Sanitary and phytosanitary systems in Africa still far from what is desired, emphasises biennial CAADP report

None of the 49 member states that have submitted their respective reports on their sanitary and phytosanitary (SF) systems are on track to reach the 100 percent target, according to the biennial report of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   However, the document points out that 15 of these countries, representing thirty-one percent…

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Unpacking the theme of the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Theme: Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business, Innovating for Change, Nurturing our Future     Cultivating Prosperity: In agriculture, cultivating prosperity means creating conditions that support the economic growth and success of farmers and agricultural businesses. It involves providing farmers with access to resources, knowledge, and technology to increase productivity, improve market access, and enhance profitability. This…

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Dr. Andrew Matibiri paints optimism for the 114th Edition of Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Dr. Andrew Matibiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), has revived optimism for the success of the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to be held from 26 to 31 August 2024 in Harare. Under his leadership, the show has continued to grow and evolve, showcasing the latest developments and…

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Innovative farming solutions reduce human-wildlife conflict in the Southeast Lowveld

The Thematic Committee on Climate Change visited local farmers in Southeast Lowveld yesterday to explore an innovative solution to the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict.   The farmers have devised a method using chilies to create smoke blocks, which are used to safely and effectively scare away elephants. This practice significantly reduces the risk of…

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Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2024 attracts over 5,000 stakeholders globally

Own Correspondent Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2024 is set to convene over 5,000 stakeholders from across Africa and internationally. The Annual summit to be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda aims to accelerate food systems transformation with youth and women at the helm a key focus. World leaders, innovators, academia, development agencies, farmers’ organizations, and the private…

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Afreximbank supports Angolan partners to drive industrialisation and boost food security

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank or “The Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and Amufert SA announced that they have signed terms for a USD 1.4 Billion facility to support the establishment of a fertilizer plant in Angola.  Afreximbank is arranging the required debt funding in its capacity as Mandated Lead Arranger and is also supporting the equity raise as…

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Bridging the price gap in Zim’s tobacco industry: A necessity for equitable growth

Writes Innocent Mujeri   It is imperative to confront the glaring price disparities that have long plagued the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe. These disparities, particularly between auction and contract prices, have consistently disadvantaged small-scale farmers. Addressing these issues is not merely about fairness; it is about ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of the entire sector….

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Africa Smart Cities Congress to steer the trajectory of urban development on the continent

The Africa Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) slated for the 17th to the 19th of October 2024 at the Conference Hall of Bingu International Conference Center (BICC), Lilongwe, Malawi transcends the realm of a mere congress since it stands as a transformative juggernaut, steering the trajectory of urban development in Africa.   In an interview with…

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Women urged to embrace agro-ecology to fight patriarchy

Writes Lloyd Rabaya  Women have been urged to embrace agroecology for empowerment to fight against the patriarchal nature in the Southern African region. This came out this week at the inaugural Regional Agroecology Conference which ended yesterday in Harare. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Jo Abbort, deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom Embassy said despite…

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Zimbabwe leads in implementation of Malabo Declaration for Youth Empowerment initiatives

Zimbabwe has emerged as a trailblazer in the implementation of the Malabo Declaration, a landmark agreement that prioritizes youth employment and empowerment through the agricultural sector. The Malabo Declaration, adopted by the African Union in 2014, calls for African countries to prioritize agricultural development and create opportunities for young people in this vital industry. At…

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IACO adopts coffee as a strategic commodity under the AU Agenda 2063

A press conference was held on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, at the Eilly International Hotel in Addis Ababa to officially announce the outcome of the G25 Kampala Declaration. This declaration, unanimously adopted by the AU Heads of State, “includes coffee as a strategic commodity in the AU Agenda 2063 and the inclusion of the Inter-African…

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Lifeline for 300 Families: Bindamombe Irrigation Scheme Revitalised

Writes Pylaia Chembe, UNDP Zimbabwe Communications Assistant In Ward 18, Chivi district, Masvingo Province, a newly revitalized irrigation scheme is poised to transform the food security narrative of 300 families in its community. The 34-ha Bindamombe Irrigation Scheme has been climate-proofed through a partnership between the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Zimbabwe, and the…

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Agribusiness: Entrepreneurship, education, and innovative skills address unemployment in Africa

There is a need to develop the capacity to innovate, recognize, and create opportunities by encouraging African universities to transition from the first and second university missions of teaching and doing basic/fundamental research to the third mission of contributing to economic development by applying research findings in business practices in pursuit of creating employment opportunities…

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Youth in agribusiness embrace AfCFTA’s potential in boosting trade

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a transformative opportunity for the continent, particularly in the agricultural sector. The Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC), and with the support of its esteemed partners—AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA, USAID POLICY LINK, FAO, WFP, GRZ, and GIZ— are keenly aware of the potential that…

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Zimbabwe takes significant steps to prioritise youth empowerment in agribusiness

