Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Thursday, November 28, 2019

FARA Dissemination Note: Youth Engagement on Technology Adoption in Africa (YETAA) Report - NEW for Download

This document represents the proceedings of a Continental Youth Workshop convened by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) at its secretariat in Accra, Ghana from 2 to 4 May 2019, as the Capacity Development and Technology Outreach Enabler Compact of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT).
The workshop was convened to initiate the process of developing a set of guidelines on strategic engagement and capacity development of youth, focused on agripreneurship and scaling of technologies for increased productivity. The continental youth engagement workshop was a great platform for the active participation of young people in their realities.

The idea behind this was that the participants should take ownership of the deliberations and recommendations to make their life better, solve the problems around them and respond to their needs (within their possible scope of action and influence) instead of waiting for somebody to do it for them. 
During the workshop, the participants identified some youth initiatives within their countries which are directly linked with local community life and are gender-responsive but some of them concern regional, national or trans-national issues. Actively engaging youth gives them the power of influencing the world around them and allows them to use their creativity in working on common tasks and finding solutions to common problems.

Deliberations at the workshop encompassed the various value chains, TAAT, several youth initiatives, experience capitalization, FARA data informs and agri-preneurship capacity framework among others. Based on these discussions, opportunities for youth to tap into; the requisite skills, competencies and resources that they already have to seize these opportunities; and other skills, competences, resources they would you require to maximize their potential in these value chains were outlined.

To effectively engage youth, it is crucial to note that youth initiatives requires young people’s actions, undertaken by them to bring something new to, or change something in, their close surroundings. An aspect which the youth participants emphasized on is the link between self-development and developments in local community.

Download copy: FARA Africa

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Conference on Land Policy in Africa (CLPA-2019)

25-29 November 2019. Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The third edition of the Conference on Land Policy in Africa convened under the theme, ‘Winning the Fight against Corruption in the Land Sector: Sustainable Pathway for Africa’s Transformation’. This theme supports the designation by the African Union of 2018 as the Anti-Corruption Year under the theme, ‘Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation’.

Organized by the African Land Policy Centre, a joint initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the conference deepened capacity for land policy in Africa through improved access to knowledge and information on land policy development and implementation. It follows the second CLPA, which was held in November 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.



Extracts of the programme

Leader Perspectives: Land for Economic Transformation in Africa Location: 

  • Hon. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Minister for Agriculture and Land Reform, Republic of South Africa 
  • Hon. M. Mamadou Sangafowa COULIBALY, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cote D’Ivoire 
  • Hon. Justice Smokin Wanjala, Judge of the Supreme Court, Republic of Kenya 
  • Mr. Ali Mufuruki, Founder and CEO of Infotech Investment Group, founding chairman and CEO of Roundtable of Tanzania, and Africa Leadership Initiative (ALI) East Africa 
  • Prof. Michael Lipton, Professor of Economics (Emeritus) University of Sussex 
    To win the fight against #corruption we need to ensure
    land is equitably distributed and accessed by all,
    esp women, youths and other vulnerable groups.
    It is a sad reality that women and men still do
    not enjoy the same rights over land
    .
    AfricanUnion 's Amb. Josefa Sacko
  • Prof. Bitange Ndemo, University of Nairobi
High Level Panel Discussion: Rethinking Land Reform in Africa: New Ideas, Opportunities and Challenges

  • Prof. Horman Chitonge, University of Cape Town 
  • Dr. Liz Alden Wily 
  • Prof. Riel Franzsen University of Pretoria 
  • Prof. Matthew Mitchell, University of Saskatchewan 
  • Sheila Khama, formerly of the World Bank and the African Development Bank Group 

Winning the fight against Corruption in the Land Sector: Sustainable Pathway for Africa´s Transformation 

Dr. Janet Edeme
 Director of the Department
of Rural Economy and Agriculture
at the African Union Commission
  • Dr. Oliver Puginier GIZ Germany
  • Felix Schilling GIZ
  • Laura Meggiolaro , Marcello Demaria  Land Portal Foundation, Germany 

Exploring Farmer-Herder Conflicts in the West African Sahel: A Multicountry Study of Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria

  • Prof. Samuel Aderemi Igbatayo Afe Babalola University, Nigeria,  
Large Scale Agricultural Investments and Its Impact on Gender Relations and Wellbeing of Small Holder Farmers: Evidence from Kilombero Valley in Tanzania

  • Dr. John Jeckoniah Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania 
Agricultural and Rural Transformation in Burkina Faso: Does Land Rights Matter? 
  • Dr. Mikémina Pilo UNIVERSITY OF KARA, Togolese Republic
Sustainability Through Agricultural Productive Efficiency: Case Of East Africa’s Wetlands 
  • Lucy Gathoni Njogu1 Kenyatta University, Kenya
  • Dr. Eric Kiprotich Bett Kenyatta University, Kenya
  • Dr. Daniel Kyalo Willy African Agricultural Technology Foundation
Nuancing Narratives On Labor Market Effects of Large Agriculture Investments in Sub Saharan Africa 
  • Dr. Perrine Burnod CIRAD and Malagasy Land Observatory, Madagascar;
  • Dr. Sara Mercandalli University of Pretoria & Cirad
  • Dr. Aurélien Reys Independent and ex Cirad
  • Dr. Ward Anseeuw  International Land Coalition
  • Dr. Markus Giger CDE – University of Bern
  • Dr. Boniface Kiteme University of Kyoto
  • Dr. Tsilavo Ralandison CETRAD  

