Scientists from World Agroforestry (ICRAF) have found modest, yet statistically significant, improvements in the livelihoods of farmers involved with an agroforestry-development program in Kenya. According to Karl Hughes, leader of the study and head of monitoring and evaluation at ICRAF, agroforestry has been widely claimed to improve the livelihoods of smallholding farmers, rehabilitate degraded landscapes,…
Nigeria: Policymakers commend IITA for efforts on digital agriculture
Policymakers in Nigeria have lauded efforts by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on digital agriculture. At the meeting tagged: ‘Presentation of Digital Tools: Disruptive Innovations in Cassava and Maize Farming systems’, the Commissioners for Agriculture in Ondo and Ekiti states, Messrs Adegboyega Adefarati and Folorunso Olabode appreciated the IITA-led African Cassava Agronomy Initiative…
Seeds of hope transforming lives in northern Uganda
By Joshua Masinde For two decades, most of the population in northern Uganda lived in internally displaced people’s camps and depended on food aid and other relief emergencies for their livelihoods due to the insurgency by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Over the past few years, Gulu, one of the affected districts, has been…
Cassava: ACAI scientists and partners to meet in Zanzibar to review progress
Scientists, experts and scaling partners of the African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) are set for their 4th annual review and planning meeting. The aim is to discuss and unveil the progress made in cassava agronomy and how such efforts are addressing the low yield per hectare on farmers’…
Scientists train farmers Cassava Weed Management
About 30,000 farmers from Abia, Benue, Oyo, Ogun and Osun state will benefit from the training on the Six Steps to Cassava Weed Management & Best Planting Practices, says Godwin Atser, ACAI Digital Extension & Advisory Services Specialist today. The training is aimed at empowering farmers with the knowledge to boost cassava and maize productivity…
Body unveils digital tools for agricultural transformation
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday unveiled a suite digital tools that are helping in transforming farming, improving yield and livelihoods of farmers. The digital tools include the cassava, Goseed and yam seed trackers; Akilimo, IITA Herbicide Calculator, e-commerce site and IITA News App. Dr Nteranya Sanginga, IITA Director General who marks…
Kenya joins International Dairy Federation
Kenya has now officially joined the International Dairy Federation (IDF), the leading global source of science-based dairy expertise since 1903. This year the IDF General Assembly was delighted to welcome two new members, Russia and Kenya, into the IDF. Commenting, Dr Judith Bryans President of the IDF said: “We’re very happy to welcome both Russia…
Nigeria needs USD29 billion to tackle malnutrition
Nigeria needs $29 billion to tackle malnutrition, Alh. Sabo Nanono, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development said on Friday. “Addressing malnutrition challenges is not only social service but economic strategy,” Nanono, who was represented by the Director of Agriculture, Engr. Frank Satumari, said at the press conference held at the in International Institute of…