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The Mud on Their Legs – Farmer to Farmer Videos in Uganda

Paul Van Mele and colleagues created eleven farmer-to-farmer learning videos in Bangladesh and West Africa about growing rice from seed to postharvest beginning in 2003. The USAID funded project, Modernizing Extension and Advisory Systems (MEAS), funded this case study analysis in Uganda describing what researchers observed during a return visit in November 2012. http://agrilinks.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/MEAS%20CS%20Uganda%20-%20Farmer%20to%20Farmer%20Videos%20in%20Uganda%20-%20Bentley,%20J%20and%20P%20Van%20Mele%20-%20July%202013%20-%202.pdf

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ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss: Measurement and Technology Development Videos

The ADM Institute published a blog post on the AgriLinks Knowledge-Driven International Development (KDID) site about the benefits and obstacles of conducting international research on measurement and technology development. Three researcher videos were highlighted as well. http://agrilinks.kdid.org/blog/adm-institute-prevention-postharvest-loss-measurement-and-technology-development-videos

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Technology and Innovation Aim at Greater Food Security

Kansas State University is home of the new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sorghum & Millet. In partnership with USAID, the lab will focus on finding new technologies and techniques for smallholder farmers to maintain and increase productivity in times of climate change. http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/07/technology-and-innovation-aim-at-greater-food-security/  

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Statement by IFAD President at the 6th Africa Agriculture Science Week and FARA general assembly

President Kwanze of the International Fund for Agricultural Development listed reducing postharvest losses as a current challenge to achieving continent-wide food security in his remarks on Africa’s opportunities in agriculture. Kwanze cited the decline of research funding as a faltering moment in Africa’s history of agricultural prosperity, and called for altering the lens of research […]

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Global Crop Yields Fail to Keep Pace with Demand

According to a study by researchers at the Institute on the Environment from the University of Minnesota, it is very likely the world will experience famine without an increase in agricultural research. Experts believe yields of major crops are not keeping pace with the food demands of a growing population. http://www.scidev.net/global/food-security/news/global-crop-yields-fail-to-keep-pace-with-demand.html

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Growth in Crop Yields Inadequate to Feed the World by 2050 – Research

University of Minnesota, United States, researchers say crop yields are far below targets for 2050, after analyzing 2.5 million agricultural statistics. Looking at maize, rice, wheat, and soybeans, they found yield improvement grew between 0.9% to 1.6%, far slower than the 2.4% necessary to meet calorie demands. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jun/20/crop-yeilds-world-population Report — http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0066428

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Mycotoxin Occurrence in Maize Milling Fractions

A study by South African researchers concludes that the occurrence of mycotoxin differs per milling fraction, and that dry milling is an effective way to reduce mycotoxins in maize. The article appears in the International Journal of Food Microbiology. http://www.allaboutfeed.net/Process-Management/Feed-Safety/2013/5/Mycotoxin-occurrence-in-maize-milling-fractions-1267126W/

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Giving Power to African Farmers: Learning from the Indian Experience

A group of agriculture professionals from Africa took part in a study in India to gain insights on the role of farm mechanization in sustainable intensification. Participants were exposed to various technologies, including gender-friendly equipment for postharvest operations. Four international research organizations coordinated the tour. http://blog.cimmyt.org/?p=10406

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Tk2.3bn Lost Annually in Traditional Harvesting

A government study in Bangladesh finds that farmers lose up to 7% of paddy each year, valued at $30 million, due to traditional harvesting techniques, which are often delayed. http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2013/jun/03/tk23bn-lost-annually-traditional-harvesting  

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German Government Investigates Postharvest Losses

A government study of postharvest losses in Germany finds the country has lost 3.3% of wheat, or about 820,000 tonnes, per year over the last three years. The researchers recommended targeted investments in storage systems, and more funding for R&D, both nationally and internationally. http://www.farming.co.uk/news/article/8431    

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