Grain Swap project launched

Staff Reporter Mola, Kariba District – As the climate change-induced weather patterns threaten to affect food security, the government has put in place measures to ensure that communities in drought-prone areas have adequate food. Mashonaland West Provincial Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo today launched the Grain Swap Program at…

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14th ADFNS Commemoration, 19th CAADP Partnership Platform on cards

Writes Baboloki Semele Lusaka, Zambia, is set to become the focal point of significant events at the end of this month. The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with various departments and partners and African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) are organizing a series of important gatherings to commemorate the 14th Africa Day for Food and…

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National Seed Fair breathes life into long-lost millet varieties

By Lloyd Rabaya As the Green Stars traditional dance group was dishing out their transcendent performance of the Mbakumba dance, the unmitigated crowd’s cheerful plaudits with the golden dust going straight to the skies marked the permanent return of a lost hope. Since time immemorial in Zimbabwe, different occasions called for different dances, which vary…

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Food security a top priority for Morocco, Africa’s future

Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki, has said food and health security and sovereignty are at the heart of Morocco’s political and economic concerns with a continental vision. The importance of the orientation of the food systems and their agri-food value chains that Morocco is developing towards…

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Health harm reduction necessary for sustainable development: Africa CDC

Dr Ahmed E. Ogwell Ouma, the Deputy Director-General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)  has said health harm reduction is the most viable option for attaining sustainable development on the continent. He made the remarks yesterday at the second edition of the African and first edition of the South-South Health…

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Agriculture insurance a wake up call as climate change takes toll

Writes Elvis Dumba Zvimba – The agriculture sector is facing a huge challenge due to the ever-changing weather patterns as a result of climate change. Zimbabwean farmers involved in various agriculture sectors have not been spared from the effects of climate change with threats of another poor rainy season due to the expected El-Nino weather…

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The significance of a Problem Statement in building resilient food systems

Many interventions by African governments and development organizations have failed to make a difference in several communities due to poor problem definitions from inception. Massive dams and irrigation schemes have been set up for growing exotic food when communities need simple equipment for harvesting abundant underground water and surface water to produce indigenous food. Hybrid…

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Preparations for 2023 Conference on Land Policy in Africa underway

Writes Baboloki Semele The stage is set for one of Africa’s most significant gatherings in the field of land policy and governance, the 2023 Conference on Land Policy in Africa. Convened by the tripartite consortium consisting of the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa,…

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Government intensifies climate-smart agriculture as El-Nino looms

Writes Elvis Dumba Zvimba – The government has put in place mechanisms to counter the effect of the predicted El-Nino weather phenomenon that is expected to affect the 2023-24 agriculture season. The government has intensified the climate-smart agriculture program,  Pfumvudza/Intwasa by deploying senior government officials to the country’s districts. This was revealed by Professor Obert…

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Accountability.Fish Blasts WCPFC For Continued Meeting Secrecy

OWN CORRESPONDENT POHNPEI, MICRONESIA: Fisheries governance watchdog Accountability.Fish today blasted the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission for continuing its practice of holding key compliance meetings in secrecy, saying the practice threatens to make a sham of the Commission’s rhetoric around sustainability. A prepared statement read by Mike Klein, Accountability.Fish Communication Lead, at the WCPFC’s…

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Korea and the African Development Bank strengthen drive towards Africa’s food security

The Government of Korea and the African Development Bank Group are intent on strengthening their partnership to support African countries in achieving food security in five years and boost the continent’s capability to produce its own vaccines and other pharmaceutical products. Speaking on Monday during a meeting with Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural…

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Accountability.Fish’s RFMO Tracker brings openness to Fisheries Management Organisations

Fisheries governance watchdog Accountability.Fish today released previously secret deliberations from an international fisheries decision-making body, publishing its first-ever RFMO Tracker detailing the outcomes of the recent IATTC (Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission) meeting in Victoria, Canada. Key decisions included a watering down of key proposals due to the interventions of China, Chinese Taipei, and Japan, and…

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Initiatives to use biotechnology for adaptation: Climate change in Zimbabwe

Writes Dr. Deckster Tony Savadye, CEO and Registrar of the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, like any other country in the world, has experienced climate change. The country has been experiencing frequent droughts, the emergence of new diseases and pests, and also increase in temperatures. The adverse effects of climate change have therefore affected…

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Nearly US$3 trillion needed to implement Africa’s NDCs

