Agriculture
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Africa Food Systems Forum: Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) disseminated
The 2023 Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) Status Report for Africa was disseminated at the African Food Systems Forum’s 2024 Summit on 2 September in Kigali, Rwanda. The SSPI is a new, single score-based measurement tool that provides “a bird’s eye view” of the health of national seed systems across the continent. The SSPI was…
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Digital Agriculture Providing New Frontiers in Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa
Writes George Marechera (AGRA – Head of Digital Systems and Solutions for Agriculture) New technologies and digitalisation are transforming agriculture and offering new opportunities for transformative agriculture development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Digital agriculture is a new and emerging field that has the potential to help address the productivity, sustainability, resilience, market, and trade…
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Zimbabwe demonstrates innovative food system policy through the 1-hectare irrigation model
Zimbabwe demonstrated a scalable innovative food system policy through its 1-hectare irrigation model during a plenary session on the official opening yesterday of the Africa Food Systems Forum running from 2 to 6 September 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. Addressing participants during a room discussion on scalable innovative food systems policies and the financing needed…
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AUC’s Ambassador Sacko calls for increased investments in agricultural research and development
H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission has called for increased investments in agricultural research and development. She was speaking through the Director of her Department, Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, during the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum that is running…
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Sustainable African food systems accelerate attainment of SDGs
Building productive, nutritious, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable African food systems accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This was revealed today by Hon Ildephonse Musafiri, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources during the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. He…
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Renewable energy, food security, and digital economy topical at Second Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum
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In her keynote address during the official opening of the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum in Bali, Indonesia on 1 September 2024, Her Excellency, Dr. Puan Maharani, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, said there is a need for strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Africa in the arena of renewable energy, food…
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Extension services, research and development improve smallholder farmers’ agricultural production and productivity
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The provision of extension services tied to research and development will improve the capacity of smallholder farmers to increase agricultural production and productivity. This came to the fore yesterday during a side meeting of extension base actors held at the Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda at the African Food Systems Forum running from the…
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Africa Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan launched at Food Systems Forum
In the continent’s journey towards transforming agrifood systems through preserving and conserving vegetable biodiversity and sustainable use, the Africa Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan (AVBRP), was launched today during the first day of the Africa Food Systems Forum under the session ‘Harnessing our Vegetable Heritage. In his keynote address during the launch, Dr Clement Adjorlolo,…
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AGRA offers transformative entrepreneurship initiatives for women and youth in agrifood systems
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is spearheading transformative investment in rural women and youth entrepreneurship in agrifood systems. Addressing participants during a side event of the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum that kicked off today 2 September 2024 and will run until 6 September 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda held under…
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Women and youth play key role in accelerating food systems transformation
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Accelerating food systems transformation, particularly in a changing climate within a digital era, requires careful consideration of the needs, priorities, and capabilities of a diversity of men and women to contribute and benefit from agrifood systems. These were the remarks of Deogratius Magero, the Youth Engagement Manager at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience…
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Cimas Health Group Showcases Mobile Clinic at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
The country’s largest private medical aid society, and health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group continues to embrace innovative models to improve ways of service delivery in the health sector. In a groundbreaking development, Cimas recently acquired a mobile clinic, a customised motor vehicle that will be staffed by a combination of health…
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SADC driving economic transformation despite threat of natural disasters: Prof Charity Manyeruke
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Her Excellency Charity Manyeruke, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of Rwanda and Chairperson of the Heads of Diplomatic Missions Group (HDMG) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has said the regional economic group is driving sustainable development despite the threats of natural disasters negatively impacting human and food security. …
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NetOne showcases Telemedicine at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
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Leading telecommunications giant, NetOne, showcased its recently launched service as it unveiled its cutting-edge Telemedicine product at the prestigious Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. To fully execute the innovative offering which is the brainchild of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxilia Mnangangwa, NetOne in partnership with ZimSmart, represents this significant step forward…
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ZAS: National Tested Seeds gears up for the 2024/2025 season
As the 2024/2025 agricultural season approaches, National Tested Seeds is poised to support farmers with a wide portfolio of high-quality seeds for both field crops and vegetables. This is also complimented by the company’s wealth of expert agronomic and agri-business management services. Speaking to this publication at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Society (ZAS), the Head…
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Farmers Embrace Old Mutual’s “On the Money” Program at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
