International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) working to help farmers develop resiliency to droughts. PH infrastructure crucial in mitigating problems associated with drought. “There needs to be greater government and donor support for integrated soil fertility management, erosion control, agro-forestry, and reforestation, which are fundamental to preserving the natural resources — the principal capital asset of […]
4m Bags Needed as Maize Stocks Dry Up
Kenya faces serious smuggling problems, all while reserves have dropped to levels sufficient enough for only two months. 4.5 million bags need to be imported to Kenya due to the shortage and the government is counting on an early harvest to abate the problem. http://www.nation.co.ke/News/4m+bags+needed+as+maize+stocks+dry+up+/-/1056/1195992/-/8fodmt/-/
No Let-Up in Food Inflation, Say Economists
Economists show that food price inflation is linked to postharvest losses and will not likely come below 8% in the near future. http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/no-let-up-in-food-inflation-say-economists-111071200062_1.html
Rising Global Temperatures Melting Away Global Food Security
Lester Brown, President of Earth Policy Institute, says climate change will have devastating effect on Asian crops, especially rice, and would destroy the food security of many countries relying on major rice-exporting countries, like Vietnam. Increased climate change impact on temperature and water in India will lead to even tighter food supply issues. http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/rising-temperatures-melting-away-global-food-security.html
Stanbic Bank Supports Uganda’s Agriculture Sector
Stanbic Bank Uganda lending $25 million for the purpose of purchasing agricultural machinery and ag development. Result of participation at the “Agriculture Finance Conference in Kampala, Uganda late last month, where more than 300 international and local agriculture finance experts as well as central governors of 10 African central banks converged to discuss agriculture finance issues. […]
Assessment of Postharvest Losses of Some Selected Crops in Eight Local Government Areas of River States in Nigeria
New report analyzes postharvest losses of selected crops in 8 local government areas in Nigeria. Although dealing mainly with vegetables, maize is highlighted as well. Works Cited includes some other resources to consider. http://docsdrive.com/pdfs/knowledgia/ajrd/0000/31329-31329.pdf
Uganda: Technology to Take Advantage of High Food Prices Introduced
“Government has launched a technology-adaptation and transfer scheme, where local welders are to be employed to fabricate post-harvest agricultural production technology for use in the sector, which is said to have started attracting youth.” The other machines included maize cob sorters and sorghum threshers. The scheme is expected to improve on skills of local fabricators, especially […]
Invasive Species Compendium
US AID with other contributors have developed a free, online compendium on invasive species, citing such species as responsible for large production and postharvest losses. Site includes a searchable database and library, videos for training, datasheets, and more to be added as the site develops. http://www.cabi.org/isc/
Harvesting the Future: FAO and the EU Improve Postharvest Conditions
Cambodia and the EU are working together to improve postharvest conditions (video) through distribution of tarpaulins and rice storage bins and the provision of complementary training. This specific project will affect about 9,000 families. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x80metnZK5Y&feature=channel_video_title
Adoption and Impact of an Award-Winning Postharvest Technology: The ASI Rice Thresher in the Senegal River Valley
Powerpoint presentation on the adoption of the ASI rice thresher. Outlines technical details as well as impact, and suggests that the recommendation could make a significant change in Senegalese rice harvesting – helping it to achieve its goal of becoming self-sufficient. http://www.africarice.org/workshop/grisp-mech/PPT/Diagne,%20africarice.pdf