In the program this week, as we conclude Youth in Agriculture, in South Africa during the period when South Africans commemorated Youth Month, we look at youth innovations in agriculture.We chat to youth who are in the lead in agricultural innovations and won the 2021 Limpopo M-Lab Agri-Tech-Tour Awards.Twenty finalists were involved in the Agri-Tour SA Limpopo Innovation Platform an innovative start up programme in South Africa that sets out to identify young businesses that make a true difference in the agricultural and tourism sectors.

As we continue Youth Month commemorations in South Africa, we look at what opportunities have been derived from the effects of the events of the fateful June 16, 1976, day in South Africa. How are youth benefitting from the opportunities presented by the negative effects of the events? We speak to Nomantande Precious Yeki from South Africa’s National Agriculture Marketing Council…

As we continue Youth Month commemorations in South Africa, we look at what opportunities have been derived from the effects of the events of the fateful June 16, 1976, day in South Africa. How are youth benefitting from the opportunities presented by the negative effects of the events? We speak to Nomantande Precious Yeki from South Africa’s National Agriculture Marketing Council…

As we continue Youth Month commemorations in South Africa, we look at what opportunities have been derived from the effects of the events of the fateful June 16, 1976, day in South Africa. How are youth benefitting from the opportunities presented by the negative effects of the events? We speak to Nomantande Precious Yeki from South Africa’s National Agriculture Marketing Council…

Events of June 16th 1976, otherwise known as the Soweto Uprising, ushered in a want by the youth to be involved in the affairs of the land. In the episode, Youth Ambassadors for Agriculture, we are chatting to two South Africans about agriculture in the age of white male- dominated sector.

“We are failing when it comes to agriculture if maybe, the government can offer more”, Matumi Mayhers Rauphala, a fruit and vegetable vendor in Johannesburg, South Africa, says not many black people are involved in agriculture…

June is Youth Month in South Africa. To commemorate the events of June 16, 1976, otherwise known as The Youth Uprising in South Africa, Channel Africa looks at the role of youth in Agriculture. We hear from youth that have taken agriculture as their career and are busy contribution to the country’s, let alone continent’s food security. Youth Ambassadors for June 16 is a special series about the continent’s youth that seek to reverse the notion that agriculture is for retired people…

Ibrahim Mayaki - CEO AUDA- NEPAD conveys four useful Africa Day Message with more emphasis on refining African development and the repositioning of the continent.. (07'59)Sunday Ihiene - "Africa should have done better in the agricultural sector if there was proper leadership. Leaders are sleeping" (6'04"

As Africa is gearing up to celebrate Africa Day, questions are flying out about the relevance of its celebration when natural resources are depleting with impunity. According to the International Water Management Institute, the promulgation of South Africa’s highly acclaimed National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), evidence is emerging that its vision of redressing inequities from the past is not being achieved.In the program, we hear from participants from across the continent and beyond discussing the impact of water control on limited resource.

As the world, let alone Africa, grapples with food shortages, a more than 70-year-old organisation has been at the forefront of engaging countries and individuals in the development of food security and agriculture.The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) turned 76 recently.In the programme this week, we look at what FAO is and how involved the organisation has been in the food security and agriculture sector, as a whole.We hear anecdotes of FAO’s work in Africa and beyond…

Aground entrepreneurs-the future of Africa (2’55) Celebrating agri-food entrepreneurs is a ‘carrot’ for young Africans to be involved in agriculture, in order to destigmatise the fact that Agriculture is for ‘old people’.Gogettaz Awards Initiative supporting young African agripreneurs (2’37)Generation Africa is an organisation that is at the forefront of the Gogettaz Awards which has impacted on agri-food entrepreneurship and thus encouraging support for young African agri-preneurs. Are you one of the young aspiring agri-preneurs that could try their luck? You have a chance in 2021!2020 Gogettaz Aspirants present their concepts (15’44)A journey of a thousand miles starts with just a step! Young African farmers have dreams that can change the world, by coming up with innovative ideas! These are the ideas that will feed the Africa of the future!

Serious concerns have arisen over illicit tobacco trade that is affecting thousands of farm workers in most tobacco growing countries in Africa, especially in South Africa. Is there any protocol within the World Health Organisation (WHO) to combat the worldwide illicit tobacco trade?The answer to this lies in the 2012 World Health Organisation Treaty, which was designed to combat exactly the same activities. Is the industry protected? We speak to Christo van Staden from Limpopo Tobacco Processors and Theo de Jager, President of the World Farmers Organisation.Should you like to comment on this program, send your comments to :Email: agroafrica@channelafrica.org Twitter: @agroafrikaWe are also on DSTV Audio bouquet #802

Is there a short cut in mitigating the effects of the pandemic in terms of food and nutrition as provided in the staple foods of the Region. We join a Webinar discussions by the Regional Strategic Analysis and knowledge Support System otherwise known as RESAKS in collaboration with AKADEMIA2063 an organization established to meet the needs of African countries in terms of data, analytics and mutual learning for the effective implementation of the African Union’s agenda 2063. Should you like to comment on this program, send your comments to:Twitter: @agroafrikaEmail: agroafrica@channelafrica.org We are on DSTv Audio bouquet #802

Throughout history, Africans have depended on super foods for sustenance and medicine to heal a multitude of sicknesses. Today, modern science is agreeing what has been known in traditional African medicine for ages about several medicinal properties of indigenous African foods. Staple foods in Southern Africa has been put on the limelight. A webinar discussing the status of staple food was recently initiated by IWMI – the International Water Management Institute. Should you like to comment on this program, send your comments to:Twitter: @agroafrikaEmail: agroafrica@channelafrica.org We are on DSTv Audio bouquet #802

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

As more and more deaths are recorded each day in the entire universe, and the number of those contracting the disease increases, more and more organisations are beginning to understand the need for intervention.The African Union Development Agency – AUDA NEPAD recently embarked on engaging the five Economic Communities of Africa in discussing ways and means of intervention, in combatting the COVID-19 within the food and nutrition arena. A Zoom meeting to deal with the challenges took place recently. Should you like to comment on this program, send your comments through to: Twitter: @agroafrika Email: agroafrica@channelafrica.org We are on DSTv Audio bouquet #802

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

The extra ordinary disruption caused by COVID-19 on the African food systems needs conceited efforts to mitigate its impacts. A coalition to galvanise leadership and problem –solving in the continent’s food systems has been established by the African Union’s development agency- AUDA- NEPAD, in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).Martin Bwalya is AUDA- NEPAD’s head of a newly established department at the agency, called the Industrialisation Division. He speaks to Agro Africa on how the coalition will champion cross-cutting measures in response to COVID-19.

The 2020 Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program’s biennial report has reported progress in implementing the Malabo declaration. With 49 countries submitting their reports only 6 member states did not report. One of the Malabo commitments was enhancing investment finance in agriculture. In this week’s program we hear how a partnership announcement to empower previously disadvantaged farmers in South Africa could facilitate investment finance in agriculture in the country. Should like to comment on this program……. Email: agroafrica@channelafrica.orgTwitter: @agroafrikaWe are on DSTV Audio Bouquet #802, Satellite Pas 10 and Live Streaming : www.channelafrica.co.za

Disparities in the second round of the Biennial Review

When to connect the dots ...

Disparities 2

The use of scientific data in agriculture is the way

Advisable for all countries in Africa to be part of the

The inaugural CAADP Biennial Review Report in 2018, had a bench mark set at 3.9 out of a total of 10. The second one however, was pushed to 6.6 out of 10. What were the driving factors for the change? Dr. Greenwell Matchaya from ReSAKSS – (The Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System- a research organization that conducted training for the report, in conjunction with other stakeholders in the CAADP implementation processes) says countries should be able to reassess the processes from the previous reviews, in order to come up with action points to better the scores.

The second CAADP Biennial Review Report is out!How has your country faired?The inaugural Biennial Review Report in 2018, had a bench mark set at 3.9 out of a total of 10. The second one however, was pushed to 6.6 out of 10. What were the driving factors for the change? We speak to Greenwell Matchaya from ReSAKSS – The Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System- a research organization that conducted training in conjunction with other stakeholders in the CAADP implementation.Komla Bissi, the Head Coordinator of the CAADP initiative at the African Union, gives the back ground and the brief analysis of the report.

