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Tag: food security

  • Ghana launches 2023 Agrifest to achieve food security goals

    Ghana launches 2023 Agrifest to achieve food security goals

    In a joint effort to move Ghana towards food security and resilience by 2028, Mr. Brian Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, and Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, launched the 2023 Agrifest.

    The three-day exhibition, an integral part of the Farmers’ Day celebration week, brought together stakeholders from the agricultural value chain across the 16 regions to showcase a diverse array of food crops, products, machinery, and clothing for viewing and sale in Accra.

    He stated that “it is important to showcase the tools they will employ to help achieve food security. Input dealers, farmers, regional and district agriculture offices, fisheries departments across the country and a lot of stakeholders will help to achieve that.”

    Read also: Ghana launches agric program to achieve food security

    Strategic Food Security Plan for 2023-2028 Unveiled

    Mr. Acheampong emphasized that the government has embarked on a strategic plan, spanning five years from September 2023, with the Agrifest being a crucial component. The strategic plan outlines a roadmap for Ghana to achieve food security and self-sufficiency by 2028.

    The exhibition serves as a platform to showcase the tools and methodologies that will be employed to achieve this ambitious goal. The minister highlighted the collaborative efforts required from various stakeholders, including input dealers, farmers, regional and district agriculture offices, and fisheries departments across the country.

    Mr. Acheampong said “it is important for all Ghanaians to come on board to march the journey together for us to achieve our food security and resilience. We believe with the trajectory we have embarked on as a country, we will be food secured and resilient by the next five years.”

    Honoring and Encouraging Ghana’s Hardworking Farmers

    Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, commended Agrifest as a valuable innovation aligned with the Farmers’ Day celebrations. She praised the Minister for Food and Agriculture for his efforts in spearheading the program. The minister emphasized the crucial role of farmers in the nation’s food supply chain and called upon all stakeholders to unite in honoring their hard work.

    According to Koomson, “Agrifest was a young innovation towards the Farmers’ Day and lauded the Minister for Food and Agriculture for the efforts towards the programme. Let’s do this in a grand style.”

    The 39th edition of the National Farmers’ Day celebration, themed “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience,” is scheduled to take place on the campus of the University of Mines and Technology in the Western Region on Friday, December 01, 2023. The event aims to acknowledge the significant contributions of farmers and promote smart solutions for long-term food security and resilience in Ghana.

  • University of Leeds to assist Kenyan farmers with tech skills

    University of Leeds to assist Kenyan farmers with tech skills

    In a pioneering effort to combat global hunger exacerbated by climate change, scientists at the University of Leeds are set to leverage advanced satellite analysis techniques to assist Kenyan farmers.

    This initiative is part of a broader UK government investment aimed at utilising British science, technology, and innovation to address food insecurity worldwide. With an estimated 4.4 million people in Kenya facing acute food insecurity, the initiative aligns with a critical need for innovative solutions to enhance agricultural productivity.

    Read also: World Investment Forum 2023 raises fund for climate action, food security, others

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Call for a Fundamental Shift

    At a major summit on global food security, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised the need for a fundamental shift in approaching food security. Acknowledging that almost one billion people worldwide regularly lack sufficient food, Sunak stressed the importance of long-term solutions to prevent food crises. He highlighted the role of science and technology in building resilient food supplies, announcing the launch of the UK-CGIAR Science Centre. This centre aims to drive cutting-edge research on flood-tolerant rice, disease-resistant wheat, and more, with the potential to impact millions across the poorest countries.

    iSPARK Project: Unleashing the Power of Big Data Analysis

    One of the key projects receiving UK government funding is iSPARK, a collaborative research initiative involving the University of Leeds, the Alliance Biodiversity-CIAT, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. iSPARK focuses on safeguarding food security in western Kenya, intending to apply its findings nationally and beyond. The project involves a unique approach, combining on-the-ground agricultural intervention data from Kenyan advisers with high-resolution satellite images of food-growing regions.

    Bringing these large datasets together, scientists aim to unlock fresh insights into enhancing the productivity and resilience of Kenyan agriculture. The databases from on-the-ground interventions catalogue a myriad of approaches trialled with farmers, while satellite images provide a visual assessment of crop health. The integration of these datasets, often referred to as “the magic,” enables researchers to assess intervention effectiveness, identify correlations, and develop new analytic techniques using machine learning.

    Andy Challinor, Professor of Climate Impacts at Leeds and a lead researcher, highlights the significance of coupling agricultural databases with Earth observation expertise. The goal is to develop novel techniques that offer a farm-scale view of intervention effectiveness. The research outputs will include new metrics for evaluating the sustainability and resilience of agricultural interventions in the face of changing environmental conditions.