 The Government of Zimbabwe has taken significant steps to prioritise youth empowerment and mainstream youth in national development, particularly through the uptake of agribusiness initiatives for young people. This was said by Nickros Kajengo, the Chief Programmes Coordinator, Agricultural Youth Desk, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, who is also the Head…

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Involving young people in agribusiness spurs the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment

To give substance to the commitments made under 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- 2024 – an instrument to galvanize youth development stakeholders. These sentiments were expressed by Mukulia Kennedy, the Principal…

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Plant health risk management crucial for Africa’s economy: Commissioner Josefa Sacko

The management of risks related to plant health is crucial for Africa’s economy and remains a pressing and urgent challenge, AU Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said today in Addis Ababa.   The diplomat made these remarks while speaking at the launch of the phytosanitary strategy for Africa (2022-2036), which addresses the adoption and promotion of…

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How can African markets be modernised without losing flavour and identity?

Writes Charles Dhewa   By pulling commodities from diverse production zones, African territorial mass markets have become genuine centres of excellence in food systems where a question about any food commodity receives answers from farmers, traders and consumers who interact in the same space. However, the pace at which these markets are growing calls for…

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Post Malabo Framework to shape Food Systems landscape in Africa

The Post Malabo Framework is going to shape the Food Systems landscape for Africa for the next 10 years, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has said.   She said so in her concluding remarks for the Validation Workshop for the Post-Malabo…

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AUC, AGRA Host African Agribusiness Youth Strategy Dialogue

The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), will be hosting the Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) Regional Dialogues on Harmonization, Domestication, and Implementation for the Southern Africa Region in Lilongwe, Malawi from 1 to 2 August 2024.   Speaking to this publication ahead of the workshop in…

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SADC Conference reignites investment culture for economic development

The Investment Conference held today during the 7th SADC Industralisation Week reignites the spirit of investment to spur domestic and regional economic development.   This is the first-ever SADC Investment Conference, a prelude to the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government which shall be running under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to…

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Sowing Seeds of Change: Pastors Turn to Horticulture to Empower Community

Writes Thomas Faranando In a bold move, two pastors in Kadoma have traded in their pulpits for plows, venturing into horticulture to empower their community and challenge the status quo. Their innovative approach has sparked admiration and inspired others to follow suit. Pastor Chinyemba of Great Commission Church and Overseer Pingama of Pentecostal Assembly of…

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CAADP embraces inclusivity and resilience in food systems

Africa’s food systems face multiple shocks and stressors hence the need to embrace resilience and inclusivity in implementing the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   In his presentation representing the thematic working group on ‘Enhancing Resilience of Livelihoods and Agri-food Systems to Shocks’ during the ongoing CAADP Validation Workshop for Technical Working Groups…

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CGIAR on the Post-Malabo Agricultural Transformation Agenda: A Conversation with Dr. Namukolo Covic

Dr Namukolo Covic is the Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), CGIAR Ethiopia Country Convenor, and CGIAR Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.   Below she discusses how CGIAR can support countries following the African Union Heads of States Summit’s endorsement of the post-Malabo roadmap that outlines a framework…

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Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko Emerges the Winner of the Africa Green Ambassador Award 2024

The Interconnections for Making Africa Great Empowered and Sustainable (IMAGES) Initiative, http://imagesinitiatives.org has awarded the 2024 Africa Green Ambassador Award to Her Excellency, Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko.   Ambassador Sacko is an Angolan, leading African Agronomist and Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development, African Union Commission.   Before her re-election…

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CAYACC playing a key role in ensuring youth engagement in CAADP processes

The Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC) has played a significant role in promoting youth engagement in the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   Spiked Online Media had an interview with Mwaka Namukonda, the  Executive Coordinator of CAYACC  in Lusaka, Zambia during the ongoing Validation Workshop for Technical Working Groups…

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Climate change, demographic shifts among factors influencing Post-Malabo CAADP implementation

The implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) framework across the continent is impacted by agri-food systems and various megatrends including demographic shifts and climate change, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of the African Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has said.   She made the remarks in the…

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Success of Post-Malabo process demands accelerated implementation of policies and programs

Yvonne S. Mpundu, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary (administration) in the Ministry of Agriculture has said the success of the Post-Malabo process requires the accelerated implementation of policies and programs.   She made the address in her keynote address during the official opening of a validation workshop for the Most-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Agenda…

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Africa wants support to realise the development of carbon markets on the continent

African Union Commissioner, Josefa Correia Sacko, recognised yesterday in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) that the support of the international community is a fundamental pillar for the development of carbon markets in Africa.   Speaking at the Africa Multilateral Conference on Carbon Markets, which runs from 24-26 July, the diplomat said that the concept of carbon markets…

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Validation Workshop for Post Malabo Technical Working Groups opens in Lusaka, Zambia

A validation workshop bringing together members and key stakeholders of the Post Malabo Technical Working Groups (TWGs) convened/co-convened by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and other partners kicks off today 25 July 2024 and will run until 30 July 2024 and is meant to review, revise, refine, and finalize the draft reports to be…

