In The Spotlight
A PAIAVO project beneficiary tending to his plot. (Image source: AfDB)
Launched in 2014 with US$69.2mn in funding from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)'s concessional window, the African Development Fund project has supported 14 localities across Benin’s Ouémé, Zou, and Atlantique districts
The project aims to promote rice and maize cultivation and market gardening by enhancing hydro-agricultural facilities to secure production and building storage and marketing infrastructure to ensure better integration of value chains.
The results were found to be impressive, with rice growers experiencing a remarkable increase in their average annual revenue. By the end of the project in December 2023, additional food crop production (rice, maize) had increased from 70,100 tonnes to 90,300 tonnes in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons.
The project’s success demonstrates the transformative power of the Bank’s targeted agricultural investment in rural African communities, improving livelihoods and food security while promoting sustainable economic growth.
“We have increased our productivity thanks to the project, allowing us to enroll our children in school and even to university level," said Enock Koumagnon, a farmer in Sèmè-Podji. "As a simple farmer, I never imagined this would be possible.”
Monitoring estrus intensity in cattle helps optimise reproduction and can be done efficiently with visual estrus detection aids. (Image source: ESTROTECT)
Although all estrus cycles are not the same for individual females within a herd, it is one of the most important indicators of whether a cow or heifer will be successfully bred
Animal reproduction professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada, Ronaldo Cerri, PhD is carrying out research work to improve cattle fertility by identifying which cows and heifers are the best candidates to breed using tactics like artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET), with estrus intensity as the deciding factor.
Cattle have typical baseline activity when they aren’t in estrus. When they start to enter estrus, their activity rises as the intensity of the estrus increases. Pinpointing when estrus is about to peak is crucial to a successful pregnancy.
After analysing extensive data from estrus detection sensors, Cerri and other researchers have pinpointed patterns based on what’s occurring during estrus. Cows exhibiting low estrus intensity tend to have lower concentrations of progesterone during the growth of the ovulatory follicle and fail to ovulate more often than those with high estrus intensity. Similarly, ET recipients that show high estrus intensity have more consistent pregnancy results.
“The patterns are very consistent in many of the studies we do,” said Cerri. “Cows with lower estrus intensity always display less physical activity, but they also have lower pregnancy rates. On the flip side, cows with high estrus intensity display more activity and have higher pregnancy rates.”
Evaluating estrus intensity
Using heat detection tools to evaluate estrus intensity can help to pick and choose which cows are the best candidates to breed at a particular time. While implementing a mass breeding protocol, offers the option to use estrus intensity to direct choices on what type of genetics to use.
With breeding indicator patches, estrus can be monitored by looking for patches that have 50% or more of the surface ink rubbed off as being in high estrus intensity and are ready to breed. Females with less than 50% of the surface ink rubbed off are in low estrus intensity and could be bred with lower-cost genetics or bred later when they have reached high estrus intensity.
With millions of units sold around the world, the ESTROTECT Breeding Indicator is the industry standard for optimising cattle breeding efficiency and economics which has been tested in a multitude of university studies by researchers.
Fons Kuijpers, a seasoned Dinnissen process expert with over 15 years of experience. (Image source: Dinnissen Process Technology)
Dinnissen Process Technology, a system integrator specialising in process technology for powders, granules, and bulk goods, announces the opening of yet another branch: Dinnissen Pacific
This marks the company’s sixth branch, in addition to its two locations in the Netherlands, one in Germany, one in Indonesia, and the recently opened office in the UK. Dinnissen Pacific will be headquartered in Auckland and daily management will be led by Fons Kuijpers, a seasoned Dinnissen process expert with over 15 years of experience.
Dinnissen has a large installed base in both New Zealand and Australia. The key difference now is that customer contact will be handled by a local expert, in combination with experts in the Netherlands. This ensures a stronger understanding of local culture, conditions and regulations.
The company's mission is to enable producers worldwide to efficiently and reliably produce high-quality food/chemicals for people, pets and livestock, both now and in the future. As part of this commitment, the company has steadily expanded its international presence to better serve customers in key regions.
With the addition of branches in Germany, Indonesia, the UK, and now New Zealand, Dinnissen strengthens its global footprint while staying true to its core values.
“We open new branches with the clear goal of enhancing our local presence and being more responsive to the needs of our customers," explained technical & commercial director, Frans Bakker. "The ability to provide fast service and support locally makes our systems even more reliable. That reliability is at the heart of our mission to create a bigger economic footprint and ensure a stable global food supply.”