Youth Employment and Large-scale Agricultural Land Investments Nexus in Africa: Mixed Method Insights from Nigeria
  • Dr. Karakara Karakara University of Cape Coast, Ghana
  • Dr. Uchenna Efobi Covenant University, Nigeria 
  • Dr. Felicia Olokoyo Covenant University, Nigeria 
  • Dr. Ibukun Beecroft Covenant University, Nigeria 
  • Prof. Evans Osabuohien Chair, Centre for Economic Policy & Development Research



Related:

GIZ Sector Network for Rural Development in Africa

28 October - 1 November 2019. Abidjan. 2019 SNRD Africa Conference.
The Sector Network Rural Development Africa is a community of practice of local and international GIZ staff working in the area of rural development in Africa. It constitutes a profound knowledge sharing hub and stands for a solid promoter of capacity development. SNRD Africa covers all aspects of rural development, sustainable natural resources management and the impacts of climate change. In this context, sustainable economic development and good governance are considered critical factors for the successful overall development of a region.



Keynote addresses

Globalisation - Keynote address by Steve Wiggins of ODI


Digitalisation and New Technologies - Keynote address at the 2019 SNRD conference by Michael Hailu of CTA


Digitalisation and New Technologies - Brief statement by Michael Hailu of CTA

Other speakers


Transforming Africa’s Food System with Digital Technologies

26 November 2019. African countries have made considerable progress in increasing agricultural productivity and reducing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. But continued population growth, urbanization, changing diets, and climate change are putting pressure on food systems not only to provide more food but also to make more diverse and nutritious foods available and accessible.

New digital technologies and services are already making an impact on how food is being produced, processed, marketed, traded, and consumed across the continent. How African countries position themselves to harness and deploy digital technologies will determine the future competitiveness of African agriculture and its contribution to African economies.

This seminar explored how African countries can develop a “digitalization ecosystem” to help foster growth and competitiveness in the continent’s value chains. Participants will also discuss the institutional and policy innovations that have already been implemented by African governments as well as efforts by the private sector and ag-tech startups to increase the development and use of digital tools and services in agriculture.


Byte by byte: Policy innovation for transforming Africa’s food system with digital technologies

See also: PAEPARD blogpost. 25/06 The Malabo Montpellier Forum in Kigali

The report Byte by byte: policy innovation for transforming Africa’s food system with digital technologies presents findings of an analysis of seven African countries at the forefront of digital development in the agricultural sector.

The Malabo Montpellier Panel published the report Byte by byte – policy innovation for transforming Africa’s food system with digital technologies in late June 2019.

The report summarises the key findings of a systematic analysis of what seven African countries at the forefront of progress on digitalisation of the agriculture sector have done right. It analyses which institutional and policy innovations were implemented and which actions by the private sector and agro-technology start-ups were taken to increase the development and use of digital tools and services in the agricultural value chain.

The objective of this report is to identify interventions that work and benefit farmers and other actors in the value chain and recommend options for policy and programme innovation that allow countries to develop a digitalisation ecosystem in which digital technologies and services can be developed and used to foster growth and competitiveness in Africa’s agricultural value chains.

More information: Malabo Montpellier Panel (2019). Byte by Byte: Policy Innovation for Transforming Africa’s Food System with Digital Technologies. Dakar, Senegal. June 2019

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) Extension Week

25-29 November 2019. Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire). The African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) organized, in partnership with the West and Central Africa Network of Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services (RESCAR-AOC), the National Agency for Rural Development (ANADER) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cote d’Ivoire, the 4th Africa-Wide Agricultural Extension Week back to back with the continental Agricultural and Animal Resources Fair (SARA) under the theme “Private Sector and Agricultural Advisory Services: What Synergies for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Africa” 

The AFAAS Africa Wide Agricultural Extension Week (AEW) is an international event that brings together averagely 600 participants from across Africa and the World to take stock on a strategic theme for a better contribution of agricultural extension and advisory to sustainable development in Africa.

Its purpose is to facilitate processes for improving the use of knowledge, technologies and innovations by agricultural value chain actors to achieve their individual and national development goals.

The context of the 4th AEW is characterized by growing efforts at national, regional and international levels to make agriculture in Africa more productive, profitable and sustainable. This transformation expected to lead to increased technical, economic and environmental performances of agricultural value chains entails a paradigm and operational shift from farming for subsistence to farming for business i.e. sustainable wealth creation.


