In this issue
Coordinated action to address agriculture and nutrition challenges
Judith Francis, CTA Senior Programme Coordinator for Science and Technology Policy, outlines why concerted action is needed to combat malnutrition
Catalysing change in private sector investment
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has recently launched its new ten-year Strategy for Agricultural Transformation in Africa.
An entrepreneurial approach to dairy transformation
The Tadu Dairy Cooperative business model supports traditional women dairy farmers in Cameroon, and provides not only milk but processed dairy products. Increased milk production has not only helped to reduce imports of dairy products but has led to the establishment of many new shops selling feed for cattle.
Regional trade – what’s the story?
by Anne Perrin
West Africa benefits from a customs union but further progress is needed to achieve its regional integration.
Stefano Manservisi: “Agriculture in ACP countries, a top priority for the EU”
Eradicating poverty and increasing welfare in African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions continue to be part of a long-term development vision for the European Union (EU).
A boost to knowledge and income
by James Karuga and Charles Mkoka
Scaling up farmer field school programmes in Burundi and Malawi has improved household income, climate resilience and environmental protection. A novel teaching approach is providing farmers with new skills in crop cultivation, fish farming and livestock rearing to develop productive, nutritional systems.
JAD: a shining light for the Caribbean
JAD Executive President Osmar Benitez discusses how the organisation has become one of the Caribbean’s most successful, influential and sustainable farmer groups.
The need to invest in nutrition
by Sophie Reeve
A critical guide for policymakers on taking action and investing in delivering healthy and quality diets reveals that poor food currently affects half of the global population. The Foresight report takes a closer look at food systems of the 21st century and whether they are fit for the future.
Aflatoxin control
by Mike Davison and Charles Muasya
A rapid aflatoxin testing kit and airtight storage containers are helping farmers reduce contamination in their maize and other stored crops. Cost-effective and easy to use, the technologies are also useful tools for traders and public health authorities looking to identify and manage aflatoxin exposure.
A welcome invasion
Researchers in Madagascar are pointing out the benefits of the prickly pear – an invasive yet essential species. Rich in vitamins and minerals, and an important source of water during the dry season, this fruit could be part of the solution to the country’s food insecurity and extreme droughts.
Improving traceability
by Mike Davison
Technology and regulatory improvements are needed to reduce fraud and unsustainable practices in seafood value chains. Commercial transparency is critical to food safety and consumer confidence, yet, complex supply chains make it difficult to identify the origin and history of many seafood products.
Smart fishing
Sustainable crab fishing in coastal regions of western Madagascar is helping to tackle illegal catches, improve food security and lower post-catch losses. Through cheap and innovative methods across the value chain, a SmartFish programme is working to keep the giant mud crab income stream alive and well.
Tackling obesity
Obesity is not a foregone conclusion. In the Pacific, organisations such as CTA are supporting local farming in an effort to tackle this major health concern. With the Island nations making up eight of the top 10 countries for diabetes, governments are looking for a new approach to change individual behaviour.
Enhanced meteorological services
In West Africa, agricultural productivity is improving with the provision and use of meteorological information, services and tools. A METAGRI regional initiative has increased the dissemination of climate data via local radio and ICTs to better inform farmers and assist agricultural decision-making.
What next after El Niño? La Niña?
by Romain Loury
El Niño effects are still being felt, with dramatic consequences for agriculture. La Niña, now looming large, threatens to wreak further havoc on farming in Africa.
A hands-on online marketplace
Wasix.net is a real-time trading platform for seed growers, distributors and buyers across West Africa. The first online platform to make seed quantity and location information available to smallholders, Wasix also hopes to encourage farmers to share their knowledge and experiences for increased productivity.
Energy challenges
Energy transition is needed to mitigate climate change and meet the growing needs of the agriculture sector. New technologies are providing some innovative solutions.
From energy consumer to energy source
Natural resources in the Caribbean remain largely untapped, but with biomass and biofuels there is great potential for renewable energy and opportunities for agriculture.
Energy is not an end in itself
Secou Sarr discusses West African energy policies and urges that energy be used to enhance and facilitate agriculture.
Jatropha: an environmentally-friendly agrofuel?
Flaunted as ‘green gold’, while also sometimes strongly criticised, Jatropha curcas now contributes to small-scale rural electrification in Benin.
Combatting malnutrition
Developing more nutritious crops through biofortification is providing much needed nutrients and helping to provide better quality diets for rural communities.