As the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show runs under the theme “Cultivating Prosperity. Growing Business. Innovation for Change. Nurturing our Future,” a critical component of this year’s event is the financial literacy training session hosted by Old Mutual. Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, exports, and employment. However, financial…
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Adoption of new farming technologies increasing agricultural production and productivity
The Agricultural Excellence Indaba presided over by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on the fourth day of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on Thursday 29 August 2024 emphasised the critical role that new farming technologies play in increasing agricultural production and productivity. In her presentation during the Indaba, held under the theme “Research and…
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Kutsaga, Econet win double awards each at 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
The Tobacco Research Board trading as Kutsaga continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability, achieving double recognition at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) 2024 while challenging giants like Econet Wireless Zimbabwe. In a notable achievement, Kutsaga was named the Second Runner Up Overall Best Exhibiting Stand at ZAS2024,…
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Cottco Ramps Up Efforts to Empower Farmers Amidst Calls for Better Pricing
As the 2024/25 summer cropping season draws near, anticipation and activity in Zimbabwe’s cotton sector are reaching a fever pitch. Speaking to the media on Monday, the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) Chief Executive Officer, Rockie Mutenha, said that the company was leading the charge, embarking on a comprehensive farmer registration and assessment campaign,…
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Tisitano, the Local App for Buying and Selling exhibits at ZAS 2024
Spiked Online Media caught up with Tisitano, the local application for buying and selling that is exhibiting at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces an interview with Sibongile Harvey, the Tisitano Country Representative for Zimbabwe: Tisitano is an app that helps you buy and sell things in your local…
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Industry experts gather in Nairobi for workshop on strengthening Kenyan Food Safety
The Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday kicked off a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of Food Business Operators (FBOs) in Kenya to address food safety risks. This comes ahead of the implementation of the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill…
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Econet wins top honours at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s leading telecommunications and technology company, on Tuesday won both the Best Overall Stand and Best ICT Exhibitor awards at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS). The accolades are a recognition of the cutting-edge technology Econet is providing to multiple sectors of the economy, including the key agricultural sector. This year…
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NetOne one of the star attractions at ZAS 2024
Leading Mobile Network Operator in Zimbabwe, NetOne made a remarkable impression at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show through its captivating technology displays showcasing the latest advancements in robotics, smart farming, and smart home solutions. Drawing attention from attendees and industry experts alike, NetOne’s innovative exhibits not only wowed the audience but also shed light on…
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NetOne Showcases Smart Agriculture Solutions at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
Writes Tongai Mwenje NetOne, one of Zimbabwe’s leading mobile network providers, is showcasing its cutting-edge products and services at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. Among the innovations on display is the “Connect a Greenhouse” initiative, a flagship project under the company’s Smart Agriculture program. The Connect a Greenhouse initiative leverages modern technologies to empower…
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ZAS 2024: President Nyusi hails resilience of agriculture amidst El-Nino-induced drought
His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique has hailed the resilience of Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector amidst the El-Nino-induced drought. President Nyusi made the remarks today while officially opening the 114th Edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. The event was graced by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President…
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Aubrey Julius Taulo’s innovation helping Malawi respond to plastic waste
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Mr. Aubrey Julius Taulo on the 1st of July 2024 showcased his innovation which uncovered the hidden treasure that is within the Luffa plant. He discovered that luffa can replace polythene tubes due to its strong fibers and eco-friendly qualities it possesses. According to the innovation, it has also shown that luffa is one of…
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Africa emerges as a major market for Russian grain
Russian grain exports reached a record high of 72 million tons in the fiscal year that ended June 2024. This is according to information the Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut disclosed. The minister also revealed that Africa became a significant destination for Russia’s grain exports. During an interview with Sputnik, Arkady Zlochevsky, President of the…
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Parliamentarians urged to formulate laws supporting CAADP strategy implementation
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Hon Kasauta Saiti Michelo, a Member of the National Assembly for Bweengwa Constituency in Zambia who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands, and Natural Resources, has urged African legislators to formulate laws that support the implementation of the Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). He was speaking at the just-ended post-Malabo…
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Non-state actors comprising women and youth key in driving African Agriculture
Transforming Africa’s agri-food systems under the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) initiative embraces the involvement of the Non-State Actors representing diverse groups across Southern Africa (SADC), East Africa, West Africa (ECOWAS), including farmer associations, youth, women farmers, civil society organizations (CSO), international NGOs, community-based organizations (CBO), national and regional networks, faith-based groups, the…
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Africa readies for food sovereignty in next Kampala Declaration
The next Kampala Declaration which will drive the post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda has promised to focus on food sovereignty as a key aspect of the continent’s agricultural transformation. Speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the post-Malabo Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for…
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Tongaat Hulett’s Hippo Valley to Build Power Plants
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Tongaat Hulett is set to build its power-generating sites, in response to the ongoing El Niño-induced drought. This development is expected to bolster the company’s resilience in the face of severe electricity supply deficits. In an exclusive interview with this publication, Patience Chuma, Head of Public Relations at Tongaat Hulett confirmed the initiative, emphasizing…
