Removing cross-border trade barriers boosts African food security: IFPRI experts

Pursuing continental self-sufficiency may not be an appropriate remedy for Africa’s weak position in agricultural supply chains, experts at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have warned. African countries must improve their transnational transport infrastructure or risk remaining vulnerable to shocks in global food supply chains, the team of experts has warned following the…

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TJGIN embracing joint-venture partnerships for youth empowerment, economic development

The Joshua Generation International Network (TJGIN) is embracing joint-venture partnerships in its programming in order to guard against shortcomings associated with dealing with individuals in its quest to promote youth empowerment and economic development for young people globally. This was revealed in Zimbabwe’s eastern border town of Chipinge yesterday by Pastor Xavier Mzembi, one of…

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AU year of Nutrition: Calls for upscaled efforts towards food security

By Baboloki Semele Calls have been made for increased effort in upscaling food and nutrition security by African Union member states in order to realise development outcomes as espoused in the AU’s Agenda 2063. Although the African region seems to have witnessed a decrease in malnutrition of its population by about 13.5%, from 35.5% in…

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How regenerative agriculture can increase Africa’s food production

As global stakeholders work towards COP27, the next climate change conference, and accelerate efforts to confront the climate crisis, there has been increasing focus on “regenerative agriculture” – a term that is widely used but not always well understood. How it is defined globally will have a major impact on how it is applied. To…

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Heifer International promoting literacy as a human right

By Heifer International September 8 is International Literacy Day, a day to recognize the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. Around the world, more than 770 million people lack basic literacy skills, most of whom are women and people in rural areas. At Heifer International, we offer learning opportunities in…

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PELUM-Zimbabwe capacitates Mazvihwa community on water harvesting techniques

By Wallace Mawire A four-day farmer exchange visit facilitated by the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM-Zimbabwe) in Mazvihwa community in Zvishavane from 10 to 13 August 2022 has capacitated local farmer organizations to learn and share knowledge, information, and ideas to promote water harvesting in the wake of climate change, especially in the arid…

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Africa should build resilient food systems: President Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Africans to focus their attention and responsibility towards shaping pathways and solutions to the challenges that confront the continent by building resilient agricultural food systems. He made the remarks while opening the Plenary Session of the African Green Revolution Forum titled “Accelerating Food Systems in a time of Crisis”…

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AfDB: African Green Revolution Forum’s top-tier partner

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) returns as a top-tier partner of the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) – Africa’s largest agriculture conference – taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 6-9 September 2022. On Monday, the Bank kicked off its AGRF 2022 activities by co-organizing a pre-forum side event focused on the African Emergency Food Production Facility…

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African Leadership: World Must Double Down on Climate Adaptation to Secure Africa

Africa Adaptation Summit outlines a 5-point “Adaptation Delivery Breakthrough” for the key UN climate conference in Egypt (COP27) this November and $55 million of new funding to mobilize over $5 billion in climate adaptation action projects for Africa   Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Sep 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — African and global leaders joined the Africa Adaptation…

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Climate change weighing on agriculture

Among the many difficult challenges facing grain, executives are assessing climate change impacts. The headline of a special Fitch report, published in June, provided a stark reminder of the massive stakes associated with climate change: “Developing countries are more challenged by climate change adaptation.” The report’s focus was on “the stark differences across the world…

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13th AUC Task Force on Food and Nutrition Development convenes in Botswana

By Baboloki Semele The 13th African Union Commission (AUC) Task Force on Food and Nutrition Development (ATFFND) meeting will be held on 7-9 September 2022 in Gaborone, Botswana, culminating with a High-level National Launch of the theme of the Year on Nutrition, as a cascade of the launch performed during the 35th Ordinary Session of…

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Summit lays foundation for an adaptation breakthrough for Africa at COP27

The Global Center on Adaptation, together with the African Union, African Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, Africa Adaptation Initiative, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum, are convening the Africa Adaptation Summit to lay the foundation for an adaptation breakthrough for Africa at COP27, in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. The Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism,…

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Mechanising value chain nodes could make a difference in African food systems

By Charles Dhewa The seasonal nature of African food systems implies there are times when particular food commodities are out of season and other times when so much some food is abundant that preservation or semi-processing would increase shelf life by several months. While the absence of value addition is more visible in fruits like…

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ZAS: President Masisi affirms need for agricultural development and food security

His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana has reiterated the importance of agricultural development and food security on the  African continent. He made the remarks today in Harare in his keynote address during the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show where he was the Guest of Honour. “First and…

