Abraham Baffoe

As we prepare for our Agribusiness Webinar 6.0 We look back on the impact our Agribusiness Webinars have made on youths over four years. Cheers to the consistency of the Elite Farming Initiative. #EliteFarmingInitiative #YouthandAgriculture

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South Africa's agricultural sector has various institutions, organizations and committees that all play specific roles in supporting the sector's growth and sustainability. One of the vital committees housed at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is the Crop Estimates Committee. This Committee benefits on skills from government, academia, and the private sector. Its main task is to provide production forecasts for winter and summer grains and oilseed. These data are crucial to understanding the country's food security conditions and often influence the market prices of grains and oilseeds in season. For each season, the Crop Estimates Committee typically releases about ten reports. From the fourth monthly report, there is generally some certainty about the expected crop. We are now at the end of the 2023/24 summer grains and oilseed season. This comprises white maize, yellow maize, sunflower seed, soybeans, groundnuts, sorghum and dry beans. On June 27, the Crop Estimates Committee released its fifth production estimate for the summer grains and oilseed season. The current data is more reliable and unlikely to change much in the coming weeks. In the fifth release, the Committee lifted the 2023/24 summer grains and oilseed harvest by 0,6% from the May 2024 report to 16,0 million tonnes. Still, this is down 20% year-on-year, reflecting the severe impact of the mid-summer drought. The monthly slight upward adjustment of the summer grains and oilseed harvest size is mainly because of the notable uptick in the yellow maize production estimate, while other crops remained roughly unchanged from last month. If we zoom into the main crops, white and yellow maize harvest could be 6,3 million tonnes (up 0,1% month-on-month) and 7,1 million tonnes (up 1,3% month-on-month). These revisions place the total maize production estimate at 13,4 million tonnes (up 0,7% month-on-month). When viewed annually, white maize harvest is down 26%, with yellow maize down 10% from the 2022/23 season. The disparity in the crop decline is due to regions where each crop variety is planted, with white maize predominantly in the western areas of South Africa while yellow maize is in the east. Moreover, yellow maize is typically planted a month earlier than white maize. Rainfall impacts These regions and timeframes differently, ultimately affecting the expected harvest sizes. The expected harvest of 13,4 million tonnes is down 18% from the 2022/23 season. I am optimistic that this harvest may materialize and meet South Africa's annual maize consumption of roughly 12,00 million tonnes, leaving the country with roughly 1,4 million tonnes for exports (there is also support from the carryover stocks from the previous season). About 840 000 tonnes will likely be white maize, with 600 000 tonnes likely to be yellow maize. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dfHbCcgf

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“Amanda Namayi highlights the importance of celebrating transformative and innovative youth to inspire them and others like them.” 😊😊 #Agribusinesses and #agritechs, funders, corporates; all have a critical role to play in advancing sustainable and resilient #foodsystems in #Africa. Promote productive labour through automation and digitalisation, and support women in moving from production to higher-value chains. Read THE AGRIBUSINESS ECOSYSTEM IN EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA report by CGIAR Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Briter 🔗https://lnkd.in/gGSCufUk

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https://lnkd.in/dUxqF4Xu SMART / CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE IS A WAY TO GO IN DRY AND WET SEASONS, SO LETS JUST DO IT

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It's time we had a discussion on sustainable practices in Agriculture..by enhancing awareness and access to Low risk Plant Protection products and Practices , Great discussions with the team from Koppert Kenya , Cereal Growers Association and CABI Thanks Gibson Langat ,Duncan Oalo and Team For more on this,please register for the upcoming webinar on #SBCC#Pesticide Risk Reduction Experience https://ow.ly/CbaB50Tv0GA

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SNV's 5-year Inclusive Livestock Development for Smallholder Farmers (INCLUDE) Project, implemented in 21 districts of Uganda, builds upon the success of the recently concluded Integrated Smallholder Dairy Programme (ISDAP). At the recent Buhweju District Farmers Day, LC5 Chairman Deo Atuhaire commended SNV’s support for the Government of Uganda's livestock initiatives, emphasising the role of development partners like SNV in complementing national efforts to improve livelihoods. While ISDAP enabled 15,000 smallholder dairy farmers to enhance their livelihoods through small-scale integrated farming, focusing on dairy farming by increasing farm-level incomes, employment, and household food and nutrition security, the INCLUDE Project aims to empower 75,000 smallholder farmers in Kigezi, Greater Ankole, Rwenzori, and Busoga subregions to achieve resilient livelihoods and a living income through sustainable, high-frequency livestock-based practices. #InclusiveLivestock #SmallholderFarmers #SustainableAgriculture #UgandaAgriculture #SNV #ISDAP #FoodSecurity #ResilientFarming #EmpowerFarmers #LivestockDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda Wageningen University & Research MAAIF Uganda Makerere University Dairy Development Authority SNV Tanzania United Nations SDGs

