Who’s investing in climate adaptation for smallholder farmers?

Writes Jennifer Marston Climate adaptation is underfunded globally but especially so in emerging markets. Developing countries alone need some $212 billion per year by 2030 to adapt to increasingly inhospitable growing conditions in agriculture, according to a recent report from AgFunder and ISF Advisors. But it can be a challenging space to invest in, say investors….

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RFMO Accountability Tracker Highlights Actions at Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

As part of its effort to promote transparent and open ocean governance, Accountability.Fish has released the results of the 28th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission held in Bangkok, Thailand on May 13 -17. The results can be found at: https://accountability.fish/meeting/iotc -2024 “Once again, as the IOTC doesn’t report out the actions taken by…

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Roadmap towards reversing Biodiversity Loss in the Pungwe River Basin Ecosystems

…a lifeline for People, Wildlife, and the Economy The Pungwe River basin, shared by Zimbabwe and Mozambique, is rich in plant and animal diversity. However, the ecosystem is now under threat from human activities. In 2023, Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) commissioned an Environmental Flow (EFlows) assessment to understand how the Pungwe River Basin…

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Urgent action needed to save Cleveland Dam: CBOs

A grouping of community-based organisations (CBOs) has said there is an urgent need to save Cleveland Dam, one of internationally-recognised wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. Cleveland Action Alliance, Manyame Conservation Trust, Network for Environmental and Climate Justice, and Residents Against Land Degradation have joined hands in condemning environmentally-degrading activities at the dam. The CBOs expressed…

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World No Tobacco Day: YADD against manipulative tactics of tobacco industry

On this World No Tobacco Day, Youth Against Alcohol and Drug Dependency (YADD) in Zimbabwe has said it stands united against the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry on children. “As YADD, We are committed to protecting our generation and future ones from the harmful effects of tobacco and vaping. We call on governments to…

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Prevail Group International (PGI) creates 500 jobs

Writes Lloyd Rabaya  Moving in line with the president’s Vision 2030 mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, Prevail Group International (PGI) has to date created 500 jobs nationwide. PGI, the company contracted to drill boreholes under the presidential borehole drilling scheme, is employing skilled and semi-skilled workers in Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces where…

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How African mass markets shape the social fabric and day-to-day life

Writes Charles Dhewa In addition to being seedbeds for individual entrepreneurial ambitions among women and youth, African mass/territorial markets have become good at shaping the social fabric and day-to-day life in ways trusted by the majority of citizens. They may not have advertising budgets and other resources that are in the hands of corporations, but…

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10th World Water Forum: AfDB commits to facilitating access to water and sanitation in Africa

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) will highlight the importance of preparation, financing, and coordination for water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives across Africa at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia. The Bank and the African Water Facility’s delegations to the world’s largest international gathering of water sector partners will share insights, strategies, and…

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SADC launches regional humanitarian appeal in the wake of El-Nino-induced drought and floods

The Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola on 20 May 2024 launched the SADC Regional Humanitarian Appeal of at least US$5.5 billion to support over 61 million people affected by the El Niño induced Drought and Floods The Humanitarian Appeal, which was launched during…

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Media encouraged to amplify fight against veld fires

Writes Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – The media has been challenged to contribute towards veld fire prevention, a menace that is threatening to derail development in the communities. Briefing journalists on the Provincial Fire Awareness Week organized by Environment Management Agency (EMA), Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo said…

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Presidential boreholes scheme covers Matabeleland

Staff Writer Prevail Group International (PGI) which has been contracted to drill approximately 10,000 boreholes countrywide has spread to Matabeleland South. The team is currently installing several boreholes in Thabani village, Tsholotsho. Apart from drilling boreholes, it is also installing irrigation facilities under the presidential borehole drilling initiative. Prevail Group International (PGI) has already taken…

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Food production reduced over land squeeze: Experts

Writes Nhau Mangirazi A new study has exposed how land grabs in various forms have led to doubling land prices globally since 2008, thereby placing unprecedented strain on farmers and rural communities. The report early this week by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) warned that pressures are exploding, including for…

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The Arab-Africa Trade Bridges Program Announces the Membership of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire

Arab Africa Trade Bridges Program (AATB) General Secretariat Announces Cote d’Ivoire as New Member of AATB Program The Arab Africa Trade Bridges Program (AATB) General Secretariat is pleased to announce the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire as a new member of the program. This strategic addition marks a significant step towards enhancing trade, economic cooperation, and…

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African Heads of State endorse Nairobi Declaration on Fertiliser and Soil Health

Writes Sally Nyakanyanga Africa African Heads of State and Government endorsed the Nairobi Declaration on Fertiliser and Soil Health during the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, which was held last week in Nairobi, Kenya. This move by African leaders and relevant stakeholders seeks to enhance the promotion of soil health for sustainable food systems…

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Accountability.fish blasts “unprecedented” Chinese proposal at Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