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ZAS: AFC Holdings commits to supporting the 2022/23 Summer Cropping Season

AFC Holdings, the one-stop shop for development finance, commercial banking, insurance, and leasing with a special focus on agriculture development is committed to supporting the 2022/23 summer cropping season. Speaking to Spiked Online Media today during the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) in Harare today, Mrs. Priscilla Munyeza, the Managing Director at the AFC Land…

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ZAS 2022: TelOne introduces climate-smart agriculture crop monitoring service

The leading provider of voice and broadband services, TelOne, has introduced a new product onto the market – Crop Monitoring Service, in a move anticipated to position the company in the smart agriculture sector and transform remote farming. In an interview with Spiked Online Media at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) in Harare yesterday,…

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NetOne’s OneHealth platform has potential to ensure mining industry health and safety

With the country recording an increase in mining-related fatalities, NetOne’s e-Health platform – OneHealth, a digital, mobile phone-based health solution that can be accessed via USSD to provide health tips, health-based loans, and insurance at a very low cost, is a possible game-changer and a panacea to the challenge. NetOne is one of the leading…

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ZARNet considers synergies to offer ubiquitous digital solutions

The Zimbabwe Academic and Research Network (ZARNet) has said it enjoys synergies with organisations like NetOne and Telecel in a bid to attain its mandate of providing reliable and sustainable Internet and other ICT Solutions to the academic, research, and educational institutions and any other government establishments in the country. ZARNet is a grant funded…

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ZAS: NetOne commends partnerships in transforming lives of people with albinism

State-owned mobile telephony giant, NetOne, is participating at the 112th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) and has commended multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing challenges faced by people with albinism. “At the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, we continue to collaborate with organisations like Albino Charity Organization of Zimbabwe, where as usual, we donate sun-screen creams, lip…

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ZAS: Econet offers customers 3D gaming, music and great entertainment

Econet Wireless is back in full force at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show (ZAS) this year, after not being able to fully participate at the popular trade event over the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The leading telecommunications company did participate at ZAS with limited staff and a scaled-down exhibition in October last year, due…

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Global warming to boost wheat yield, drive up price volatility: Study

Global warming is likely to boost crop yields in some countries, helped in part by higher carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, which increases plant growth and helps them become more efficient in using water. The results may seem hopeful, given the current surge in food prices globally. But there’s a catch – despite higher yields, future global…

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Workshop equips PAP with knowledge on nutritional resilience and food security

By Baboloki Semele The Pan African Parliament (PAP) has been oriented on the AU Theme for 2022: “Strengthening nutritional resilience and food security on the African continent: strengthening Agri-food, health, and social protection systems for the acceleration of the development of human, social and economic.” Held on 24 August 2022 at the headquarters of the…

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Where does agriculture begin and end? Natural Ecosystems have Rights too!

By Charles Dhewa That food systems are more than agriculture is no longer debatable. However, what is worrying in most countries that depend on agriculture is the extent to which biodiversity and natural ecosystems are being destroyed in favor of agriculture. Conversely, the past few years have seen an increase in the volume of wild…

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Farmers must prioritise smart agricultural techniques

By Hillary Munedzi Farmers are being urged to venture into integrated farming and the planting of local varieties that are self-producing in their natural regions, in adjusting to the new normal of record high fertilizer prices. With Africa faced with a fertilizer crisis, supply chain woes, and climate change impact, experts in the agricultural business…

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Mutasa district agricultural shows resume after prolonged COVID-19-induced hiatus

By Wallace Mawire Rural farmers in Mutasa district in Manicaland province are elated following the resumption of agricultural shows which had taken a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The ward 20 Mutasa 2022 District Agricultural Show which attracted at least 23 exhibitors, mostly women and other interested stakeholders held at Mutasa Primary School…

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Kenya’s KALYA driving climate-smart agriculture research through promotion of peace

With one of Africa’s powerhouses, Kenya, encountering challenges in the promotion of peace, especially among its diverse cultural and ethnic people as witnessed in the aftermath of the 2007 elections, the KALYA initiative is a panacea towards the promotion of food security and peace. Kalya M.D who works for Kabarak University in Kenya as a…

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Nestlé empowers young farmers in the COMESA region

By Hillary Munedzi Young farmers in the East and Southern African region (ESAR) walked away with mentorship and coaching opportunities totaling $30 000 in the Nestlé Needs Youth Initiative held in Johannesburg, South Africa recently. In celebrating International Youth Month, the Nestlé Needs Youth Agri Competition, which ran from June to July 2022 received over…

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Calls to fund local fertiliser manufacturers as commodity prices go up