We look at why aquaculture has had a slow development in Africa? What are the challenges faced by fish farmers in the continent. Every year, in lakes such Lake Malawi, Lake Victoria, more fish is taken out without much replenishing. Unregulated fishing, using illegal nets, is depleting the stocks of young fish that are so crucial to the lake’s future.This week we hear what is happening in Lake Victoria. (Relate if anything has changed)

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

“Land governance is a proven pathway to achieving transformational change and impact that will help secure Africa’s future for the benefit of all its families,” says Jamal Saghir, World Bank Director for Sustainable Development in Africa.The World Bank has introduced a program that includes securing tenancy rights over individual and public lands while improving land governance: enhancing transparency, power decentralization, developing information systems and databases to ensure proper documentation and better mapping of lands.What has your country done to secure tenancy rights over individual and public lands?Should you like to comment on this program, send your comments to:Twitter: @agroafrikaEmail: agroafrica@channelafrica.org We are on DSTv Audio bouquet #802

Agricultural exhibitions otherwise known as ‘Agricultural Shows’ have provided local people with an opportunity to celebrate achievements and enjoy a break from day-to-day routine. Though the industry has experienced financial strain in Africa, in particular the exhibitions provide a combination of serious competition and light entertainment. It rewards hard work and skills of primary producers a venue for rural families to socialise.How is your country performing in creating agricultural exhibitions? How often does your country have agricultural exhibitions? What benefits have you derived from agricultural shows?Should you like to comment on this program, send your comments to: Twitter: @agroafrika Email: agroafrica@channelafrica.org We are on DSTv Audio bouquet #802

Climate change is affecting Africa in a negative way.It has presented a growing threat to food security and nutrition in Africa and is a particularly severe threat to countries relying heavily on agriculture. According to recent reports by FAO “the effects of climate change, reduced precipitation and higher temperatures are already seen on the yields of staple food crops. Without climate change adaptation and mitigation, by 2050 an estimated additional 71 million people will be food insecure in the world, over half of whom will be in sub-Saharan Africa”How has your country done to be food secure. We look at the World Food Day and why it was established.

Africa’s small scale farmers face many challenges.In most of their dealings they are prevented from scaling up their participation in markets, including insecure rights to land and natural resources. They do not have a say in policy decisions that impact on their lives, but yet, they produce almost 80 percent of food in the continent and arguably throughout the globe.Examples of their work are equally unsung!In this episode we look at small scale farmers’ activities in some parts of the continent.Should you like to comment on this program, send your comments to:Twitter: @agroafrikaEmail: agroafrica@channelafrica.org We are on DSTv Audio bouquet #802

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

Professional packaging of finished products for the markets could be the important and final game-changer, for African women agri-preneurs, who would like to take their entrepreneurship to another level.AUDA- NEPAD which organises Women in Agribusiness conferences in the continent, has considered the value chains in agriculture; with emphasis on challenges and opportunities experienced by small-scale and poor farmers. Given the level of women’s role in agriculture, supporting women agripreneurship is critical for transforming economic and social wellbeing of households and communities across the continent.

– A plea to the Malawian in the Diaspora to rethink their decision of self- exile

– On living realistically and within one’s means.

-From Passion To Action.

On empowering oneself while empowering others in the community.

Defining ‘worthiness’ in the eyes of a young girl.

On thinking big from humble beginnings

On being an agripreneur more than just a business woman (4th Conference for Women in Agribusiness- Durban SA)

On lessons learned from other participants being very inspiring (4th Conference for Women in Agribusiness- Durban SA)

Using traditional products to change people’s lives with Leticia Kuda Muwapose

Responding to the importance of M&As and the Catalogue for Women in Agribusiness (4th Conference for Women in Agribusiness- Durban SA).

Agripreneurs should take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AFCFTA) and advocate for its ratification. This was one of the outcomes at a recently ended conference for women in agribusiness in Durban, South Africa. Government were called upon to provide small scale farmers and agribusiness SMMEs with customized solutions that reduce barriers to markets through embracing science, innovation and technology. Further to that, Agripreneurs themselves, are expected to establish continental structures for the promotion of private sector involvement in skills development and be able to organize cooperatives and increase representation along the value chain.

Smallholder agriculture in Africa has long served as the dominant economic activity for especially in the sub-Saharan part of the continent. Though the size of the sector does not necessarily imply that investments in the smallholder sector will yield high social benefits, it is the hope of Africans that the sector is the solution to eradicate hunger and poverty.ACASA is an organization that has been formed to address the issues of smallholder farming in the continentBut what is ACASA?

Every year the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) provides an occasion to highlight the plight of almost 900 million undernourished people in the world. Most of them live in the rural areas where their main source of income is agriculture. The world Food Day is commemorated annually around the world on 16th October in remembrance of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Food and Agriculture might be looked at, and approached, in a holistic manner to mean one thing when they are, actually, different. While there is need to deal with agriculture as a separate entity in addressing food security, conceited efforts towards stakeholder relations, equally, need to be tackled to meet the SDG Goal 2, which seeks to end hunger in all its forms by 2030

Cold chain logistics include all of the means used to ensure a constant temperature for a product that is not heat stable, from the time it is manufactured, until the time it is used. This is a science, a technology and process. As Africa’s infrastructure has challenged the movement of most goods amongst countries, the need for a better storage and monitoring, especially temperature sensitive products, is very vital. The Cold Chain Summit in Eswatini recently, was an inaugural summit of its kind, where producers of temperature sensitive products were meeting prospective investors and customers, in a bid to promote value chains in that agricultural sector.

Purses are super foods and have mitigated the food insecurity in the continent. Pulses are the dried edible seeds of certain plants in the legume family that are believed to mitigate the effects of climate change on food production. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there are 11 types of pulses recognised by the organisation, and grown worldwide. These super foods are very high in protein and fibre, and are low in fat. Pulses are also nitrogen-fixing crops that improve the environmental sustainability of annual cropping systems. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours and can be consumed in many forms including whole or split, ground in to flours or separated into fractions such as protein, fibre and starch.

The post harvest losses in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry in the SADC region is a one of the concerns that needs addressing. A three- day inaugural Cold Chain Summit to address such concerns takes place in Manzini, Eswatini. Channel Africa talks to Sphephiso Dlamini, CEO of NAMBOARD- the conveners of the Summit, and other participants.

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

FAO and AUDA-NEPAD are pushing the agenda of promoting indigenous food systems in urban areas in the continent. Malnutrition which continues to hamper development efforts across the continent, contributes to a significant number of deaths of children under the age of five years. However, of emerging concern is the increase in levels of overweight and obesity in the continent, especially in urban areas according to FAO. With an estimated 23.2 percent of the sub-Saharan African population is in a dire situation and may have suffered from chronic food deprivation in 2017 as nearly one in five people living in Africa is hungry.

An organization which was started to advocate for increased relevance of forests and tree resources in Africa, through the strengthening of the capacity of African delegation in regional and international negotiations, recently, celebrated its tenth anniversary since its inception. Against the background of forests, especially in Africa, being looked at more for personal benefits than national or global benefits, what is the future of a forester and the economy derived from the forestry sector?

Organisations such as the African Forestry Forum (AFF) are committed to advancing the sustainable management, use and conservation of the forest and tree resources of Africa. For a long time, forests, particularly in Africa, have been looked at more for personal benefits than national or global benefits. Gabon in West Africa has used community forests to preserve the cultural heritage of its people. These are forests which have been looked after by local communities, though government play supervisory role. A visit to one of the forests, Channel Africa discovers the role of forests and agriculture.

The countries that have adopted the CAADP values and principles, and are implementing their NAIPS in a manner that is consistent, have scored better than the rest, on the inaugural CAADP Biennial Review Report.According to the 14th CAADP PP reports, the same constituencies (eg Member States of AU) adopted both the SDGs and the Malabo Declaration commitments. The Report outcomes have generated an appreciation, that country data systems and statistics are keys to providing direction in identifying areas requiring attention to monitor progress towards the achievements of the goals and targets, and in motivating timely action.How has your country scored on this first BR report?

