Changing patterns of African agro-food exports and challenges of integration into global value chains

Bimini1002014-12-13T20:41:10-05:00

The 2014 African Economic Outlook (AEO) report has been published, covering both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The report, published by the African Development Bank (AfDB), OECD and UNDP, maintains that “there is significant scope for growth in intra-African trade in agricultural goods.” The report notes that in 2012, African agricultural exports were valued at US$57 billion, some 9.1% of African merchandise exports. Between 2005 and 2011 African agricultural trade grew at 14% per annum in value terms. By 2012, [...]

December 29, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

Growing interest in Irish potato production in East and Southern Africa

Bimini1002014-12-13T20:33:50-05:00

Production of Irish potato is on the rise in Ethiopia. According to a recent report in the Irish Times, “it is estimated there are one million potato farmers in Ethiopia, planting approximately 160,000 hectares annually.” Production mainly takes place on small plots in the highlands, without the application of fertilisers. According to the International Potato Institute, “Ethiopia may have the highest potential for potato production of any country in Africa, with 70 per cent of its 13.5 million hectares [...]

December 24, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

New generation agricultural scientist to propel food security in Africa

Bimini1002014-12-13T20:30:18-05:00

A new generation of agricultural scientists needs to be empowered towards a food and nutrition secure Africa. This would be achieved through a concerted effort in capacity building, knowledge generation and technology dissemination in major institutions of learning. This is what came out from the official opening of a three-day conference that ends today at the Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference brings together participants from three continents to deliberate on bridging the gap between society, science and industry in [...]

December 22, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

“New climate normal” poses severe risks to development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Bimini1002014-12-06T21:34:25-05:00

As the planet warms further, heat-waves and other weather extremes that today occur once in hundreds of years, if ever, would become the “new climate normal,” creating a world of increased risks and instability.  The consequences for development in Latin America and the Caribbean would be severe as crop yields decline, water resources shift, sea-levels rise, and the livelihoods of millions of people are put at risk, according to the World Bank Group report Turn Down the Heat III: [...]

December 17, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

New player in nitrogen management

Bimini1002014-12-06T21:09:30-05:00

Crop protection company BASF has a long history with nitrogen. The firm can reach far back in its history to two company chemists - Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, without whom modern farming could have been set back for some time. The two chemists came up with the Haber-Bosch process that allowed them to harness nitrogen to create ammonia, which allows farmers to apply nitrogen-based nutrients. Without nitrogen getting top level yields in corn would be challenging. Now BASF is [...]

December 15, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

Africa: South Africa Opens Its Biggest Solar Plant

Bimini1002014-12-06T20:38:23-05:00

The new 96 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic solar power project in South Africa's Northern Cape province is now online and will help the country meet its critical electricity needs. The Jasper plant, near Kimberly, is the largest on the continent and can produce 180 000 megawatt-hours of energy a year for South African residents, enough to power up 80 000 homes. The project was completed two months ahead of schedule and is fully operational, SolarReserve, the developer, announced on 11 November. Jasper is [...]

December 10, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

Get JD 8235R for Higher Performance: Make the Right Choice

Bimini1002014-12-08T12:01:39-05:00

Founded in 1837, John Deere has grown to become one of the world’s leading businesses in the farming and agriculture sector. Based on the values of quality, integrity and innovation this company strives to help their customers grow too. With a thorough understanding of your requirement, we bring to you the best in class of used John Deere tractors for maximized comfort and efficiency for all your farming needs. The JD 8235R – an Introduction The JD 8235R is specially designed [...]

December 8, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

Kenya: Climate Knowledge By Farmers Boosts Harvests – Report

Bimini1002014-12-06T20:29:38-05:00

With weather extremes caused by climate change now widely seen as a major threat to food production in Africa and South Asia, a new report finds that many countries including Kenya are now providing millions of farmers with innovative climate information services that allow them to anticipate and adapt to rapidly changing conditions. The study, 'Scaling up climate services for farmers: Mission Possible', calls for the mobilisation of community radio stations, meteorological services, agriculture extension agents, schools and farmers to [...]

December 8, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

Women farmers are critical to developing the full potential of Africa’s agriculture

Bimini1002014-11-22T20:22:23-05:00

In 1964, The Republic of Zambia became an independent nation. On Oct. 24, 2014, the country will commemorate 50 years of freedom with a myriad of festivities, parades and music. Today, female farmers in this beautiful country have another cause for celebration – their growing success at increasing crop yields and productivity at significant rates. Women farmers represent nearly half of Africa’s agricultural workers, and are critically important to developing the full potential of African agriculture and global food security. However, [...]

December 3, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...

Kubota introduces new utility tractor model

Bimini1002014-11-22T20:07:24-05:00

Kubota has announced its latest model in the MX-Series utility ag tractor line with the MX5800, a four-wheel-drive HST model delivering 61.4 gross horsepower. The MX5800 meets Tier 4 Final emissions standards and has increased engine power, and ergonomic features for operator comfort. More power The Kubota diesel engine in the new MX5800 provides a smooth transfer of power, low noise and quick starts. A Common Rail System (CRS) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) deliver cleaner emissions that comply with EPA [...]

December 1, 2014 Uncategorized Comments OffRead more...