Dr Jemimah Njuki

🌱 Enhancing Research Methodology Through Collaboration: Key Insights from Ethiopia   Eshet Emru Nigussie, a dedicated researcher under the Adroit International Research Fellowship (AIRF), shares invaluable lessons from dairy farming and vermicomposting research in Ethiopia. This study not only highlights the need for sustainable farming practices but also reveals:   "One of the key challenges was optimizing vermicomposting in smallholder farms, where resource constraints posed a significant hurdle. Yet, through collaboration and adaptive methodologies, we found solutions that can transform agricultural practices across the region."   💡 What does this mean for the future of sustainable agriculture?   🔗 [Read the Article Now] https://lnkd.in/dyGEjY9b   #SustainableAgriculture #ResearchInnovation #Vermicomposting #DairyFarming #AgricultureResearch #AdroitAssociates #AIRF #Ethiopia #Collaboration #FarmSolutions #MethodologyMatters #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #ResearchImpact #AgriDevelopment #ResilientFarming

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The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) recently published Strides in #sustainable #agricultural #intensification: contributions of the #Africa RISING Program (2011–2023), compiled and edited by IITA’s Jonathan Odhong  and our own Guy Manners. The groundbreaking Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) Program encompassed three subregional projects in East and Southern Africa, the Ethiopian Highlands, and West and Central Africa. The Program was characterized by a freedom to follow research and development leads, enabled by USAID’s Feed the Future initiative. This helped the Program reach over a million farmers and other stakeholders over its two phases (2011–2016, 2016–2023). The End-of-Program report enumerates the success of the Program, including within the Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework (SIAF), which draws out impact in five domains: #productivity, #economic, #environmental, #human and #social. The report then goes into greater detail on 18 case studies plus the Program’s mixed #farming #systems approach; key lessons learned in seven areas (M&E and data management, #governance, #gender, technology transfer, geospatial tools, #capacity-building, and #communications and knowledge management); and a final chapter about “passing the baton” onto the One CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems. The report is a mine of information for all those seeking to intensify agricultural systems in #SubSaharan_Africa. To download a copy, visit: https://lnkd.in/ev8a-xSx #Malawi #Tanzania #Zambia #Ethiopia #Ghana #Mali #sorghum #groundnut #common_bean #vegetables #chickpea #legumes #ISFM #conservation_agriculture #composting #maize #feed #small_ruminants #postharvest #aflatoxin

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✨⭐ IWMI researchers in a recent study explored how Gender and Social Inclusion (#GESI) are integrated within Ghana’s landscape management policies. This study, part of the CGIAR Initiative on Transforming AgriFood Systems in West and Central Africa (#TAFS_WCA), analyzes national and sectoral policies, unveiling essential recommendations for more inclusive and sustainable landscape management. Learn more of our findings and strategies for equitable resource governance here👉 on.cgiar.org/3WijV0t Funminiyi Oyawole, Charity Osei-Amponsah, Gerald Atampugre & Olufunke Cofie #OneCGIAR

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Rising severity and frequency of droughts and floods, unprecedented emergence of pests and diseases, increased land degradation, and variations in temperature and rainfall have had immense impacts on communities and value chains in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. This has led to instability of food systems, poor quality of life and increased vulnerability of pastoral communities to shocks and stress. To enhance the pasture value chain, it is important to: 1️⃣ Promote pasture production by providing pest- and drought-resistant seeds and species, training farmers, and buying the harvested grass from farmers for storage in strategic feed reserves to develop “grass banks” with village groups. 2️⃣ Improve pasture management through harvest and forage conservation, multi-species pastures, and grazing rotation. 3️⃣ Address soil and land degradation by promoting improved soil and land management practices and techniques. 4️⃣ Promote conservation agricultural practices that increase resilience to climate change. 5️⃣ Engage in feed formulations and value addition such as the inclusion of legumes to improve feed quality. 6️⃣ Organize farmers into marketing groups and cooperatives to increase their bargaining power. 7️⃣ Support study tour exchange programs for various groups of producers involved in pasture production. Read more:

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Rwanda spearheads digitalization in Africa. But there are challenges ahead. We have studied and identified what is the next frontier for the digital future in the Agricultural sector in Rwanda. What do you think is the most important challenge for digital Rwanda?

