Sembu Gbla

FOOD SUFFICIENCY - THE CASE OF ZAMBIA When a country experiences food sufficiency above expectations, as projected for the 2024/2025 farming season in Zambia, several positive outcomes and considerations can arise: Positive Outcomes: Enhanced Food Security: Ø An abundant harvest can ensure that the population has sufficient access to food, reducing hunger and malnutrition. Economic Stability: Ø Surplus food can lead to lower prices for staple foods, reducing the cost of living. Ø Farmers and agribusinesses may benefit from exporting surplus produce, boosting foreign exchange earnings. Increased Resilience: Ø Stockpiling surplus food can help build reserves to buffer against future shortages caused by adverse weather conditions, pests, or market disruptions. Opportunities for Agro-Processing: Ø Surpluses can provide raw materials for agro-industries, creating jobs and adding value to agricultural produce. Support for Social Welfare Programs: Ø Government programs can utilize the surplus to support feeding programs in schools, orphanages, and low-income households. Considerations for Managing Surplus: Storage and Preservation: Ø Investments in infrastructure like silos and cold storage are essential to prevent post-harvest losses. Market Regulation: Ø Authorities must avoid oversupply driving down prices to unsustainable levels, which could harm farmers. Export Strategies: Ø Developing export markets for surplus commodities can help maintain favorable prices and boost the economy. Diversification and Innovation: Ø Encourage farmers to diversify crops and adopt modern farming techniques to sustain production without over-reliance on favorable weather. Support for Farmers: Ø Establish mechanisms like minimum support prices and subsidies to ensure farmers' profitability, even with lower market prices. Monitoring and Policy Adjustment: Ø Regularly assess the impact of surplus production on domestic and international markets and adjust policies accordingly.

2

1 Comment

"Building an Equitable Value Distribution for agri-Produce" by Emmanuel Ogochukwu Agriculture is the backbone of many economies around the world, providing food, raw materials, and employment. However, the distribution of value within the agricultural supply chain often remains inequitable, disproportionately benefiting intermediaries and retailers while farmers and primary producers struggle to secure fair returns for their labor and produce. To build an equitable value distribution for agri-produce, several key strategies and practices must be implemented. This article explores these strategies, focusing on transparency, technology, cooperative models, policy support, and fair trade practices. 1. Enhancing Supply Chain Transparency: One of the fundamental steps in creating an equitable value distribution is enhancing transparency throughout the agricultural supply chain. Transparency involves: Traceability: Implementing systems that allow for the tracking of produce from the farm to the consumer. Blockchain technology can be instrumental in achieving this, providing a secure and immutable record of each step in the supply chain. Information Access: Ensuring that farmers have access to market prices, demand forecasts, and best practices. This can be facilitated through mobile platforms and agricultural extension services. By improving transparency, farmers can better negotiate prices and understand the true value of their produce, reducing the exploitation by intermediaries. 2. Implementing Fair Trade Practices: Fair trade certifications and practices ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. Key principles include: Minimum Price Guarantee: Ensuring that farmers are paid a minimum price that covers the cost of sustainable production, regardless of market fluctuations. Premiums for Community Development: Providing additional funds for community projects such as schools, healthcare, and clean water, improving the overall well-being of farming communities. Direct Trade Relationships: Encouraging direct trade relationships between farmers and buyers, reducing the number of intermediaries and ensuring more value stays with the producers.

2

Kenya's Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF) is one of many similar initiatives globally aimed at safeguarding critical water sources. This fund was created to address challenges such as unsustainable farming methods, population growth, deforestation for fuel, and other activities that have significantly reduced and jeopardized the availability of local water resources. Click the link to read more about Part one of this story.👇 https://lnkd.in/dRVFjvJw

