Experts at a conference hosted by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), and the CGIAR Consortium unanimously called for more agricultural research, market infrastructure development, and robust policies and partnerships. Practical applications included: diversification of crops better suited for drylands, better storage, partnerships to scale up […]
Aiding Famine Victims in Somalia
The Somalian famine is seen as a result of bad politics, terrorist activity in blocking aid, and Western countries being unsure of how to interact with the unstable government. Drought and climate change have a large role in the famine, but it is the issue of governmental instability that prevents the country from reversing their […]
Southern Colorado Drought Hurting Farmers, Ranchers
Drought is affecting southern Colorado farmers but will not have an impact on prices, as excessive rains in the north will make up for the 30% losses by their southern counterparts. An estimated 5 million bushel increase in winter-wheat production is predicted for the state overall. http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_18526924
In Defence of Rwanda’s Agricultural Underperformance
Rwanda is being held back by education, irrigation and drought issues, and a perceived risk in agricultural payback. The Minister of Agriculture is focusing on crop intensification projects, consolidating farmer land into cooperatives, and investing in postharvest infrastructure as a means to address the subpar agricultural results. http://www.independent.co.ug/News/regional-news/4415-in-defence-of-rwandas-agricultural-underperformance
East Africa: We Cannot Fail When the Rains Do
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 […]