Saturday, November 23, 2019

Global forum on marginal environments

20-21 November 2019. Over 300 experts and decision-makers from about 70 countries convened in Dubai at the Global Forum on Innovations for Marginal Environments (GFIME) to explore the latest advances in research, innovation, development and policy in agriculture and food production in the world’s marginal environments.

Dubbed as the Food Security and Innovation Day, the first day of the GFIME featured high-level panel discussions involving ministers, policymakers and innovators from around the world.

The GFIME is organized by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in collaboration with the Food Security Office and the Advanced Sciences Office of the United Arab Emirates, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and is supported by different partners, including the OCP Group, Morocco.

The forum is organized given the enormous impact of climate change, soil and water salinization on ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods, and food security in the marginal environments.

The main aim of the GFIME, which also coincides with the 20th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of ICBA by the Government of the UAE and the IsDB, is to identify the right policies and develop innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change and empower smallholder farmers who are on the frontlines of food production.

The second day of the forum focused on climate impact and sustainability.
As a global center of excellence focused on salinity and water scarcity issues in the marginal environments for about 20 years now, ICBA is committed to safeguarding the future of marginal environments, where about 70 percent of the people live in extreme poverty. These areas, where an estimated 1.7 billion people live, are most vulnerable to vagaries of climate change and face issues, including salinity and water scarcity. “As the scale and impact of climate change and other factors are increasing at an alarming speed, I would like to call upon all the policymakers and innovators gathered here today to let us work together to ensure a better future for people living in the marginal environments,” Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Director General of ICBA
Extract of the programme:
INNOVATORS PANEL: Unlocking value - supporting agriculture and food innovation and the future of smart investments 
Can smart agriculture strategies mitigate climate risk, increase food production and save the planet, all at the same time? 
  • Ms. Hajbouha Zoubeir (see picture) President, Phosboucraa Foundation, Morocco 
  • Dr. José Graziano da Silva Eighth Director General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Brazil 
  • Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze Fifth President, International Fund for Agricultural Development Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, FAYODE, Nigeria 
  • Mr. Soud Ba’alawy Chairman, Enspire, UAE
GRASSROOTS SPOTLIGHT: Farming on the frontlines of marginal environments
Gauging the impact of farming in marginal environments in the face food security challenges
  • Mrs. Fatiha Charradi (see picture) Vice President of Agricultural Development - Domestic Market, OCP Group – Morocco 
  • Ms. Jane Ininda Associate Program Director, Alliance for a Green Revolution (AGRA), Kenya 
  • Ms. Rosemary Nenini Coordinator, Twala Women’s Group, Kenya 
  • Mr. Bektashev Jakhongir Rakhimovich Farm Manager, "Baxt Imkon Rivoj Chorvasi" farming entity, Uzbekistan 
  • Ms. Ejezie Juliet Farm Manager, Dozliet Anim Farms, Nigeria and Volunteer, Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network 
  • Mrs. Alem Greiling Founder and CEO, Nutri-Dense, Ethiopia
PANEL DISCUSSION: Are We All Destined To Become Climate Refugees? (see picture)
Can industry transparency and climate-smart strategies save us from water scarcity crises, sustainability failures and rising temperatures? 
  • H.E. Dr. Hussein Al Mahmoudi CEO, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), UAE 
  • Dr. Jacques Wery  Deputy Director General – Research, ICARDA - Egypt 
  • Ms. Kata Molnar Independent water risk and policy analyst, Hungary 
  • Mr. Joseph Lentunyoi  Director and Founder, Laikipia Permaculture Center, Kenya

Thursday, November 21, 2019

ACP Global Climate Change Alliance

Head of Cooperation for the Delegation of the European Union
to the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Bernard Rey and
Director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Mr Domingos Gove
6 November 2019.  Johannesburg. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the European Union (EU) launched an Intra African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) programme to strengthen the capacity of SADC Member States to undertake climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions..

The GCCA+ Contribution Agreement is funded to the tune of €8 million, through the 11th European Development Fund, for a period of 4 years, with an implementation timeframe running up to June 2023.

The programme aims to support SADC governments, regional organisations, private and public sector, to deliver on the following areas:
  • Strengthen the capacity of SADC Member States to undertake regional and national adaptation and mitigation actions in response to the challenges caused by the effects of global climate change and climate variability.
  • Facilitate implementation of the provisions of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in SADC.
  • Facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience with other ACP regional organisations, including South-South Cooperation.
  • Assist to design pilot projects on adaptation in several MS.
  • Support Universities and Research Centres from the SADC Region in the development of innovative solutions to climate change challenges.
The launch was preceded by two workshops held back to back from 28th October 2019 to 2nd November 2019 in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. The workshops facilitated the improvement of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) monitoring, reporting systems and developing capacity of SADC Climate Change Negotiators through formulating a regional common position.

Mediterranean agriculture prize for the year 2019

12 November 2019. Green Solution, a Moroccan company funded by 3 CIHEAM Bari former students, has been awarded in Rome with “Bandiera Verde 2019” the Mediterranean agriculture prize for the year 2019.

