November 20, 2024 | No. 64 |
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| Climate-smart agriculture investments at COP29 nearly double |
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The Agriculture Innovation Missions for Climate has mobilized $29.2 billion from more than 800 government and non-government partners over the past three years. Investments and partnerships related to climate-smart agriculture and food systems have nearly doubled at COP29 over last year’s event as decision-makers further prioritize farming’s role in addressing the effects of a warming planet. The Agriculture Innovation Missions for Climate, a joint initiative between the United States and United Arab Emirates, said Monday that investments in 2024 have surged from $17 billion to $29.2 billion over a 2020 baseline. The increase includes $16.7 billion from 56 countries and $12.5 billion from private companies and other non-government partners, according to a release. The addition of new funding sprints such as the Bezos Earth Fund also helped accelerate investment. Read More
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| Agrivoltaics for sustainable food, energy and water management in East Africa |
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Combining solar power production with agriculture can significantly boost crop yields, conserve water and generate low-carbon electricity for areas particularly vulnerable to climate change, a new study has shown. Research led by the University of Sheffield reveals agrivoltaics—the practice of using the same land for farming and to produce solar electricity—leads to greater crop yields with less water than crops grown in open fields. The international team, led by Sheffield scientists in collaboration with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania, Latia Agribusiness Solutions and the University of Arizona, found certain crops, such as maize, Swiss chard and beans, thrived under the partial shade provided by solar panel. |
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| Call for Applications - ANH Academy | Science - Policy Fellowships |
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ANH Academy Fellowship!
The Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health (ANH) Academy has announced a unique Fellowship opportunity, funding a full year of engagement for researchers to bring evidence into decision-making within policy organizations in South Asia or Sub-Saharan Africa. Key Details: - Who Can Apply: Researchers at any career stage, from anywhere in the world, particularly those seeking to collaborate with public-sector organizations in their home country or region.
- Focus: Using evidence from agriculture, nutrition, or health to inform policy changes related to healthier diets, food loss, climate resilience, gender, or equity.
- What’s Required: Applicants will propose a project supported by a Policy Mentor (for placement facilitation) and a Research Mentor (for scientific rigor).
- Themes: Projects may explore agriculture and food policies affecting nutrition and health, including food systems, public programs, or regulatory frameworks.
Important Dates: - Informational Webinar: December 9, 2024.
- Application Deadline: February 14, 2025.
- Start Dates: Between June and December 2025.
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| Call for Case Study Proposals - INCLUDE Research Programme: Green Jobs for Youth in a Just Food Systems Transition in Africa |
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS Green Jobs for Youth in Africa INCLUDE is launching a new research programme: "Green Jobs for Youth in a Just Food Systems Transition in Africa."This initiative invites researchers, organizations, and youth-led groups to contribute case studies and insights into building sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems in Africa. Focus Areas: - Youth employment in sustainable food systems.
- Institutional frameworks and climate justice in food system transitions.
- Gender disparities and digital technologies in green agriculture.
Who Can Apply: Applications are open to individuals, organizations, and African knowledge institutions, with a special focus on youth-led initiatives.
Deadline : 9 December 2024 (in English or French)
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| African Agri Investment Indaba drives solutions for Africa’s growing food crisis |
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Over 16 million people in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are facing severe food insecurity due to inflation, droughts, and economic instability, with women, girls, and children disproportionately impacted. In Cape Town, nearly 250,000 households are experiencing hunger, and a University of Cape Town report reveals significant dietary deficiencies despite the lack of acute hunger. As agricultural investments attract interest from institutional and family investors, the AAC aims to reframe food security discussions, presenting agriculture as a viable investment opportunity. Read more
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| Africa leading in next-gen drone technology trials |
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Originally developed for military use, drones—also known as unmanned aerial vehicles—are now being used for various purposes, including agriculture, package delivery, environmental monitoring and surveillance, among other uses. With demand for drone technology on the rise, manufacturers are producing a wide range of drones in different sizes to meet the needs diverse markets. Africa has become an attractive testing location for drones thanks to its relatively clear airspaces, vast uninhabited land, and a pressing need for innovative solutions to long-standing challenges. Read More
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| Cowpea breeding advances aim to boost resilience in Africa |
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In the arid regions of East and Southern Africa, cowpea is a vital crop. Known for its resilience to poor soils and dry climates, it provides a stable food source for farmers facing erratic weather patterns. Yet even with these traits, increasingly erratic weather poses severe challenges for cowpea farmers. To further boost cowpea’s resilience and productivity, plant breeders in East and Southern Africa are collaborating with scientists internationally under the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement (ILCI) to develop varieties with higher yields, drought tolerance, and high nutritional value. Read more
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| Fertilizer Financing for Sustainable Agriculture Management Project in Kenya |
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This project consists of a $2 million partial trade credit guarantee and a $219,000 grant from the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism to Apollo Agriculture Limited for the Fertilizer Financing for Sustainable Agriculture Management project in Kenya. The project has four components: (i) support of access to finance for farmers through the credit guarantee facility, (ii) support of increased fertilizer availability, (iii) soil health management and extension services, and (iv) data collection and analysis, monitoring, reporting, and project management. It aims to increase agricultural productivity by facilitating smallholder farmers’ timely access to fertilizers and their appropriate use. Read More
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| Agricultural work is hard. Getting paid shouldn’t be. |
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Working on a farm, whether growing crops or raising animals, is hard work. The days are long, and the risk of drought, flood, or damaging storm is always in the background.Despite how hard it is, one in three adults in Sub-Saharan Africa receive agricultural payments, making them an important source of household income, according to the latest Global Findex 2021 regional note, Digitalizing Agricultural Payments in Sub-Saharan Africa. In economies like Chad, Madagascar, and Democratic Republic of Congo, 40 percent or more of the population earns money through agriculture. Read more
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| Accelerating Africa's transformation via digitization of the agricultural ecosystem |
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As digital transformation reshapes economies worldwide, agriculture remains one of the most crucial yet underserved sectors in low- and middle-income countries. “The majority of rural communities still don't have affordable and consistent connectivity,” said Stephanie Smith, senior vice president for Community Pass at Mastercard, during the session Accelerating Africa's transformation through digitization of the agricultural ecosystem at Devex World in October. “They're offline, and about a third of individuals in these communities don't have a form of identification, let alone a digital record of their identity" .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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