#agriculture

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for effective measures to modernize agriculture and rural areas during an inspection trip in Dezhou, Shandong. Xi, who also holds key positions within the Communist Party of China and the Central Military Commission, made these remarks on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of advancing rural development.

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) has launched a climate-resilient livestock project to address challenges in the livestock sector, including rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shortages of resources. These issues are impacting livestock productivity, animal welfare, and the livelihoods of livestock keepers in Tanzania.

A new fertiliser plant by TFC in Dar es Salaam aims to address the challenges faced by Tanzanian farmers, including declining soil fertility and rising fertiliser costs. Experts have noted that using the appropriate type of fertiliser is crucial for enhancing productivity and managing production expenses. This development is seen as a potential boost for the agricultural sector in Tanzania.

More than three million improved coffee seedlings have been distributed in Kilimanjaro Region to address the decline in coffee production and enhance farmers' incomes. Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde informed the National Assembly that annual coffee production in the region has decreased from 25,000 tonnes to approximately 4,000 tonnes of clean coffee.

A study by the Nigeria Agribusiness Data and Investment Hub (NADIH) indicates that approximately 70% of agricultural data in Nigeria is held by government institutions, but much of this information is outdated and insufficient for farmers and investors. The initiative is a collaboration between Lagos Business School and Augmentum Advisory.

Many farmers in Nigeria have urged the Federal Government to decentralize agricultural financial interventions to enhance access for those in rural areas. A coalition of various agricultural stakeholders, including smallholder farmers and cooperative societies, has expressed the need for improved support programs to better serve the farming community across the country.

Commercial layer farmers have been advised to avoid specific practices that may hinder productivity and profitability, according to experts. These common mistakes, noted on various poultry farms, can adversely impact flock performance and diminish returns on investment. One key recommendation is to exclude fish meal from layer feed formulation, as it is typically not included in commercial layer diets.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, alongside the Niger State Government, has conducted training for 100 youths, women, and agripreneurs in hydroponic farming. This initiative was organized by Amaiza Enterprise Company Limited, Nigeria Polytechnic Foundation (NIPOF), Luqknight Limited, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), in collaboration with the Niger State Agency.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State commissioned the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) Vegetables Market in Kwadom, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area. The market features 160 shops built by NALDA and aims to serve as a significant hub for agricultural trade. Additionally, plans for a mega farm project in the state were unveiled during the event.

According to The Citizen, Africa may experience economic impacts from El Nino, particularly in agriculture, which is a vital sector for many countries. The phenomenon could lead to reduced harvests and increased food prices, affecting consumers financially.

Daylong Group is addressing the fragmentation in Nigeria's agricultural supply chain by focusing on processing infrastructure, certification, and traceability, with the aim of enhancing exports.

Nigeria and France are enhancing their collaboration in agribusiness, with an emphasis on value chains, logistics, and agro-processing aimed at unlocking Nigeria's agricultural potential.

The Warehouse Receipt Regulatory Board (WRRB) has officially begun implementing directives from Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba aimed at strengthening the management of the Warehouse Receipt System. This initiative seeks to address challenges in its execution and prevent a return to unregulated agricultural trade. WRRB Executive Director Asangye Bangu provided updates following visits to several regions including Pwani, Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma, Morogoro, and Iringa, as part of the implementation process.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has emphasized that public funding is insufficient to achieve the necessary large-scale transformation in the agricultural sector. It is advocating for greater private sector participation through a blended finance model to stimulate investment growth in agriculture.

The Hand in Hand Eastern Africa – Tanzania (HIHEA) organization has officially launched its office in Iringa and commenced the Inua 2 project, which aims to economically uplift 8,000 citizens through entrepreneurship, agriculture, and modern livestock farming. During the launch event, Elias Luvanda, the Acting Regional Administrative Secretary of Iringa, highlighted the government's support for the initiative.

In Uganda, small operators are transforming food scraps and market waste into a burgeoning agribusiness through black soldier fly farming. In the Kasese district, Ugavoil processes approximately 40 metric tonnes of municipal waste daily, extracting around 10 tonnes of organic material, which is further supplemented by avocado-processing waste from a local factory. This innovative approach is gaining traction, although it remains relatively unknown to many Ugandans.

The Federal Government has inaugurated a modern vegetable market in Gombe State, aimed at enhancing market access for farmers and strengthening the agricultural value chain. This initiative is part of efforts to boost the food supply chain in the region.

In Tanzania and across Africa, farmers are increasingly adopting agroecology, a sustainable agricultural approach that integrates ecological principles with local knowledge and innovation. This shift aims to enhance food security and resilience against climate shocks while improving productivity and income for households that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Eastern Angola, particularly the highlands of the Moxico provinces, has remained isolated and understudied despite its rich biodiversity and cultural history. The region's political history, including its independence from Portugal in 1975 and a subsequent 27-year civil war, has contributed to this isolation. The impact of these historical events has influenced local agricultural practices, particularly the use of controlled fires by farmers to manage dry fuel near villages.

Lucy Ichuga, who had a passion for farming since her school days, shifted to selling onions in Molo, Nakuru County after the 2007 post-election violence. In late 2019, she discovered a farmer selling chicks online, which led her to source chicks easily from a local farmer. This transition highlights the impact of social media on agricultural markets, especially during the nationwide lockdown imposed by the government.