L'entreprise marocaine Green Solutions a remporté, mardi à Rome, le prix de l'agriculture méditerranéenne pour l'année 2019. Le prix a été remis au fondateur de la société marocaine, Ataa Abouatallah, par le président de la Confédération des agriculteurs italiens, Dino Scanavino, lors d'une cérémonie organisée à cet effet.
«Le projet propose des solutions et techniques permettant, entre autres, l'évaluation et le contrôle du drainage du sol, et apporte des conseils aux agricultures via une application sur les smartphones, notamment en matière de gestion et de calcul des doses d'irrigation.Le projet offre également le moyen de «prévoir quand une maladie sera susceptible d'affecter l'agriculture, ce qui permet, en conséquence, d'économiser en termes de produits phytosanitaire et chimiques» Ataa Abouatallah, fondateur de la société marocaine: Green Solutions  / Green-tele-mesure
Les expériences passées dans des pays comme l’Espagne, le Maroc, l'Afrique du Sud, l’Egypte ou le Mexique.., ont révélé que d’importantes quantités de pesticides et fongicides (jusqu’à 70% !), d’eau et d’engrais (jusqu’à 50% !) peuvent être économisés. Les deux opposés, consommateurs et environnementalistes sont d'accords : « il n’y a pas de raison que les exploitants agricoles, les consommateurs et les environnementalistes soient opposés. Après tout, nous partageons tous les mêmes préoccupations. Lorsque la rivière est polluée en amont, tout le monde souffre en aval. Le modèle pour l’avenir requiert que tous les besoins soient pris en considération de façon égale. Il y va de l’intérêt de chacun de respecter les ressources de valeur – tels que la terre et l’eau – et d’investir dans une gestion adaptée. Par ailleurs, ce défi est identique tant dans les pays industrialisés que dans les pays en voie de développement, du fait que nous vivons sur une seule Terre. Green Solutions

La société Green Solutions a été fondée depuis plus de 15 ans dans la région d'Agadir par des ingénieurs marocains lauréats de l'Institut agronomique méditerranéen de Bari en Italie.


Green Solution privilégie l’action et l’innovation afin d’apporter des solutions et techniques permettant, entre autres, l’évaluation et le contrôle du drainage du sol mais également donne des conseils aux agriculteurs par le biais d’une application sur les Smartphones, notamment en matière de gestion et de calcul des doses d’irrigation.
Ainsi l’entreprise 
Green Solutions se veut être la plus prévoyante possible. Elle a l’ambition d’offrir les moyens de prévoir quand une maladie sera susceptible d’affecter l’agriculture, ce qui permettra, en conséquence, d’économiser notamment les produits phytosanitaires et chimiques.De plus, elle œuvre pour le développement des produits innovants afin de mieux servir l’agriculture marocaine dans le contexte du changement climatique et de la rareté de l’eau.


1ST AFLASAFE FOR AFRICA CONFERENCE, FIGHTING AFLATOXIN IN FOOD

4 –5 November 2019, Arusha, Tanzania The Aflasafe Technology Transfer and Commercialisation initiative (ATTC), led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has given rise to a team of private-sector partners across Africa who have made significant investments in producing and commercialising Aflasafe®, an IITA research product whose pre-harvest application enables crop production with little – or no – aflatoxin, while providing postharvest protection too.

Venturing into this commercialisation arena at different times over the past three years are peerless, pioneering, private-sector players. In a relatively short time, they have remarkably: 
  • increased the production of Aflasafe at country level; 
  • mapped Aflasafe’s route to market; 
  • forged partnerships that have increased Aflasafe’s availability, accessibility and use; and, 
  • linked up with buyers of aflatoxin-safe maize and groundnuts. 
From this, they have gained considerable practical hands-on experience on what works and does not work; tested different approaches, refining and discarding some; failed, and gone back to the drawing board; and are still going strong! 

As such, it is now timely to gather this brave band of trailblazing Aflasafe manufacturing and distribution partners together to, among others: 
  1. Report their progress commercialising Aflasafe 
  2. Exchange experiences and lessons learnt in the course of doing business (What worked and what failed? Solutions found. Pinpoint areas for more attention) 
  3. Build the capacity of manufacturing and distribution partners on new developments in Aflasafe technology and production 
  4. Forge connections between manufacturing and distribution partners, regulators, suppliers of manufacturing equipment and consumables,

IITA Research for Development Week

17-22 Novenber 2019. Ibadan More than 240 scientists and specialists attended this year’s IITA planning meeting.

For discussion: One CGIAR, CG Business Plan, new initiatives and projects,

The R4D programs of  IITA are focused on four crucial areas: Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement, Natural Resource Management, Social Science and Agribusiness, Plant Production and Plant Health.


Head of Communication Unit, Katherine Lopez shares plans 
of making IITA the "Center of Excellence" in Science 
Communication. This is in line with the DG Sanginga's 
vision of making IITA the CNN of Africa.