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UN and partners collaboration on El Nino Drought interventions show promising results

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr. Edward Kallon, undertook a comprehensive two-day field visit from 23 to 24 July 2024 to Buhera District, Manicaland Province. The purpose of the visit was to oversee the execution of anticipatory action interventions funded by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to address the impact of…

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Chinese researchers find new gene enhancing wheat yields in saline soil

Chinese researchers have decoded a novel salt-tolerance gene in wheat, resulting in yield increases of 5 percent to 9 percent in experimental varieties grown in saline-alkali soils. The study findings have been published in the journal Nature Genetics. Wang Meng, corresponding author of the study, from the Institute of Soil Science (ISS), Chinese Academy of…

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Seize the spotlight: Exhibit at Africa’s Premier Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa 2024!

The leading industry event, the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa, proudly sponsored by Standard Bank, is returning to Johannesburg for its fourth edition at the Sandton Convention Centre from 12 to 14 September 2024. As Africa’s only dedicated event for the organic and natural products industry, this expo is the ultimate platform for traders…

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How FoodForward SA’s digital tech tackles climate challenges and enhances food access in South Africa

FoodForward SA The same food system that is feeding our population is also destroying our fragile planet. Food loss and waste is the third largest emitter of greenhouse gasses, accounting for around 10% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental and climate impacts of our food system are severe and becoming increasingly apparent. In…

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How territorial markets are nurturing Afrocentric agro-ecology entrepreneurs

Writes Charles Dhewa Agroecology and related sustainable ways of producing food started receiving attention in the past few years compared to industrial agriculture practices some of which are more than 100 years old. This means big industries that advance agroecology at a big scale are yet to be developed. However, the increasing demand for food…

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Morocco champions food security at UN forum, highlighting Africa’s potential

Held under the theme “SDGs in action: Shaping the Africa we want,” the event emphasized partnerships for tackling poverty, food sovereignty, and climate change.   The initiative, co-organized by Morocco’s UN mission and the OCP Group, a leading phosphate producer, brought together key figures. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Moroccan Ambassador Omar Hilale delivered…

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ZIMSOFF partners Parliamentarians in driving agro-ecology to address GBV and drug abuse

In partnership with Parliamentarians, the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) is fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and drug and substance abuse in communities by implementing various agroecology mechanisms. Speaking at a tour of their projects by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees (PPC) on Lands at the National Policy Dialogue recently, a Gutu small livestock farmer, Daizy…

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A New Dawn with Solar Power

Nurturing Community Gardens and Harmony in Hurungwe Writes UNDP Zimbabwe In the heart of Hurungwe rural district and the sun-drenched landscapes of Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, a transformative initiative is quietly blooming. Through the innovative use of solar-powered piped water schemes, local communities are creating thriving gardens that mitigate the persistent human-wildlife conflicts that have…

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Work with scientists to tell agriculture success stories, Kenya Editors’ Guild tells scribes

Kenya Editors’ Guild Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Omungo has urged journalists to work with scientists to tell compelling agriculture stories. Omungo noted that working scientists will ensure technologies that can be harnessed to build resilient farming systems are reported on and success stories amplified to ensure applicability. She was speaking during a Press Club Luncheon…

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Shashe Community embraces agro-ecology for sustainable agriculture and food systems

Writes Lloyd Rabaya  Swish swoosh goes the pens as attendees take notes while Christopher Chinyoka, a young field officer guides them through Elizabeth Mpofu’s field in Shashe, Masvingo more than 40km from the Central Business District (CBD). Under the cloud cover, the birds in the trees welcome the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) farmers…

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Irrigation Investment conference urges acceleration of agricultural sector climate-proofing

The Irrigation Investment Conference held in Harare recommended the uptake of actionable results to accelerate climate-proofing of the agricultural sector from the household to the national level. This was revealed by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka at the Irrigation Investment Conference held at the Harare…

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Zimbabwe’s Report on the 54th SADC PF Resolutions heralds commitment to sustainable development

On the 3rd of July 2024, during the session on the presentation of Country Reports, the Parliament of Zimbabwe presented its progress report on the Resolutions from the 54th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly Session held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 22nd to 26th November 2023. The report reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional integration, climate…

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ARC Insurance Payout Cheque signifies resilience against climate-induced adversities

The handover ceremony of the drought insurance payout cheque by the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group signifies the nation’s resilience against climate-induced adversities. This was said by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Prof. Mthuli Ncube at the occasion of the Africa Risk Capacity drought insurance payout today in Harare. “I am…

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Stakeholders evaluate SADC RAIP, proffer recommendations for successor regional agricultural plan

Stakeholders are reviewing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Agricultural Investment Plan – RAIP- (2017 – 2022), which was approved by Council in 2017 – a five-year plan that operationalised and implemented the regional agricultural policy (RAP). The RAIP outlined priority programs and sub-programs to be implemented during the five years. It was envisaged…

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