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Africa’s agricultural transformation: address remaining challenges, adapt to a changing world
The post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda is premised on the need to tackle persistent challenges, unfinished business in achieving the Malabo declaration targets, adapting to the changing global context, aligning with Agenda 2063, and leveraging new opportunities for agricultural transformation and inclusive growth. This has been the overarching theme at the…
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Post Malabo Validation: CAADP Non-state actors note progress, proffer recommendations
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Non-state actors (NSAs) under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) have hailed the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for putting in place mechanisms to advance Africa’s Agri-Food Systems while proffering inclusive recommendations for a holistic approach. This came to the fore during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and…
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Africa needs resilient agriculture for addressing a global food crises
Ambassador Josefa Sacko, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development at the African Union Commission (AUC) has called for robust interventions to support AU member states in building a resilient agricultural sector amid global food crises. She made the remarks today during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP…
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Commissioner Josefa Sacko defends robust seed systems for the African continent
The Continent must create robust seed systems because they form the basis of agriculture, and determine productivity, resilience and food sustainability, argued African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko today in Addis Ababa. Ambassador Josefa Sacko is the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union…
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The Tale of Two Meetings: Post Malabo and My Food is African
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Writes Dr. Million Belay I arrived at the Lukenya Getaway around midnight, exhausted, angry, and famished. My journey from Lusaka had been mentally exhausting, after a frustrating meeting on the Post-Malabo process. Lukenya Getaway, located on the outskirts of Nairobi in the Machakos region, is known for its outdoor activities and wildlife, a stark…
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SADC initiates development of its Regional Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme
Ahead of the Summit of Heads of States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 17 August in Harare, Zimbabwe, the SADC secretariat initiated a regional initiative to bolster climate resilience and water security in the region through the SADC Regional Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme (SADC -AIP). The programme is in collaboration…
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President Mnangagwa assumes SADC Chairmanship, promises sustainable development
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), promising a raft of measures to ensure sustainable development in the regional economic community. In his keynote address, the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, His Excellency, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa at…
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Africa’s Path to a Just Energy Transition: The Call for Transparent and Fair Trade Practices
Writes Baboloki Semele In a pivotal discussion on Africa’s role in the global energy transition, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), underscored the critical need for transparent and fair-trade practices to ensure a just energy transition across the continent. Speaking at an African Consultative Webinar on Critical…
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SADC RISDP – Civil society says progress made, more to do
Civil society organisations have this week praised the steady progress made towards implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP) while noting that in some areas there remains more to be done. The final communique from the event can be found here. The comments came after two days of discussion, planning,…
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Youthful Sizolwenkosi Mazolo in value addition of fruits and vegetables
Sizolwenkosi Mazolo, Founder and Owner of Homegrown Pvt Ltd is a pioneering entrepreneur dedicated to revolutionizing the way people produce, consume, and preserve food. With a passion for sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste, Sizolwenkosi established Homegrown to specialize in the value addition of fruits and vegetables through innovative freezing, canning, and drying techniques. Homegrown’s…
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SADC Youth shine in agribusiness and innovation for sustainable agriculture
Youth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are implementing initiatives through innovations in agribusiness to promote sustainable agriculture on the African continent. Guided by the Malabo Declaration regarding the development of African youth, the African Union has developed several policies and frameworks including the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) 2019-…
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Irrigation enhances agricultural productivity and food security: Parliament, ZAS
Writes Thomas Faranando Following intermittent droughts in Southern Africa, the Parliament, and Zimbabwe Agricultural Society have reiterated the importance of investing in irrigation systems to boost food and nutrition security. On Friday, 9 August 2024, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development embarked on a fact-finding mission to large-scale irrigation…
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Zimbabwe Agricultural Show Conference to spotlight interplay between mining and agriculture
The 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to be held from 26 to 31 August 2024 in Harare will be unique in that it has earmarked a conference during the showcase to highlight the interplay between mining and agriculture. In an interview with Spiked Online Media ahead of the show, Mr. Tawonga Miriyoni,…
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Zimbabwe Agricultural Show a platform to showcase technological innovations for agricultural transformation
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Technological innovations have transformed Zimbabwe’s agriculture, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in pursuit of food and nutrition security. This was revealed by Dr. Andrew Matibiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), who was speaking about the key role that technological innovations play in improving agriculture, ahead of the 114th edition of…
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AAIN leads international delegates exploring investment opportunities in Africa’s agribusiness
African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN) Chief Executive Officer, Prof Alex Ariho, is leading a delegation including Steven Orchard, Danneil Lee, Nathenel Abital, Jeongwoo Kim, Junpill Beack, Mark Ford, and Dr. Anannia Admasu among others from EarthFix – Australia and ISU – Korea, that is visiting African countries to foster international collaborations, enhance sustainable development projects,…