Feeding Africa's Soils

AGRA. (2019). Feeding Africa’s soils: Fertilizers to support Africa’s agricultural transformation.Nairobi, Kenya. Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Copyright ©2019 by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) 166 pages

For those looking to expand their knowledge and understand the complexities of fertilizer sector development as a part of agricultural intensification in Africa, this book ‘Feeding Africa’s soils: Fertilizers to support Africa’s agricultural transformation’ is a comprehensive and timely publication. This book is a part of a series of publications of AGRA, and further consolidates its position as a ‘go to institution’ for those engaged in transforming agriculture in Africa.

The current African agricultural system is characterized by low-yield and high-NUE. The longer-term strategy for Africa is to shift crop production directly from a low-yield, high-NUE status to a high-yield, high-NUE status. This shift will require leapfrogging over the historical evolution of agricultural management practices by employing technologies and management practices that promote high NUE before emissions reach alarming levels. Developing and/or acquiring and promoting such technologies, such as improved seed, balanced nutrient fertilizers along with soil amendments, and water management are needed and will require investments in research, technology transfer and capacity building. An example of such a technology is the sub-surface application of large granules of urea that doubles NUE particularly for flooded rice; farmers get 18%-20% more rice with nearly 30% less urea.




Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Farmers like videos from other countries

Information and knowledge are indispensable for empowering small-scale farmers. But their access to adequate knowledge, improved technology and other relevant information remains a critical issue since there are not enough extension agents to reach all farmers who would like to receive extension services.

Training videos have now become a proper agricultural extension tool in which many development agencies invest in order to communicate farming information to smallholders.

For the sustainable use of video as an agricultural extension tool, it is relevant to broaden video distribution beyond projects and NGOs, taking into account developing world contexts in which ICT infrastructure is limited, and look for mechanisms whereby farmers are willing to share the cost of extension, by buying learning DVDs and screening videos on their own.

Building on existing nonconventional agricultural information dissemination networks, such as entertainment DVD sellers, agro-input dealers, vegetable sellers, and motorcycle-taxi drivers to disseminate agricultural information using videos, leads to a self-sustained way of making new information available to farmers.


Check the agricultural training videos in 77 local languages https://www.accessagriculture.org
For more information on the smart projector please see here: https://www.accessagriculture.org/vid...

Annual 2019 ReSAKSS conference

11-13 November 2019. Lomé, Togo. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), convened the ReSAKSS Annual Conference to promote review and dialogue on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) implementation agenda.

Download Conference Note (English: PDF 281K) | French: (PDF 283K)

This year’s conference theme “Gender Equality in Rural Africa: From Commitments to Outcomes” called for deliberations on the key findings and policy recommendations of the ReSAKSS 2019 Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR). State and non-state reflected on how stakeholders should apply a gender lens to various issues among rural populations. The conference
  • Discussed progress, research evidence, and recommendations on gender equality presented in the 2019 ATOR.
  • Reviewed progress in promoting mutual accountability through agriculture JSRs and preparing the 2019 CAADP Biennial Review report to be presented at the African Union Assembly of heads of state and government in January 2020.
  • Assessed progress in formulating evidence-based, Malabo compliant second-generation NAIPs.
  • Evaluate progress in operationalizing effective local analytical networks for SAKSS platforms to support CAADP data and analytical needs at the country level.
  • Reviewed the status of CAADP implementation and progress toward achieving key goals and targets.
Extracts of the programme:
Download the programme (20 pages)

GENDER EQUALITY IN RURAL AFRICA: FROM COMMITMENTS TO OUTCOMES

  • Overview of the 2019 Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR) Agnes Quisumbing, Senior Research Fellow, Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division (PHND), IFPRI, USA 
  • Keynote Address: Gender Equality in Rural Africa: From Commitments to Outcomes Namumbya Monica Kapiriri (see picture), Development Facilitator, Mentor and Coach, Uganda 
  • Noël Koutéra Bataka, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture Animal Production and Fisheries, Togo 
  • Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Pan-African Farmers’ Organization, Kenya 
  • Apollos Nwafor, Vice President, Policy and State Capability, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Kenya 
  • Afeikhena Theo Jerome, Special Advisor, AUC-DREA, Ethiopia

