African Agriculture and Food Systems
*AGRA offers vital linkages By Anthony Muchoki Farmers and other players along the agriculture value chain are excited by the zeal shown by the government in pushing for an industrialized Tanzania. “We need more agriculture-based manufacturing industries purchasing from smallholder farmers, and the existing ones should up their production capacity,” notes Mr. Anwary M. Said. […]
Agroforestry is overlooked in global climate change reporting systems, resulting in missed opportunities to account for a major carbon sink. BURLINGTON, VERMONT – Farmers incorporate trees into fields and pastures to earn cash from fruit or wood, increase fodder and shade for livestock, promote soil health or protect against wind or water erosion. In all […]
By Anthony Muchoki Supporting women farmers to move from subsistence to commercial farming is the key to achieving gender equality, posits small scale farmer, Mrs. Edina Josephat, a resident of Kasindaga village in Muleba District Kagera Region. A wife and a mother of six, she has seen gender discrimination shutter women’s social and economic prospects. […]
By Anthony Muchoki Data from Tanzania’s agriculture ministry shows that for eight continuous years, the country has been food self-sufficient. It has been exceeding 100 percent of demand, with its most important food crops- maize, rice, and cassava, respectively. As other East African nation by March/April 2019, were grappling with maize shortage, a sizable number […]
Through cost-saving practices for coffee, rice, maize, and livestock production, Vietnam can increase its Paris Agreement commitments, says a study that highlights climate action potential for agriculture in Southeast Asia. Looking toward 2020, as nations take stock of their actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the 2015 Paris Agreement, many are seeking ways to […]
Kigoma, Tanzania: For the 30 year old Innocent Michaeli, a father of one, from Nyakitonto Village, Kasulu District, Kigoma Region, farming is not just a job but a way of life. When the rain falls, his heart rise up in anticipation as he goes out of his way to do the best so as to […]
Speech at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Upon Receiving the 2019 Public Welfare Medal April 28, 2019 | Washington DC Introduction Thank you for that warm introduction. I appreciate the kind and generous words. I want to thank the National Academy of Sciences for this award. For a scientist like me, recognition from this […]
By Anthony Muchoki “Sometimes it looks unreal. It is like a miracle. Yes, it is a miracle… we never thought in our lifetime, we would be able to have a warehouse as big as this one- yes, and belonging to us- the smallholder farmers!” It is Mr. Osphard Sinkala, talking, looking at an imposing warehouse, […]
By Anthony Muchoki Simplified science and technology applications in agriculture are changing smallholder farmers lives for the better in many places across Africa. They range from ensuring healthy soils, bringing to smallholder farmers improved seeds, good husbandry and use of new storage technologies, among others. According to Dr. George Bigirwa, AGRA Vice President, such activities […]
By combining the latest crop models and local expertise in Vietnam, Uganda and Nicaragua, scientists developed a process to pinpoint where cash crops and food security is most threatened by climate change. The tool can help streamline climate spending. CALI, COLOMBIA – Climate change is already making life harder on farmers, especially in developing nations. […]