Maize (Zea mays) is today the most widely grown grain crop, with global production standing at just over one billion tons. Maize is a warm-weather crop; it is unsuitable for areas with a mean daily temperature of below 19°C, or where the mean summer temperature falls below 23°C. In Africa where the temperature is mostly tropic and although the minimum temperature for germination of maize is 10°C, there is need for maize research to be intensive in as far as the growing of maize is concerned, in order to maximize its production.

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) is a good example of a framework that has inspired and energised African agricultural research institutions, farmers’ associations, African governments and the private sector to believe that agriculture has a pivotal role in development. 2020 will realize the second commitment to CAADP reporting, through the launch of the 2nd Biennial Report by countries within the African Union family. Many countries did not fare well in the first Biennial Report in 2018, and are looking forward to a better report in 2020.

Diversity is a particularly important attribute to broad genetic variability, which could enhance food production in Africa. While climate change puts global food security at risk, introducing pulses into crop production can be key to increasing resilience to climate change. But what are pulse?Dean Miller of AGT Africa, one of the largest pulse processing companies speaks about how pulses can fix atmospheric nitrogen and other minerals in the soils to adapt to climate change and contribute towards mitigating its effects.

Rolf Shenton is from Grassroots Trust in Zambia. His organization was established to mitigate the effects of climate change on food production in the continent. With the uncertainties surrounding rainfall in the continent specifically, the Region, rain-fed agriculture is negatively affected. What are the best practices to manage water in your country?

Climate change is affecting the environment in so many ways. Without water agricultural production is negatively affected. Though agricultural production is affected due to shortage of rain, ironically, excessive rainfall may have negative impact on production. Rain water harvesting is one of the viable solutions to help meet water challenges, including, storm water runoffs. What are the best practices to manage water shortages in your country?

Aflatoxins pose a threat to food security, public health, as well as trade in Africa; and the need for its control can never be overemphasized! PACA is a collaboration of stakeholders aimed at protecting crops, livestock and people from the effects of Aflatoxins. How is Africa containing the effects of Aflatoxin on food safety?At a national level, what is your country doing to mitigate the effects of aflatoxin?

Has the approach in post- harvest loses and food loses been improved since 1960’s?.The report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) released early 2018 highlights the scale of postharvest losses and the gains farmers could make by using new technologies.Stephane Gallands Agro Industries Officer (FAO Office in Ghana) speaks about a programme on reducing food loses in Africa.

Resource-saving agricultural crop production in Africa, popularly known as Conservative Agriculture, is a means of achieving expected goals and acceptable profits, together with high and sustained production levels, while concurrently conserving the environment in agriculture. Without Conservative agriculture in the Continent, agriculture in Africa will always face daunting challenges.

The establishment of Grow Africa in the continent provides a leeway for countries to maximise their potential in agribusiness ventures.Through its partnerships across the platforms and value chains in some of the pilot countries in Africa, the organisation seeks to support and provide national governments opportunities to present investment opportunities that support National Agriculture and Food Security Investment Plans (NAIPs). Grow Africa has created opportunities for selected value chains and respective partners to showcase innovations and best practice at least in the areas of innovative finance, and productivity and market access improvements.What value chains has your country been able to involve Grow Africa ?

A safe and quality food supply is necessary for Africa’s ambitions of achieving the goal to end hunger on the continent by 2025.PACA, (Partnership For Aflatoxin Control in Africa) a collaboration of stakeholders aimed at protecting crops, livestock and people from the effects of Aflatoxins is in the forefront of disseminating information on the dangers of aflatoxins. How is your country performing in the area of aflatoxin control and mitigation?

Soil is the foundation of health; and toxic soil becomes a prominent health issue across the globe, so say the experts!The prevalence of hunger in many parts of Africa is directly associated with the depletion of soil nutrients over decades. The 4 per 1000 initiative, an international initiative, officially launched on 1st December 2015 in France, promotes an innovative model for mitigating climate change , through the annual increase in soil organic carbon by 0.4 per cent in the top 30 -40cm of agricultural soils. How have you increased the organic carbon in the soil in your country?

Aflatoxins pose a threat to food security, public health, as well as trade in Africa; and the need for its control can never be overemphasized! PACA is a collaboration of stakeholders aimed at protecting crops, livestock and people from the effects of Aflatoxins. How is Africa containing the effects of Aflatoxin on food safety?At a national level, what is your country doing to mitigate the effects of aflatoxin?

The African development challenges cut across many sectors and they can, arguably, not be clearly compartmentalized.As Africans depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, one of the challenges that many African farmers and their families are encountering is poverty. NEPAD, as an agency, takes a multi -sectoral approach in working towards transformation in-order to meet such development. It is such challenges that development agencies such as NEPAD, are supposed to be looking at, in order to make sense to the African populace. What is the role of NEPAD in your part of the continent?

Water is a human right and its loss is a concern in Africa.Water scarcity or lack of safe drinking water is one of the world's leading problems affecting more than 1.1 billion people globally. According to WHO, (World Health Organisation) one in every six people lacks access to safe drinking water. The Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation set up by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) defines safe drinking water as "water with microbial, chemical and physical characteristics that meets WHO guidelines or national standards on drinking water quality." What are you, and organisations in your area, doing to combat water losses?

A majority of Africans depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet millions of African farmers and their families are trapped in poverty. Globally, food production will continue to be affected by two driving forces: the increase in population, particularly in Africa and; climate change, which will make the challenge of feeding many more people much greater. How will the Continent combat food losses, as population figures increase?

Maize (Zea mays) is today the most widely grown grain crop, with global production standing at just over one billion tons. Maize is a warm-weather crop; it is unsuitable for areas with a mean daily temperature of below 19°C, or where the mean summer temperature falls below 23 °C. In Africa where the temperature is mostly tropic and although the minimum temperature for germination of maize is 10°C, there is need for maize research to be intensive in as far as the growing of maize is concerned, in order to maximize its production.

With more than 60 percent of its people living in rural areas, Africa’s economy is dependent mainly on agriculture.Though there are challenges of climate change, soil degradation and large post-harvest losses, African agriculture has had to go through drastic changes in policy development at continental, regional and country level. Grow Africa is one example of an organization established to address the policy gaps that have existed in the continent in-order ‘to increase responsible private sector investment in agriculture, and accelerate the execution and impact of investment commitments on smallholder farmers’.

The Malabo Declaration of 2014 was a progressive agricultural decision by African Heads of State to look at agriculture and its development. After the 2003 Maputo Declaration African agricultural growth has been slow albeit the promises made by the leaders.Following the 2014 reawakening of the promises made by the leaders, many organisations have been established to run concurrently with the development of agriculture in the continent. One of those organisations is the Malabo Montpellier Panel. Who are they and what makes them tick?

Women in Africa are key contributors to economic growth and global food security, but they still face many challenges. The dominant narrative of African women in agriculture is one of perpetual struggle and poverty. It is a challenge to define the crucial role of African women in agriculture and agribusiness. This is due to the fact that men have arguably dominated the agricultural space. How are women involved in agriculture faring in your country?

Modern poultry supply chains are attracting investors—with companies usually starting with feed initiatives including hatcheries that have set a trend of building a smarter poultry value chain; encompassing breeding, grow-out farms and processing facilities. In some cases, companies are also investing in distribution, through butcher shops and restaurant chains. These restaurant chains, and sometimes supermarkets and quick-service restaurants, have responded to the opportunity of a rising African middle class and are expanding across the continent, pulling new investments into the region.The African poultry and egg industry is in a fast growth mode, which offers various opportunities for international investors in several areas:What challenges are you facing in the poultry industry in your country?

Over the years, maize has been a cereal grain and a well-known staple crop in Africa. It was first grown by people in ancient Central America and has become the third most important cereal crop in the world. However the crop has gone through tremendous changes due to different environmental and cultural influences.How has the continent, especially the Southern and Eastern parts of Africa, where the crop is cultivated, done in order to mitigate some of the negative influences experienced in the production of the crop?How has the crop fared in your country?

According to the recent Havard Business Review- a general management magazine published by Harvard Business Publishing, “the collapse of the commodity boom has pushed countries and their citizens to invent other ways to survive because benefits like unbridled imports are no longer sustainable”Now many things are coming together which will help transform some African economies by the sheer power of their entrepreneurs. Africans, especially the youth, are now embarking on entrepreneurship.How are youth in your country involved in entrepreneurship?

