Current maize production is more than sufficient to meet domestic needs in Zambia, and yet there are volatile maize prices, and a majority of Zambians still living in rural poverty. Experts identify poor crop marketing as one of two major causes for the lack of food security, with inadequate government storage leading to estimated postharvest […]
Archive | Africa
RSS feed for this sectionCanada and Australia Join Forces to Improve Food Security in Africa – $15 Million Project Call Launched
Two international research institutes are joining forces to initiate a project called ‘Cultivate Africa’s Future’ (CultiAF). The research partnership will focus on innovation for smallholders, especially women. One focus topic of the $15 million project will be curbing postharvest losses. http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130716-908563.html
Once Upon A Village Value Chain in Africa
The Deputy Director for Agriculture for Impact, Michael Hoevel, writes about rural transformations he witnesses during a visit to a Kenyan village. Hoevel stresses the impact of value chain activities on productivity, income generation, and food security in describing the work of several organizations focused on this type of intervention. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-hoevel/once-upon-a-village-value_b_3585450.html
Africa: Saving Food Saves Lives
This article describes the effects of postharvest losses in the food chain, specifically in regards to food security, malnutrition, and poverty rates in a particular country. It also overviews the role of the United States government and President Obama’s Feed the Future initiative in curbing losses. http://allafrica.com/stories/201307161296.html
Government of Ghana and Blumberg Grain Execute MOU for Manufacturing Plant and Export Hub in West Africa
U.S. company Blumberg Grain plans to develop a state of the art food safety and security storage warehousing system in Ghana, following an agreement negotiated by the Ghanaian Minister of Trade and Industry. The Hub will also include an educational institute supported by Iowa State University, the Ghanaian Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and NGO […]
President Receives UN-FAO Award
President Mahama of Ghana received an award from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. His keynote address announced the theme of the 29th Farmer’s Day, ‘Reducing Postharvest Losses for Sustainable Food Security and Nutrition’. http://www.ghana.gov.gh/index.php/2012-02-08-08-32-47/general-news/1475-president-receives-un-fao-award
Postharvest Losses to be Reduced with Support from Government
Minister of Food and Agriculture Humado inaugurated a new representative body, the Conference of District Directors of Agriculture, that will provide increased attention to the needs of the agricultural sector throughout the country. In his address, Humado stressed a focus on reducing postharvest losses. http://www.spyghana.com/post-harvest-loses-to-be-reduced-with-support-from-government/
Kenya: 2.5 Million Bags of Maize Rotting in NCPB Silos
The National Cereals and Produce Board under the Strategic Grain Reserves is paralyzed by a debt dispute and is unable to perform any operations, including fumigating maize in storage. Officials hope the issue can be resolved in the courts before the maize is lost to rotting. http://allafrica.com/stories/201307031041.html
Sh45m for Cereals Warehouse
The Kenyan government is constructing a large scale warehouse in Kanyekiini County, Central Province, to reduce postharvest losses. The project is expected to offer local youth employment opportunities and improve farmers’ incomes. http://www.nation.co.ke/Counties/Sh45million-for-cereals-warehouse/-/1107872/1909594/-/yx5y58/-/index.html
Agric Minister Advocates Measures to Reduce Postharvest Losses
Minister of Food and Agriculture Humado points to initiatives involved in developing comprehensive government plan for postharvest loss reduction, including model warehousing and receipt facilities, and investment in transportation. http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2013/07/06/agric-minister-advocates-measures-to-reduce-post-harvest-losses/