determining…

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Increase efforts towards attaining food security: Commissioner Josefa Sacko

The African Union Commissioner recognised in Addis Ababa that the efforts that have been made in food security, sustainable environmental practices, rural development, and the blue economy have had a tangible impact on the entire continent.   Josefa Sacko, who was speaking at a meeting with members of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue…

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Global grain markets precarious against Trump tariffs

On-again, off-again tariff talk kept agricultural markets on edge with the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.   Living up to his name, the president’s whims and proclamations have a tendency of trumping anything else going on, and the early days of the new U.S. administration promised more of the same.   While the initial flurry of executive orders on Jan….

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Rwanda Secures US$40M Chinese Loan for Mega-Irrigation Project in Gisagara District

Rwanda is set to launch a major irrigation development project in Gisagara District following the signing of a concessional financing agreement with China on Wednesday, January 22. The initiative, dubbed the Giseke Dam and Irrigation Project, is expected to benefit over 915 households by providing irrigation infrastructure to support crop cultivation.   Gisagara District, known…

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African Pastoral Markets Development Platform to foster economic growth

A new era in livestock marketing has dawned through the African Pastoral Markets Development Platform (APMD), which represents a groundbreaking initiative hosted by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). Speaking during the APMD launch, Mohamed Omar, a renowned pastoralist leader, said the platform implementation will reflect the shared commitment to the transformations…

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Address structural challenges hindering economic transformation: AU Commissioner warns Africa

Berlin, Germany – The continent needs to address the structural challenges that are impeding economic transformation in Africa, which are deeply intertwined with food systems, African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko reiterated in Berlin.   The Diplomat, who was speaking at the Eleventh German-Africa Conference that takes place from 17-21 of this month, assured that…

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Decolonizing urban planning through African values and indigenous markets

Writes Charles Dhewa   Decades after independence from colonial masters, most African countries continue to perpetuate colonial urban planning approaches that were designed to exclude and marginalize the majority of poor Africans and their markets from urban areas. For instance, why should it be acceptable for urban dwellers to keep cats, dogs, and horses but…

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AGRA’s intervention positively transforms African agriculture

KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)’s involvement and intervention in agriculture have translated into positive, tangible impacts on the African continent. Speaking to Spiked Online Media during the just-ended African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) that ran from the 9th to the 11th…

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AU CAADP Extraordinary Summit signals commitment to transform agriculture: President Mnangagwa

Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has said the Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the Post Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda in Kampala, Uganda signifies a commitment to transforming the African agricultural sector.   In a statement read on his behalf by Dr. Anxious Masuka,…

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Climate change, inadequate funding among obstacles in implementing CAADP: AGRA

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) said despite some progress in addressing food insecurity, Africa still faces several challenges and obstacles to the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) including climate change and inadequate funding of the agricultural sector.   This came to the fore during an interactive…

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Policy and institutional support necessary for success of Post-Malabo Agenda: FANRPAN

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Stakeholders have been urged to embrace policy and institutional support measures to ensure the successful implementation of the post-Malabo agenda for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system.   These were the sentiments of Dr. Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, the Chief Executive Officer of the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) …

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Animal protein vital cog in food and nutrition security

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Dr. Bright Rwamirama, Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has underscored the importance of animal protein in food and nutrition security.   He was speaking during a Livestock Side event at the Margins of the African Union Heads of States Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development…

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AGRA Appoints Alice Ruhweza as next President

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is proud to announce the appointment of Alice Ruhweza as its next President, effective March 1st, 2025. This appointment follows a thorough and comprehensive selection process in partnership with Spencer Stuart. The incoming president, Alice Ruhweza will succeed Dr. Agnes Kalibata, who has successfully led AGRA…

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CAADP Group of Non-State Actors share position on Food Systems with AU Heads of State

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Group of Non-State Actors has shared a common position on food systems with members of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee of Rural Agriculture, Water, and Environment as well as the Heads of State and Government of the African Union during the ongoing African Union Extraordinary Summit in…

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Evidence-based policies and strategies drive sustainable food systems transformation: President Kikwete

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Evidence-based policies and strategies are essential to drive sustainable food systems transformation, without which stakeholders would not be able to successfully implement the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and deliver the African transformation, HE Jakaya Kikwete, the former President of Tanzania has said.   He made the remarks in his keynote…

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Multi-stakeholder collaboration critical in advancing African agriculture: Dr Anxious Masuka

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka has said multi-stakeholder collaboration is the best way of developing Africa’s agricultural advancement.   He was speaking during a side event of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Programme ((CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda…

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Post-Malabo CAADP Agenda springboard for resilient and sustainable agrifood systems

KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Africa Union-led development of a new 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035 whose vision is to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for a healthy and prosperous Africa, is in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.   There were the remarks today by H.E….

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Championing Africa’s Agricultural Future: From Commitment to Action

Writes Dr. Antony Chapoto   I am representing ANAPRI at the AU Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action, taking place in Kampala, Uganda, from January 9 to 11, 2024. Our network is dedicated to supporting the AU and member states by providing essential data and evidence to guide…

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African indigenous markets are not just about food but healing at four levels

Writes Charles Dhewa   Besides sustaining the vital connection between urban and rural areas, African mass markets are now driving a vibrant cultural revitalization based on indigenous worldviews and traditions long suppressed by colonization. Where the colonial notion separated seed from food and created siloes through disciplines like seed breeding and agronomy, indigenous world views…

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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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