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…
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…
By Elvis Dumba Banket – An 80-year-old male was burnt to death beyond recognition as a result of a veld fire that blazed through the farming community of Banket over the weekend. Sakatiza Mariza, aged 80, of Plumstead Farm who worked at the nearby St John’s Farm near Banket as a farm guard is reported…
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…
Residents of Bikita District in the eastern district of Masvingo Province have expressed displeasure in the government’s move to relocate 2600 wild animals from Save Conservancy. The major concern of Bikita residents was that the stance should be done whilst reimbursing the district. Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association (BIRRA) spokesperson Mark Mutengani called upon the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mr. Ntiokam Divine, a prominent advocate of sustainable development has said the involvement of youths in such initiatives is a key ingredient in ensuring a bright future and peaceful world. He is the Executive Director of Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN). He told Spiked Online Media that as a demonstration of his commitment…
The build-up activities towards the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026 have begun in earnest with a series of youth consultations kicking off next month starting in Kenya. The call for application to take part in the first in a series of youth consultations to develop a Vision Pastoralist Youth 2026 is open!…
By Joseph Warin Bangladesh-based Robi Axiata stepped-up efforts to boost the use of renewable energy to ease pressure on the nation’s electricity grid, powering more than 1,600 base stations with solar cells. In a statement, the operator claimed it is the first in the country to use tower-mounted solar cells to power its equipment. The…
By Dr. Richard Munang Doing business without costing the planet is very critical. It all starts with appreciating some vital facts on the intersection of business on the one hand and the environment and hashtag#climatechange on the other hand. Three socio-economic production and consumption systems underpin nearly any business – food, infrastructure, and energy –…
Bangladesh comes third among the world’s top rice-producing countries after China and India. From less than 25% of their total available croplands, China and India grow as much rice, which together constitutes over half of the world’s annual rice output. Due to fast diminishing croplands in Bangladesh, the country has to dedicate up to 75%…
Miombo woodlands are some of the most important and widespread woodlands in eastern and southern Africa across southern Africa. They provide food and cover for a diverse range of wildlife, including antelopes, giraffes, rhinos, lions, and some of the largest populations of elephants in Africa. Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Zimbabwean Minister Hon Nqobizitha…
In Kansas, more than 2,000 cattle died in a record heat wave. In Tunisia, fires razed fields of grain to the ground. In southern China, historic flooding damaged almost 100,000 hectares of crops. In northern Italy, a farm lobby warned that drought could claim half the region’s agricultural output. That was just June. The global food supply is taking a hit from…
Own Correspondent The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Action Days are part of the Global Week of Action #Act4SDGs (15-26 September 2022). They are decentralised actions in different countries around the world that will aim to connect activists and decision-makers in dialogue to shift the focus towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The overarching message…
Own Correspondent Journalist Byron Adonis Mutingwende, the Publisher and Editor of Spiked Online Media has joined the communication unit of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN). In an announcement today, Mr. Ntiokam Divine, the Founder and Managing Director of Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) said Mr. Mutingwende’s appointment is crucial…
Dr. Richard Munang (Climate change and development expert) My Origins I am a proud native of Kom, specifically from a small village called Jinkfuin in the North-Western part of Cameroon. And I have never stopped marvelling at how unique and rich the culture and value system of kom and the entire Cameroon is. The…
A High-Level Ministerial Conference was convened to put under the spotlight the role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and Governments in promoting the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda in Southern Africa. Addressing delegates at the gathering, Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe extended his appreciation to the…
As stakeholders trudge towards the next phase post the Malabo Declaration on Africa Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation, the participation of vulnerable groups like women and youth is critical in the attainment of food security. Speaking on the need for strategies to increase food security and nutrition and reduce poverty and the commitment to agricultural…
Dr. Richard Munang Whenever I think of food security in Africa, one insightful proverb comes to mind – “there is honey but no bees”. This self-explanatory proverb implies that the solutions to achieving Africa’s food security are like unprotected honey. They are accessible and not exotic. But just as we know, “he who doesn’t find his way back…
The Government of Japan has made an additional contribution of US$500.000.00 to the World Food Programme (WFP) to help alleviate food insecurity in Zimbabwe. The contribution is especially timely, given that many in the country will struggle to feed themselves at the peak of the lean season because of successive drought and chronic economic challenges,…
By Shamiso Mutisi Case Note: Shangani Holistic (Pvt) Ltd v Pearline Mineral Exploration (Pvt) Ltd HC 4074/22 The facts On June 30, 2022, High Court Judge Musithu J, granted an interim interdict that prohibited Pearline Mineral Exploration from conducting an aeromagnetic survey over Shangani Ranch in Insiza District before carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment…
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the African Union Commission Department of Agriculture, Rural Economy and Blue Economy (AUC-DARBE) in association with Akademiya2063 will be holding a high-level stakeholder consultative meeting in Dakar, Senegal, from 26 to 28 July 2022 to review the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme’s National Agricultural Investment Plans (CAADP/NAIP) success…
