Agriculture
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National Seed Fair breathes life into long-lost millet varieties
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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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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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Reimagining community seed banks for resilience and food sovereignty
Writes Charles Dhewa The fact that food should not be in the hands of corporates is no longer questionable. This is confirmed by the rise in local initiatives like community seed banks and various efforts to raise the profile of grassroots efforts and home-grown solutions. In addition to pushing back against corporates determined to capture…
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More sorghum varieties developed to resist climate change
Below the slopes of Nandi Hills in Kibos are fields richly covered with sugarcane, maize and sorghum and other crops. Thirty farmers are walking around a sorghum field with different accessions or groups of sorghum and filling out forms. From one section of the field to the other, the farmers observe the sorghum plants and…
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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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EMA urges veld fires victims to file reports
Writes Marlvin Ngiza The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged those who would have been affected by veld fires to report the incidents to relevant authorities saying this was crucial in data collection, reinforcing community education on veld fires prevention and legal steps to be taken. This follows a veld fire incident that reportedly happened…
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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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‘Superfood’ millet may be arid regions’ answer to climate change
Riding a red electric scooter on country roads in eastern India, Sanjulata Mahanta has become something of a poster girl for millet since she stunned fellow villagers by planting the hardy grain — and making a profit — three years ago. “People laughed at me and said I was growing grass,” Mahanta, 35, said on…
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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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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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Mashonaland West Agric Show roars to life
Writes Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – Mashonaland West Agriculture Show being hosted by the Mash West Show Society has roared to life in Chinhoyi. The provincial agriculture and business premier exhibition opened its gates to the public on Thursday and will run until next Saturday when the Namibian Governor of The Okavango Region is expected to…
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Recently Inaugurated Zimbabwe Carbon Association Seeks to Contribute to Climate Mitigation and Adaption
The recently inaugurated Zimbabwe Carbon Association, representing many of the major investments in carbon project development in the country, welcomes the Government of Zimbabwe’s effort to bring transparency and accountability to carbon trading in the country and position Zimbabwe as a credible, attractive destination for green financing. The Zimbabwe Carbon Credit Framework, which the Government…
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Origin Digital’s Predictive Analytics Fosters Financial Inclusion, Greater Productivity to Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa’s largest agricultural lender, ABSA, says new technology has huge potential to unlock capital for smallholder farmers and SMEs who have previously had limited access to finance Pioneering ag-tech company Origin Digital is poised to help lenders revolutionise the agricultural credit landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa and drive growth in the sector. Providing credit to the smallholder…