Lifestyle
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AGRA’s Extension Model Hits 11m Farmers With New Technologies
The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has recounted the efforts it made towards implementing its mandate, saying it has reached over 11 million farmers in Nigeria. The Country Director of AGRA, Rufus Idris, disclosed this during the just concluded Africa–Wide Agricultural Extension Week (AAEW) in Abuja. Idris, while receiving an award for AGRA’s…
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FAO opens Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators
Scores of international experts, including government officials, researchers, and industry leaders from several continents, gathered at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Headquarters in Rome for the two-day Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators. The Forum focuses on a sector that generates more than $400 billion in annual commercial…
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Implementation of innovation, knowledge-led initiatives transforms economies: Dr Bayisa Bedada
Dr. Bayisa Bedada, the State Minister of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia has encouraged African countries to accelerate economic transformation through knowledge-based and innovation-led initiatives. He made the remarks today at a stakeholder validation meeting of genome editing communication and advocacy training materials and curriculum underway in Addis Ababa from 15 to…
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FAO Food Outlook Predicts Declining International Trade in Some Basic Foodstuffs
Production prospects across most basic foodstuffs are favourable, but extreme weather events, rising geopolitical tensions, and sudden policy changes pose risks for global food production systems and could potentially tip delicate demand-supply balances and dampen prospects for trade and global food security, according to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United…
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Workshop validates genome editing communication training materials and curriculum
A three-day workshop kicked off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today to validate genome editing training materials and curriculum that will be used at the continental level to communicate new breeding tools and create awareness of the technology meant to optimize African agriculture. In his welcome remarks, Dr. Kassahun Tesfaye, the Director General of the Ethiopian…
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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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The Correlation of Family Background And The Learner’s Academic Performance
By Rudo Tivaone The physical, socioeconomic, and social background of a learner has an impact on the learner’s academic performance. Children from poor families tend to have more disadvantages which leads to poor academic results as compared to those who come from well-up families. However, to a lesser extent, some children from poor backgrounds perform…
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DJ Clash 2023 connecting audiences to musical beats
Writes Herzel Mushayabasa All is set for the annual Carling Black Label DJ Clash for this year, the event organisers Delta Beverages have said. This follows the success of the just-ended Castle Braai festival which resulted in a massive turnout by the music revellers. In a statement issued by Delta, this competition is aimed at…
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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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Bulawayo Sneaker Expo demonstrates importance of MICE tourism: Tongai Mnangagwa
The Bulawayo Sneaker Expo signals the potential that exists in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) phenomenon, Hon Tongai Mnangagwa, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has said. “It has been a pleasure to join Bulawayo at this year’s edition, which is the 3rd edition of the Bulawayo Sneaker Expo, an annual…
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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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Glen Lodge upgrades facilities to international standards
Bulawayo’s prime accommodation service provider, the Glen Lodge, located in Newton West has expanded and upgraded its facilities to international standards. Speaking to this publication on the sidelines of the ongoing Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo, Mrs. Beauty Bhulu, the Founder and Managing Director of Glen Lodge, said the facility is moving with times…
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Bulawayo’s Entabeni Lodge stands tall as best accommodation and conference facility
Established in 1998 by leading woman entrepreneur, Faith Makamure, Entabeni Lodge has stood the test of time and is arguably one of Bulawayo’s prime accommodation facilities. The lodge is situated in Hillside amongst reputable restaurants, golf courses, bowling clubs, banks, ATMs and large shopping centers as well as a police station. It is adjacent to…
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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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Winky D to headline Castle Braai Festival 2023
Award-winning Zim dancehall artist, Winky D is set to headline one of the biggest events in the country, the Castle Braai Festival on the 21st of October 2023 at Old Hararians Sports Club. This comes at a time when the ‘Gaffa’ as he is famously referred to by his legion of fans, has been scooping…
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All set for Jikinya Dance Festival
By Chimeno Azriel All is set for the Jikinya Dance Festival slated for the end of this month. The Jikinya Dance Festival is an annual event that showcases the diverse Cultural Heritage of Zimbabwe through dances. This year the festival is going to focus on mhande which is a Zimbabwean traditional dance. The dance festival…
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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…