Lifestyle
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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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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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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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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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FAO, West African Nations To Tackle Flood Impacts On Food Security
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and representatives from West African nations have converged on Abuja to explore diverse ideas to better handle flood risks affecting food security in the sub-region. The goal is to foster a collective approach towards more proactive flood risk mitigation with shared knowledge from different actors…
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ZPHCA grassroots women building back communities devastated by disasters
The Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA), through working closely with grassroots women, is taking a leading role in building back their families and communities affected by climate change in Zimbabwe. On the 25th of March 2024, 24 grassroots women affected by climate change gathered in Harare for a Reflection, Planning, and Consultative Forum…
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Mashonaland West targets to surpass 45 000 hectares of Winter Wheat
Writes Elvis Dumba Banket – Mashonaland West Province intends to surpass 45,000 hectares of irrigated wheat as the winter wheat season for 2024 beckons. This was revealed by Mashonaland West Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo during an agricultural stakeholders interactive meeting on agricultural programs held at Banket Sports…
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Gene editing: Time for SA to embrace plant breeding innovations
Plant breeding innovations have significant benefits to offer South Africa. Innovative breeding technologies can help to protect and grow our agriculture and retail sectors, which will also lead to further job creation and economic revenue. These technological advances in plant breeding can also provide enhanced food security at a time when economic and geopolitical realities have…
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Gastronomy heritage promotes a healthy and sustainable society: Tourism Minister
Cookout Competitions introduced by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa are in line with the President’s vision of making Zimbabwe an empowered upper-middle-income economy by 2030 so gastronomy heritage is a powerful enabler of a healthy and sustainable society, Hon Barbra Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has said. Hon Rwodzi made the remarks during…
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Scientists at LUANAR say genetically-modified maize has shown resistance to fall armyworm
Scientists at Lilongwe University of Agriculture (LUANAR) say trials have shown that Genetically Modified (GMO) maize seeds are resistant to insects, particularly fall armyworms which affect maize yields in Malawi. The trials for the GMO maize are being done at LUANAR’S Bunda Campus and according to scientists, leaves for maize plants that have transgenes are…
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Accountability.Fish Takes On Fisheries, Oceans Secrecy with New Campaign
Writes Ryan Orgera WASHINGTON: Is today’s fisheries management system capable of taking on a bigger role in the future of ocean governance? Or, is it even effectively managing the sustainability of the world’s marine wildlife today? From Accountability.Fish’s perspective, the answer to both questions is no – and the transparency advocacy group is launching a…
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Schools feeding program: Government acquires borehole rigs for nutrition gardens
Writes Elvis Dumba Zvimba – The government has acquired 40 state-of-the-art borehole rigs which will be used to ensure clean water provision for schools in the country. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon Torerayi Moyo said the borehole rigs will help in the setting up of nutrition irrigation gardens in schools which will help…
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Zimbabwe showcases rich cuisine at the ITB Berlin 2024
Zimbabwe is showcasing its rich cuisine at the ITB Berlin 2024! It is a great opportunity to share the country’s unique culinary traditions with the world. Food is a key aspect of any tourism experience, and by sharing its delicious dishes with the world, Zimbabwe is sure to generate more interest and visitors through its gastronomy.…
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SCS Global Services Approved as First Certification Body for Pioneering New Feed Certification
SCS Global Services, the world’s leading 3rd party certification body, has become the first auditor accredited to provide certification for the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) Feed Standard. The certification represents a significant step forward in promoting greater environmental and social responsibility within the aquaculture industry. As the leading 3rd party certification body, SCS Global Services (SCS) brings its…
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Japanese MPJ Group tours Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, represented by the Zimbabwe Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, is facilitating a familiarisation tour of Zimbabwe by 13 members of Millennium Promise Japan (MPJ). This is a Japanese-based Non-profit organization that was formed in April 2008 and is involved in education, food and material assistance, and disaster response to affected countries across the globe. The…
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Symposium empowers young people in agro-ecology to address climate change
The youth bear the brunt of vulnerability to climate change hence engaging and empowering them in promoting agro-ecology, sustainable farming practices, and advocating for climate justice is crucial for building resilient and sustainable food systems in the country. This emerged today at a symposium by the Young Volunteers for the Environment (YVE) in partnership with…
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Rwanda Finally Passes Law On GMO – What Next?