By Hillary Munedzi Fertilizer companies call for more funds for the procurement of raw materials on the auction floor, with the United Nations predicting that food prices will rise by an additional 8,5% by 2027. Speaking to Spiked Online Media, Dr.Richard Dafana, the Managing Director of Zimbabwe Fertilizer Company said there has been a 300…

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Turkey partners Zimbabwe in agriculture to ensure food security

In pursuit of alleviating food insecurity in the country, Turkish organisations have partnered with the Government of Zimbabwe in agricultural projects in Mashonaland West Province. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in conjunction with Islamic Information Bureau Trust represented by Mr. Adam Wadi and the Dost Eli executed a successful agricultural project at the…

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Climate change may hit wheat yield harder in developing countries

Climate change could have more of a negative impact on low-latitude countries than on high-altitude countries, further widening the gap between the fortunes of wheat farmers in developed countries and wheat farmers in developing countries, according to research from China published Aug. 19 in the journal One Earth. The researchers developed a climate-wheat-economic ensemble modeling approach in which…

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Income streams have different flavours: Wisdom from African food markets

By Charles Dhewa   Every income stream associated with African food commodities has unique socio-economic flavors, according to farmers and traders who have been participating in African mass food markets for many years. Farmers and elders with different sources of income tend to have diverse tastes and fulfillment nuances compared to those who depend on…

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CGIAR initiative plants Golden Rice in Philippines

Initial farm-level cultivation of Golden Rice is underway on 40 hectares during cropping season in the Philippines as part of a nutrition initiative by the global research partnership CGIAR. This project is part of the expansion of seed production in partnership with the Philippines’ PhilRice branch stations, partner seed growers, regional Department of Agriculture research…

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Community nutrition gardens helping smallholder farmers

By Hillary Munedzi Community nutrition gardens have the potential to transform urban communities and increase local opportunities to eat better and fight poverty caused by soaring food and fuel price inflation imposed by the war in Ukraine. Community nutrition gardens are mostly found in rural areas as they have ample space. Implementing the concept in…

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Climate-smart sorghum varieties most valued among Tanzanian farmers: ICRISAT study

Against the backdrop of recurring adverse climatic and agronomic conditions, such as drought, disease, and pests in Africa, a study by researchers from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has established that environmental stress-tolerant sorghum varieties are most valued among Tanzanian farmers. The results could contribute to improved crop productivity and…

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Youth Circle event underscores the importance of young people in driving climate-smart agriculture

The Youth Circle event organised by the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) that was held virtually yesterday underscored the important role that children and young people play in driving climate-smart agriculture. In her keynote address during the virtual conference, Ms. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy said she was pleased…

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Agrochemicals company agrees IFC facility

IFC will provide USD 35 million to agrochemicals player Jubaili Agrotec to support growth, promote environmental best practice and improve food security in Africa.   World Bank Group subsidiary International Finance Corporation (IFC) has signed a USD 35 million financing agreement with Nigeria-based agrochemicals company Jubaili Agrotec. Under the remit of the fellow World Bank Group subsidiary the International…

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SADC has potential to address food insecurity, increase trade: Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has great potential to address food insecurity and increase trade in pursuit of attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs). He made the remarks in his maiden speech during the 42nd Ordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government held in the…

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Make farming climate-resilient, future-ready

IN 1947, India’s population was about 330 million and the foodgrain production was around 50 million tonnes (MT). This amount was insufficient to feed the population. India could not purchase foodgrains from other countries because of lack of foreign exchange. The US Public Law 480 allowed India to purchase American foodgrains with rupees. India imported…

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Averting an African food crisis: The African Emergency Food Production Facility

By Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina   Fertilizer price hikes of over 300% make it increasingly difficult for African farmers to grow enough wheat, maize, rice and other crops   It didn’t take long for Russia’s war in Ukraine to impact Africa. Already grappling with soaring inflation and still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, Africa now…

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Dunja Trifunovic playing key role in GCSAYN’s CYA programme

Dunja Trifunovic, a 19-year-old girl who started her journey in climate activism as a Pre-COP26 delegate has been active in promoting climate-smart agriculture as a Chairperson of the Children and Youth in Agriculture (CYA) flagship of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN). As she leads preparations for the Youth Circle – a flagship…

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AfDB’s “Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation” initiative wins NABJ award

America’s largest organization of journalists and media professionals of color has named the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) a “Salute to Excellence” award winner for the Bank’s communication around its Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation program. The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) cited the Bank’s excellence in online media relations and marketing about the landmark…

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