Production and value additions

Land-independent production practices raise incomes in Uganda

by Peter Wamboga-Mugirya

A Ugandan initiative is training groups of marginalised, landless women in vertical farming and vermi-composting to raise incomes and increase food security in the country’s capital.

Kenyan smallholders adopt market-oriented production

by James Karuga

To help farmers achieve year-round production and increased incomes in Kenya, a local training centre is providing technical advice on best practices and encouraging market research.

Nigeria increases tomato paste production with good practices

by Oluyinka Alawode and Sophie Reeve

Nigerian tomato farmers are overcoming production challenges to increase the quality and quantity of their yields, and access a ready market for their produce.

Groundnut production boosts profits for Zambian farmers

by Doreen Chilumbu

Greater access to improved groundnut seed in Zambia and training in crop management is increasing smallholder productivity and market access in the face of diminishing cotton prices.

A zonal approach stimulates Madagascar’s organic sector

by Mamy Andriatiana

The development of zones dedicated to organic farming in Madagascar is increasing local adoption of the technique and generating higher incomes for small-scale farmers.

Congo-Brazzaville grows mushrooms year-round

by Marien Nzikou-Massala

In response to high national demand for mushrooms, an agribusiness company in the Congo has developed easy-to-use, affordable production kits.

Increased demand for Kenyan dairy products

by Kizito Makoye

By providing financial and technical support to dairy farmers in Kenya, a local agribusiness is diversifying its product line whilst enabling farmers to expand their operations.

Wild turmeric turns a trade in Belize

by Natalie Dookie

In Toledo district, farmers are earning three times the going rate for their turmeric by supplying a local processing company to produce the world’s first ‘wildcrafted’ whole root turmeric paste.

Adding nutritional value to Kenyan crops

by Justus Wanzala

Farmers in Kenya are supplying a local agri-processing company with millet, groundnuts and honey to produce nutritious snacks and strengthen local value chains.

Caribbean soilless solutions boost smart production

by Sophie Reeve and Natalie Dookie

To overcome production challenges associated with climate variability in Barbados and St Lucia, young entrepreneurs are using hydro- and aquaponic technology to control the cropping environment.

Kenyan farmers profit from growing aromatic market

by Bob Koigi

Through the provision of quality, adapted seeds, greenhouses and training in good agricultural practices, farmers in Kenya are diversifying their production with the introduction of herbs.

Fighting food insecurity with indigenous plants

by Ousseini Issa

In Niger, a social enterprise is using local plants that are resistant to the arid climate of the Sahel to produce nutritious food. The result is better incomes for farmers and a preserved environment.

Rwandan farmers reduce losses with nutritious grains

A private processing company in Rwanda is working with thousands of farmers to train them in the production of fortified crops for processing into nutritious products. Their partnership is increasing profits for local smallholders as well as helping to combat Rwanda’s high levels of malnutrition.

Revitalising seaweed farming in Zanzibar

The use of tubular nets in seaweed farming is enabling women farmers in Zanzibar to cultivate profitable varieties. Through training in seaweed processing, the farmers are also producing innovative products for the food and beauty industries.

Going organic for chilli sauce in Zambia

by Doreen Chilumbu Nawa

Smallholder farmers across Zambia are supplying a local agri-processing company with organically-grown chilli and garlic to produce pesticide-free condiments for sale across the country, and southern Africa at large.

Increasing farm productivity in Cameroon

by Elias Ntungwe Ngalame

Increased availability of quality seed in Cameroon is enabling smallholder farmers to boost their yields and incomes, and increase the food self-sufficiency of the country.

A passion for porcine production

Accounting for 38% of worldwide meat production, pork is attracting a new generation of African entrepreneurs – bucking the continent’s traditional aversion to the meat.

Madagascar sets its sights on rice self-sufficiency

by Mamy Andriatiana

By adopting new production techniques and improved seeds, Madagascar has doubled its rice production in just a few years.

New horizons for Pacific aquaculture

In the Pacific, three seafood companies using sustainable fishery practices to conserve the health of marine ecosystems and contribute to the local economy have received international recognition for their novel business models.

Sowing the seeds of climate-resilient agriculture in the Caribbean

by Natalie Dookie

In September 2017, Hurricane Maria decimated the agriculture sector in Dominica and Barbuda. By employing climate adaptation and climate-smart agriculture strategies, both countries are working to ‘build back better’ to ensure their agriculture sectors are more resilient.