VIV Africa 2024 has solidified its position as a premier event in Africa’s and VIV Worldwide’s agri-food calendar. (Image source: VIV Africa)
VIV Africa 2024 has officially concluded after three days of connecting agricultural, poultry, and dairy professionals from across the continent
Featuring 40 specialised sessions, practical workshops and networking opportunities, VIV Africa which was hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre from 2-3 October successfully concluded after seeing a record-breaking attendance and engagement.
The event which underscored its growing significance as a key platform for advancing the future of African animal protein production, brought together industry professionals, thought leaders, local youth and innovators to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and showcase the latest trends and developments in animal husbandry and agricultural scene.
The Leadership Conference which preceded on 1 October was a major highlight of this year’s programme, featuring presentations from over 50 thought leaders and facilitated important discussions on issues such as global expertise and local practice, investment opportunities, and sustainable solutions in future trends.
Keynote speakers which included international experts, from organisations such as the Traide Foundation and the World Poultry Science Association, among others, provided crucial insights into both the current state and future outlook of the African agricultural landscape, helping set strategic directions for industry attendees.
Innovation was at the heart of VIV Africa 2024, with a special spotlight on new technologies and startup ecosystems designed to address the unique challenges facing African farmers. Youth engagement in the poultry sector was strongly reinforced as well, with a session discussing how to overcome challenges and unlock opportunities as well as how to obtain technical skills and ultimately secure success in the industry. The session was followed by a guided tour along the entire industry value chain within the exhibition and concluded with a networking lunch.
An impressive 80% of exhibitors already confirmed their interest in participating at the next edition of VIV Africa in 2026, highlighting the confidence in the event’s ability to drive the industry in the region and generate opportunities for growth.
Plans for VIV Africa 2026 are already underway, as it is set to take place in Kigali, 7-8 October 2026, with the promise of even greater engagement and further opportunities in the agricultural business and beyond.
The new LEMKEN Competence Center Crop Care has been built at the Dutch site in Dinteloord. (Image source: LEMKEN)
The new LEMKEN Competence Centre Crop Care was constructed in Dinteloord (near Rotterdam) in the Netherlands in February 2023
Within a record-breaking nine months, as early as October 2023, the largest construction phase for the production department was put into operation and the first LEMKEN blue hoeing machines were delivered to customers. With the construction of the new factory, LEMKEN has fully integrated the hoeing technology it acquired from Steketee in 2018 into its own brand world.
In the following months, everything from the offices to the cafeteria and the façades were completed and occupied. Dinteloord specialises in the development and production of crop care technology. It will also be home to the Competence Center Crop Care for farmers, experts and universities, which will form part of the global network of LEMKEN sites. For this purpose, a sophisticated technical auditorium has been built next to the AgroForum exhibition area, where events and training courses can be held in an optimal environment.
Production is divided into three areas:
- The manufacturing area: This includes the manufacturing and preparation of parts for the paint line.
- The warehouse: Pre-produced parts and components from suppliers are received and stored in the warehouse.
- Pre-assembly and assembly areas: Assembly takes place in these areas. The plant is set up for stationary assembly and currently has eight assembly stations, which can be expanded as required to accommodate larger machines. Free-floating cranes offer maximum flexibility.
The final inspection which involves two fully equipped test stations ensures the quality and functionality of each machine prior to leaving the factory.
“The new LEMKEN factory in Dinteloord stands for innovation, efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural machinery industry and will play a central role in meeting our customers’ future requirements," said partner Nicola Lemken. "We are therefore very excited about its opening."
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and COP28 co-hosted an event entitled ‘Advancing Climate Action through Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Food Systems’ during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 22 September 2024. (Image source: MOCCAE))
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and COP28 co-hosted an event entitled ‘Advancing Climate Action through Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Food Systems’ during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 22 September 2024
During the opening of the event, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak began with a keynote speech highlighting the importance of sustainable food systems in the global climate agenda and how the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action, which was launched last year at COP28, has raised global ambition on this.
This event provided a platform for United Nations Member States and other stakeholders to share actions they have taken in their own national contexts to enhance their agriculture and food systems in light of climate change. It also offered an opportunity to share their perspectives on potential deliverables at COP29 and related fora. Stakeholders highlighted key agriculture, food, and climate milestones that are crucial for maintaining momentum from COP28 to COP29 and COP30.
Moreover, the event placed special emphasis on Member States’ thinking around the role of agriculture and food systems in the next round of NDCs, NAPs, and NBSAPs, and how to accelerate all forms of finance to support this critical part of our climate transition.
