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The project will be led by the African Development Bank Group and will focus on one of Southern Africa’s most important shared river systems.(Image credit: GEF)

Agriculture

The Global Environment Facility has approved a grant of US$9.45million to support a major regional initiative aimed at improving water governance, protecting ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience across the Zambezi River Basin.

The project will be led by the African Development Bank Group and will focus on one of Southern Africa’s most important shared river systems.

Stretching across eight countries Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe the Zambezi River Basin plays a central role in the lives of more than 51 million people. It provides water for homes and farms, supports hydropower generation, sustains fisheries and underpins globally important ecosystems such as the Barotse Floodplain and the Zambezi Delta. In recent years, however, the basin has come under growing strain from climate variability, deforestation, pollution and weak coordination in water management. Average river flows have fallen by almost 20 percent over the past two decades, while repeated droughts and floods continue to threaten food production, energy supply and natural habitats.

The new GEF funded project will strengthen the ability of the Zambezi Watercourse Commission and its member states to manage shared water resources more effectively. A key focus will be the adoption of an integrated water energy food environment approach that supports long term planning and cooperation, in line with regional strategies and agreed water protocols. The initiative will promote better coordination across countries through shared guidelines, aligned environmental and social assessments and improved access to climate informed decision making tools, including the Zambezi Water Information System.

To respond to increasingly unpredictable river flows, the project will test more flexible dam operation and environmental flow practices designed to balance power generation, flood management and ecosystem protection. New financing approaches will also be introduced, including payments for ecosystem services and user fee systems, to help secure sustainable funding for water and environmental management.

Gareth Phillips, Climate and Environment Finance Manager at the African Development Bank said, “Working together, Zambezi riparian states are strengthening climate resilient river basin management to protect ecosystems and secure water, energy, and food for millions across Southern Africa.This project supports coordinated, climate informed, and financially sustainable river basin management that underpins ecosystems, thereby promoting Southern Africa’s development agenda.”

Women, young people and local communities will be actively involved throughout the project to ensure inclusive and locally grounded outcomes.The GEF grant is expected to unlock more than $140 million in additional funding from governments, development partners and the private sector, helping to deliver lasting environmental and development benefits across the region.

Under the agreement, both institutions will work closely to improve co financing mechanisms for sovereign agricultural projects included in IFAD’s portfolio.(Image credit: IFAD)

Agriculture

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the International Fund for Agricultural Development have entered into a new partnership aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture and improving the long term impact of rural development projects across the world.

The agreement reflects the United Arab Emirates’ continued commitment to global cooperation in food security, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.

The partnership was signed during the World Government Summit by Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations. IFAD is the only international financial institution fully dedicated to transforming rural economies and supporting small scale farmers.

Under the agreement, both institutions will work closely to improve co financing mechanisms for sovereign agricultural projects included in IFAD’s portfolio. The framework sets clear foundations for collaboration in project selection, financing and evaluation, while respecting the regulatory and operational policies of each party. By aligning procedures and coordinating approval processes, the partnership aims to make better use of available resources and increase the overall development impact of funded projects.

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi said, “This agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development reflects our ambitious vision to build strong partnerships with leading international financial institutions, based on the integration of efforts and coordination of implementation and evaluation processes. It supports the development of sustainable agricultural projects that focus on strengthening agricultural value chains, improving quality of life in rural areas, and enhancing communities’ ability to adapt to various climatic and economic changes.”

Alvaro Lario said, “Our strategic partnership with ADFD creates an advanced model for coordinated investment, maximizing our impact on rural economies. Through this institutional framework, we will mobilize resources and expertise to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and build climate resilience in rural communities.”

The collaboration marks an important step forward in the relationship between ADFD and IFAD. It opens the door to deeper cooperation, knowledge sharing and capacity building, while reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting rural communities. Through joint action and coordinated investment, the partnership aims to help communities strengthen their resilience, expand economic opportunities and build a more sustainable future.

Kakuzi launches premium black tea for the Kenyan market.(Image credit: Capital business)

Agriculture

Kakuzi has taken a new step in its diversification journey with the launch of Kakuzi Pure Black Tea, marking the company’s first move into selling branded tea directly to the local market.

The loose leaf tea is available in 250 gramme and 500 gramme packs and is aimed at Kenyan consumers seeking high quality tea traditionally reserved for export markets.

The launch reflects a broader shift in strategy as the agribusiness looks to add value closer to home and reduce its dependence on exports. Managing Director Chris Flowers said the move aligns with Kakuzi’s long term growth plans and its focus on building more resilient revenue streams.

“This is the first time in our history that we are offering a quality tea brand to the local market,” Flowers said. “Kenyans will enjoy export-grade tea leaves packaged in convenient sizes.”

By targeting domestic consumers, Kakuzi hopes to cushion itself against volatility in international markets. Global tea prices have remained subdued in recent years, making export focused models increasingly exposed to external shocks. The company believes that strengthening its presence at home will help balance these risks while responding to growing demand for premium, locally produced food products.

