Food
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Africa shifts towards genetic modification to boost food security
The designation of Ghana as the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) collaborating center for Africa, focusing on plant breeding and associated technologies for food and nutrition, is being seen as a pivotal moment in the application of genetic modification in Africa. In a recent press statement, the IAEA announced its collaboration with the Biotechnology and…
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Digital tool to increase farm profitability, sustainability
A western Australia-based project aims to develop a scientifically rigorous decision-support tool to help farmers and their advisors increase profitability and optimise risk management. Dubbed the Agri-analytics Hub, the $4-million project will help producers analyse variability in crop performance and profitability on an in-paddock scale. The project involves the Food Agility Co-operative Research Centre, NGIS,…
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Reach Out Foundation gives disadvantaged children a lifeline
Mr. Dumisani Hamandishe, the founder, visionary, and chief operations officer of Reach Out Foundation has said the organisation seeks to empower orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. The foundation was established in the year 2020 and is anchored on awareness campaigns, food aid, school bursary funds, and skills development programs. Through the leadership skills, passion,…
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Secrecy in international fisheries management: bad news for our oceans?
By Ryan Orgera, Global Director, Accountability.Fish Who controls the world’s oceans? Even though this is a massive question, the answer is problematic, to say the least. It’s problematic in that the only bodies with any meaningful say in what happens to the oceans are 17 obscure organizations that are heavily focused on the management of…
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Rising El Niño Intensity Sparks Global Food Security Concerns
Global climate shifts this year are likely to disrupt food production throughout the world, straining food security worldwide. A report published this month by scientists associated with Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) explained that El Niño is going to bring too much rain to some parts of the world, and too little to others. This…
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Strategic partnerships, alliances with institutions of higher learning drive genome editing
There is a need for strategic partnerships, alliances, and linkages with institutions of higher learning and national research institutes for the successful implementation of genome editing tools that require strong institutional capacity, a senior government official has said. This was said today in Harare by Deputy Chief Secretary in The Office of the President and…
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Baobab Collection throws a lifeline to communities in drier parts of Manicaland
Writes Tafadzwa Muranganwa A visit to a son-in-law in Birchenough a few years ago is all that led Aaron Chenjerai Mazorere of Chiadzwa to start the collection of the baobab fruit. He prides himself on initiating the project in his home area which has attracted a lot of interest from fellow villagers. “Some years back…
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Great optimism for African agriculture if continent embraces right strategies
The 14th African Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) and the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP PP) painted a bright future if the right strategies are embraced to ensure the continent’s food and nutrition security. In his address, while pulling the curtain down to the meeting, Mr. Patrick K. Kangwa,…
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Extend Malabo Declaration Commitments from 2025 to 2030: WFP’s Stanlake Samkange
Mr. Stanlake JTM Samkange, outgoing Chair of the Development Partners Coordination Group (DPCG) of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has called on the African Union and development partners to extend the time period for implementing the Malabo Commitments through…
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Key takeaways from 14th ADFNS and 19th CAADP PP: PELUM Zambia
Writes Wilfred Miga (PELUM Zambia, Head of Programmes) The ongoing 14th Africa Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) commemoration and the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP PP) conference highlighted a number of issues that are of interest to Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zambia. It is evident that there is a…
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CAADP Commitment: African Youth Consortium in Agriculture and Climate Change Network launched
BABOLOKI SEMELE AND BYRON MUTINGWENDE LUSAKA, ZAMBIA: “We can do so much, we have so much, and yet we seem to be not doing that so much, the much that we want,” these powerful words resonated with hope and determination as Vice President of Zambia, Mutale Nalumango, delivered her keynote address at the launch of…
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JICA promoting agriculture development in Africa
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA’s policy for agriculture development in Africa is transforming the continent in the promotion of food and nutrition security. In his address during a plenary session at the ongoing 14th Africa Day on Food and Nutrition Security and the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP…
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AU member states committed to addressing food and nutrition insecurity
To demonstrate their commitment to addressing food and nutrition insecurity, African Union member states and other key stakeholders are in Lusaka for the 14th Africa Day on Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) and the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP PP). In her keynote speech while officially opening the meeting today, Mrs.…
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Empowering Farmers: A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture in Mutoko District