While it is already demonstrated that science , technology and innovation is key factor to increase productivity, create business and jobs and raise incomes, the BR report shows evidence that public investment in agricultural research is still low and access to technology is not sufficient for farmers.This week we look at the experience sharing of success stories in agricultural science technology and innovation and its impact on productivity and incomes through innovative women farmers. We speak to a young entrepreneur from Ghana and an exhibitor from Nigeria. What challenges are you facing in the efficiency of agricultural research organisation in supporting CAADP Malabo NAIPS in your country?

The countries that have adopted the CAADP values and principles, and are implementing their NAIPS in a manner that is consistent, have scored better than the rest, on the inaugural CAADP Biennial Review Report.According to the 14th CAADP PP reports, the same constituencies (eg Member States of AU) adopted both the SDGs and the Malabo Declaration commitments. The Report outcomes have generated an appreciation, that country data systems and statistics are keys to providing direction in identifying areas requiring attention to monitor progress towards the achievements of the goals and targets, and in motivating timely action. How has your country scored on this first BR report?

The inaugural CAADP Biennial Review Report of the African Union Commission on the implementation of the Malabo Declaration has demonstrated the importance of having a continental framework that sets benchmarks for member states to simulate evidence based planning, and set the ground for harmonised tracking and mutual accountability. According to the organisers of the 14th CAADP PP meeting in Libreville, Gabon, the report is not a ‘policing tool’ for AU member states How has your country scored on this first BR report?

According to the recent Havard Business Review- a general management magazine published by Harvard Business Publishing, “the collapse of the commodity boom has pushed countries and their citizens to invent other ways to survive because benefits like unbridled imports are no longer sustainable”.Now many things are coming together which will help transform some African economies by the sheer power of their entrepreneurs. Africans, especially the youth, are now embarking on entrepreneurship. How are youth in your country involved in entrepreneurship?

The vast majority of smallholder farmers live in remote areas, where good, fast internet connectivity reaches less than 30% of the population. Women constitute almost half of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, yet they are less likely to access the internet than men in the same communities. A new recommitment is needed to help African countries reach and maintain a higher path of economic growth through new promises that would reduce mass poverty food insecurity and hunger.

Arguably dormant for the first 10 years, CAADP received a boost with a new commitment by African Heads of State in 2014, at a historic meeting in Malabo- Equatorial Guinea. This recommitment was aimed at helping African countries reach and maintain a higher path of economic growth through new promises that would reduce mass poverty food insecurity and hunger. How do we make our leaders accountable?

In Kenya like most countries in Africa, the average age of a farmer is 57 years and few young people are interested in making a business in farming. Some farming activities can be more attractive to the young; mushroom farming and beekeeping need less labour than more traditional crops, and can earn good income. But even these may not be attractive enough to pull in many young entrepreneurs. What is the level of interest by your youth in agriculture in your country?

ICT is used as an umbrella term encompassing all information and communication technologies including devices, networks, mobiles, services and applications; these range from innovative Internet-era technologies and sensors to other pre-existing aids such as fixed telephones, televisions, radios and satellites. How is Africa taking advantage of these new technologies?What is your country doing to develop agriculture through these innovations?

Africa is expected to feed almost 1.5 billion people by 2030 and 2 billion by 2050. This is almost a daunting challenge that the Continent could ever intend to encounter! As a continent, Africa has an objective to ensure food security for a population that is increasing and becoming more urbanized. Could cooperatives be the answer to the existing food shortages in the continent?Do you have cooperatives in your country? How are they contributing to food security in the continent?

Serious concerns have arisen over illicit tobacco trade that is affecting thousands of farm workers in most tobacco growing countries in Africa, especially in South Africa. Is there any protocol within the World Health Organisation (WHO) to combat the worldwide illicit tobacco trade?The answer to this lies in the 2012 World Health Organisation Treaty, which was designed to combat exactly the same activities. What is the situation in neighbouring countries? We look at Zimbabwe.

A dangerous trade is chocking the development of the continent and bringing almost to a halt the dream of job creation, as Africa grapples with illicit tobacco trade. A lot of cigarettes are illegally available on the market. Who is gaining and who is losing out?While tobacco is the only drug that kills many of its users when used exactly as intended by manufacturers, illicit trading of tobacco is affecting production; from the farmer on the ground to the manufacturers of cigarettes.

Advisory services like extension services have played and will always play a major role in the African agriculture. These services are critical for facilitating smallholder and enterprise access to technology and knowledge. Advisory services in particular, increasingly play a brokering role to support inclusive multi-stakeholder innovation processes that links key actors such as producer organizations, research services, higher education and agribusiness with producers. In many occasions, agricultural advisory services actively facilitate knowledge and technology adoption among smallholders. How often are these services available to you in your area?

The processing of food from crop production to end users’ products is a chain that should be encouraged in Africa to provide necessary jobs in the agricultural sector. Agro processing in other continents have encouraged the formation of Cooperatives that have, in turn, proven to provide an estimated 100 million jobs around the world. In South Africa, the government has had plans to progressively establish Agri-Parks in all 53 District Municipalities. In these plans priority was given to 27 poorest District Municipalities which were expected to be fully fledged agro-hubs and would offer all services along the various commodities value chains.In the program we hear about value added initiatives in agriculture

The 10 percent of all national GDP’s contribution to agriculture - an agreement by African leaders, at Malabo Equitorial Guinea in 2014, has necessitated a ‘small peer review’ by way of national reports at the next AU seating of national meeting in January 2018. As CAADP looks at reviewing the role of national agricultural policies through such reports by African leaders, there is need for conceited efforts by AU member countries to comply with the Malabo agreement. In the program we hear about how the Malabo agreement can be achieved.

Although almost 43% of Africa’s population lives in extreme poverty, the continent boasts a number of paradoxes ; one of which is that of having 10 of the 25 growing economies in the world, whose growth is characterized by high levels of unemployment , food insecurity and poverty. Despite agriculture being the path to Africa’s prosperity, the sector has faced historical neglect with most governments focusing only on sectors that engage 20% - 30 % of the population- thereby depriving agriculture’s potential. How is your country encouraging her farmers to take part in farming?In the program we hear about mutual accountability in African agriculture.

Farmers are often advised to diversify their farming businesses. Growing more than one type of crop and selling to several different markets is a good way of protecting yourself from the risk of crop failure or a fall in prices. The multiplicity of results from such diversity includes reversal of soil erosion and deforestation. Prosopis juliflora, a hardy shrub from Latin America, is one example of plants that are able to survive with minimal rainfall but can cause serious problem on animals grazing on the shrub. While it is not valuable, except for its pods, which are high in energy, the plant can provide high energy feed-blocks for livestock. Can this be a solution for Africa? In the program we hear about how agriculture can be diversified.

Women’s economic empowerment is a top priority in the work to reduce poverty and promote inclusive sustainable development, so say the organisers of the recently ended conference on women in agribusiness held in Durban, South Africa. Under the theme ‘Practical Steps into Entrepreneurship’ the conference looked at ways of building collective capabilities in order to exploit women’s entrepreneurial capacity that inn the end would help the continent to emerge with a healthier pattern of growth , and put on a faster track towards poverty reduction and development

The African civil society has expressed their concern about the seeming neglect of the adaptation needs of developing countries and inadequate levels of public climate finance. This is also impinged upon by limited access to adaptation finance as demonstrated by the imbalance between financing of mitigation and adaptation within the Green Climate Fund proposals, which have, so far, been approved by the Fund. They also have raised the issue of the slow development of operational mechanism of the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative.In Talking COP3 (2), we continue looking at some of the deliberations at the COP23 in Bonn, Germany.