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board has approved four new climate projects valued at USD 380.7 million in GCF funding and USD 1.0 billion with co-financing, whilst also launching the process for the Fund’s replenishment for 2024-2027 period. With the newly approved projects, GCF’s portfolio now stands at 200 projects with a total value of…
The core around the Wildlife Economy is the transfer of the benefits to the communities, not only those adjacent to or around the protected and conserved areas, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Zimbabwe, Hon Barbara Rwodzi has said. She made the remarks on the 19th of July 2022 at the…
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC) 2022, is currently underway in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. The Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Zimbabwe, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi is leading the Zimbabwe delegation at this ongoing congress in Rwanda. This is the first-ever continent-wide gathering of…
Rashpinder Singh, 36, is a farmer who owns 17 acres (almost seven hectares) of land in the state of Punjab. He took up the profession of his forefathers after completing his MTech degree. “I feel connected with the land. Farming is a part of my identity, since this is what I have been surrounded with…
BY Clayton Masekesa PENHALONGA – Angry workers at Redwing Mine and members of the community have called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to come out clean and solve the mess that has seen gold worth millions of dollars siphoned through well-orchestrated syndicates. Better Brands Mining Company owned by Pedzisai “Scott” Sakupwanya, a flamboyant and flashy personality,…
By Mutuso Dhliwayo, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) Introduction/Background The Stockholm +50 international meeting was held from the 2nd -3rd of June 2022.[1] It was held under the theme “A healthy planet for the prosperity of all: Our responsibility, our prosperity.” The meeting was based on the three leadership dialogue themes namely reflecting on the urgent need…
By Elvis Dumba Mutorashanga – Residents of Mutorashanga in Zvimba North Constituency petitioned Parliament to bar a Chinese mining firm, Amazon Mine from drawing water from a collapsed asbestos mine which has become a tourist attraction known as Green Pool. The mysterious pool which is around 72 meters deep has become a leisure spot for…
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced its execution of a project preparation facility financing head of terms with UTM Offshore Limited (UTM), under which the Bank will part-finance activities designed to progress a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FNLG) project in Nigeria to bankability. This deal marks Afreximbank’s ongoing support in leading UTM’s fundraising efforts to…
Global Center on Adaptation Chief Executive Officer, Professor Patrick Verkooijen welcomed President Uhuru Kenyatta as the Global Champion for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) at the Leaders Dialogue on Adaptation Action in Africa in Nairobi on Thursday 07 July 2022. President Kenyatta has been a key driving force behind the AAAP, an Africa-led,…
By Paul Sinclair, Vice President of Energy & Director of Government Relations, Africa Oil Week (www.Africa-OilWeek.com) and Green Energy Summit Africa. The continent is making policy and legislative progress towards a new dispensation where firms from the region can exploit and develop its own resources for the benefit of its people. Key to this is ongoing…
By Kevin Samaita South Africa-based businessman and Agilitee chief executive Dr. Mandla Lamba is angling to transform the global electric vehicles industry after announcing a US$20 billion Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The US $20 billion IPO will see the company selling US$ 2 billion (10 percent) of the stake. In…
Africa’s natural gas resources provide the continent with an opportunity to speed up the energy transition, reduce emissions and deforestation while at the same time addressing energy security Despite having 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Africa’s over-reliance on wood-based biomass energy remains high, resulting in an increase in land degradation, deforestation, and…
The Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry for Zimbabwe, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi joined other ministers from the Republic of Mozambique and South Africa in celebrating the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA’s) 20th Anniversary in Mozambique, yesterday. On the 9th of December 2002, the three heads of state for Mozambique, South Africa,…
By Elvis Dumba Banket – Local authorities have been urged to invest in waste management equipment and focus on establishing landfills to ensure community comprehensive waste management. The call was made by Vice President Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga during the National Clean-Up campaign held in Banket yesterday. ” It may take time to purchase all…
In observance of the 1st Friday of each calendar month, the National Clean-Up Campaign as declared by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, state-owned mobile network operator, NetOne today mobilized a clean-up exercise in Magwegwe, one of the oldest suburbs in Bulawayo – the City of Kings and Queens. In a bid…
The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry for Zimbabwe, Hon. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu yesterday in Lisbon, Portugal during the UN Ocean Conference called on the formation of strategic partnerships to significantly contribute to the development of the blue economy. He said this during a side event on “Fostering international and regional cooperation in…
The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry for Zimbabwe, Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu has called on the international community to deliberate on ways to address the multiple challenges facing oceans, seas, and marine resources, in order to reinvigorate global efforts to rescue our Oceans, in this Decade of Action for Sustainable Development. He…
For many years, large-scale and small-scale farmers in the traditional food basket have been planting every season without paying attention to soil health. Over the years, this has resulted in dwindling productivity at the farm level as they grappled with the worst effects of climate change coupled with the high cost of farm inputs. Kenya’s…
By Own Correspondent Environmental sub-committees from Bulilima District have been encouraged to safeguard wildlife resources in their locality. Speaking at a capacity-building workshop organized by Habakkuk Trust in collaboration with the Bulilima Rural District Council, the ZIMPARKS official Mr. Bekimpilo Mbewe urged environmental sub-committee members to be ardent stewards of wildlife living in proximity to…