Writes Baboloki Semele Nairobi, Kenya: Nearly US$3 trillion is needed to implement Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This figure was discussed at the eleventh Conference on Climate Change and African Development (CCDA11) during a session on climate finance, moderated by Harsen Nyambe of the African Union Commission. There is a substantial financial gap in climate…

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AGRF 2023: Kikwete urges transformative policies to ensure food security

Africa has a real opportunity to transform its food systems, reduce its import bill, and create wealth, HE. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, the former president of the United Republic of Tanzania and Africa Food Prize (AFP) chair has said. He made the remarks at the 2023 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) during a session titled ‘Parliamentary…

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Scale up private capital aligned to SDGs, Paris Agreement: French minister Chrysoula Zacharopoulou

French minister Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, in her address to the media at the Africa Climate Week, emphasised the need to scale up private capital aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. She said there is a need to maintain the strong political momentum for climate action and global financial system reform….

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NetOne wins huge accolade at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Mobile telecoms player, NetOne, scooped the biggest prize in the overall best stand by a registered postal and telecommunications operator at the just-ended Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) 2023 annual event. The prize was among other winners which included the best overall exhibition, the best overall exhibition by an institution in the education,…

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Africa Climate Week commences, Charting a Fresh Course for Climate Action

Writes Baboloki Semele 06 August 2023, Nairobi, Kenya: The urgency of climate change is undeniable, and the stakes have never been higher. Against this backdrop, Africa Climate Week 2023 emerged as a critical platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, from the 4th to the 8th of September 2023, the Africa Climate…

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SeedCo launches farming app

Writes Lloyd Rabaya The largest seed-producing company in Zimbabwe, SeedCo, recently launched a farming app that will help farmers monitor their crops. Seedney, the application, has various tools that farmers can use to their advantage to get the maximum yields. Speaking to Spiked Online Media at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), SeedCo Zimbabwe Head…

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AFC Holdings geared to finance the 2023-2024 summer crop

In its key message during the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), AFC Holdings reiterated its readiness to finance the 2023-2024 summer crop. Speaking to Spiked Online Media during the show, AFC Holdings Group Head for Marketing and Strategy, Ms. Caroline Mozhendi said the initiative is meant to support the Government’s drive to achieve food self-sufficiency….

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Windmill impressed by ZAS grain farmers competition

Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Agribusiness utility, Windmill, expressed satisfaction with this year’s grain competition as farmers tussle for honours at the ongoing 113th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS). Windmill corporate communications head, Marceline Nyangoni said, “We went around the stands today. They’re well organized. The products on display are so impressive. The display is…

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ZAS 2023: TelOne innovations improving agricultural efficiency, production and productivity

TelOne is exhibiting at the 2023 edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) that is running under the theme “Sustained Agricultural Growth through Connectivity Solutions”. In an interview with this publication, a TelOne spokesperson said the company is showcasing Broadband, TelTrack, Crop Monitoring, and TelOne Voice service. TelTrack is a vehicle-tracking product that is ideal…

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ZAS 2023: European Union unveils initiatives to support agriculture in Zimbabwe

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Zimbabwe is exhibiting at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) where it is showcasing an array of initiatives it offers through its country head office and member states.   Below, Spiked Online Media casts a spotlight on the initiatives being exhibited during the 2023 edition of the ZAS:   Embassy…

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Econet hogs limelight at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show this week got into full swing, with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s exhibition stand quickly grabbing the limelight with its eye-catching design and an array of products and innovative services on display. The leading telecommunications and technology company’s stand, located at the centre of the exhibition grounds, has a unique design that instantly…

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Zimbabwe Agricultural Show: NetOne showcases cutting-edge digital solutions

NetOne is exhibiting at the 2023 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), driving sustainable and inclusive digital solutions. The company is showcasing a variety of interesting innovations that have brought a refreshing look to ZAS. Outstanding at the NetOne stand is a tractor as well as a greenhouse. Many show-goers were curious about how these are linked…

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Agriculture drives tourism development: ZTA

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in diving tourism, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has revealed. Speaking to this publication in an interview at the ongoing 113th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show running under the theme “Sustained Growth. Adaptation. Productivity and Linkages”, Godfrey ‘Chief’ Koti, the ZTA’s Head of Corporate Affairs said agriculture is one of the mainstays…

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ZANU (PF) affiliates congratulate President Mnangagwa

ZANU (PF) affiliates, Young Miners for Economic Development (YM4ED) and Farmers for Economic Development (Farmers4ED) have congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa following his declaration by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as the winner of the 2023 presidential election. “Young Miners for Economic Development (YM4ED) congratulates His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on…