    Dr. Aniruddha Ghosh, Senior Scientist at Alliance Biodiversity-CIAT, emphasised the primary goal of significantly enhancing the resilience and productivity of Kenyan agriculture. Leveraging advanced satellite technology and machine learning, the research aims to provide actionable insights for small-scale producers, improving farming practices and food security in the region.

    Kenyan potato farmers to benefit from GM potato variety

    CGIAR’s Transformative Role in Food Security

    The CGIAR, with a rich history of 50 years, has been instrumental in transforming food production globally, lifting millions out of hunger and poverty. Collaborating with the University of Leeds on various food security projects, CGIAR’s involvement underscores the global impact of combining cutting-edge technology, big data analysis, and on-the-ground expertise to address the challenges posed by climate change and food insecurity.

  • Ghana launches agric program to achieve food security

    Ghana launches agric program to achieve food security

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced the launch of the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to achieving enhanced food security and transforming its agricultural landscape through modern practices and technology.

    This marks a pivotal shift from subsidy policies to an input credit system, heralding a comprehensive approach that encompasses all participants in the agricultural value chain.

    The PFJ program, as articulated by President Akufo-Addo, places a strong emphasis on commercial agriculture, with far-reaching implications for all stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including producers, processors, distributors, and marketers. This holistic approach aims to invigorate economic activities within the sector, generate employment, bolster industrialization, increase exports, raise incomes, drive rural development, and stimulate overall economic growth.

    Read also: MGI supports AfricaBP in advancing genomics for biodiversity, agriculture

    Transforming Agricultural Value Chains

    President Akufo-Addo emphasised that the second phase of PFJ adopts a holistic view, focusing on strengthening linkages along eleven selected agricultural commodity value chains. These value chains are broadly categorised into grains, roots and tubers, vegetables, and poultry. This strategic approach underscores the commitment to enhance the entire agricultural ecosystem.

    The new phase of PFJ incorporates a transformative input credit system, offering farmers access to vital inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and other support services aimed at improving productivity and yield. Additionally, it includes the provision of storage infrastructure and logistic hubs to enhance storage and distribution, effectively mitigating post-harvest losses. This transition from direct input subsidies to smart agricultural financial support in the form of comprehensive input credit is a significant change in the strategy.

    Building Food Security and Competitive Advantage

    President Akufo-Addo’s vision for the program extends to food security and establishing a robust comparative advantage in the production of diverse cash crops, food crops, and poultry products. The ambitious goal is to achieve these objectives by the end of the five-year implementation period.

    Furthermore, Ghana is poised to leverage the opportunities presented by the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This landmark trade agreement offers a unique platform for expanding market access, fostering trade relationships, and promoting economic growth within the African continent. President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of Ghana’s competitive participation in the AfCFTA.

    A Five-Year Master Plan

    The second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs program was officially launched at the University for Development Studies in Tamale on August 28, 2023. This five-year master plan represents a pivotal step toward transforming agriculture in Ghana, with a focus on modernization through the development of selected commodity value chains and active private sector engagement.

    While the announcement of Phase II has generated optimism and enthusiasm, there is a collective call for prudent resource allocation and effective utilisation. The success of this program is contingent on responsible and transparent management of the resources, ensuring that they reach local communities and empower them to adapt to climate change while participating in sustainable agricultural practices.

    Sahara Agriculture Expo showcases growing Sino-Egyptian agricultural collaboration

    Collaborative Efforts and Long-Term Sustainability

    Ghana has been presented with a significant opportunity to enhance its resilience against climate change impacts and contribute meaningfully to global efforts in combating environmental challenges. Collaboration between government agencies, private sectors, and non-governmental organisations is vital in implementing comprehensive and sustainable climate solutions that address immediate concerns and foster long-term environmental sustainability.

    As Ghana embarks on the second phase of the PFJ program, there is an enduring hope that this transformative initiative will set the nation on a path to achieving its agricultural goals while bolstering food security and economic prosperity. President Akufo-Addo’s vision for comprehensive agricultural reform holds the potential to elevate Ghana’s status in the global agricultural landscape. The commitment to leverage the AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity for Ghana to strengthen its position in the regional and international markets.

    The effective deployment of the resources allocated to the PFJ program will play a pivotal role in realising these ambitious goals, and stakeholders are encouraged to work collectively to ensure the success of this transformative agricultural initiative.