“The UAE is committed to championing food systems innovations that are good for both people and planet, and the partnership on agricultural innovation that we co-launched with the Gates Foundation at COP28 is focused precisely on this objective," said Head of International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, CEO of 2PointZero, Mariam Almheiri. "We are proud to be the first donor country from the MENA region to join the CGIAR's System Council, and in the coming years, we plan to work closely with the CGIAR and all of our global partners to develop and scale promising innovations that can help smallholder farmers improve their livelihoods in the face of climate change."
The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025. (Image source: LEMKEN)
LEMKEN presents Thulit MF/1200, its first weeder harrow with more than 12 m working width
The new model is based on the innovative properties of the Thulit MF product series launched last year. The design with four bars and eight rows of harrow tines and hydraulic tine pressure adjustment is unique on the market. The tine pressure can be continuously adjusted from 100 g to 5,000 g across the entire width during travel and remains constant at every setting – for optimum and reliable work results.
The new Thulit MF/1200 comprises five harrow sections, with various folding options available for different applications. For greater ground clearance at the headland, LEMKEN offers the option of folding the weeder harrow into a V position. To do this, the outer folding segments are angled slightly upwards to prevent the tools from coming into contact with the ground. For convenient and safe road transport, the weeder harrow can be folded in on both sides to a transport height of 3.3 m. The automatic transport locking system is active in all variants, making manual intervention a thing of the past.
For the frame, LEMKEN uses torsion-resistant support profiles that guarantees both stability and low weight. The frame design with six support wheels at the front, distributed across the entire working width, has an extremely positive effect on the smooth running of the machine and thus on the guidance of the harrow tines to the soil surface. The Thulit MF/1200 can additionally be operated as a rigid implement or with ground contour adjustment.
Customers opting for the rigid frame will not need the optional support wheels behind the side panels. If the individual working sections of the weeder harrow are to follow the soil horizon at all times, the Thulit must be equipped with additional rear support wheels. This ensures maximum flexibility and perfect working results on hilly terrain. Precisely adjustable trailing harrows on the rear support wheels eradicate wheel marks and leave loosened weeds on the soil surface to dry out.
The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025.
VIV Africa 2024 has solidified its position as a premier event in Africa’s and VIV Worldwide’s agri-food calendar. (Image source: VIV Africa)
VIV Africa 2024 has officially concluded after three days of connecting agricultural, poultry, and dairy professionals from across the continent
Featuring 40 specialised sessions, practical workshops and networking opportunities, VIV Africa which was hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre from 2-3 October successfully concluded after seeing a record-breaking attendance and engagement.
The event which underscored its growing significance as a key platform for advancing the future of African animal protein production, brought together industry professionals, thought leaders, local youth and innovators to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and showcase the latest trends and developments in animal husbandry and agricultural scene.
The Leadership Conference which preceded on 1 October was a major highlight of this year’s programme, featuring presentations from over 50 thought leaders and facilitated important discussions on issues such as global expertise and local practice, investment opportunities, and sustainable solutions in future trends.
Keynote speakers which included international experts, from organisations such as the Traide Foundation and the World Poultry Science Association, among others, provided crucial insights into both the current state and future outlook of the African agricultural landscape, helping set strategic directions for industry attendees.
Innovation was at the heart of VIV Africa 2024, with a special spotlight on new technologies and startup ecosystems designed to address the unique challenges facing African farmers. Youth engagement in the poultry sector was strongly reinforced as well, with a session discussing how to overcome challenges and unlock opportunities as well as how to obtain technical skills and ultimately secure success in the industry. The session was followed by a guided tour along the entire industry value chain within the exhibition and concluded with a networking lunch.
An impressive 80% of exhibitors already confirmed their interest in participating at the next edition of VIV Africa in 2026, highlighting the confidence in the event’s ability to drive the industry in the region and generate opportunities for growth.
Plans for VIV Africa 2026 are already underway, as it is set to take place in Kigali, 7-8 October 2026, with the promise of even greater engagement and further opportunities in the agricultural business and beyond.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and COP28 co-hosted an event entitled ‘Advancing Climate Action through Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Food Systems’ during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 22 September 2024. (Image source: MOCCAE))
Minister Steenhuisen will be conducting bilaterals with his Italian counterpart, Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Monitoring estrus intensity in cattle helps optimise reproduction and can be done efficiently with visual estrus detection aids. (Image source: ESTROTECT)
Although all estrus cycles are not the same for individual females within a herd, it is one of the most important indicators of whether a cow or heifer will be successfully bred
Animal reproduction professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada, Ronaldo Cerri, PhD is carrying out research work to improve cattle fertility by identifying which cows and heifers are the best candidates to breed using tactics like artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET), with estrus intensity as the deciding factor.
Cattle have typical baseline activity when they aren’t in estrus. When they start to enter estrus, their activity rises as the intensity of the estrus increases. Pinpointing when estrus is about to peak is crucial to a successful pregnancy.