Own Correspondent In the heart of Zimbabwe’s Mutoko District, a group of dedicated farmers is revolutionising the agricultural landscape. Through their hard work and determination, members of the Dorowera Irrigation Scheme in Ward 6 have found a sustainable livelihood and avoided urban vices. Tinotenda Musowenyama (27) is one such young man, along with his wife…
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Parliamentarians play key role in the attainment of Malabo targets in agriculture
Parliamentarians play an important role in effectively lobbying towards the achievement of the Malabo targets, Hon. Dr. John Kanyuithia Mutunga, MP for Tigania West Constituency, and Chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee of the Kenyan National Assembly has said. He made the remarks during a plenary session to commemorate the 14th Africa Day for…
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Initiatives to enhance food systems in Africa gain momentum
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – The vision towards enhancing food systems in Africa is gaining momentum as the continent is positioning itself and giving food and nutrition the necessary attention. This came to the fore at the 14th commemoration of the Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) and the 19th CAADP Partnership Platform (CAADP PP)…
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Accelerated implementation of CAADP to improve African food and nutrition security
There is an urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), a continental framework for agricultural transformation and agriculture-led growth strategy to achieve ambitious targets on food and nutrition security as outlined in the Malabo Declaration. These were sentiments by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)’s Director of Agriculture,…
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CAADP PP, ADFNS to promote intra-Africa agri-food trade and improved nutrition
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – The 14th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) Commemoration and the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP PP) running from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia will ensure cross-fertilization and provide a platform for sharing experiences and lessons and discussing…
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Regulations and yields threaten global arable profitability
Global arable farm profits have reached record levels over the last year, but European performance is being impacted by new regulations, while there is also a worrying decline in African yields meaning the continent must expand its farmland if it is to feed its growing population. These were some of the findings from the Agri…
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Workshop looks into benefits and regulation of biopesticides
A workshop by various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain has brought to the fore the benefits and regulation architecture of biopesticides. The workshop is being held in Harare from 24 to 26 October 2023 under the auspices of the Southern Africa Biopesticides Project titled, Enhancing Trade Through Regulatory Harmonisation and Biopesticide Based Residue Mitigation…
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Biopesticides increase agricultural productivity and production
Increased agricultural productivity and production can be achieved through adaptation and use of new technologies such as biopesticides, a senior government official has said. This came to the fore today at a workshop on targeted interventions towards enhancing the registration and use of biopesticides in Zimbabwe that is running from 25 to 26 October 2023…
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Marian Chombo warns abusers of Presidential Inputs Scheme
Writes Elvis Dumba Sanyati – The government has put adequate measures to ensure a successful 2023/24 agriculture season by ensuring the timeous availability of agriculture inputs with people being warned against abusing the program. Launching the Presidential conservation farming, Pfumvudza/Intwasa for Sanyati District, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian…
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Sir John Kennedy Primary School’s environmental club bears fruits
Writes Chimeno Azriel The introduction of Environmental Clubs is benefitting educational institutions like Kadoma-based Sir John Kennedy Primary which joined the Head of State and Government, His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa during the 2023 edition of the Harare Agricultural Show where it scooped the best stand award for the schools category. The impacts of climate…
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Communication and advocacy spurs uptake of genome editing
MOMBASA, KENYA – Dr. Emmanuel Okogbenin, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) director for programme development and commercialization has urged proper communication and advocacy to influence the adoption of biotechnology and complementary innovative technologies like genome editing so as to catalyse productivity transformation and improve food system resilience in Africa. He made the remarks in…
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China Approves “Dozens” of Genetically Modified Corn, Soybean Varieties
Bloomberg writer Hallie Gu reported that “China has approved dozens of genetically modified corn and soybean seed varieties for planting, in a breakthrough move that could eventually boost production and reduce dependence on foreign supplies. “The country is the world’s top importer of soybeans and corn “A national committee set up by the agriculture ministry has approved 37 GM corn seed and 14 soybean…
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Scientists call for Africa to adopt gene editing for success of agriculture
MOMBASA, KENYA – Scientists attending the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) strategic meeting on gene editing in Mombasa, Kenya have called for muti-stakeholder collaboration to ensure the success of the biotechnology meant to ensure food and nutrition security in Africa. In her presentation, Dr. Florence Wambugu, the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Harvest, said gene…
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Scientists celebrate Nigerian Professor Charles Adetunji’s high achievements