  • Ugandan calls for technology usage to improve food production

    Ugandan calls for technology usage to improve food production

    The 2023 Step Conference on National Transformation has kicked off in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. The conference, which drew participants from across the globe, opened with a keynote address by Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovations from the Republic of Uganda, Kampala.

    Read also: World Investment Forum 2023 to raise fund for climate action, food security, others

    Ensuring Food Security in Africa

    Dr. Masanza’s address centered on the urgent need for African nations to harness appropriate technology for massive food production.

    She stressed that African countries should shift away from exporting raw materials at giveaway prices and, instead, focus on importing finished products at exorbitant costs, as this practice threatens food security across the continent.

    The minister highlighted the importance of adopting a disruptive approach, moving from traditional agriculture practices to viewing agriculture as a business enterprise. She emphasized the necessity of developing technology to enhance the value chains in the agricultural sector. Dr. Masanza urged Africa to embrace innovation and technology to increase earnings and positively impact local communities.

    Embracing Climate Change as an Opportunity

    Addressing concerns about climate change, Dr. Masanza encouraged African nations not to panic. Instead, she proposed seeing climate change as an opportunity to develop and offer solar or green energy to the world. She underlined Africa’s unique position, being blessed with abundant sunshine, capable of producing copious amounts of renewable energy. Dr. Masanza emphasized that climate change should not be a cause for seeking aid but rather a catalyst for technological development in Africa.

    Dr. Masanza dispelled the notion that business success is solely contingent on significant funding. She stressed that a combination of financial resources, foresight, and proper training can lead to business success. This sentiment aligns with the conference’s focus on empowering young people in Agricpreneurship, emphasizing that adequate training and vision are critical components for achieving food security and economic stability.

    The Aims of the 2023 Joint Step Conference

    The founder and director-general of the Institute for National Transformation, Prof. Vincent C Anigbogu, welcomed participants to the event. He expressed the conference’s primary goal, which is to train disciplined and skilled young individuals in Agricpreneurship. The objective is for these participants to serve as agents of change, training future generations in methods to achieve food security and eliminate youth restiveness, not only in Akwa Ibom but beyond.

    Prof. Anigbogu also highlighted the institute’s efforts to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State government, under the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, to train the Akwa Ibom State-Youth Empowerment Agricultural Programme (YEAP) pilot group in Israel. As a testament to the program’s success, nearly all of the 49 participants have prospered in their chosen endeavors.

    He further praised the 2023 conference as the first to integrate with communities and government agencies since the institute’s inception in 2011. This approach aims to address pressing issues related to food security and youth restiveness by sharing lessons learned with other states and nations facing similar challenges.

    AfDB, South Korea to boost food security, vaccine production

    Key Recommendations for Maximizing Potential

    During the event, several key recommendations were made to ensure that the Institute for National Transformation could maximize its potential. Engr. Seun Falade, the executive director of INT, called for the repeal of land use acts to grant individuals land titles, making land acquisition for business purposes less cumbersome. Another point raised by Ishaka Jilemsam of INT and Dr Mike Adebiyi from Atlanta, Georgia, centered on the importance of addressing insurance issues to mitigate potential losses by trainees in case of unforeseen events.

    The 2023 Joint Step Conference on National Transformation is poised to be a significant platform for discussing innovative approaches to agricultural development, technology adoption, and youth empowerment, with a strong focus on ensuring food security and economic growth in Africa.

  • World Investment Forum 2023 to raise fund for climate action, food security, others

    World Investment Forum 2023 to raise fund for climate action, food security, others

    The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is gearing up to host the World Investment Forum 2023, a global event aimed at rallying investments to tackle pressing challenges such as climate action, clean energy, healthcare, food security, and more.

    With heads of state, government ministers, and CEOs of leading companies coming together, the forum is a unique opportunity for Africa to take its place on the world stage. More than 50 government officials, over 150 CEOs, and thousands of stakeholders will join forces across 130 events to tackle the challenges that directly impact our continent.

    UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan emphasised the need for global investment stakeholders to come together and channel funds into vital sectors to combat ongoing crises.

    Read also: UN women envoy to meet Nigerian private sector leaders

    Challenges Facing Global Investment

    UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2023 highlights that the overlapping challenges of war, high food and energy prices, and mounting debt pressures have already had a significant impact on global foreign direct investment, which declined by 12% in 2022. These crises greatly reverberate across Africa, affecting the continent’s economies, industries, and livelihoods.

    Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, minister of state for foreign trade in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stressed the role UNCTAD can play in addressing these interconnected issues. He maintained that balancing prosperity and sustainability requires innovation, investment, and strong will, especially in the face of inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate change.