The African civil society has expressed their concern about the seeming neglect of the adaptation needs of developing countries and inadequate levels of public climate finance. This is also impinged upon by limited access to adaptation finance as demonstrated by the imbalance between financing of mitigation and adaptation within the Green Climate Fund proposals, which have, so far, been approved by the Fund. They also have raised the issue of the slow development of operational mechanism of the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative.In Talking COP3 we begin looking at some of the deliberations at the COP23 in Bonn, Germany

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

The 10 percent of all national GDP’s contribution to agriculture - an agreement by African leaders, at Malabo Equitorial Guinea in 2014, has necessitated a ‘small peer review’ by way of national reports at the next AU seating of national meeting in January 2018. As CAADP looks at reviewing the role of national agricultural policies through such reports by African leaders, there is need for conceited efforts by AU member countries to comply with the Malabo agreement.

In this week’s programme we hear how a young man is using an idea in the agricultural space to advance the possibilities of food production and job creation in Africa. In our Agro Interview of the Week we talk to Abebe Haile Gabriel the Regional Programme Leader of the Food And Agricultural Organisation (FAO) at the United Nations

With 60 percent of Africa’s population currently 24 years and below, the implementation of both the 2030 UN Agenda for sustainable development and African Union Agenda 2063 need the focus to turn to the youth.How will youth entrepreneurship help in creating the necessary skills for youth to be independent and self-sufficient?

Most governments lag behind in assisting the youth, especially in the technologies they are developing. According to experts African youths are not being given enough financial backing. While it is important to discuss the demographic dividends of the political leadership and the ubiquitous unemployment levels of the continent, governments need to strategise concrete actions and support for young people to realise their full potential.According to a survey by Lam and Leibbrandt by 2030, when children reach their 16th birthdays, the corresponding labour pool would have grown by 21 million people annually.

Why should Africa be food insecure when most of the natural resources in the continent are renewable? Agricultural growth therefore needs to be encouraged if Africa will improve her food production through the agricultural sector. By involving different stakeholders in the sector agriculture will receive the necessary attention. The introduction of Future Farms by AGCO (the Agriculture Company that looks at improving agriculture through its various programs worldwide) has the potential of growing the agriculture sector.

Connecting the dots in agricultural production will be an answer to Africa’s unemployment levels.A lot of products produced in Africa are exported out of the continent as raw materials, only to come back as finished products. Africa needs to start domesticating value chain initiatives in agriculture, by taking decisions to buy more made- in-Africa products. Developing the agricultural sector, first, will be central to economic diversification in several countries leading to quality products. The SADC Industrialization Week, as the preliminary of the SADC Heads of States and Government meeting gathers experts in the region to discuss policies directions and success stories in industrialization in the continent.

Beef production in Africa can be turned into a viable value chain for agriculture in the continent should the idea of Beefmasters is taken seriously. The performance of the livestock sector, especially on beef production, in the sub –Saharan Africa over most of the last two decades, has been far from impressive, according to latest statistics. The production and consumption gap for the major food commodities has widened across the continent.Beefmasters in South Africa is looking at improving the value chain in Beef production.How is your country fairing in the production of beef?

South Africa and Africa is now leading in the presidency of the world farmers’ organization.Dr. Theo de Jager, a past deputy president of Agri SA, has recently been elected president of the World Farmers’ Organisation. This is the first time a South African, let alone, African to lead the world body.The question is: will the African presidency in the global affairs of farmers have any effect on food security in the continent? What is the vision of the new president?What is it that you expect from Dr. Theo de Jager?

The improvement of agriculture and food security in Africa needs conceited efforts from a wide range of stakeholders; from farmers themselves, political leaders, innovators and the private sector.While it is estimated that less than ten per cent of crops in Africa are grown with the help of irrigation, most crops are completely dependent on rainfall. This poor rainfall levels contribute to food insecurity. But what if the rainfall is perennially not enough? What can be the solution?Share with us your experiences.

Vitamin deficiencies in the body cause a lot of diseases. For the continent these problems mostly affect millions of children. Vitamin A is one of the most common types of malnourishment. Every year, more than a million children in Africa and south Asia either die or go blind because they don’t eat enough foods containing Vitamin A. The planting of vegetables in urban areas therefore, can alleviate such issues of malnutrition.In Uganda a programme called HarvestPlus, which is fighting Vitamin A deficiency through some new types of sweet potato has been introduced. Unlike normal sweet potatoes, the new types have orange flesh instead of white.

Exchange of experiences and skills among stakeholders on forestry and climate change related international processes can help food security in the continent. Gatherings of forestry experts at a given time, anywhere, in the world, help in identifying critical forestry challenges. Policy and institutional frameworks that integrate forest related adaptation and mitigation mechanisms in Africa, can be identified at such gatherings, which, further, provide better understanding and appreciation of contribution and impact of a number of critical forestry management issues such as forest certification, pests and diseases and many more.

Although almost 43% of Africa’s population lives in extreme poverty, the continent boasts a number of paradoxes ; one of which is that of having 10 of the 25 growing economies in the world, whose growth is characterized by high levels of unemployment , food insecurity and poverty.Arguably dormant for the first 10 years, CAADP received a boost with a new commitment by African Heads of State in 2014, at a historic meeting in Malabo- Equatorial Guinea. This recommitment was aimed at helping African countries reach and maintain a higher path of economic growth through new promises that would reduce mass poverty food insecurity and hunger. How do we make our leaders accountable?

Although almost 43% of Africa’s population lives in extreme poverty, the continent boasts a number of paradoxes ; one of which is that of having 10 of the 25 growing economies in the world, whose growth is characterized by high levels of unemployment , food insecurity and poverty.Despite agriculture being the path to Africa’s prosperity, the sector has faced historical neglect with most governments focusing only on sectors that engage 20% - 30 % of the population- thereby depriving agriculture’s potential. How is your country encouraging her farmers to take part in farming?

An estimated 20% to 40% of crop production in Africa is lost before it reaches the consumers. This is scandalous on a continent where millions go hungry! The food import bill is close to 40 billion US$ and could easily be used to fuel Africa’s growth and creating wealth and employment opportunities. While an average African farm is performing at only about 40% of its potential, the continent boasts almost 25% of the world arable land and of the world’s uncultivated land suitable for growing food crops is in Africa. What should Africa do?

Women contribute almost eighty percent of agricultural produce in Africa. This contribution comprises of small scale farmer. Studies by UN’s Food and Agriculture has shown that throughout the world, women farmers control less land and make far less use of improved technologies and inputs such as fertilizer. They tend to have less access to credit and insurance and are less likely to receive extension services.

Farmers are often advised to diversify their farming businesses.Growing more than one type of crop and selling to several different markets is a good way of protecting yourself from the risk of crop failure or a fall in prices. The multiplicity of results from such diversity includes reversal of soil erosion and deforestation.Prosopis juliflora, a hardy shrub from Latin America, is one example of plants that are able to survive with minimal rainfall but can cause serious problem on animals grazing on the shrub. While it is not valuable, except for its pods, which are high in energy, the plant can provide high energy feed-blocks for livestock. Can this be a solution for Africa?

The processing of food from crop production to end users’ products is a chain that should be encouraged in Africa to provide necessary jobs in the agricultural sector. Agro processing in other continents have encouraged the formation of Cooperatives that have, in turn, proven to provide an estimated 100 million jobs around the world. In South Africa, the government has had plans to progressively establish Agri-Parks in all 53 District Municipalities. In these plans priority was given to 27 poorest District Municipalities which were expected to be fully fledged agro-hubs and would offer all services along the various commodities value chains.

Interesting stories about agriculture in the continent are coming from the grassroots. Stories about decisions in families; of whether decisions should be unilaterally taken by the father or through family discussions, have impacted on production. Some families have had discussions to take agriculture as a business while others have decided on being subsistence. We touch on stories about GM trials in some countries in the continent and other stories…..

Africa’s minerals have been extracted and mostly processed outside the continent. This exporting of resources has thus deprived the growth of manufacturing and industrialization in the continent.What has Africa done to protect its minerals and the exportation of her resources including jobs? What is Agro processing?

The month of March was not only Human Rights month in South Africa, but was the month during which Africa staged one of the first ever global conferences in the continent. Themed Waste Water – the untapped resource, the 2017 Durban World Water Summit addressed a number of issues including coming up with a declaration. In attendance were delegates from all over the world including African Ministers dealing with water.We should be asking now: is waste water a resource?