2

🚨📢 Call to Action for Biodiversity Conservation with a Human Rights Approach! 📢🚨 If you are wondering how to engage with UN Biodiversity and its Global Biodiversity Framework #GBF and #COP16, here is a clear pathway with 11 key areas for all actors to take ownership and accomplish the ground-breaking commitment to human rights and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, women and youth in biodiversity policy. 🌍🛡️ Excited to share the "Road Map for Advancing Rights and Equity in Conservation," a result of a transformative workshop hosted by Forest Peoples Programme , International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) , IMPACT Kenya, @IIFB, ICCA Consortium, and IUCN . 🌿✨ 1. Changing Discourses Around Conservation 2. Developing Guidance to Address Gaps 3. Building Solidarity and Connections 4. Building and Sharing Capacities 5. Supporting Conservation Practices 6. Changing the Way We Finance 7. Reforming National Policies and Laws 8. Engaging with the Convention on Biodiversity and Its State Parties 9. Documenting and Generating Evidence 10. Improving Monitoring and Reporting 11. Improving Redress and Grievance Mechanisms Let's unite and act decisively to ensure that human rights, gender and environmental justice are at the heart of global biodiversity conservation efforts. 🌱👩‍⚖️💪💚 Download and follow the Road map: https://lnkd.in/ew4vSa6V #Biodiversity #HumanRights #GenderJustice #Conservation #KunmingMontrealFramework #IndigenousRights #EquityInConservation #CriticalBiodiversityFinance

130

3 Comments

Article No: 01 Agricultural Extension Services🍃 Agricultural extension services are the systems and organizations that provide information, training and advisory services to farmers and communities to increase productivity and enhance their livelihood. In agricultural dependent economies, extension programmes play a great role in disseminating the knowledge on new technology among farmers. By the extension services , we target to get an increased productivity, farm revenue, reduced poverty and minimized food insecurity. It is basically aimed at improving the knowledge of farmers for the rural development . The concept of agricultural extension dates back to the late 19th century when European countries began establishing agricultural advisory services to support farmers in adopting new farming techniques. And also through extension services problems of the farmers are identified for further investigation. It emerges as a crucial link connecting farmers with the latest advancements and technological solutions. AEAS or the Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services are also a very vital concept. AEAS has abilities to improve the accessibility, delivery , transparency , scope and impacts of the new technology for small scale farmers. ⭐Now Let's pay our attention on the roles of agricultural extension services. ⭕Dissemination of knowledge  ⭕Facilitating the knowledge of technology from research institutes to famers. ⭕Enhancing the skills and capabilities of farmers. ⭕Encouraging sustainable and eco friendly farming practices. ⭐ How can we do extension programmes?   ⭕Farm visits and demonstrations ⭕Workshops , training programmes and awareness programmes ⭕Various communication channels ⭕Collaboration with research institutions ⭐ What are the advantages of agricultural extension programmes? ⭕Increased agricultural productivity ⭕Empowered farming communities ⭕Adoption of modern farming techniques. ⭕Risk mitigation associated with crop diseases & etc. ⭕To improve the livelihood ⭐What are the Challenges related to agricultural extension programmes? ⭕Limited resources  ⭕Technological advancements  ⭕Some services are not easily accessible for all the farmers. Collaborative efforts among governments, research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector are essential to strengthen extension services and support the agricultural sector in meeting the challenges of the 21st century. Agricultural extension services are really helpful in economy to get a higher productivity. Article by : Ruwanthika Sandali             Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

25

1 Comment

🌍 Unlocking Opportunities in Climate Finance 🌱 Are you looking to understand how innovative funding models can drive sustainable development and climate resilience? Join an upcoming webinar on Climate Finance to explore strategies for mobilizing resources, fostering public-private partnerships, and scaling impactful solutions. Don’t miss this chance to: ✔ Learn from experts shaping the future of green financing ✔ Discover funding opportunities for your climate projects ✔ Network with professionals driving sustainable innovation 💡 What innovative climate finance solutions have caught your attention recently? Let’s discuss! Let’s turn climate challenges into financial opportunities! #ClimateFinance #ClimateAction #GreenEconomy #Sustainability

7

3 Comments

Title: Empowering Uganda's Environmental Heroes: Newtonia Green Nature Initiative's Commitment to Sustainable Waste Management In Uganda's waste management sector, unsung heroes work tirelessly to keep our communities clean. However, they often lack the resources and training needed to manage waste effectively. Newtonia Green Nature Initiative (NGNI) is bridging this gap by providing training and support to environmental conservation teams in home waste dump sites and landfills. Our training programs empower teams to: - Manage waste efficiently and safely - Implement sustainable practices in dump sites and landfills - Promote eco-friendly habits in their communities - Develop skills to recycle plastics into construction materials By empowering these environmental heroes, we aim to create a cleaner, greener Uganda for future generations. Join us in our mission to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste pollution. TakaNiAjira Foundation Uganda TakaNiAjira Foundation Ntabazi Raymond James Eng. Allen M Kimambo Praveen Nayak Garbageologist Tracie Lu @Saif #PlasticWastePollution #PlasticWaste #Sustainability #EnvironmentalConservation #NewtoniaGreenNatureInitiative #Uganda #EcoFriendly #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement #CommunityEngagement #SustainableLiving