    Closing the Energy Transition Gap

    One of the critical discussions at the Forum will revolve around climate action. It’s an opportunity for Africa to address its energy transition gap. Developing nations on the continent face an annual investment gap of $2.2 trillion to shift to low-carbon energy sources.

    By participating in this forum, African nations alongside nations in other continents can work toward strategies and investments that will accelerate clean energy solutions which is a vital step in mitigating climate change.

    Nigeria to host Africa Internet Governance Forum 2023

    Harnessing Sustainable Finance, Healthcare and Food Security

    The forum will delve into how the sustainable finance market can contribute to building a low-carbon future and drive investment in sustainable energy. Despite economic challenges like high inflation and rising interest rates, the global sustainable finance market, including bonds, funds, and voluntary carbon markets, reached $5.8 trillion in 2022. This remarkable growth highlights the increasing interest in sustainable investments.

    The World Investment Forum will also explore opportunities to increase investments in healthcare and agrifood systems. Developing countries require at least $100 billion annually to enhance healthcare facilities and infrastructure. With Africa countries’ healthcare systems needing substantial investments, these opportunities have the potential to bolster the Sub-Saharan economies.

    Additionally, the forum will discuss strategies to boost public and private sector investments in agrifood systems. Transforming these systems can help reduce food insecurity, create rural employment opportunities, and increase incomes while also addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

    The World Investment Forum 2023 aims to provide countries with a platform to turn their investment facilitation plans into tangible actions and reforms. Participants will explore ways to make investment facilitation services inclusive and tailored to the specific needs of various sectors and investor groups with a significant development impact.

    As James Zhan, the UNCTAD director who’s in charge of the World Investment Forum, said: “This is a golden opportunity for developing countries to examine how they can bridge investment gaps through more efficient investment promotion and facilitation.”

    This global forum is not just another international event; it’s a call to action for Africa. It’s an opportunity for the continent to be better positioned, shape its future, address pressing challenges, and mobilise investments for a sustainable and prosperous future. 

  • FAO, IsDB, IFAD to boost food security through technology 

    FAO, IsDB, IFAD to boost food security through technology 

    In a significant stride towards enhancing global food security and nutrition, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have forged a trilateral partnership. This cooperation aims to empower rural smallholder farmers by offering them accessible, affordable, and adaptable technologies that are crucial for ensuring food security.

    Read also: AfDB, South Korea to boost food security, vaccine production

    A Transformative Collaboration for Food Security

    Dr. Mansur Muhtar, IsDB’s Vice President of Operations, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition in IsDB Member Countries. He stated, “Our partnership with FAO and IFAD will play a pivotal role in identifying technologies suitable for integration into IsDB’s Food Security Response Program (FSRP) and other agricultural initiatives.” This alliance is poised to usher in transformative change in agricultural sustainability and food security across diverse regions.

    AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa (NENA), emphasized the urgency of addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the region. He stated, “A majority of countries in the Near East and North Africa region project increasing rates of food insecurity and malnutrition. These challenges are particularly more prevalent amongst small-scale farmers and pastoralist communities. The new tripartite cooperation between [these organisations] will facilitate identification of technologies that have the potential for mainstreaming throughout the crop value chain to improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers and food security among the entire populations.”

    Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Agriculture

    Technology has enabled small-scale producers to contribute effectively to sustainable agricultural development and food security. However, there remains an urgent need to increase capacities and accelerate innovation through partnerships. The current cooperation agreement is a major milestone in joining forces with other partners to help reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030, as stated by Thouraya Triki, Director of Sustainable Production, Markets, and Institutions Division at IFAD. She added, “We aim through this agreement to share our knowledge and technical expertise with FAO and IsDB and benefit from this joint initiative to promote the scale of these technologies and strengthen the capacities of rural farmers to help them reduce costs and increase production, income, and food security.”

    Empowering Rural Households for a Sustainable Future

    These adaptable, transferable, and smart agricultural technologies and digital solutions will support low-carbon agriculture, improve resilience, alleviate poverty, create employment opportunities, and reduce vulnerability to climate-related risks. This collective initiative, aligned with the digital era, seeks to harness innovative tools and approaches to empower rural households and smallholder family farmers. These technologies are anticipated to enhance agricultural productivity and foster sustainable, low-carbon practices.

    Through this tripartite partnership, FAO, IsDB, and IFAD aim to synergize their expertise and resources to uplift smallholder family farmers, bolster global food security, and cultivate a sustainable and resilient food supply. By integrating cutting-edge technologies into agricultural practices, this collaboration aspires to foster prosperity for communities worldwide, making significant strides towards achieving global food security.