Women have led the baton to give back to communities especially in agriculture. According to research, almost 80% of food in Africa is contributed by women. African women farmers need more platforms, where constructive dialogues amongst stakeholders in agriculture, will discuss strategies for the sake of job creation and skills development. This platform can raise awareness of the magnitude of the challenges that Africa is facing and will promote the urgency of giving back to the communities.

Every year, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress gathers together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and other startup champions from more than 160 countries to identify new ways of helping founders start and scale new ventures around the world. At the weeklong GEC, delegates make connections, gain insights, learn about new research, and leave ready to renew their programs, policy ideas or firm founder skills.

The training of rural women is very important, especially with the adoption of modern agricultural techniques that are tailored to local conditions and that use natural resources in a sustainable manner. Women are now ready to compete with their men folk to achieve sustainable agribusiness enterprises and livelihoods. With the assistance of organisations such as NEPAD, National and Pan- agricultural unions etc, women farmers are taking advantage to take part in a lot of agricultural initiatives. How is your country encouraging her farmers to take part in farming?

South African tourism has registered a thirteen percent growth in arrivals in 2016. While tourism is on the rise, African farmers, on the whole, are not benefitting from the tourism boom. Each year, agriculture is shedding jobs. The new convergence of agriculture and tourism in Africa has the potential for job creation. With the vast acres of land that Africa possesses, the farms therein could halt rural out migration of farmers from the land and bring the necessary revenue to farmers, let alone contribute to the fiscus of many countries. Agritourism has the potential to partially reverse this process and put people to work who would otherwise be idle.

According to Africa Tourism Monitor of the past two years, African tourism is on the rise.Across the continent, there are around 20 million people working directly or indirectly for the tourism industry. This means that the sector accounts for 7.1% of all jobs in Africa. Jobs supported by the sector include guides, hotel staff, interpreters, aviation staff and small businesses. Yet the economic impact of tourism extends beyond job creation. While tourism is on the rise, African farmers on the whole are not benefitting from the tourism boom, and each year, agriculture is shedding jobs. Agritourism has the potential to partially reverse this process and put people to work who would otherwise be idle.Agritourism? What is it and how can the initiative transform both the agricultural and tourism sector to a strong and recognizable brand. How can it be marketed in the continent to make the farmer self suffient?

Policies to develop agriculture in the continent will work if stakeholders in the sector walk the talk. Agricultural development in Africa has enjoyed the support of different initiatives such as CAADP (a framework of agricultural development, under the auspices of AU) and other forums such national and regional agricultural unions that have discussed ways and means of sustaining agricultural development. But have these discussions produced result? Are people involved in agriculture walked the talk? What is your country contributing to agricultural development in the continent?

Post-harvest food loss is one of the largest contributing factors to food insecurity in Africa. It is directly affecting the lives of millions of smallholder farming families every year. Although warnings have sounded regarding our global inability to feed a growing population by 2050, the answer does not solely and simply require an expansion of agricultural production. A sustainable solution to the threat of global food shortages will rely heavily on the preservation of existing food production; a reduced loss of food.What is your country doing to reduce post- harvest food losses?

More and more smallholder farmers in the continent are engaging themselves to produce more for their families and the communities in which they live. The United Nations world Food Programme (WFP) defines food security as a situation whereby everybody has physical and economic access to buy and produce food to meet their dietary needs. To be able to do this, some governments in the continent have used extension aid services, to access scientific research and new knowledge, for agricultural practices, to farmers. What are extension aids services? Do you have extension aids service in your country?How are they helping farmers to achieve maximum results in their food production?

Africa needs a platform where constructive dialogue among African leaders and other stakeholders takes place, for implementing strategies in job creation and skills development, as well as an opportunity for promoting a South-South learning and exchange, with an eye to rural development This platform can raise awareness of the magnitude of the challenges that Africa is facing in coming decades as well as the need for transformational development strategies based on multi-sectoral, place-based and participatory approaches for job creation, among many others.What are your governments planning in providing enabling strategies to create a sustainable rural development?

With climate change at the centre of African food security debates, the forestry sector has suffered a lack of commitment from top people in the sector and the grassroots. Do people understand the importance of forests in effecting a paradigm change, especially on the ground?At a recent African forestry workshop, delegates shared knowledge and experiences in advancing commitment to African forestry’s wise use and conservation

More and more smallholder farmers in the continent are engaging themselves to produce more for their families and the communities in which they live. The United Nations world Food Programme (WFP) defines food security as a situation whereby everybody has physical and economic access to buy and produce food to meet their dietary needs. To be able to do this, some governments in the continent have used extension aid services, to access scientific research and new knowledge, for agricultural practices, to farmers. What are extension aids services?Do you have extension aids service in your country? How are they helping farmers to achieve maximum results in their food production?

Africa needs a platform, where constructive dialogue among African leaders and other stakeholders for implementing strategies for job creation and skills development, as well as an opportunity for promoting a South-South learning and exchange, with an eye to rural development, will be instituted. This platform can raise awareness of the magnitude of the challenges that Africa is facing in coming decades; as well as the need for transformational development strategies, based on multi-sectoral, place-based and participatory approaches, for job creation among many others. What are your governments planning in providing enabling strategies to create a sustainable rural development?

While agriculture is important in the continent, the planting of trees and their conservation is equally important, if not vital. With climate change at the centre of African food security debates, the forestry sector has suffered a lack of commitment from top people in the sector and the grassroots. Do people understand the importance of forests in effecting a paradigm change, especially on the ground?What is the role of media in understanding forestry?

While agriculture is important in the continent, the planting of trees and their conservation is equally important, if not vital. With climate change at the centre of African food security debates, the forestry sector has suffered a lack of commitment from top people in the sector and the grassroots. Do people understand the importance of forests in effecting a paradigm change, especially on the ground?At a recent African forestry workshop, delegates shared knowledge and experiences in advancing commitment to African forestry’s wise use and conservation. What is the role of media in understanding forestry?

While agriculture is important in the continent, the planting of trees and their conservation is equally important, if not vital. With climate change at the centre of African food security debates, the forestry sector has suffered a lack of commitment from top people in the sector and the grassroots. Do people understand the importance of forests in effecting a paradigm change, especially on the ground?At a recent African forestry workshop, delegates shared knowledge and experiences in advancing commitment to African forestry’s wise use and conservation. What is the role of media in understanding forestry?

Agriculture has been the driver for rural development in Africa; with many policy makers coming up with different ways of creating wealth and jobs. As 70% of Africa’s populations derive their livelihood from agriculture, the number of young people living in rural areas is increasingly growing and will continue over decades. But does Africa have plans for these rural youth? What plans does your country have on rural youth development?

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) is Africa’s policy framework for agricultural transformation, wealth creation, food security and nutrition. As part of NEPAD (The New Partnership for Africa’s Development) the policy framework was formed in 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique at an AU Summit. The overall goal of CAADP is to help African countries reach a higher path of economic growth through agriculture –led development, which, in the end, could eliminate hunger, reduce poverty and food insecurity. After the Maputo Declaration in Maputo Mozambique, another declaration was made. We take a relook at CAADP and the role it plays in realizing the Malabo Declaration.What have been the challenges, if any, faced by the continent in the development of agriculture?

One of the reasons, food production has been low in Africa, has been the existence of plant diseases, which have robbed farmers of their decent produce. Plant pathology, which is the study of organisms and environmental conditions, that cause diseases and the management or control thereof, is important in agriculture. Without this study, crop production is always negatively affected and thereby causing perennial food shortages.We chat to university professors from Kenya to discuss why research outside the agencies should be taken seriously.

The record temperatures in the past year, which were followed by floods and fires, especially, across the Region, showed how devastating climate change can be. With these devastating conditions, come food insecurities! Although Africa contributes relatively little to global the warming, the region is suffering from its effects such as drought ,food and water shortages. Governments and individuals in some parts of the Continent, however, dealt differently with the effects of drought and food crisis in the Region. How has your country addressed the challenges of dealing with temperature?

According latest research, youth do not find agriculture as one of the favourite choice careers. Br that be that as it may, more and more youth are, however, choosing agriculture as a career. We look at a global organization that seeks to encourage young people to be involved in farming and other related agricultural activities. We talk to young people who have found agriculture just as fulfilling as any other career albeit it being unpopular.