The tea launch builds on Kakuzi’s expanding portfolio of value added goods sold within Kenya. These include ready to eat macadamia nuts, cold pressed macadamia oil and fresh blueberries, all of which have helped the company move beyond raw commodity exports. The products are currently available at selected retail outlets, the Kakuzi Farmers’ Market along the Nairobi Nyeri Highway and through the company’s online store.

Alongside product diversification, Kakuzi continues to invest heavily in processing capacity. The company operates a major macadamia processing facility in Makuyu, Murang’a County, with the ability to produce up to 2,000 tonnes of saleable kernel each year, making it one of the largest operations of its kind in the country. Its macadamia oil plant can process up to 1,000 litres per day using cold press technology, supporting both domestic sales and export demand.

Looking ahead, Kakuzi has set out ambitious growth targets across its agricultural operations. Over the next decade, the firm plans to almost double avocado production and exports, increasing volumes from 3 million to 5 million cartons. It is also aiming to raise macadamia kernel output from 900 tonnes to 1,500 tonnes, reinforcing its position as a leading player in Kenya’s high value crop sector.

African Farming

Tractor of the Year awards ceremony at EIMA 2021

The 44th edition of EIMA International 2021 will host the Tractor of the Year awards ceremony, and feature a parade of the fourteen finalist models

The Bologna-based event focuses on new products and offers a wide-ranging showcase for Tractor of the Year, the competition promoted by Trattori magazine, that selects the best models among those produced during the year, and awards prizes to the winners from different categories.

During the exhibition, the awards ceremony will be held for four models - Tractor of the Year, Best Utility, Best of Specialised and Sustainable TOTY - that have been selected on the basis of votes cast by an international jury of 26 journalists from trade publications.

The Tractor of the Year event will be a major attraction throughout the five days of the event. It is expected to be one of the most interesting new features of this year's EIMA International.

The open-air arena within the exhibition complex, between halls 37 and 35, has been chosen to display the finalist tractors. The audience can expect to see the fourteen models that competed for the "Tractor of the Year" on display in the open-air arena, while a speaker will introduce the technical features of each of the models. 

TOTY is an important promotional and marketing platform for the manufacturers of the tractor sector, which is able to develop substantial technological innovations every year, improve vehicle performance, and capture new user segments.

Top Stories

Grid List

Event News

The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Event News

IFTEX 2026 marks the 13th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition and continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most important business focused floriculture events in the world.

Set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, the exhibition will be held from June 2 to June 4, 2026, at the Visa Oshwal Centre in Ring Road Parklands. Organised by HPP Worldwide, the event brings together the global flower trade under one roof and places East Africa firmly on the international floriculture map.

Designed exclusively for industry professionals, IFTEX 2026 is a trade only exhibition that welcomes growers, breeders, exporters, logistics providers and international buyers from across the globe. Entry is restricted to qualified visitors aged 18 years and above, ensuring a professional environment where meaningful business discussions and long term partnerships can flourish. The exhibition provides a focused platform for networking, sourcing new products and exploring opportunities within the fast growing global flower market.

The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with an official opening ceremony scheduled from 09:00 to 11:00 hrs, followed by exhibition hours running until 18:00 hrs. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the exhibition continues from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs and concludes with the official exhibition party from 18:30 to 23:00 hrs, offering a relaxed setting for industry networking. The final day, Thursday, June 4, 2026, runs from 10:00 to 16:00 hrs, allowing visitors to finalise meetings and business deals.

IFTEX has consistently positioned itself as a central global platform for the floriculture industry, attracting international participation and supporting large scale trade connections. While previous editions such as 2025 highlight the event’s growth, the confirmed dates and format underline the importance of IFTEX 2026 as a key calendar event.

For floriculture professionals seeking access to global markets, innovative flower varieties and valuable industry connections, IFTEX 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the heart of the international flower trade.

VIV Europe stands out as a vital platform connecting innovation, trade and real business opportunity. (Image credit: VIV Europe)

IPM ESSEN 2026 Highlighted Innovation in Horticulture. (Image credit: IPM ESSEN)

Livestock

Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector.

Livestock

Rwanda is taking a significant step in modernising its livestock sector with the arrival of the first batch of 10 high-genetic-potential Holstein-Friesian dairy bulls imported from Germany.

This initiative is designed to strengthen breeding programmes and accelerate improvements in both dairy and beef herds. A second shipment of 20 bulls is expected by April 2026, featuring additional dairy breeds including Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss, alongside top beef breeds such as Angus and Charolais.

These elite bulls will be central to Rwanda’s national bovine artificial insemination (AI) programme, producing high-quality semen distributed nationwide to enhance cattle genetics. By providing farmers with superior semen rather than requiring the purchase of costly breeding animals, the initiative aims to increase productivity, improve herd health, and raise milk yields significantly above those of many local breeds.

The project forms part of Phase II of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP-2), a US $100 million programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and running from 2024 to 2029. RDDP-2 aims to modernise Rwanda’s dairy value chain, raise milk quality standards, and boost overall sector productivity.