    RLO addresses food security, tech skills in Malawi 

    About FAO, IsDB and IFAD

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to leading international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s overarching goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people worldwide have regular access to sufficient, high-quality food, enabling them to lead active and healthy lives. With a membership of over 194 countries, FAO operates in more than 130 nations around the globe.

    The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is a multilateral development finance institution that operates in accordance with Islamic principles, working tirelessly to foster economic and social progress within its Member Countries. IsDB actively supports a wide range of projects and initiatives designed to have a positive impact on communities across various sectors.

    IFAD, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations. Headquartered in Rome, it focuses on investing in rural populations, empowering them to reduce poverty, enhance food security, improve nutrition, and strengthen resilience. Since its establishment in 1978, IFAD has provided over US$24 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund development projects in numerous developing countries.

  • AfDB, South Korea to boost food security, vaccine production

    AfDB, South Korea to boost food security, vaccine production

    The African Development Bank Group and the Government of South Korea are strengthening their partnership in a bid to accelerate progress towards food security and boost local vaccine and pharmaceutical production in Africa.

    During a meeting with South Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Hwang-keun Chung in Seoul, African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina expressed confidence in Africa achieving food sufficiency within five years.

    Read also: AFDB approves $70m in Morocco, $15.5m in Cabo Verde to boost foreign trade, tech

    Empowering Agriculture through Collaborative Efforts

    The African Development Bank, in collaboration with the AfricaRice research center, recently launched the $650 million Regional West Africa Rice Development (REWARD) program across 16 West African countries. This initiative aims to engage one million farmers in cultivating up to 750,000 hectares of land, producing 53 million metric tons of rice within five years.

    Minister Chung highlighted South Korea’s K-Ricebelt initiative, working with eight African countries to produce 10,000 metric tons of rice, sufficient to feed 30 million people. Korea plans to invest up to $100 million in the project by 2027.

    Adesina emphasised the need for synergy between REWARD and K-Ricebelt, envisioning Africa becoming self-sufficient in rice production within five years. He proposed merging these initiatives under the African Development Bank’s Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) platform, launched in 2018, to enhance agricultural productivity across Africa using proven technologies.

    Ensuring Quality and Competitiveness

    While increasing productivity to reduce food imports, Adesina stressed the importance of ensuring that locally produced rice meets the same quality standards as imports. Bridging the competitiveness gap through investments in rice processing infrastructure and proximity to milling plants is essential to reducing transportation costs and stabilising commodity prices.

    Minister Chung expressed plans to involve more African countries in the K-Ricebelt initiative and invest in supporting infrastructure. He emphasised Korea’s advanced milling technology, which could potentially benefit African countries.

    African Pharmaceutical Capability and Collaboration

    Adesina discussed Africa’s efforts to enhance its pharmaceutical capability with Minister for Health and Welfare Kyoo Hong Cho. The African Development Bank’s president highlighted the importance of Africa manufacturing its vaccines and pharmaceuticals, particularly in response to lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic.

    He called for South Korea’s support of the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, established in 2022, to facilitate technology sharing and collaboration between the African pharmaceutical sector and global companies.

    Minister Cho expressed support for strengthening pharmaceutical production in Africa, considering the continent’s unique needs and circumstances. Adesina mentioned the bank’s upcoming fellowship program, which would send African pharmaceutical scientists for training in advanced countries.

    Learning from Korea’s Successes

    Adesina and Minister Cho explored opportunities for African countries to learn from Korea’s national health insurance scheme, which provides coverage for all citizens based on income or assets.

    Korea, a member of the African Development Bank since 1982, will host the 2024 Korea Africa Summit to foster long-term cooperative relations with Africa.

    Adesina is leading the bank’s delegation at the 7th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference, bringing together African finance ministers, pan-African institution heads, private sector leaders, government officials, and investors to discuss strategies for achieving food security and universal access to electricity in Africa.

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    AfDB’s Contributions to Africa’s Development 

    African Development Bank has, over the years, approved funds meant for technological and infrastructural advancement in Africa across different sectors.

    In December 2021, The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank approved a $170 million loan to finance a digital and creative enterprises program in Nigeria through the Federal Government’s investment in the Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) program.

    In September 20202, the African Development Bank (AfDB) invested the sum of $20 Million Into an Off-Grid Recovery Platform following the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak. The fund was used for the Clean Revolution Project (CRP), which is a blended finance initiative that aims to unlock private capital for energy-access companies. This was done to mitigate the pandemic’s adverse effects while advancing access to clean electricity and ensuring a green economic recovery.