One of the reasons why food production has been low in the continent is the existence of plant diseases, that have robbed farmers of their decent produce. Plant pathology- the study of organisms and environmental conditions that cause diseases and its management or control, is important in agriculture. Without this study, crop production will be affected negatively, causing perennial food shortages. We talk to members of the academia.Will research done at universities in the continent help in finding lasting solution to plant diseases in Africa?

The Pan African Climate Change Alliance is an African coalition of civil society organisations that seeks to promote and advocate for climate friendly and equity –based development. How did the group argue their case in trying to convince the direction of decisions at Cop21 climate change conference held in Paris, France, at the end of 2015?

In giving credit to the achievements of the Pan African Climate Change Alliance an African coalition of civil society organisations that seeks to promote and advocate for climate friendly and equity –based development, we hear how the group argued their case in trying to convince the direction of decisions at Cop21 climate change conference held in Paris, France, at the end of 2015Should you like to comment on this program, email your comments to :agroafrica@channelafrica.org Twitter: @agroafrica

In Africa, it is believed that educating a man is equal to educating an individual, while educating a woman means one is educating a generation. This is a metaphor that emphasizes the importance of empowering women. While the development of agriculture has mainly involved men folk, women are the ones who produce almost 80 percent of the food in the continent. We, recently attended an African Capacity Development conference in Harare Zimbabwe.

Although climate change has brought about a lot of catastrophes such as floods, heat waves, let alone an unprecedented drought, Southern Africa is preparing for a harvest period. Despite the expected low harvest in the region, farmers, especially the subsistent ones, should guard against post- harvest loses, that come during this period. We speak to experts and Dr. Tobias Takavarasha, FAO’s Country Representative in South Africa on how food security has been affected by post-harvest loses.

Climate change has brought about a lot of catastrophes such as floods, heat waves, unprecedented droughts; many of which have resulted in inexplicable human and animal sufferings. Governments in the continent have had to fend for their citizens through the involvement of stakeholders. We bring you a special edition of Agro Africa this week by looking at South Africa’s drought preparedness. How has the government engaged all the role players?We hear reports from affected provinces and how government in South Africa has prepared for the drought.

The record temperatures in South Africa, as well as floods and fires across the region, are raisingalarm bells on climate change, once again. These effects are being felt across the globe, as sea levels rise. Although Africa contributes relatively little to global warming, the region is suffering from its effects such as drought, food and water shortages. Over 180 million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone could die as a result of climate change and food shortages by the end of the century.What is your region doing in order to mitigate the drought and water shortages?

African Agricultural expos in Africa have assisted farming stakeholders to exchange ideas of how best to do agribusinesses in the continent. From small scale expos to large, agricultural expos have showcased both machinery and produce at high level which in turn, encourages interactions from different parts of the continent. South Africa, as one of the developing economies, especially through agriculture, has had competitive agricultural expos that have attracted the participation of farmers from across the continent. Will ‘copy and paste’ theory work in agriculture?

African women have been engaged in agricultural activities from time immemorial. From tilling the ground to harvesting, women in Africa have partnered with their male counterparts to bring food to the table of many a family in the continent. But have they been afforded equal opportunities like their opposite number?We hear how the new breed of African women, including youth, is joining their male counterparts in the agricultural value chain.

The role of women in agribusiness has ensured a space for women in the agricultural value chain. The space for agricultural production has now become a business, where women have come from subsistence to a culture of producing and selling. While most communities in Africa have been patriarchal in the past, the role of women in agribusiness has brought in a culture of gender equality, where women are equal in all spheres of agricultural development.Ambassador Sheila Sisulu is a former South African Ambassador to the United States and also the United Nations’ World Food Programme executive Director for Hunger Solution.

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

Many women in Africa face a lot of challenges before they rise up to make a difference in a community. Cases of gender inequality coupled with imbalances in education; where girl children have been given secondary opportunities, as opposed to their ‘other’ (boy children) in education. Women, especially young ones have suffered the most in war-torn countries in the continent as they have struggled to lead normal lives after the wars. Countries such as South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda and many more, have been dragged into ethnic wars that have resulted in agricultural activities being negatively affected, especially within the women folk, who apart from fending for their family, have also, to look after the children. Victoria Ole Eluzai a young woman and an artist, had to live her vision of making a difference in her own war-torn South Sudan. How has she walked her talk in agriculture?

The introduction of ICT in agriculture via mobile technology such as Cell phones and other gadgets, will enhance trade and production in Africa’s agribusiness. The major draw- back however, would be red tapes by most governments in the Continent to make decisive leadership in liberalizing the barriers for connectivity. SACAU (The Southern African Confederation of Agriculture Union) is a regional farmers’ union that is looking at assisting policy development in ICT in the region. Vodacom is one of the international service providers that are prepared to make mobile connectivity in-roads into the Continent. What are your governments planning in providing enabling policies in ICTs in your country and the Region.

Farmers living in deforested and degraded land, in some parts of the continent, have already begun earning carbon credit payments by planting indigenous trees. The payments are made by companies in Europe and America who want to reduce their environmental impact by compensating for their carbon dioxide emissions. NGOs have provided technical support to the farmers, and calculated the payments they are entitled to - according to how much carbon is stored in the trees over their life span. To add to this, questions are being raised as to whether tree planting should be encouraged in urban areas? And if so, what kind of trees should be planted?

The year 2015 will go down as one of the worst nightmares in the Southern African agricultural sector. This comes as the Southern hemisphere encountered one of the hottest and dry temperatures in more than 15 years. This has propelled global meteorologists to declare certain countries in the southern part of Africa El Nino affected. In the show, we look at effects of the drought facing Southern Africa and how the Agricultural sector will be affected.

Sudan has had to go through ethnic wars that made agriculture and other livelihoods almost impossible to practice especially in the southern part of the country. Recovering from many years of war in that country, South Sudan was born amid a cloud of uncertainty!Following numerous calls for the development of agriculture in the continent since the inception of CAADP, countries such as South Sudan have joined the fight against hunger and food insecurity. What are the issues to be dealt with in the coming years before the 2025 deadline of the Malabo Declaration? Is the declaration another dream for African agriculture? What needs to be done by all stakeholders in order to meet the set goals of transforming Africa’s agriculture for shared development?

The farming business in Africa is running the risk of a drop in production, as most of the farmer population is ageing. It is reported that most of the young people in the continent are reluctant to pursuing careers or joining the sector because of the stigma attached to it. According to the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa, most young people believe agriculture is for the uneducated and poor people. But what they might be missing is that it is one of the most important sectors that contribute to the country’s economy.Today we look at the role young people can play in the agricultural sector and how agriculture can empower young people in the continent.

Post-harvest food loss is one of the largest contributing factors to food insecurity in Africa. It is directly affecting the lives of millions of smallholder farming families every year. Although warnings have sounded regarding our global inability to feed a growing population by 2050, the answer does not solely and simply require an expansion of agricultural production. A sustainable solution to the threat of global food shortages will rely heavily on the preservation of existing food production; a reduced loss of food.Global food production, supply and consumption systems are not functioning to optimal efficiency, with food losses in sub-Saharan Africa alone exceeding 30 percent of total crop production and representing more than USD$4 billion in value every year (FAO, 2011).

Agricultural business is arguably one of the businesses with which Africans are able to sustain themselves and able to enter the business world. But just like any other business, the agricultural business needs proper development and good marketing strategies in order for it to grow. Small-scale farmers can best market their own products without relying on the middlemen or people to negotiate business for themWhile one third of the economically active population obtains its livelihood from agriculture, it is worthwhile to consider agricultural marketing as one integral part of the value chain.

With Climate Change amongst the burning issues Africa needs to address, the ecological agricultural sector is feeling the pressure as food security continues being undertreat. Most countries globally and some in the African continent, are gradually introducing organic agriculture just to supplement the other.How can ecological agriculture be without the complement and support of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with the continuing series of drought every year? Should African farmers, and importers in the other parts of the continent, that are still using the traditional way of agriculture, embrace the emergence of Genetically Modified Crops and food?