8

The Truth Behind Coffee Farmer Registration: What Ugandans Need to Know as the government’s initiative to introduce mandatory registration for coffee farmers. Given coffee's role as the top agricultural export for Uganda, this policy holds significant relevance. The government aims to streamline the sector by collecting accurate data and offering farmers access to resources, financial aid, and technical support to improve productivity and quality. However, concerns have been raised by farmers who fear that the registration could lead to increased bureaucracy, more control over their operations, or potential costs without corresponding benefits. The primary stakeholders in this scenario include coffee farmers, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), and consumers. For farmers, registration could enhance market access and improve production efficiency if executed well, ultimately leading to increased income. The government’s goal is to modernize the sector and ensure that Ugandan coffee remains competitive in global markets. Consumers, especially in international markets, will benefit from improved traceability and quality control. Despite these potential advantages, small-scale farmers, who form the bulk of Uganda's coffee producers, worry about how the system might affect their operations, and they may need support in adapting to the new requirements. Economically, the registration process has the potential to strengthen Uganda’s coffee sector by promoting formalization and aligning with broader government efforts to modernize agriculture. However, historical attempts at agricultural reform have had mixed outcomes, with some initiatives failing due to lack of effective implementation. The success of this policy will depend on clear communication, support mechanisms for farmers, and ensuring the registration process is not overly burdensome. If managed properly, this move could enhance Uganda’s position in the global coffee market while safeguarding the interests of small-scale farmers.

1

Climate predictability is vital for agriculture worldwide, particularly in West Africa. However, the region's reliance on smallholder farmers and traditional methods makes it highly susceptible to climate change impacts like droughts and floods. The USAID-funded West Africa Trade & Investment Hub champions sustainable farming initiatives to combat these challenges. From fonio cultivation in Ghana that regenerates degraded land to hydroponic greenhouses in Cabo Verde that reduce water and pesticide use, climate-smart partnerships are paving the way for a resilient and food-secure West Africa. These efforts aim to build agricultural systems that not only boost productivity but also protect the environment. https://bit.ly/3yw06ta

24

New Interim Forest Stewardship Standard validates responsible forest management in Ghana Read more: https://buff.ly/3V0H72V Forest Stewardship Council #Africa #Ghana #ForestManagement #Environment #Economy #Sustainability

2

The involvement of #youth in Kenya's #agricultural sector is pivotal for the nation's economic development and #food security. Young individuals, particularly those from #GenZ, are introducing innovative practices that are reshaping #agribusiness and addressing longstanding challenges within the sector. How do they do it, if you may ask? Kenya's youth are increasingly engaging in various facets of agriculture, from primary #production to #valueaddition and #marketing. Their participation is enhancing productivity and also fostering the growth of agri-food systems across the continent. Then whats in so far? The infusion of youthful energy and creativity is revolutionizing agribusiness in Kenya. Young farmers are adopting #regenerative agricultural practices, such as #Agroecology and #agroforestry, promoting sustainability and environmental #conservation. For instance, innovative approaches like cone gardens have been introduced to maximize yields from limited spaces, demonstrating the ingenuity of young agripreneurs. Why the adoption not effective!!! Many young people face difficulties in accessing #land, #capital, and modern #technologies essential for efficient farming. This limitation hampers their ability to fully participate in and benefit from agricultural ventures. Agriculture is often viewed as labor-intensive with low returns, deterring youth from considering it a viable career option. This perception is exacerbated by the dominance of #traditional farming methods and the absence of successful agricultural businesses that could serve as role models. The agro-processing industry in Kenya is still developing, resulting in limited job creation and income opportunities for young people. Most agricultural products are sold in their raw form without further processing or value addition. Transforming Ecosystem for Jobs in Agriculture through Technology and Innovation @tejati As digital natives, GenZs are leveraging technology to enhance agricultural productivity. Initiatives that bridge the gap between technology and agriculture are emerging, with young engineers aiming to integrate tech solutions into farming practices. Youth-led movements are influencing policy decisions, advocating for reforms that support sustainable agricultural practices and equitable resource distribution. Recent youth-led #protests in Kenya over tax increases have demonstrated the political and social power of Gen Z in effecting change. Young agripreneurs are establishing ventures that add value to agricultural products, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to economic growth. Initiatives like "The Soil Inventory" aim to bridge the gap between academic research and actual farming practices, enhancing the practical application of agricultural knowledge.

