Agriculture
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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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Correcting the underrated value of studying African mass food markets
Writes Charles Dhewa It is not enough for research conducted in African countries on food systems to end up in academic journals. In most cases there is often no clarity on who benefits from such research and intended uses of the findings. Unless African governments study mass food markets intentionally, policymakers will continue finding it…
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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…
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Dorowera Community Gets Financial Literacy Training
The Dorowera Irrigation Scheme, located in Mutoko District in Mashonaland East Province, is famous for its prolific farming. The produce makes its way to Harare’s Mbare People’s Market and some leading markets in Zimbabwe. The Adam Molai Foundation and GetBucks Bank held a financial literacy seminar for the Dorowera community last Friday at the Irrigation…
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Government Analyst Laboratory receives SADCAS ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 accreditation
The Government Analyst Laboratory (GAL) received the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation after a successful assessment by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS). In a speech read on his behalf during the accreditation ceremony in Harare today, Zimbabwe’s Secretary for Health and Child Care, Air Commodore, Dr. Jasper Chimedza said the Government Analyst Laboratory (GAL)…
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My Food is African! Campaign promotes consumption of traditional Zimbabwean foodstuffs
Under the auspices of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe is undertaking a campaign in Zimbabwe to raise awareness and consciousness on the farming, and consumption of traditional Zimbabwean food under the banner of the My Food is African! Campaign. In Zimbabwe, the campaign is…
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Hundreds of land seekers duped by masquerading name dropping war veterans
Writes Elvis Dumba Banket – Prospective land seekers have been against being duped in their earnings by an unscrupulous group masquerading as war veterans specially assigned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to allocate land. This was said by Mashonalnd West Provincial ZANU (PF) Veterans League Chairperson, Happison Muchechetere when he addressed hundreds of people who had…
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How revisiting the meaning of data can add value to African content
Writes Charles Dhewa The advent of digital solutions has brought confusion to the meaning of the word data. This continues to undermine indigenous knowledge systems and African intellectual heritage in several ways. Academics and researchers have always viewed data as a subset of information that can be collected and processed into diverse knowledge products such as…
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USAID enables WFP to provide support to Zimbabwe’s urban communities
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a US$2 million contribution from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support more than 2,000 vulnerable families in three urban areas over the next year. Under the initiative, WFP will create assets and develop transformative skills that will improve vulnerable families and communities’ access to…
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EOS Data Analytics Obtains US Patent For Web-Based Algorithm Generating Crop Productivity Maps
The algorithm is implemented in EOSDA Crop Monitoring by EOS Data Analytics. It is designed to automatically process earth observation imagery data and provide agricultural analytics in a web interface. EOS Data Analytics, a global provider of AI-powered satellite imagery analytics founded by Dr. Max Polyakov, has obtained a United States patent for an algorithm built…
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53rd SADC PF Assembly focuses on modernising agriculture for food security, employment creation
The 53rd Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Assembly has roared to life in Tanzania and will focus on the Theme “Modernising Agriculture to Address Food Insecurity and Youth Unemployment in the SADC Region: The Role of Parliaments” and is running from 2 to 8 July 2023. In his presentation at the meeting,…
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Government intensifies climate proof agriculture, targets 700 000 hectares for small grains production
Writes Elvis Dumba Banket – The government is strengthening efforts to climate-proof the agriculture sector from the effects of climate change through supporting initiatives towards increased production of small traditional grains. The government has set a target of 700 000 hectares for traditional small grains under the Presidential Climate Proof Agriculture Scheme locally known as…
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Joint ventures urged for optimum land use
Writes Elvis Dumba Banket – Investment partnerships in agriculture are critical for maximum and optimum land use for the success of the government’s agrarian reform program. The sentiments were made by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. John Basera during a winter wheat field visit at Mema Estates in Banket. “As we go for…
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Namibian delegation to grace Mashonaland West Agricultural Show
Writes Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – The much anticipated Mashonaland West Agricultural Show will roar into life from the 26th up to the 29th of July 2023 in Chinhoyi with a Namibian delegation comprising government officials and players in the agriculture exhibition sector expected in the country for the premier showcase. Speaking to the media during…
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AUDA-NEPAD facilitates development of genome editing communication training curricula and modules
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has initiated the development of communication training curricula and modules to help address the current policy needs, gaps, and challenges of genome editing (GEd) on the continent. Officially opened in Maputo, Mozambique today, the workshop seeks to develop a core module on genome editing communication that can be adapted…
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7 critical uncertainties that affect African farmers and food systems
Writes Charles Dhewa While volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) have become a major characteristic of all economies across the globe, the situation is worse for African farmers and food systems. In agriculture-driven African economies, some of the enduring uncertainties include the following: 1. Price uncertainties – whether producing for the domestic market or export market,…
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ActionAid report: High food and fuel prices affect world’s marginalised communities
The cost of food, fuel, and fertiliser in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities is continuing to escalate to crisis levels since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with families spending up to ten times what they paid almost 16 months ago, according to new analysis from international humanitarian organisation ActionAid. A survey of more than…
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Trading raw commodities generates more knowledge than trading processed food
…surprises from African mass food markets By Charles Dhewa For people keen to learn about indigenous entrepreneurship, African mass food markets never disappoint. Also known as territorial markets, these institutions are the heartbeat of genuine knowledge exchange. Like any other institution where thousands of people congregate, African mass food markets are not perfect but they…