September 18, 2024 | No. 60 |
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| Solidaridad Southern Africa to adopt Rwanda’s model for connecting farmers to markets |
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Solidaridad Southern Africa has announced plans to adopt Rwanda’s collaborative approach between the government and stakeholders in implementing agricultural policies, particularly digital programs that connect farmers directly to buyers, streamlining services, and enhancing efficiency. Solidaridad is focusing on scalable and efficient approaches to strengthen agricultural systems, making them more accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers. Kanyemba stated that it is crucial for Africa to explore how bundled services, such as soil testing, weather data, insurance, and financial products delivered through digital platforms, are transforming access to essential services. Read more
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| The Future Of Farming Is Rooted In Regenerative Agriculture |
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Working towards a food-secure future for Africa is possible if we produce more with less and simultaneously rebuild the land. This was the main message of the Regenerative Revolution: Building more sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers panel discussion ahead of the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. Tapping into the expertise of leaders from Bayer, Opportunity International, and the International Potato Center, this event highlighted new regenerative interventions implemented across the agriculture value chain.
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| VACANCY - AGRA PRESIDENT POSITION |
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AGRA PRESIDENT POSITION
Deadline for submission of application: 21st October 2024
The AGRA Board of Directors seeks a highly regarded, articulate, and visionary leader with a demonstrated track record of exceptional results in agriculture and food systems. Following a decade of growth led by Agnes Kalibata, the next President will lead the organization through its ongoing transition in which internal structures, processes, strategy, and culture are being re-evaluated and aligned with the evolving organizational strategy. Apply here |
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| 'Green Futures' Postgraduate Taught Scholarships 2024/25: Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy |
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Funding and scholarships for students.
Together with generous philanthropic gifts from a number of like-minded donors, the University of Exeter is offering up to two ‘Green Futures’ Postgraduate Taught Scholarships for study on one of our eligible Masters programs in 2024/25. These are aimed at exceptional international candidates who would otherwise be unable to pursue their sustainability academic and career goals and who will increase our University community’s diversity and inclusion. The awards cover the full tuition fees and a stipend for living costs. Apply Now |
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| African Development Bank provides US$ 102.79 million to support farmers through climate resilient Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones infrastructure in Guinea, Senegal, and Togo |
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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (“ADB”) approved $102.79 million for the Multinational (Guinea, Senegal, and Togo) Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Program, which fosters sustainable agricultural value chains around agro-industrial processing zones (SAVC-SAPZ). This project expands the integration of climate change and reduction of low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in three Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) projects currently being implemented in the three participating countries, namely: (1) Projet de transformation agro-industrielle du Togo, (2) Sénégal Agropole-Sud, and (3) Guinée: Programme de Développement des Zones Spéciales de Transformation Agro-Industrielle de Boké et Kankan (PDZSTA – BK). Read more
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| All-female team aim to raise £75k to support female farming in Kenya |
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A team of women from the UK food and farming industry are set to cycle 75km across Kenya to raise funds and awareness for international charity Farm Africa. Read more
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| Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience and Prosperity |
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The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience and Prosperity is a seven-year, US$ 126 million fund that aims to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across the agriculture, climate adaptation and digital economy sectors in 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The main objective of the Fund is to unlock enterprise growth and catalyze, scale-up and sustain the creation of dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young women and men, young people with disabilities and refugee youth. Read more
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| High tariffs drive Africans to shop for food abroad |
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High tariffs on agricultural produce are stifling intra-Africa trade, leaving countries to import food from Europe, America and Asia, rather than from African peers. Yet there is a need to feed 2.2 billion people by 2050, while addressing Africa’s $60 to $80 billion annual food import bill. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), said the continent imports over $100 million worth of food annually, comprising rice, maize, soya, and different types of grains. Read More
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| GT Voice: Chinese cooperation benefits African farming advancement |
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Agricultural cooperation between China and Africa has greatly enhanced the agricultural production capacity of African countries, fostered innovation and sustainable development in local agricultural technology, and transformed the production methods and concepts of African farmers, bringing revolutionary changes to the local agricultural industry. The introduction of China's hybrid rice technology is a prime example. China's hybrid rice is now growing in more than 20 African countries
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| Precision irrigation: Empowering agriculture amid water scarcity |
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South Africa is renowned for its diverse agricultural landscapes. However, some producers face significant challenges, particularly concerning their water needs in a water-scarce country. Precision irrigation stands out as a solution that can aid farmers in overcoming this challenge. Charl van Reenen, agronomy manager at Netafim South Africa, explains that the availability of water directly influences crop yield, quality, and the sustainability of farming operations. With the increasingly erratic rainfall patterns experienced in many areas and limited freshwater reserves, producers often struggle to secure sufficient water for irrigation during critical growth stages of their crops. For this reason, Van Reenen says producers need to be proactive and manage their use of available water resources to prevent setbacks. Read More
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Becoming an AAAE member: The African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE) is a nonprofit association serving the professional interests of those working in agricultural and broadly related fields of development economics. Becoming a member of AAAE brings together people who work in the same industry and/or share common interests and goals. Please subscribe today and become a member to help in advocating for our shared purpose. |
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African Association of Agricultural Economists c/o University of Nairobi, C.A.V.S, Upper Kabete Campus Loresho Ridge Road, Nairobi, Kenya |
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