58

1 Comment

How do we solve this imbalance between underprivileged community farmers and their commercial counterparts? 🤔 It's all about embracing inclusive growth models, like providing access to innovative tech and sustainable practices. 🌱💧 Let's chat about how we can support these vital members of our food chain. 📢 Share your thoughts or tag someone who's making a difference! #InclusiveGrowth #SustainableFarming #TechForGood

4

The horticulture crop bill sponsored by the nominated MP Sabina Chege, will it grow Kenya's horticulture sector or will it limit farmers from growing foods affecting the realization of sustainable food systems by 2030. Will it protect consumers from exploitative costs of food thus leading the country towards food poverty, malnutrition due to lack of enough resources to purchase staple foods domestically? With taxation, licencing, restrictions proposed in the bill especially for the domestic market, will it discourage farmers and agri-business traders from practicing horticulture crop farming. Just questioning if the government is really sincere in achieving food security and sustainability? The restrictions created from the bill especially for the local market, means most SMEs in agribusiness will seize to exist. I believe it has alot of legalities in order to grow crops, market, process , store and sell which will cripple the sector. When it comes to basic needs like essentials which is food, government is failing. Say no to oppressive bills that seek to infringe human basic rights. As a country our agriculture sector has not reached a point where taxing farmers and licensing farmers for the domestic market sustainable. The sector has to have strong foundations and systems by first empowering farmers and improving HDI within the country. As a citizen I'm sad of the route our politicians are leading us too. It's high time farmers and agriculture stakeholders get involved in the drafting of bills that affect transitions in the sector. #Kenya Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

3

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing Africa, impacting food security, water availability, health systems, and biodiversity. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative solutions to enhance climate resilience and adaptation strategies across the continent. Below are key areas where AI can play a pivotal role: 1. Climate Data Collection and Analysis AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of climate data from satellite imagery, sensors, and historical records. This can: Enhance forecasting: Provide accurate weather and climate predictions. Map vulnerabilities: Identify areas at risk of drought, flooding, or other climate-related hazards. 2. Sustainable Agriculture AI is revolutionizing agriculture by: Improving crop management: Using predictive analytics to determine the best planting and harvesting times. Detecting pests and diseases: AI-driven tools can identify threats early to reduce crop losses. Optimizing water use: AI can guide precision irrigation systems to conserve water. 3. Disaster Preparedness and Response AI can help in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters by: Real-time monitoring: Tracking cyclones, floods, and wildfires for timely alerts. Resource allocation: Optimizing emergency response by prioritizing high-risk areas. 4. Urban Planning and Infrastructure AI can assist in designing climate-resilient cities by: Optimizing energy use: Guiding the transition to renewable energy and smart grids. Improving infrastructure resilience: Predicting stress points in buildings and transportation systems due to climate impacts. 5. Health Systems Resilience AI applications in health can address climate-induced challenges such as: Predicting disease outbreaks: Identifying patterns in climate-sensitive diseases like malaria and cholera. Optimizing healthcare delivery: Ensuring health resources are available in vulnerable regions. 6. Conservation and Natural Resource Management AI supports biodiversity and ecosystem management by: Monitoring ecosystems: Using AI to track deforestation, desertification, and wildlife movements. Preventing illegal activities: Detecting poaching or illegal logging activities through real-time surveillance. 7. Policy Formulation and Implementation AI-driven insights can guide evidence-based policies by: Analyzing the effectiveness of past interventions. Modeling the outcomes of proposed climate actions. Challenges to Address Despite the potential, leveraging AI for climate resilience in Africa requires addressing: Data accessibility: Expanding datasets for better AI training. Infrastructure: Ensuring reliable internet and electricity access. Skills development: Training local experts in AI and data science. Funding: Securing investment for AI research and deployment. #AIForClimateResilience #SustainableAfrica #ClimateTech #AIInnovation #ResilientAfrica

4

1 Comment

Our next phase will be focusing on smallholder farmers, supporting them to produce sustainably. Edo State Oil Palm Programme Independent Implementation Office (ESOPP IIO)

16