Rwanda, on February 21, published in its Official Gazette a law governing biosafety, which seeks to ensure that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are handled, transferred, and used safely in the country. According to the purpose of the law, it establishes an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer and use of living…
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Uganda’s NARO Licenses More Seed Companies to Boost Agriculture and Exports
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) in Uganda has recently expanded its network of licensed seed companies. With the addition of 10 new licenses, the total number of seed suppliers in the country has surged to 23. This strategic initiative is poised to enhance the…
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Zimbabwe Theatre Academy Empowers Artists for Social Change
Writes Shingirai Manyengavana Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Theatre Academy, in collaboration with DOS Exchange Alumni Lonesome Kudzai and Jonathan Walters of Hand2Mouth Theatre, recently organized a practical skills workshop aimed at equipping theatre practitioners with the tools for impactful storytelling, community engagement, project development, and social entrepreneurship. Jonathan Walters, the international programs director of…
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The counter-productivity of fragmented investments in African food systems
Billions of dollars have gone into African agriculture and food systems over the past few years but the main challenge remains the absence of a coordinated framework for deploying such resources. Resources that are squandered through fragmented investments by development organizations, government, and the private sector are more than what is needed to address challenges…
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EcoSure rewards “Titambire Sethule” promotion winners with holiday packages
EcoSure, a micro-insurance brand under Econet Life, has rewarded lucky customers with holiday packages, following their participation in its “Titambire Sethule” promotion. The recent promotion, which ran between September and December 2023, was open to new and existing EcoSure customers who subscribed to the company’s USD Basic ($1), Standard ($2), or Premium ($5) plans, and…
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African Development Bank Backs Mozambique with $33 Million for Food Security and Climate Resilience
In a significant move to bolster food security and climate resilience in Mozambique, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed $33 million to support agricultural and meteorological initiatives in the region. This investment, approved by the AfDB’s board in January, is part of a larger $150 million program co-financed with the Mozambican government and other…
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Spaza Shop Indaba: A New Chapter Unfolding Through Rebranding
Spaza Shop Indaba! Wear Your Brand Foundation is thrilled to announce a comprehensive rebranding initiative aimed at enhancing the Spaza shop’s presence and redefining the shopping experience for the township community. With the magnitude of more than 150,000 spaza shops in South Africa at an estimated market size of R178billion. Over the years, Spaza Shops…
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$15M additional funding to tackle food waste around the world
Nairobi/Cape Town, 31 Jan 2024) Work tackling the huge environmental cost of food waste has been given a massive boost this year, as international climate action NGO WRAP receives catalytic funding from the Ballmer Group. The $15M funding will support essential work by WRAP and our partners in tackling food loss and waste through existing Voluntary Agreements in Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, and South…
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How to stem the turbulent tides of food insecurity across Africa
Food insecurity in Africa is off track. The situation keeps becoming aggravating as soaring food prices, inflation, conflict, and climate change are plunging parts of the continent into a severe and enduring food crisis, magnifying hunger and malnutrition. This extreme situation is hitting great swathes of Africa in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel particularly…
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Science module on communicating genome editing under review
A science module on communicating genome editing – a powerful tool that holds immense potential in revolutionizing the field of biotechnology to optimize African agriculture, is under review in Harare this week. Addressing participants in his welcome remarks today, Dr. Leonard Madzingaidzo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre…
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Food Security: Experts Advocate Adoption Of Technology And Innovation
Experts and agricultural researchers have advocated the adoption of technologies and innovation to produce intensive agriculture and bridge the yield gap between Africa and other continents so as to ensure food security in the continent. The researchers, from different research groups including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), WorldFish,…
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TELA Maize to boost food security in Nigeria: NABDA Director-General
TELA Maize will lead to a substantial reduction in pesticide use, benefiting humans, livestock, and the environment
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Government allays fears of grain shortages
The government has allayed fears of grain shortages and assured food security for all citizens despite low rainfall amounts countrywide as the Southern African region is grappling with an El Nino-induced drought. This came to the fore as the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development toured the National Foods processing plant in…
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Developing countries that depend on external inputs are still colonized
While African countries have embraced industrial food production practices that depend heavily on external inputs, there is still enough room to replace these practices with purely indigenous organic practices that are becoming ideal in combating climate change.
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WCPFC Refusal to Address Compliance Secrecy Calls Sustainability into Question
WASHINGTON: “90% transparency is not transparency.” That was the verdict from Accountability.Fish Global Director Ryan Orgera, who yesterday blasted the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission for failing to address continuing secrecy issues in WCPFC’s compliance processes during its Annual Meeting earlier this month. “The WCPFC and its cheerleaders in the industrial fishing community have been…
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2nd Food Safety Conference for Africa takes off in Accra
The African Continental Association for Protection (ACAFP) is organising its 2nd Food Safety Conference for Africa under the theme “Towards A Safer Food Supply for Africa”. The conference is taking place from December 12-14, 2023 at Erata Hotel, East Legon, Accra. This aligns with the sustainable and safe food production and supply initiatives in Africa. The…
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Grain Industry Insights in Africa
The grain industry is a cornerstone of food security in Africa, serving as a staple for millions across the continent. With a burgeoning population and socioeconomic transformations, understanding the volume of grain production and consumption is pivotal for ensuring the resilience of food systems in Africa. The data obtained from IndexBox shows that the largest countries in…
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Training provides regulatory frameworks for application of Genome Editing
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPA) is holding training to create awareness among in-country regulators drafting and implementing policies and regulations critical for shaping communication and advocacy narratives on genome editing. In a speech on behalf of Mr. Willard Munango, the Deputy Chief Secretary for the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mrs. Anna Tinarwo,…
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AI-Powered Solutions for Agriculture in Africa
In this rapidly modernizing World, the slow blending of technology with AI Development is painting a new reality that is quite unimaginable. Apart from this collaboration, AI is catching up with agriculture too much and taking it to the next level. Regions like Africa, where agriculture is the cornerstone, face the scope of development. In…