GENDER: SOCIAL NORMS AND LEADERSHIP
  • Chairperson: Ismahane Elouafi, Director General, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), United Arab Emirates 
  • Gender and Social Norms in Agriculture: A Review Edward Bikketi, Research Scientist, INCLUDOVATE Research Hub, Kenya 
  • Gender and Leadership in Africa: Exploring the Nexus, Trends and Opportunities Michele Mbo’o-Tchouawou, Deputy Director, Programs, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), Kenya 
  • The role of men in nutrition: Reflections from Malawi Elizabeth Mkandawire, Research Assistant, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Download Side Event Schedule (PDF 247K)
SIDE EVENT # 1: Through the Water Lens: Exploring the Diversity of Gender, Youth, and its Implications for Agricultural Transformation in Africa 
  • Youth Participation in Small-Scale Fisheries, Aquaculture and Value Chains Likimyelesh Nigussie, Researcher, IWMI-Ethiopia 
  • Addressing the Rights and Ownership Challenge: Gender, Youth and Land Rights in Patrilineal Societies Dr Inga Jacobs-Mata, Country Representative, IWMI-Southern Africa 
  • Who Works in Agriculture? Exploring the Dynamics of Youth Involvement in the Agri-Food Systems of Tanzania And Malawi Kashi Kafle, Researcher, IWMI-Sri Lanka 
  • Discussion Moderator: Dr. Greenwell Matchaya, Senior Researcher and ReSAKSS Coordinator for Southern Africa, IWMI-Southern Africa 
New report
Each year, ReSAKSS produces an Africawide ATOR that presents analysis on a feature topic of strategic importance to the CAADP agenda. The 2019 ATOR discusses progress and research evidence on gender equality, a cross-cutting theme in the Malabo Declaration and a key commitment of the 2004 Solemn Declaration on gender equality in Africa.

Applying a gender lens to various issues among rural populations will facilitate women’s social, political, and economic participation in agricultural development and provide additional evidence needed to advance gender equality. 

Gender-sensitive policies and programming are central to effectively advancing Malabo’s agricultural transformation agenda. But what is the progress in achieving gender equality? What are the major challenges, and what are the effective means of overcoming those challenges? What are best practices and successful experiences in Africa and elsewhere? What can we learn from the research evidence?

The 2019 ATOR takes an in-depth look at gender in Africa by examining the intersections between gender and i) context and institutions, ii) assets, iii) shocks and resilience, iv) livelihood strategies, v) income and control of income, and vi) well-being.

As in previous ATORs, the 2019 Report also assesses progress toward achieving CAADP goals and the Malabo Declaration commitments using the 2015-2025 CAADP Results Framework.
  1. Chapter 1 Introduction [Download]
  2. Chapter 2 Gender and social norms in agriculture: A review [Download]
  3. Chapter 3 Gender and leadership in Africa: Exploring the nexus, trends, and opportunities [Download]
  4. Chapter 4 Women’s land rights in Africa [Download]
  5. Chapter 5 Beyond access: Gender-transformative financial inclusion in agriculture and entrepreneurship [Download]
  6. Chapter 6 Building an inclusive agriculture: Strengthening gender equality in agricultural value chains [Download]
  7. Chapter 7 Building livelihoods for rural youth: A gendered perspective [Download]
  8. Chapter 8 Gender and trade in Africa: Case study of Niger [Download]
  9. Chapter 9 Addressing gender and social dynamics to strengthen resilience for all [Download]
  10. Chapter 10 Toward gender equality: A critical assessment of evidence on social safety nets in Africa [Download]
  11. Chapter 11 Women’s control over income: Implications for women’s empowerment and the agricultural sector [Download]
  12. Chapter 12 The promise and challenges of gender data [Download]
  13. Chapter 13 Tracking key CAADP indicators and implementation processes [Download]
  14. Chapter 14 Concluding remarks [Download]





A recent policy seminar at IFPRI presented an upcoming CGIAR publication on the topic
October 30, 2019. Policy Seminar: Crafting the Next Generation of CGIAR Gender Research
What does research reveal about how agriculture and natural resource management can advance gender equality? And why is it important to ask this question, rather than the more standard question of what gender analysis brings to agriculture and natural resource management? This was the focus of an Oct. 30 policy seminar, organized by the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), to present key reflections from an upcoming publication on the topic.

Seminar recording and presentations; (9 videos)
Dina Najjar, Gender Scientist with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), presented the chapter analyzing gender-transformative approaches (GTAs), which focus on creating an enabling social environment and more equitable formal and informal institutions that expand life choices for both women and men. GTAs use a combination of tools to lead participants through a process of change and allow for existing norms to be challenged in a safe environment. While several CGIAR research projects have shown success with GTAs, there is still much to be learned, including how to achieve lasting transformation at scale.

The publication is a joint effort by authors from all CGIAR centers and research programs. The initiative is led by the CGIAR Collaborative Platform for Gender Research, hosted by PIM.

The authors aim to achieve three main objectives, said Rhiannon Pyburn of the KIT Royal Tropical Institute and Coordinator of the Gender Platform, in her introduction. First, to synthesize what we already know from the research undertaken within CGIAR. Second, to stimulate creative perspectives and new insights on this body of research. And third, to set a forward-looking agenda for gender research in the areas of agriculture and natural resource management.

Monday, November 18, 2019

9th meeting of the CGIAR System Council

The 9th meeting of the CGIAR System Council took place on 13-14 November 2019 and was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), in Chengdu, China.

The main discussion point was One CGIAR.
One CGIAR. is a dynamic reformulation of CGIAR’s partnerships, knowledge and physical assets – building on an energized, interconnected, and diverse global talent pool. It aims to drive major progress in key areas where innovation is needed to deliver on the SDGs by 2030, anchored in more unified governance, institutions, country engagement, and funding.