After analysing extensive data from estrus detection sensors, Cerri and other researchers have pinpointed patterns based on what’s occurring during estrus. Cows exhibiting low estrus intensity tend to have lower concentrations of progesterone during the growth of the ovulatory follicle and fail to ovulate more often than those with high estrus intensity. Similarly, ET recipients that show high estrus intensity have more consistent pregnancy results.
“The patterns are very consistent in many of the studies we do,” said Cerri. “Cows with lower estrus intensity always display less physical activity, but they also have lower pregnancy rates. On the flip side, cows with high estrus intensity display more activity and have higher pregnancy rates.”
Evaluating estrus intensity
Using heat detection tools to evaluate estrus intensity can help to pick and choose which cows are the best candidates to breed at a particular time. While implementing a mass breeding protocol, offers the option to use estrus intensity to direct choices on what type of genetics to use.
With breeding indicator patches, estrus can be monitored by looking for patches that have 50% or more of the surface ink rubbed off as being in high estrus intensity and are ready to breed. Females with less than 50% of the surface ink rubbed off are in low estrus intensity and could be bred with lower-cost genetics or bred later when they have reached high estrus intensity.
With millions of units sold around the world, the ESTROTECT Breeding Indicator is the industry standard for optimising cattle breeding efficiency and economics which has been tested in a multitude of university studies by researchers.
The project aims to make Somalia self-sufficient in broiler production and contribute to the development of the livestock sector. (Image source: TİKA)
The new FeedMixer App makes feed mixing easier by calculating whether the feed mixtures farmers use contain the right balance of key nutrients, by age, type of chickens, and available ingredients. (Image source: World Poultry Foundation)
A PAIAVO project beneficiary tending to his plot. (Image source: AfDB)
Launched in 2014 with US$69.2mn in funding from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)'s concessional window, the African Development Fund project has supported 14 localities across Benin’s Ouémé, Zou, and Atlantique districts
The project aims to promote rice and maize cultivation and market gardening by enhancing hydro-agricultural facilities to secure production and building storage and marketing infrastructure to ensure better integration of value chains.
The results were found to be impressive, with rice growers experiencing a remarkable increase in their average annual revenue. By the end of the project in December 2023, additional food crop production (rice, maize) had increased from 70,100 tonnes to 90,300 tonnes in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons.
The project’s success demonstrates the transformative power of the Bank’s targeted agricultural investment in rural African communities, improving livelihoods and food security while promoting sustainable economic growth.
“We have increased our productivity thanks to the project, allowing us to enroll our children in school and even to university level," said Enock Koumagnon, a farmer in Sèmè-Podji. "As a simple farmer, I never imagined this would be possible.”
South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production. (Image source: Raisins SA)
Sheriff highlighted that the farm offers technical services to citizens interested in fish, vegetable, and poultry farming. (Image source: State House Sierra Leone)
Fons Kuijpers, a seasoned Dinnissen process expert with over 15 years of experience. (Image source: Dinnissen Process Technology)
Dinnissen Process Technology, a system integrator specialising in process technology for powders, granules, and bulk goods, announces the opening of yet another branch: Dinnissen Pacific
This marks the company’s sixth branch, in addition to its two locations in the Netherlands, one in Germany, one in Indonesia, and the recently opened office in the UK. Dinnissen Pacific will be headquartered in Auckland and daily management will be led by Fons Kuijpers, a seasoned Dinnissen process expert with over 15 years of experience.
Dinnissen has a large installed base in both New Zealand and Australia. The key difference now is that customer contact will be handled by a local expert, in combination with experts in the Netherlands. This ensures a stronger understanding of local culture, conditions and regulations.
The company's mission is to enable producers worldwide to efficiently and reliably produce high-quality food/chemicals for people, pets and livestock, both now and in the future. As part of this commitment, the company has steadily expanded its international presence to better serve customers in key regions.
With the addition of branches in Germany, Indonesia, the UK, and now New Zealand, Dinnissen strengthens its global footprint while staying true to its core values.
“We open new branches with the clear goal of enhancing our local presence and being more responsive to the needs of our customers," explained technical & commercial director, Frans Bakker. "The ability to provide fast service and support locally makes our systems even more reliable. That reliability is at the heart of our mission to create a bigger economic footprint and ensure a stable global food supply.”
The new LEMKEN Competence Center Crop Care has been built at the Dutch site in Dinteloord. (Image source: LEMKEN)
The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025. (Image source: LEMKEN)
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The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025. (Image source: LEMKEN)
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The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025. (Image source: LEMKEN)
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