MOMBASA, KENYA – Stakeholders gathered in Mombasa, Kenya for a workshop on genome editing that is being spearheaded by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), are celebrating one of their own, Professor Charles Adetunji, who has attained the prestigious number 1 position among the top 500 prolific authors in Nigeria, a distinction he has maintained…
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Genome editing offers Africa opportunity to harness new and emerging technologies
MOMBASA, KENYA – With the potential that biotechnology possesses in developing crops and animals that are more resilient to climate change and risks of diseases, the adoption of genome editing sets the stage for Africa to harness new and emerging technologies to ensure food and nutrition security on the continent. These were the sentiments of…
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New digital tool being built to help farmers do better forecasts
A team of researchers have embarked on a new study in which they will develop a digital tool to help farmers conduct forecasts to enable them to make informed decisions on when to plant and make other decisions on the farm. The researchers who are led by scientists at the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC)…
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Fall Wellness in a Nutshell: 7 Smart Snacking Choices This Season
OWN CORRESPONDENT During fall, Mother Nature offers nutty treasures, each brimming with goodness. In this quick guide, dietitians from Health Reporter explore the nutritional benefits of 7 nuts, unraveling why they’re the snack stars of the season. When leaves crunch underfoot, why not add a crunch to your diet? #1 Cashews Cold air, meet the…
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14th ADFNS Commemoration, 19th CAADP Partnership Platform on cards
Writes Baboloki Semele Lusaka, Zambia, is set to become the focal point of significant events at the end of this month. The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with various departments and partners and African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) are organizing a series of important gatherings to commemorate the 14th Africa Day for Food and…
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National Seed Fair breathes life into long-lost millet varieties
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By Lloyd Rabaya As the Green Stars traditional dance group was dishing out their transcendent performance of the Mbakumba dance, the unmitigated crowd’s cheerful plaudits with the golden dust going straight to the skies marked the permanent return of a lost hope. Since time immemorial in Zimbabwe, different occasions called for different dances, which vary…
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Africa, global south should act now on disaster risks reduction
Dr. Tendai Mhizha, the Secretary-General of the Health Harm Reduction Conference has urged the Global South, with a particular focus on the African continent, to take appropriate action to address challenges hindering sustainable development. She made the remarks during the second edition of the African and first edition of the South-South Health Harm Reduction Conference…
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Food security a top priority for Morocco, Africa’s future
Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki, has said food and health security and sovereignty are at the heart of Morocco’s political and economic concerns with a continental vision. The importance of the orientation of the food systems and their agri-food value chains that Morocco is developing towards…
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Agriculture insurance a wake up call as climate change takes toll
Writes Elvis Dumba Zvimba – The agriculture sector is facing a huge challenge due to the ever-changing weather patterns as a result of climate change. Zimbabwean farmers involved in various agriculture sectors have not been spared from the effects of climate change with threats of another poor rainy season due to the expected El-Nino weather…
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The significance of a Problem Statement in building resilient food systems
Many interventions by African governments and development organizations have failed to make a difference in several communities due to poor problem definitions from inception. Massive dams and irrigation schemes have been set up for growing exotic food when communities need simple equipment for harvesting abundant underground water and surface water to produce indigenous food. Hybrid…
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Preparations for 2023 Conference on Land Policy in Africa underway
Writes Baboloki Semele The stage is set for one of Africa’s most significant gatherings in the field of land policy and governance, the 2023 Conference on Land Policy in Africa. Convened by the tripartite consortium consisting of the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa,…
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Accountability.Fish Blasts WCPFC For Continued Meeting Secrecy
OWN CORRESPONDENT POHNPEI, MICRONESIA: Fisheries governance watchdog Accountability.Fish today blasted the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission for continuing its practice of holding key compliance meetings in secrecy, saying the practice threatens to make a sham of the Commission’s rhetoric around sustainability. A prepared statement read by Mike Klein, Accountability.Fish Communication Lead, at the WCPFC’s…
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Korea and the African Development Bank strengthen drive towards Africa’s food security
The Government of Korea and the African Development Bank Group are intent on strengthening their partnership to support African countries in achieving food security in five years and boost the continent’s capability to produce its own vaccines and other pharmaceutical products. Speaking on Monday during a meeting with Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural…
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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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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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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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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…