Delivering CGIAR’s mission requires an integrated approach to research and partnerships – which the climate crisis makes even more imperative and urgent. CGIAR’s governance and institutions need to be united as ‘One CGIAR’ in order to tackle the complex and interrelated challenges of the 21st century. These recommendations by the System Reference Group (SRG) reflect an unprecedented, System-wide process over the past 18 months to achieve this with urgency.

Video intervention from Akinwumi Adesina: the President of the African Development Bank.


"Take for example the TAAT Wheat Compact Seed Sector program led by ICARDA. We successfully deployed 65,000 metric tons of seeds of certified wheat resistant varieties accross 9 countries, all in its 4 year alone. The impact is massive. Sudan moved self sufficiency in wheat production from 25 % in 2016 to 80 % by 2018-2019." 


"To be more effective the CGIAR needs to be more effective (...) Over-centralized organisation tend to be inefficient. Agriculture is location specific or specific to agro-ecological zones. This diversity should be preserved"

International Symposium on the use of Non-Conventional Waters to achieve Food Security

14-15 November 2019. Madrid. International Symposium on the use of Non-Conventional Waters to achieve Food Security

The global water community at large supports efforts in water-scarce countries and communities to go beyond the use of conventional water resources and plan for non conventional water supplies. This support stems from the aim to narrow the water demand-supply gap; and to achieve specifically the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 6, calling respectively, for achieving zero hunger and for achieving clean water and sanitation for all people by the year 2030.
Attention is shifting to finding innovative solutions such as the use of non conventional water resources including reclaimed wastewater, desalination, fog harvesting, and their associated technologies. 

Fog water collection  can produce from 2 to 20 l/m2
of freshwater. The technology is environmental friendly,
and simple to operate and maintain, says Manzoor Qadir
from UNU-INWEH during the Symposium
on Nonconventional Waters
Non conventional water use requires changes in traditional water allocation frameworks, funding structures, water-quality standard-setting, regulatory frameworks, and institutional mandates. It requires effective and coordinated governance at all levels with integrated management and consistent policies aimed at economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Water allocation plans should meet the needs of multiple water users while engaging stakeholders through a participatory process.


Finance, Policy and Technology:
  • Mr Claudio Bacigalupi, Head of Water Sector, International Cooperation and Development Unit – Environment, Natural Resources, Water, European Commission (EC)
  • Ms Heba Ahmed, Water Resources and Irrigation Specialist, World Bank
  • Mr Oriol Bellot, Head of Projects Department, Suez Agriculture
  • Ms Valeria Silvestri, Water Management and Rural Infrastructure Expert, International Fund for Agriculture Development, IFAD
In Jordan 90% of treated wastewater is used for irrigation,
said Mr. Ahmed Uleimat from the Jordanian
Ministry of Water and Irrigation
NON CONVENTIONAL WATER & FOOD SECURITY - “The Untapped opportunities”
  • Ms Aslihan Kerc, Chair, Global Wastewater Initiative, Turkish Water Institute (SUEN)
  • Mr Wang Yaosheng, Professor, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science (CAAS)
  • Mr Ahmed Uleimat, ASG for Labs and Quality Affairs, Water Authority, Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan
  • Ms Akissa Bahri, Former Director, African Water Facility (AWF), Tunisia
DESALINATION -  “Advancing desalination: reducing energy consumption and environmental footprint”
  • Mr Zaidan AbuZuhry, WASH Officer, Seawater Desalination Plant Project, UNICEF
  • Mr Antonio Borrero, Director, Africa and Europe, Water Deparment, Abengoa, Spain
  • Mr Nicholas Sloane, Director, Resolve Marine Group, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Mr Nikolay Voutchkov, DTRI and Saline Water Conversion Cooperation, Saudi Arabia
  • Mr Domingo Zarzo Martínez, Technical and Innovation Manager, SACYR Water Services, Spain
  • Ms Dionysia Lyra, International Centre on Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), United Arab Emirates


FINANCING - “Investments and financial instruments in a circular economy”
  • Mr Francesc Hernández, Professor in Water Economics, University of Valencia
  • Mr Octavi Quintana Trias, Director, Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area, PRIMA
  • Ms Valeria Silvestri, Senior Water Management and Rural Infrastructure Expert, International Fund For Agriculture Development (IFAD)
  • Ms Heba Ahmed, Water Resources and Irrigation Specialist, World Bank
  • Mr Carlos Cosín, President, International Desalination Association (IDA)/ CEO, Almar Water Solutions.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

L'intérêt du secteur privé pour des technologies innovantes en agriculture

Tunis, 6-7 November 2019. Interviews at the Training workshop PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area. This is the most ambitious joint research programme in the frame of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

Video interviews

The African Membrane Society and Water Purification

Interview (in French) with Professeur Raja REKIK BEN AMAR Department of Chemistry - Laboratory of Material Science and Environment, Vice-president of the African Membrane Society (AMSIC).