Calling a move to curtail stakeholder participation at a meeting on 13 May 2024 of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) an “unprecedented and unnecessary infringement on the right of stakeholders to submit data and have it be openly considered”, accountable marine governance advocates Accountability.Fish has called on Commission parties to reject the proposal. The…

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African food systems are better understood as food baskets not value chains

Writes Charles Dhewa Value chain is one of the major notions associated with industrial agriculture where the food production process is viewed as a chain of activities from production to consumption. However, when applied to African indigenous food systems, the value chain notion is found wanting because the majority of commodities that make up African…

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UNICEF calls for USD 84.9 million to respond to El Nino emergency in Zimbabwe

UNICEF’s appeal will provide emergency support to 866,000 children UNICEF is urgently appealing for USD 84.9 million to fund its emergency response aimed at assisting children and women affected by the El Nino crisis in Zimbabwe. This funding will provide life-saving interventions to 1.34 million people, including 866,000 children, amidst a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated…

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SADC Extraordinary Heads of State and Government Summit to tackle El Nino’s humanitarian impacts

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will on 20 May 2024 hold a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government to discuss the humanitarian situation in the region, following the ongoing El Niño induced drought that has negatively impacted the lives and livelihoods of an estimated 58 million people. The Extraordinary Summit will…

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Minister Marian Chombo links dreaming innovator to professional guidance

Writes Elvis Dumba Zvimba – A rural-based scholar’s dream of contributing to the agricultural revolution of the country through his irrigation innovation is slowly turning into reality after Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo linked the scholar to Chinhoyi University of Technology engineers and Ministry of Higher and…

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AUDA-NEPAD and Norad Partner to Accelerate Soil Health for Sustainable Food Systems in Africa

The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Government of Norway have joined forces to launch a transformative partnership aimed at enhancing soil health for sustainable food systems across Africa. The partnership marks a significant milestone in addressing the pressing issue of soil health on the continent. This ambitious 3-year Programme is designed to support…

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African leaders commit to tripling domestic production and distribution of fertilisers

The Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit (AFSH) organized by the African Union concludes with the adoption of a 10-year action plan that aims to increase investments in the local production and distribution of both organic and inorganic fertilizers, ensuring they reach 70% of small-holder farmers across the continent. The plan reasserts the 2006 Abuja…

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The Disappearing Rains of Zimbabwe

OWN CORRESPONDENT Zimbabwe, like many other African nations, heavily relies on agriculture as a major source of livelihood and economic activity. The country’s agricultural sector is primarily rain-fed, meaning it depends on regular and adequate rainfall for successful crop production. However, Zimbabwe has experienced a series of prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns over the…

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Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit: AfDB advocates for agritech scaling, partnerships and affordable fertilizer access

This week, the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) will leverage its deep expertise and convening power to highlight the crucial role of agricultural technologies, fertilizer and healthy soils in driving sustainable agricultural growth at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi. Representing Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, Vice President for Agriculture,…

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Benefits of integrating agriculture and food systems with education systems

Writes Charles Dhewa African agriculture cannot be transformed in isolation because in most agriculture-driven economies agriculture anchors more than 75% of other sectors. The fact that agriculture and food systems transformation require some technical knowledge from technocrats along value chains is a major reason for tying food systems with the education sector. Technocrats like agronomists,…

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Post-COP28 Roundtable: Stakeholders urged to scale up climate resilience and adaptation

As Africa experiences the persistent onslaught of extreme weather events ravaging livelihoods and infrastructure, stakeholders have been urged to scale up climate resilience and adaptation to address the phenomenon. These were the sentiments of Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security, and Environmental Sustainability at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) delivered virtually during…

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Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) to unlock investments in BUPUSA River Basins

With technical support from the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), the governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe have developed a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the Buzi, Pungwe, and Save (BUPUSA) River Basins. Upon finalization, the TDA is expected to inform the priorities for unlocking investments for reduction in environmental degradation, reduction in poverty, improved…

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Placing farmers at the core of Development Effort is Key to Achieving Food Security

As Africa races against time to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and the Malabo Commitment to end hunger by 2025, the continent faces formidable challenges aggravated by climate change, inflation, and regional conflicts. The urgency to re-evaluate financing mechanisms is increasingly recognized, with a growing emphasis on mobilizing domestic resources and exploring…

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Low-Cost Techniques for Fruit and Vegetable Value Addition in Rural Zimbabwe

Writes Zvikomborero Machinga In rural Zimbabwe, small-scale farmers face the dual challenge of surplus produce and limited market access. However, with the right value-addition techniques, these farmers can transform their excess fruit and vegetables into profitable products. This article explores low-cost value-addition methods tailored for small-scale farmers in Mutoko, Zimbabwe, empowering them to maximize the…

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UNDP hands over goats and agricultural equipment worth over US$82 000 to Esigodini Agricultural College