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Artificial intelligence can now estimate rice yields, according to new study

With the rise in global demand for staple crop products projected to substantially increase by 2050 due to population growth, rising per capita income, and the growing use of biofuels, it is necessary to adopt sustainable agricultural intensification practices in existing croplands to meet this demand. However, estimation processes currently employed in the global South…

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Partnerships leading to greater access to nutritious food and affordable diets

The Coalition on Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation (SPG Coalition) brings together researchers, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to advance a world with greater access to nutritious food and affordable diets. The Coalition recognizes that increasing the productivity of natural resources through climate adaptation and mitigation is instrumental to reaching…

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Zimbabwe-China partnership gives birth to 1.14 MW Photovoltaic Power Generation Plant

Writes Elvis Dumba Raffingora – The government’s “Look East Policy” has continued to bear more fruits for the country in various spheres of the economy. The “Look East policy” success continues to be evident following the recent commissioning of a 1.14 MW Photovoltaic Power Generation Plant at Sisi Farm near Raffingora through a Zimbabwe-China partnership….

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Stage set for implementation of in-country genome editing initiatives in Africa

The stage has been set for the implementation of genome editing, a form of biotechnology meant to spearhead agricultural transformation on the African continent. This comes as experts gathered in Lilongwe, Malawi (from August 14 to 18, 2023), are finalising the review of the zero drafts of GEd training modules that were designed for different…

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Correcting the underrated value of studying African mass food markets

Writes Charles Dhewa It is not enough for research conducted in African countries on food systems to end up in academic journals. In most cases there is often no clarity on who benefits from such research and intended uses of the findings. Unless African governments study mass food markets intentionally, policymakers will continue finding it…

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Malawi’s communication strategy, modules for Africa on genome editing workshop roars to life

The workshop on validation of Malawi’s National Communication Strategy on Genome Editing and Genome Editing Modules for Africa has roared to life in the Southern African Country. The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) is holding the Expert Group Meeting in Malawi to review genome editing (GEd) training modules that were developed by African scientists, regulators…

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FAO partners veterinary services of Mozambique and Zimbabwe against foot-and-mouth disease

Emergency support is launched to mitigate risks and to improve food security, nutrition, and access to the market of livestock farmers in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and neighbouring countries.   The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Government of Mozambique and the Government of Zimbabwe, launched a USD 500 000…

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WFP and Government of Zimbabwe launch roadmap toward food security

The Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) to formalize their collaboration on improving food systems and reforming the social protection system in Zimbabwe. The LoU aims to bolster the capacity to respond to emergencies and effectively foster investment in agricultural entrepreneurship. The Government…

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Avenues for cultivating the business face of agro-ecology in the Global South

Writes Charles Dhewa Facing the limitations of industrial agriculture, many governments and global organizations are beginning to embrace agroecology and other alternative ways of producing food. Being the application of ecological concepts and principles in farming, agroecology considers the relationships between all the plant, animal, and human elements in a system. There is some emerging…

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Africa has potential to achieve food security and sustainable development

Writes Wellington Madumira Youth Dialogue around food systems, climate change, and actions towards zero hunger in the face of a crisis on food insecurity; A Side event during the 12th Africa Green Waste and Energy Expo 2023 Africa, with its rich and diverse natural resources, has the potential to be a global powerhouse in agriculture…

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BUPUSACOM for shared watercourse promotes sustainable development

The Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission (BUPUSACOM) was launched in Beira, Mozambique, on 19 July 2023, following the signing of the BUPUSA Water Courses Commission Establishment Agreement in Harare, Zimbabwe on 17 May 2023. The tri-basin institution will have oversight on the planning, development, and management of the water resources within the Buzi, Pungwe,…

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Technologies for preserving indigenous African food are long overdue

Writes Charles Dhewa For many decades, African countries have lagged behind in terms of developing technology for preserving indigenous food systems. What has worsened the situation is that the colonial system brought its own food and seed systems into Africa supported by appropriate technology for processing and preserving food. A lot of investments went into…

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Namibian delegation impressed by Zimbabwe’s agriculture model

Writes Elvis Dumba  Zvimba – A Namibian delegation from Kavango East Region has lauded the Zimbabwean government for coming up with policies and frameworks that empower citizens through the successful agrarian revolution that was rolled out in 2000 to correct social imbalances, with beneficiaries of the land reform programme accessing machinery, loans, and inputs courtesy…

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