Postharvest losses could be reduced by decreasing barriers of trade between African countries according to a recent study by the World Bank. Complicated trade processes, including laws, fees, and high transport costs restrict crop surpluses from moving into profitable markets, which undercuts the ability of local farmers to improve regional food security. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTAFRICA/Resources/Africa-Can-Feed-Africa-Report.pdf
Government Faces Storage Space Issue Ahead of Rice Procurement Season
At the start of the Indian procurment season, the government is still facing severe storage shortages. The large bumper crop is overwhelming current capacities that still hold much of last year’s procurement. Government reactions include plans to add more storage capacity, release additional grain to the open market, and export to neighboring nations. Meanwhile, significant amounts of grain continue […]
KENYA Food Security Outlook
Kenyan news sources report that despite a new disease affecting its maize crop, production will increase in the future due to rains brought on by El Nino. However, transportation infrastructure may suffer, hindering access to markets. The food insecure population is expected to increase as well. http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/kenya%20july-december%202012%20outlook%20report_final_1.pdf
Protecting Harvests – The Impact of Post-Harvest Losses in a Ugandan Context
Slides on “Protecting Harvests – The Impact of Post-Harvest Losses in a Ugandan Context” as presented in Rio de Janeiro during the Agriculture and Rural Development Day are available online. http://www.slideshare.net/cgiarclimate/ardd2012-rio-learning-event-no-10-session-akaki
Construction of 10km Techimantia-Akomadan Road Begins
Ghana is beginning the construction of a ten-kilometer road in order to reduce traveling time and help link farm produce to major marketing centers. The road is funded by the Government of Ghana from the Consolidated Fund and should be completed by December 2013. http://ghanaian-chronicle.com/construction-of-10km-techimantia-akomadan-road-begins/
Togo: U.S. Treasury’s Neal Wolin in Country on Africa’s Future
The U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Neal Wolin spoke before the Togolese National Assembly, emphasizing the partnership of the USA to aid Togo’s development. Wolin highlighted the importance of infrastructure, suggesting improved roads, irrigation systems, making affordable electricity available, and broader access to information technology. These will aid in improved regional trade and access to markets, […]
Growing the Economy Through Local Manufacturing
Wivokil, a grain pesticide targeting grain weevils produced by AHL Chemicals and Steel Company Limited has been introduced to the Malawi market with the aim to reduce PHL and has been met with considerable success. The product is produced locally and thus is fresh and priced cheaper, causing farmers to buy it as soon as […]
Hopes of Reviving Cooperative Unions Shattered
Uganda’s cooperative movement will not be revived as had been hoped due to a small budget allocated by the government. The Trade Minister cited the inadequate legal framework, poor storage facilities and infrastructure, and insufficient knowledge as major hindrances to cooperative expansion. http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Hopes+of+reviving+cooperative+unions+shattered/-/688334/1402320/-/fylo2jz/-/
Doing Business Differently: Fighting Global Hunger Through a Whole-of-Government Approach
Feed the Future, the U.S. government’s food security initiative, has helped to improve market access for smallholder women farmers in Guatemala, taught agricultural techniques to Senegalese farmers, improved grain storage practices and lowered PHL for Ghanaian farmers, and aided Bangladeshi agriculture workers to have access to research about plant pests and diseases of their crops, […]
Africa: Advocacy Group Applauds U.S. Role in Agricultural Development
Feed the Future, the U.S. government’s food security initiative, has helped to improve market access for smallholder women farmers in Guatemala, taught agricultural techniques to Senegalese farmers, improved grain stroage practices and lowered PHL for Ghanaian farmers, and aided Bangladeshi agriculture workers to have access to research about plant pests and diseases of their crops, […]