Rwanda’s efforts to improve livestock genetics trace back to the “One Cow per Poor Family” (Girinka) programme launched in 2006, which introduced improved dairy breeds to rural households. Since then, structured crossbreeding, artificial insemination, and veterinary support initiatives have led to notable gains in national milk and meat production, though authorities emphasise that expansion remains crucial to meet targets outlined in the country’s Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation.

By integrating high-genetic bulls and modern AI techniques, Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector, supporting farmers while contributing to the country’s broader agricultural development goals.

World Bank Steps Up Review of Liberia’s Flagship Fisheries Programme.

Global antimicrobial usage peaked dramatically at 118,600 tonnes in 2013 before dropping to 84,000 tonnes by 2020.

Crops

The project will be led by the African Development Bank Group and will focus on one of Southern Africa’s most important shared river systems.(Image credit: GEF)

Agriculture

The Global Environment Facility has approved a grant of US$9.45million to support a major regional initiative aimed at improving water governance, protecting ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience across the Zambezi River Basin.

The project will be led by the African Development Bank Group and will focus on one of Southern Africa’s most important shared river systems.

Stretching across eight countries Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe the Zambezi River Basin plays a central role in the lives of more than 51 million people. It provides water for homes and farms, supports hydropower generation, sustains fisheries and underpins globally important ecosystems such as the Barotse Floodplain and the Zambezi Delta. In recent years, however, the basin has come under growing strain from climate variability, deforestation, pollution and weak coordination in water management. Average river flows have fallen by almost 20 percent over the past two decades, while repeated droughts and floods continue to threaten food production, energy supply and natural habitats.

The new GEF funded project will strengthen the ability of the Zambezi Watercourse Commission and its member states to manage shared water resources more effectively. A key focus will be the adoption of an integrated water energy food environment approach that supports long term planning and cooperation, in line with regional strategies and agreed water protocols. The initiative will promote better coordination across countries through shared guidelines, aligned environmental and social assessments and improved access to climate informed decision making tools, including the Zambezi Water Information System.

To respond to increasingly unpredictable river flows, the project will test more flexible dam operation and environmental flow practices designed to balance power generation, flood management and ecosystem protection. New financing approaches will also be introduced, including payments for ecosystem services and user fee systems, to help secure sustainable funding for water and environmental management.

Gareth Phillips, Climate and Environment Finance Manager at the African Development Bank said, “Working together, Zambezi riparian states are strengthening climate resilient river basin management to protect ecosystems and secure water, energy, and food for millions across Southern Africa.This project supports coordinated, climate informed, and financially sustainable river basin management that underpins ecosystems, thereby promoting Southern Africa’s development agenda.”

Women, young people and local communities will be actively involved throughout the project to ensure inclusive and locally grounded outcomes.The GEF grant is expected to unlock more than $140 million in additional funding from governments, development partners and the private sector, helping to deliver lasting environmental and development benefits across the region.

Poor maize yields blamed on reuse of hybrid seeds.

Swedfund backs Phatisa Food Fund 3 to strengthen Africa’s food systems.(Image credit: Swedfund)

Technology

Understanding the shifting landscape of global agriculture.

Technology

Global agriculture continues to expand, yet the agricultural machinery market is navigating a period of turbulence.

Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies are reshaping where and how farm equipment is bought and sold. This evolving landscape was outlined during the press conference launching the 47th edition of EIMA International, the world’s leading exhibition for agricultural technologies, set to take place in Bologna from 10 to 14 November.

Mariateresa Maschio, FederUnacoma President, said, “Protectionist policies in some countries, economic sanctions, interference with trade routes, and tariff wars have led to market fragmentation and a sharp slowdown in trade which is weighing on the performance of the agromechanical sector.”

Traditional markets are feeling the strain. The United States recorded a 10 percent fall in tractor sales in 2025, while Germany, France and the United Kingdom also posted double digit declines. In contrast, southern Europe is showing renewed momentum. Italy and Spain both closed the year with strong growth, signalling cautious optimism within the European agricultural machinery industry.

India remains the standout performer. With tractor sales exceeding 1.1 million units, the country continues to dominate the global market. According to Maschio, this growth reflects deeper structural demand rather than a short term spike. “Over the past fifteen years, output in the primary sector has grown significantly,” said Mariateresa Maschio, “but to meet the needs of the world’s population it will have to grow by a further 14% by 2034, especially in India and in those countries of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that are experiencing the highest demographic growth.”

A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation, digital farming solutions and expanding demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly increasing their presence across these regions and even gaining ground in Europe.

“In the coming years we will have a highly segmented agromechanical sector, with low-cost basic technologies alongside highly advanced technologies for complex operations,” added Mariateresa Maschio, underlining the importance of innovation, policy support and international cooperation as the sector looks ahead.

Inchcape and NCBA collaborated to boost farm mechanisation in Kenya.(Image credit:

Africa steps up drive to transform farming through mechanisation. (Image credit: FAO)

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