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) handed over feed analysis, laboratory equipment and goats to Esigodini Agricultural College worth over US$80 000 to advance the agricultural training institution’s capacity in goat breeding and nutrition. The initiative is set to enhance the institution’s educational programmes, extension, and business advisory services. “The integration of these resources into…

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FAO Regional Conference for Africa concludes with strong commitments toward agri-food system transformation

The 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa has concluded with a strong ministerial declaration that calls for greater support to build resilience in African countries against climate shocks, increase cooperation for Blue Transformation to intensify African aquaculture, a revival of underutilized African crops, and inclusive rural transformation. The declaration comes at the…

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Immediate Action is Needed as Southern Africa Grapples with Worsening Drought

Southern Africa is on the brink of a devastating hunger crisis as a relentless drought tightens its grip. El Niño has led to searing heat that led to massive crop failure causing water sources to dry up. As a result, millions of people in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia have been driven towards starvation. To highlight…

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Zimbabwe’s Independence: ZIMCODD spotlights urgent need to address socio-economic challenges

Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) As Zimbabwe marked its 44th Independence Day under the theme “Unity, Peace, and Development towards Vision 2030,” it is crucial to reflect on both the progress made and the persistent challenges facing our nation. Despite strides in various sectors, Zimbabwe continues to grapple with significant socio-economic issues that…

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IFT Highlights How Under-utilised and Bio-fortified Crops Can Improve Food and Nutrition Security

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization with global members spanning academia, government, and industry, has released a white paper that examines how underutilized and biofortified crops could help improve global food and nutrition security. Food Science and Technology Solutions to Improve Food and Nutrition Security: Advancing the Use of Underutilized and Biofortified Crops examines benefits,…

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Linking science and practice accelerates Africa’s socio-economic transformation

Linking science and practice serves to accelerate Africa’s socio-economic transformation,  a Continental Technical Session on the Harmonized Design and Governance Framework of Genome Editing-related Communities of Practice running in Maputo Mozambique from 18-19 April 2024 has revealed. Addressing workshop participants, the Director of the National Centre for Biotechnology and Biosciences of Mozambique, Prof. Alsacia Atanasio…

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Converting harvests into commodities and products that last longer

Writes Charles Dhewa The lack of capacity to convert harvests into commodities and products that last longer has negatively impacted African food systems for more than five decades. Huge harvests are meaningless if much of the food is not consumed or turned into better livelihoods and employment creation. If there was serious investment in food…

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Small-Scale Farmers Forge Path to Affordable Certification Through Collective Action

Writes Zvikomborero Machinga In the world of agriculture, certifications such as Global G.A.P and organic certification have become indispensable markers of quality, sustainability, and marketability. However, for small-scale farmers, the cost of individual certification often stands as a formidable barrier, constraining their ability to access lucrative markets and maintain competitiveness. In response, a growing trend…

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SADC Member States meet to validate Regional Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has organized a three-day workshop to validate the SADC Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP); developed with technical and financial support of FAO under the European Union (EU) funded Capacity Building Related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements…

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WFP provides technical support for food distribution in Zimbabwe

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has partnered with the Government of Zimbabwe by providing information communication technology (ICT) equipment to alleviate hunger in the country. The WFP today handed over ICT equipment to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. The donation comprised 75 tablets, 5 laptops, 2 desktops, and 3…

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Village business units program kick-starts

Staff Writer There are thousands of village business units being set up by the Government across the country, with some already operational, including about 50 in Murambinda alone where the 44th Independence celebrations are taking place. During the Uhuru celebrations, President Mnangagwa will officially hand over the model village business units to beneficiaries. Recently, Cabinet…

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Dry weather hits southern Africa’s farmers, putting key maize supplies at risk

How to blunt the impact South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe have recently published reports indicating a potential decline in grain harvest because of intense El Niño-induced dryness. These developments could put the entire Southern African maize supply chain at risk, with Zambia and South Africa hard hit by heatwaves and dryness. The neighbouring small producers such as Zimbabwe,…

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Zimbabwe declares drought a disaster, joining Malawi and Zambia

Zimbabwe’s president declared a state of national disaster over a drought that’s curbed farm output in the southern African nation. The announcement follows similar declarations last month in neighbouring Zambia and Malawi, where poor rainfall has cut production of the staple corn and other grains and contributed to higher food prices that have hurt poor…

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Transforming agricultural shows, trade fairs and competitions into genuine knowledge management platforms

Writes Charles Dhewa Who really benefits from expos such as agricultural shows, trade fairs, food festivals, cooking competitions, and several other bandwagons? How do those who benefit do so? Without clear methods for evaluating these events, it is difficult to get correct answers to such questions. There is a strong feeling among many people that…

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PGI takes Presidential Borehole Scheme to rural Plumtree

Staff Writer Prevail Group International (PGI) has taken its borehole drilling scheme to rural Plumtree to provide villagers desperate for portable clean water. Plumtree, a district in Matabeleland South province is facing a grave water crisis worsened by an El Nino-induced drought. Several water sources have since dried up, with villagers walking long distances to…

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