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African Agricultural Development Initiative 🌍 Project Name: Pan-African Agricultural Export Enhancement Program Region: Sub-Saharan Africa Overview: The Pan-African Agricultural Export Enhancement Program aims to boost agricultural productivity and exports across Sub-Saharan Africa. By providing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to international markets and financial support through Letters of Credit (LC), this project seeks to enhance food security, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods. Key Objectives: Increase Agricultural Exports: Facilitate the export of high-quality agricultural products from Sub-Saharan Africa to global markets. Financial Inclusion: Provide SMEs with financial instruments to secure transactions and access working capital. Capacity Building: Enhance the skills and knowledge of local farmers and agribusinesses. Project Components: Agricultural Production Improvement: Training Programs: Conduct workshops and training sessions to improve farming techniques and crop quality. Infrastructure Development: Build and upgrade facilities for storage, processing, and transportation of agricultural goods. Export Facilitation: Market Access: Establish partnerships with international buyers and distributors. Compliance and Certification: Assist SMEs in obtaining necessary certifications and meeting international standards. Financial Mechanisms: Confirmed LC: Employed for transactions where the exporter requires a high level of payment security. A confirmed LC involves an additional guarantee by a bank in the exporter's country, ensuring payment even if the importer's bank fails to do so. Unconfirmed LC: Used for transactions where the exporter has confidence in the importer's bank. The unconfirmed LC carries a guarantee only from the importer's bank, which may carry more risk but is less costly. Benefits: Economic Growth: Increase agricultural exports, contributing to GDP growth in Sub-Saharan African countries. Job Creation: Create jobs in farming, processing, and logistics sectors. Challenges and Mitigation: Market Volatility: Develop risk management strategies and diversify export markets to mitigate price fluctuations. Access to Finance: Partner with local banks and international financial institutions to provide affordable credit lines. Sub-Saharan Africa: The project will lead to significant economic benefits, including improved agricultural productivity, enhanced export revenues, and better livelihoods for farmers. Conclusion: The Pan-African Agricultural Export Enhancement Program represents a transformative approach to agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa. #AgriculturalDevelopment #ExportEnhancement #SubSaharanAfrica #EconomicGrowth #TradeFinance #ConfirmedLC #UnconfirmedLC #SustainableDevelopment #FoodSecurity #SMEs

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Today in Mercy Corps AgriFin & Farm to Market Alliance educating Farmer Stories we showcase Hannah Karanja, a farmer from Busia county who is using Climate Smart Agricultural Practices to Improve her Crop Yield. In a bid to keep her farm sustainable and profitable, Hannah began farming using Conservation Agriculture (CA) aimed at building healthy soil that is more resistant to drought, heat and other climate impacts. The adoption of Sustainable Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, especially Conservation Agriculture (CA) and the abandonment of traditional farming tools, significantly amplified Hannah's yield. From a mere 9 bags per acre, her harvest now reaches between 18-24 bags, effectively doubling her agricultural output. Hannah's primary Conservation Agriculture (CA) practice is minimum tillage, crop residue retention (Mulching) and crop rotation, interchanging maize and beans. Thes practices have directly resulted in the doubling of her harvest and income. The surplus income has been instrumental in providing education to her children and grandchildren, securing their futures. To learn more about Hannah's story; Watch here https://lnkd.in/dagGJKAi #ClimateWeek #ClimateAction #Sustainability #MercyCorpsAgriFin

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𝐔𝐍 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 📰 Lesotho hosted nutrition-focused UN agencies—FAO, WFP, & IFAD. The spotlight was on Lesotho's agricultural transformation, highlighting the nation's strides toward a sustainable future. This Newsday special publication covers in detail the significance of the visit, showcasing the efforts & commitments of His Majesty in advancing agriculture & fostering hope for the future. FAO AFP DW Akademie LESOTHO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY -LCCI Lemphane Lesoli UN World Food Programme WFP World Food Programme Food For Mzansi LNDC Lesotho Moshe Mosaase Thabo Moleko NUL WTO Chair Standard Lesotho Bank Standard Bank Group World Bank Development Economics International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Nutrition International Food and Nutrition Conferences World Food Programme Southern Africa World Food Forum FDA Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) #PacingStandards #WeGrowTogether #Newsday #Lesotho #Agriculture