As opposed to legal logging, which is commercial in most cases; and where it involves cutting trees for sale as timber or pulp, illegal logging is costing African forestry. Timber, which is used to build homes and also used for furniture products, has been a cause of conflict in logging.Many African officials have been involved in unscrupulous trading of timber- a practice that has caused loss of revenue to the coffers of many governments. Increase in such trade has affected the morale of many experienced foresters, who have found their jobs at risk from political pressure. How will the management of the forestry industry be sustainable?

Agriculture complement the forestry and fisheries sectors by providing functions such as supplying food and raw material while rendering essential environmental services for present and future generations.While agriculture complements the forestry and fisheries sectors, some of these sectors no longer have the capacity to perform all of their functions efficiently and simultaneously due to maladministration. Policies are said not to be followed‘to the letter’ due to political influence. What needs to be done by all stakeholders in order to meet the set goals of transforming Africa’s agriculture for shared sustainable development as espoused by AU?

Agriculture complement the forestry and fisheries sectors by providing functions such as supplying food and raw material while rendering essential environmental services for present and future generations.Establishing forest plantations is important for protecting Africa’s dwindling natural forestland without threatening food security. Unfortunately, in most countries these sectors no longer have the capacity to perform all of these functions.What needs to be done by all stakeholders in order to meet the set goals of transforming Africa’s agriculture for shared sustainable development as espoused by AU?

Agriculture complement the forestry and fisheries sectors by providing functions such as supplying food and raw material while rendering essential environmental services for present and future generations. Establishing forest plantations is important for protecting Africa’s dwindling natural forestland without threatening food security. Unfortunately, in most countries these sectors no longer have the capacity to perform all of these functions. What needs to be done by all stakeholders in order to meet the set goals of transforming Africa’s agriculture for shared sustainable development as espoused by AU?

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

Farmers living in deforested and degraded land, in some parts of the continent, have already begun earning carbon credit payments by planting indigenous trees. The payments are made by companies in Europe and America who want to reduce their environmental impact by compensating for their carbon dioxide emissions. NGOs have provided technical support to the farmers, and calculated the payments they are entitled to - according to how much carbon is stored in the trees over their life span. To add to this, questions are being raised as to whether tree planting should be encouraged in urban areas? And if so, what kind of trees should be planted?What are you involved in as Africa prepares to stage one of the biggest conferences in the world – the 14th World Forestry Conference, in Durban South Africa.

Many women in Africa face a lot of challenges before they rise up to make a difference in a community. Cases of gender inequality coupled with imbalances in education; where girl children have been given secondary opportunities, as opposed to their ‘other’ (boy children) in education. Women, especially young ones have suffered the most in war-torn countries in the continent as they have struggled to lead normal lives after the wars. Countries such as South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda and many more, have been dragged into ethnic wars that have resulted in agricultural activities being negatively affected, especially within the women folk, who apart from fending for their family, have also, to look after the children. Victoria Ole Eluzai a young woman and an artist, had to live her vision of making a difference in her own war-torn South Sudan. How has she walked her talk in agriculture?

Post-harvest food loses are a serious concern for Africa, as it gears to halve food insecurity by 2025. Could there be a way post- harvest food loses especially in food crops meant to be staple foods be reduced? In order to minimize these losses, there is a need for a paradigm change in the way Africa should deal with such losses. One of such changes is to understand the biological and environmental factors involved in postharvest deterioration and use the appropriate postharvest technology procedures that will slow down deterioration and maintain quality and safety of the commodities. What needs to be done by all stakeholders in order to meet the set goals of transforming Africa’s agriculture for shared development?

Felling of trees in Africa is rife due to lack of alternative energy provisions in most countries in the continent. While the world is pushing for carbon credits; whereby nations can earn payments for protecting their forests, rather than cutting them for timber or fuel, the civic education to encourage participation from the larger section of people still remains a challenge. The South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations will host the 14th World Forestry Congress in the port city of Durban. Under the theme Forest and People- investing in a Sustainable Future, delegates will have to look back at the successes and challenges of forests and people for a sustainable future.What is your country doing to protect forests while investing in a sustainable future?

Do we expect a war over water, maybe, in the near future? A report released recently by the United Nations warns of water shortage by the year 2030. It further states that the world will only have 60% of the water it needs as a result of population growth, and even, the effects of climate change. It also laments the current wasteful nature of water. This could include burst pipes in cities of the world that do not get fixed in time. What are the challenges in your area? How can Africa manage the scarce water?

Countries in Africa have suffered devastating effects of climate change in so many ways. Recently incessant rains in most parts of Malawi- a land locked Southern African country, have destroyed thousands of homes, leaving over 300,00 people displaced. This catastrophe has so far claimed the lives of more than 200 people and scores missing. Is deforestation causing climate change?What are your governments planning in providing enabling policies to alleviate devastating effects of deforestation?

Post –harvest food loss is one of the largest contributing factors to food insecurity in Africa. It is directly affecting the lives of millions of smallholder farming every year. At a recently ended conference on post- harvest losses held in Johannesburg, South Africa, more questions are raised as to how this problem is ever going to be solved.Is it another dream? Is there is a short cut to the solutions before the revised dream of halving poverty, which includes food insecurity by 2025.

Post-harvest food loss is one of the largest contributing factors to food insecurity in Africa. It is directly affecting the lives of millions of smallholder farming families every year.At a recently ended conference on post- harvest losses held in Johannesburg, South Africa, more questions are raised as to how this problem is ever going to be solved. Is it another dream?

African women small holder farmers were on the spotlight recently, at a NEPAD sponsored conference in Durban, South Africa. Though women’s engagement in the agricultural sector comes under constrained circumstances, as observed by NEPAD itself, investing in women farmers and getting them involved in various value-chain opportunities will improve the status quo. How do women farmers’ initiatives move from rhetoric to action?

The introduction of ICT in agriculture via mobile technology such as Cell phones and other gadgets, will enhance trade and production in Africa’s agribusiness. The major draw- back however, would be red tapes by most governments in the Continent to make decisive leadership in liberalizing the barriers for connectivity. SACAU (The Southern African Confederation of Agriculture Union) is a regional farmers’ union that is looking at assisting policy development in ICT in the region. Vodacom is one of the international service providers that are prepared to make mobile connectivity in-roads into the Continent.What are your governments planning in providing enabling policies in ICTs in your country and the Region.

Agro Africa

African agriculture will develop faster if countries learn from one another, so says Wilbur Simusa, the Zambian Minister of Agriculture and Livestock. His sentiments are echoed by Simo Vilakazi at a recent Africa Farmers’ Expo in Johannesburg, South Africa.Recent reports from AU (African Union) suggest that: “ Agriculture forms a significant portion of the economies of all African countries, (and) as a sector it can therefore contribute towards major continental priorities…”, What agricultural lessons has your country drawn from other countries in the continent?

quipping disadvantaged small-scale farmers to form cooperatives with practical self-help methodologies enables these previously marginalised people to participate in the economic mainstream through commercialisation of their skills and natural resources. One success story that demonstrates the viability of this methodology can be found in the North West Province of South Africa, in Rustenburg, at the People First Piggery.

Equipping disadvantaged small-scale farmers to form cooperatives with practical self-help methodologies enables these previously marginalised people to participate in the economic mainstream through commercialisation of their skills and natural resources. One success story that demonstrates the viability of this methodology can be found in the North West Province of South Africa, in Rustenburg, at the People First Piggery.

Agro Africa

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

Emerging farmers find themselves at a disadvantage with limited access to financial support and greedy chancers –joining government- sponsored initiatives to defraud them, without any vested interests. Is Cluster Farming an answer to food security in the continent? Channel Africa visits Kopano Co-operative, a 6 hectare broiler farm near Welkom in South Africa’s Free State Province.Should you have any comment on this program, write to: The Producer,Agro Africa,P.O Box 91313Auckland Park 2006South AfricaOr you may email us on: agroafrica@channelafrica.org

In a continent where agriculture is the mainstay of many individual country’s economies, the need to understand how it could develop the livelihood of the people is important. It is through this need that a number of initiatives to inform and educate the masses are taking place. One of such initiatives has been exhibitions that have taken place in some parts of the continent. But have, all such initiatives, been beneficial to the farmer in the rural areas? South Africa speaks to the organisers of the African Farmers Workshop and Expo to understand how and whether such workshops benefit the grassroots. These and others stories from the continent brought to you by AGFAX.

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.