Professor REKIK BEN AMAR answers the following questions:
  • What is the urgency of water purification?
  • What impact can purification have on agriculture?
  • How is the collaboration with the private sector?
  • What is the interest of the private sector in Tunisia? -
  • Can the production of large-scale membranes be done in Tunisia?
  • What is the role of the African Membrane Society?

L'intérêt du secteur privé pour des capteurs innovants pour l'agriculture 

Interview avec Prof. M. Hachicha National Research Institute in Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, University of Carthage | UCAR

  • Quel est le défit des capteurs actuels? 
  • Quel est l'intérêt des compagnies Européennes? 
  • Comment les start-ups Tunisiens peuvent ils bénéficier d'une nouvelle génération de capteurs? 
  • Est-ce que cela peut également avoir des retombées sous-régionales? 
  • Est-ce que ces capteurs peuvent également être utilisés pour les plantes? 
  • Comment cela peut bénéficier le petit producteur? 
  • Quel système de subside pourrait être utile au petit producteur?


 

Kenya's ugali scare as investigative documentary reveals aflatoxin contamination of maize products

10 November 2019. The Kenyan NTV aired an explosive exposé dubbed ‘White Alert’. The exposé by NTV Investigations Desk on aflatoxin contamination of maize products has caused a wave of panic and concern in Kenya.
  • The ‘White Alert’ highlighted the dangerously high amounts of the fungi, which is known to cause various cancers, in Kenya’s staple food. 
  • The exposé came a day after Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) suspended licences of five maize millers over the sale of aflatoxin-contaminated flour.
  • In the 90-minute investigative documentary, a former Member of Parliament brought to light how former Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) Managing Director tried to stop poisonous maize from being released into the market.
  • The documentary benefited among others from the clarity of the exposé by IITA's Charity Mutegi. 
See also: 
11/11. Daily Nation. WhiteAlert: All you need to know about aflatoxins



Related:
2019. Association of detection of aflatoxin in plasma of Kenyan women with increased detection of oncogenic HPV.
  • Women who ingest aflatoxin may be more likely to have persistent infections with oncogenic human papilloma virus (HPV) type. 
  • Only a small proportion of HPV-infected women develop cervical cancer and other cofactors may increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer. 
  • Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women living in Africa. 

Related:
Mycotoxins. Impact and Management Strategies
Edited by Patrick Berka Njobeh ; Co-editor: Francois Stepman - Published: August 28th 2019

This Edited Volume Mycotoxins - Impact and Management Strategies is a collection of reviewed and relevant research chapters, offering a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the field of Mycotoxicology. The book comprises of single chapters authored by various researchers and edited by an expert active in this research area.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

5th West African Organic Conference


12-15 November 2019. Accra, Ghana. The West African Organic Conference (WAOC) is held every two years in one of the countries in the sub-region. So far, Nigeria, Benin and Mali have hosted it. Ghana is proud to host the organic conference in 2019.
Objectives:
  • The potential of organic agriculture in contributing to the transformation of national and regional economies, ecologies and livelihoods through income growth, enhancement of systems resilience and mitigation of climate change, food sovereignty and trade is explored and showcased.
  • The sharing of knowledge, information, experiences and skills among all stakeholders in the organic sector is facilitated, the uptake of organic alternatives through south-south collaboration is encouraged.
  • Organic produce and products are exhibited to stimulate national, regional and international trade and link producers to markets.
  • The conference is showcased and publicized to create awareness, obtain support and buy-in among policymakers (what are the next steps), organic stakeholders and the general public.
Seminar STAKEHOLDERS - Scientific Day
  • Moderator: Ingrid Prem
  • INFONET-BIOVISION • Online information complements Organic Agriculture Extension. Monique Hunziker Belinda Weya 
  • LAND MANAGEMENT • Farmers’ perception of land and adoption of sustainable land management technologies. Assogba S. Claude-Gervais 
  • OWNERSHIP • Ownership & transmission mechanisms of organic agriculture among pineapple producers Nathalie L&o Loyem 
  • LAND USE • The need for including organic and ecological sound use in an integrated development plan. Niek van Dulvenbooden 
  • ADOPTION OF PRACTICE • Determinants of Adoption of Organic Farming Practices Among Rural Farmers. Friday Ogar Idiku
Policy and Markets
  • Dr. De Fenzy Schandorf • President of EOAP-G Ecological Organic Agriculture Platform of Ghana (EOAP-G) 
  • Professor Simplice Davo VODOUHE • Chair of the West African Organic Network (WAfrONet) 
  • Dr. Ernest Aubee • Head of Agriculture Division Economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Nigeria. 
  • Dr. Simplice Nouala • Head of Agriculture and Food Security Division African Union 
  • Dr. Elke Stumpf • Head of the Market Oriented Agriculture Programme (MOAP) German Development Cooperation (GIZ) Hon Dr. Sagre Bambangi • Deputy Minister of Agriculture(Crops) Ministry of Food and Agriculture(MoFA)