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A Guide for Small Farmers and Agribusinesses: How to Turn Failure into Success https://lnkd.in/dkRp4TUa

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 New research found "the adoption of agroecological practices led to a significant improvement in farmers' net revenue and yield, and farmers that did not adopt any of the practices would have been better off if they had adopted them." We see this come to fruition with many grantee partners across the world, so we don't need studies to show us what's possible, but for funders who want to see "evidence" and "Impact" these studies will hopefully inspire and encourage deeper investments in #agroecology as climate, nutrition, and economic solutions. If you're a funder interested in exploring a conversation about how your investments can help create true #foodsystems transformation, please get in touch. https://lnkd.in/gZ-5ateb

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🌍 Calling all Food Systems Experts in Kenya 🇰🇪 We’re looking for a #CountryConsultant to support the Food Systems Countdown Initiative (FSCI) in tailoring its global monitoring framework to Kenya’s unique food systems context. The FSCI framework, built on 50 indicators, helps governments, civil society, and stakeholders understand challenges, prioritize actions, and foster meaningful change in nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability. 🔎 Key Objectives: Conduct a situational analysis of food systems monitoring in Kenya Collaborate with stakeholders through interviews and participatory workshops Adapt the FSCI framework to reflect Kenya’s national and sub-national priorities for food systems transformation 📅 Timeline: Submission deadline: November 29, 2024 Consultancy duration: 13 months 🌟 Why this matters: This initiative will provide Kenyan policy makers and researchers with actionable insights and tools to drive food systems transformations at the national and county levels—empowering local food systems to advance progress towards the #SustainableDevelopmentGoals. Ready to collaborate? 🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eennihyC #FoodSystemsCountdownInitiative #FoodFutures #SDGs

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Despite a proven track record of failures, AGRA and its lead funders, namely the Gates Foundation and USAID, continue to push industrial #agriculture in #Africa using their outsized resources and power. Join the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa to hear about: 🌱 The latest research on AGRA’s extensive policy influence at local, national and continental levels, which is undermining efforts to promote farmer-led ecological agriculture; 🌾 The devastation caused by the Green Revolution agenda in Zambia, where corn production has fallen by half and hunger is severe; 🖊 The demand from African faith leaders that Gates Foundation provide reparations for the damage it has caused with its Green Revolution programs. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gW4SDRWv Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/ggqzUMP6

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#Repost Farmers in SNNP, Ethiopia, speak about the importance of weather information disseminated through the radio in helping them cope with the changing extreme weather patterns in Ethiopia. #MediaForDevelopment #ExtremeWeatherPatterns #WeatherInformation

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This piece: "To address challenges like recent floods and soil degradation, focusing on improving soil health is key. Initiating soil testing and profiling can guide targeted interventions effectively." Sometimes, we must accept nature's course, as floods cannot be entirely controlled by soil improvements. Instead, forecasting heavy rains and implementing water management techniques can help prevent the damage caused by flooding. Techniques to combat land degradation, such as trenches and terracing, can also reduce the severity of floods. It is important to remember that floods, aside from those originating from lakes or oceans, primarily stem from high mountains, providing a clue to addressing many flooding issues.

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When do smallholder farmers prefer to be paid for their crop losses? Discover how "Timely Pay Insurance" is changing the game for smallholder farmers in Kenya! In Sayuktha Kannan's pilot study, supported by the WEE-DiFine Initiative, she explores how flexible, early payouts are helping farmers recover from losses and plan better for the future. Early findings show significant benefits, especially for women farmers. Read more about this innovative approach and its impact: https://lnkd.in/gKawphWE #CropInsurance #Agriculture #Kenya

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