In this issue
Halatou Dem: The promising business of processing
Thirty-two-year-old Halatou Dem has been managing the Bamako-based cereal processing company Danaya Céréales for 7 years. The Malian company – with a staff of 33 – exports its processed products to Europe, the US and throughout West Africa.
Is the Internet of Things the future of farming?
In ACP countries, the use of smart ‘connected’ devices in agriculture is still at an experimental stage. Yet new projects are emerging, and global trends show how this new technology offers vital development opportunities.
Hillside terraced farms increase productivity in Rwanda
In the remote hilly regions of rural Rwanda, the development of terraced farms is providing employment opportunities for local communities whilst increasing the diversity of crop production.
Climate-proofing communities in Mozambique and Rwanda
by Aimable Twahirwa and Rita Vaz da Silva
In drought and flood-prone communities in Mozambique and Rwanda, low carbon initiatives are introducing renewable solar-powered irrigation systems to reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase climate resilience.
Promoting safer hygiene and healthy eating in Senegal
Local radio adverts and face-to-face training have persuaded rural Senegalese communities to adopt healthy eating and safer hygiene practices, reducing sickness among children and helping families to generate more income.
New apps close the gap in farmer knowledge
A mobile app is providing Kenyan farmers with information on their farm’s soil composition and weather forecasts within minutes. With almost real-time data on soil type, fertiliser requirements and predicted rainfall, smallholders are reducing environmental damage and boosting their climate resilience.
Blockchain's disruptive potential in ACP value chains
In recent years, new digital technologies such as blockchain have emerged, providing exciting opportunities for improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector of ACP countries.
Women entrepreneurs: key factors to success in agribusiness
Women around the world are overcoming barriers to establish profitable businesses in the agricultural sector. However, strong links to high-value markets, access to necessary finance and resources, and sufficient business training are essential requirements for women business leaders to break through the ‘glass ceiling’ and expand their agribusinesses to compete on an international scale.
Inclusive cassava business grows from strength to strength
Yemisi Iranloye, managing director and CEO of Psaltry International Limited, a large cassava processor based in south-west Nigeria, has built her success on an inclusive business model that places smallholder farmers at the centre of operations.
Leading lights for Caribbean agribusiness
The rise of successful female agriculture entrepreneurs in the Caribbean region is welcome. Combining profits and passion, in an otherwise male-dominated sector, women are creating jobs, empowering others and providing food security by producing locally-sustainable food products.
Bringing fresh fish inland in Sierra Leone
Aquaculture is creating new rural markets catering to strong demands for fish and building economic resilience in poor, food-insecure inland areas.
Next-generation farmers: Digitally connected and business-minded
Numerous initiatives are emerging in the agricultural community that illustrate the potential profile of future African farmers – as informed business leaders, who make a good living and are connected online – and prove that agriculture offers exciting opportunities for young people.
Fighting malnutrition in Mali
Farmers and processors in Mali are working together to produce Misola flour, designed to combat moderate and acute malnutrition in children and adults.
Renewed maize grain revives Haitian agriculture
In Haiti, a renewed and improved maize seed variety provides seven times the yield of traditional varieties, helping to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition in the country. Farmers interested in working in the seed sector receive training in the production of the seed to ensure the genetic purity is maintained.
Tools for an equitable and food secure future
Women farmers are using water smart techniques to sustainably increase crop yields, whilst maintaining vital soil ecosystems in Ghana, Malawi and Mali. In these drought-prone countries, establishing water-efficient practices helps to improve smallholder farmers’ access to water and increase the resilience of their livelihoods and local ecosystems.
Multilateralism – The way forward for African agriculture
Secretary general for the Inter-African Coffee Organization (IACO) for 13 years, Josefa Sacko was elected as the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture in January 2017.
School meals: Farmers grow food for education
Thousands of farmers in Mozambique are supporting a drive to improve child nutrition and education by providing food for meals in 170 schools. The 80 farmers’ associations involved in the initiative receive seeds and training in crop management to produce nutritional fruits and vegetables.
Modernising Caribbean crop production
Agricultural production in the Caribbean is constrained by limited access to up-to-date, local information. However, recent ICT developments in the region have created e-solutions to these challenges, improving crop production and reducing pests and diseases as well as post-harvest losses.
Agriculture - a promising market for the diaspora
Over the last decade, remittance flows from diaspora communities to their countries of origin have been steadily increasing. With government support and agriculture-friendly legislation, agriculture could benefit from this substantial source of funding and expertise.
Pepper certification secures farmer incomes in Cameroon
A geographical indication label for a unique variety of pepper in Cameroon is improving the incomes of local farmers and ensuring the long-term future of the product. Recognition of the pepper’s quality and economic importance means it is one of only three African commodities with such a label.