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Publication Alert: 🔆 In the newly published article at https://lnkd.in/eReVdzrG, we examined the seasonal and annual biomass and nutrient flows in one of the low-input agricultural systems of West Africa. Nutrient flow from farm to households and vice versa was modeled using the NUTMON model. The study confirms that household endowment status determines farmlands' nutrient flows and fertility levels. Quantifying biomass transport and understanding nutrient flow dynamics enable the derivation of context-specific solutions to reduce risks associated with productivity and the environment. Further reading: https://lnkd.in/ewwRn8qi

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International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and partners support Kenyan smallholder fish farmers with training on disease monitoring and boosting productivity https://lnkd.in/dm6-igYA

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Coriander farming in Kenya holds significant promise for enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and contributing to the country's agricultural economy. With the right support, including access to improved seeds, technological advancements, and market linkages, farmers can overcome existing challenges and tap into lucrative local and international markets. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and policy support, Kenya can solidify its position as a leading producer of high-quality coriander, driving sustainable growth and prosperity for its agricultural sector. #CorianderFarmingKenya, #GrowCoriander, #KenyaAgriculture, #CorianderSeeds, #OrganicFarming, #CorianderPests, #FarmToTable, #CorianderHarvest, #KenyaFarmers, #SustainableFarming, #CorianderMarket, #CorianderCultivation, #KenyaHerbs, #CorianderTips, #FarmInnovation, #CorianderYield, #AgribusinessKenya, #CorianderExport, #FarmingEquipment, #CorianderCare, #HerbFarming, #FarmManagement, #CorianderGrowth, #FarmingInKenya, #CorianderHealth, #KenyaCrops, #CorianderProduction, #FarmersLife, #CorianderProfit, #CorianderChallenges. https://lnkd.in/daycaMNA

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South Africa's agriculture is part of the global agricultural market. Therefore, we must consistently pay attention to the production conditions of agricultural commodities globally as they impact our domestic prices and consumers. The world endured elevated food prices in the past few years for various reasons, ranging from drought in the major agricultural-producing regions of South America to the Black Sea wars. But in recent months, global agricultural prices and consumer food prices have softened. Food prices globally are roughly 25% less than the peak levels reached in March 2022, which was right after Russia invaded Ukraine and caused much disruption and panic in the agricultural markets. At the moment, the global agricultural observers are shifting their focus to the new production season, which is 2024/25, of grains and oilseeds. The production has recently started in the northern hemisphere, which is in the summer season. Farmers may begin tilling the land in the southern hemisphere around October 2024. Still, as early in the season as we are, and a lot yet to unfold, the International Grains Council (IGC) forecasts a decent harvest. For example, in their latest update, the IGC placed the 2024/25 global grains and oilseed production forecast at 2,3 billion tonnes, up mildly from the previous season. The stocks are expected to be healthy, around 582 million tonnes, although having declined somewhat from the 2023/24 season because of the expected increase in the industrial use of grains. We see an encouraging outlook if we consider the significant grains such as rice, wheat, maize and soybeans. For example, the IGC forecasts a 1% year-on-year increase in the 2024/25 global rice production to 528 million tonnes. This is based on an anticipated large crop in all the major rice-producing regions, such as India, Vietnam, Thailand, the US, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Subsequently, the stocks could also increase by 1% to 175 million tonnes. The production prospects for 2024/25 global soybeans are also positive, estimated at 415 million tonnes, up by 6% year-on-year. This is based on the expected large harvest in the US, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Paraguay. Still, given that nearly half of the production is by the southern hemisphere producers, specifically South America, we view these data as tentative until the start of the season in the region in about two months. Assuming the current estimates materialize, the 2024/25 global soybean stocks would lift by 16% year-on-year to 79 million tonnes. Such an increase in the harvest and supplies would add downward pressure on worldwide soybean prices, which is favourable for the animal feed industry. READ MORE HERE: https://lnkd.in/d9UqGu6H

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🌍 Impact Over Optics: Addressing Systemic Issues in Agricultural Development Small-scale farmers are Africa's busiest employers—if you consider the many people employed by organizations that claim to support them without addressing their real issues. The truth is, if these farmers could, they would. They adapt within their capabilities, not because they don't understand value or efficiency, but because their options are limited by the resources and support available to them. 🚜 I’ve seen this firsthand with farmers in Bungoma Kenya who were “trained” by an NGO to grow vanilla—a supposedly valuable commercial crop—only to find there is nowhere to sell it. 🥀 We often push subsistence farmers to adopt new crops, concepts and technologies, as if they don’t understand value and efficiency. In reality, they grow food crops to survive, making decisions based on their immediate needs and available resources. 🌾 Moreover, why are so many NGOs concentrated in western Kenya while areas with more pressing needs receive less attention? 🤔 They seem to be chasing numbers ("We trained 2000 farmers"), not genuine change. There’s probably no more "trained" farmer than one in western Kenya, who has been repeatedly “trained” by different organizations that come, earn their salaries, and leave without making a meaningful difference. 🛑 Impact shouldn't be measured solely by numbers, as it often is, but by real, traceable change—whether that change is quantifiable or intrinsic. 🔄 The bigger question is how to achieve this kind of impact. It’s frustrating to ask questions without answers, but smallholder subsistence farmers need solutions that extend beyond agriculture. No one chooses to remain a subsistence farmer. 🌾 Yet, the solutions they need—like economic opportunities and market access—require macro-level changes that lift entire regions out of poverty. 🌍 Until we address the broader systemic issues, we must recognize that our efforts only provide temporary relief. 🩹 We are not fixing the disease; we are merely treating the symptoms. A shift from task-oriented approaches to impact-driven strategies focused on regions with the greatest need is essential to truly make a difference. 🌟 #Agriculture #Sustainability #Development #SmallScaleFarmers #ImpactfulChange #Africa #FoodSecurity #SocialImpact #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableAgriculture

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Land Preparation as a Smart Standalone Business in Africa’s Agriculture Sector

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🌧🌧The rains are here, and it's the perfect time to plant superior maize varieties! 🌽 Elevate your farming game with our top-notch maize seeds from Syova Seed Uganda Limited. Whether you choose our hybrid or open-pollinated varieties, you are guaranteed high yields and resilient crops. Superior Hybrids: HODARI: Enjoy high stable yields with double cobbing, strong stalks with no lodging, excellent milling quality, and consistent performance in diverse conditions. Expect 35-45 bags per acre! 🌟 KH500-43A : Similar to HODARI, KH500-43A offers high stable yields, double cobbing, strong stalks, and excellent milling quality. It also provides 35-45 bags per acre and thrives in diverse conditions. 🌟 LONGE 8H : High-yielding with 28-30 bags per acre, excellent standability, and excellent husk cover for quality grain. 🌟 Open Pollinated Varieties: MM3 :Early maturing and drought-tolerant with good cob size and resistance to common diseases. 🌱 LONGE 5 : Drought-tolerant with good cob size and disease resistance. 🌱 🌽 Join us to learn from our experts and get the best agronomic practices to maximize your yield and income. Your success starts with the right seed! 🌿 📅 Don't miss out—start planting today and reap the benefits! Visit our stores or contact us for more details. #Maize #Farming #SyovaSeedUG #HighYields #Agriculture #MAAIF #UGANDANATIONALFARMERSFEDERATION

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It's an excellent approach of empowering farmers to make effective decisions, in a era where climate variability is the order of the day. Farmers will be able to integrate climate information in their production and marketing plans as well.

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Enhancing Tomato Production in Edo State: A Strategic Opportunity for Agricultural Growth The agricultural landscape of Edo State is undergoing a transformative shift as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security launches a strategic initiative to bolster tomato production. This development is poised to attract attention from investors and entrepreneurs seeking promising opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural sector. In a targeted effort to enhance tomato cultivation, the Ministry has distributed high-quality seeds to over 500 smallholder farmers across the state. Spearheaded by Samuel Owoicho, the State Director of Agriculture, the initiative is coordinated through the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). This move not only aims to increase self-sufficiency but also to stabilize and potentially reduce the market prices of tomatoes, a staple in Nigerian diets. The initiative is built on the foundation of Nigeria’s robust agricultural potential, leveraging the country’s fertile soil and favorable climate conditions. To ensure the success of this program, the Ministry has taken a comprehensive approach, providing training on best practices in tomato cultivation. This training is critical for optimizing both yield and quality, equipping farmers with the ...

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FIRST EVER ORGANIC GROUNDNUTS PRODUCER COOPERATIVE REGISTERED IN LILONGWE The Malawi Federation of Cooperatives facilitated the registration of the first ever 100% organic groundnuts cooperative in Lilongwe rural. the cooperative cultivates organic groundnuts on one big anchor farm. certification of the same was just awaiting the cooperative registration certificate. Cultivating on one big farm has addressed challenges of side-selling and aggregation. it already has got ready market in Germany. The Malawi Federation of Cooperatives is a national umbrella body for cooperatives in the country and is currently implementing an international coop to coop project which is called #our_malawi_partnership_project which is enhancing the embracement of cooperative principle number 6. trade is one aspect of the project and groundnuts is one of the value chains. the project is supported by Central Co-op and @UK co-operative college Dr Sarah Alldred

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The annual Agricultural Market Show in Maseru, marked by the presence of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, was a proud moment for Lesotho, celebrating not only the country's bicentennial but also its enduring agricultural heritage. While the event highlighted essential strides in market access, innovation, and public-private partnerships, it also brings to light areas where progress is still crucial. At MADF, we recognise that while showcasing and celebrating achievements is important, true advancement requires a critical look at persistent challenges. For smallholder farmers, access to resources, modern technology, and continuous education remain as major hurdles. The FAO’s initiatives, such as the Digital Village project, signal a promising path forward, aiming to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. The practical application of such programs needs vigilant monitoring to ensure they reach the grassroots and do not remain abstract ideals. For many in the farming community, innovation must be matched with inclusivity and adaptability, especially given the socio-economic realities they face. As we honour 200 years of Lesotho’s journey, let’s remember that change is driven by sustained, collaborative efforts that address both the celebration and the challenge of agricultural progress. The work of empowering farmers must continue with consistent policy support, community engagement, and scalable innovations that truly benefit those at the core of our food systems. Article: https://lnkd.in/d7PPZ4ww #Lesotho #Farming #Agriculture #Innovation

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