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In The Spotlight

Nigeria and FAO collaborated to advance climate smart agriculture

Agriculture

Nigeria is taking firm steps to deepen its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization as part of a broader effort to improve food security and promote climate smart farming.

This renewed commitment was highlighted by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, following a strategic meeting in Abuja with an FAO delegation led by Country Representative Hussein Gadain.

The collaboration is expected to support farmers through the adoption of climate resilient practices, better access to quality seeds, and the use of modern agricultural technologies. It also aims to strengthen value chains, helping farmers move beyond basic production into more sustainable and profitable systems.

Abdullahi noted that Nigeria has maintained a strong and productive relationship with the FAO over the years. This partnership has supported key areas such as technical assistance, financial support, and the development of agricultural data systems. However, he stressed that more needs to be done, especially in improving irrigation. Expanding and modernising irrigation systems, he explained, is essential for year round farming and increased food production.

He also pointed to plant health and pest control as urgent priorities. Addressing these challenges effectively will not only protect crops but also improve yields and support long term sustainability in farming practices across the country.

In a related view, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the role of structured market systems in transforming agriculture. He explained that better organised markets can help shift farming from subsistence to a more competitive and profitable sector. This change would increase farmers’ incomes while strengthening the overall economy.

Kyari also highlighted the importance of digital tools and improved market information. These tools can help farmers access fair prices and reduce dependence on middlemen. He referenced growing agribusiness platforms that are already making a difference by connecting farmers to essential services and opportunities.

The FAO, through Hussein Gadain, acknowledged Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential and reaffirmed its commitment to continued support. With a shared focus on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships, both sides are working towards building a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.

Yemisi Iranloye, FOUNDER and CEO, PSALTRY INTERNATIONAL (image credit: How we made it in Africa)

Agriculture

Yemisi Iranloye’s journey into agribusiness reflects determination, vision, and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s agricultural potential.

As the founder and CEO of Psaltry International, she transformed a common local crop into a thriving industrial business that now supplies major companies such as Nestlé and Unilever.

Cassava, widely grown and consumed across Nigeria, is often associated with everyday foods like garri and fufu. While these traditional uses remain important, the crop holds far greater value beyond the kitchen. It can be processed into products such as starch, ethanol, glucose syrup, and flour, all of which are in demand across different industries. Its gluten free nature also makes it appealing in the growing health and wellness market, where alternatives to wheat flour are increasingly sought after.

Recognising this untapped potential, Iranloye made a bold decision at the age of 40. She left her job to fully commit to building her cassava processing business. This move marked the beginning of a journey that required patience, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. Her efforts soon paid off when Psaltry International secured its first major client, Nestlé Nigeria, setting the stage for future growth.

In an interview Iranloye shared insights into her entrepreneurial path. She spoke about the importance of understanding market needs and aligning business ideas with real demand. Her story also highlights the value of persistence and long term thinking, especially in an industry that requires time to grow.

Beyond her personal success, her work draws attention to the wider opportunities within Nigeria’s agribusiness sector. With the right approach, crops like cassava can drive industrial development, create jobs, and support economic growth. Her experience serves as a reminder that local resources, when properly utilised, can compete on a global scale.

Iranloye’s journey continues to inspire many aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to turn simple ideas into lasting success.

Nigeria strengthens ties with Gates Foundation to boost agriculture (Image credit: Premium Times)

Agriculture

Nigeria is set to reinforce its partnership with the Gates Foundation, with renewed focus on key sectors such as agriculture, nutrition, and digital transformation

This commitment was highlighted by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a recent meeting in Abuja with a delegation from the foundation, led by Hari Menon, President of the Global Growth and Opportunity division.

During the meeting, the Vice President recognised the foundation’s consistent support and long standing contributions to Nigeria’s development. He noted that its investments and humanitarian efforts have played a meaningful role in shaping progress across several sectors. The collaboration, he explained, remains important in driving positive change and building a stronger national outlook.

“We need the Gates Foundation not just as a strong and consistent partner but as a major stakeholder in the Nigeria Project.”

He further expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the organisation, especially through its local team, describing them as dedicated and dependable partners. According to him, the relationship will continue to grow, particularly in areas that directly impact people’s wellbeing.

“You have sustained investments across human capital development, nutrition, agriculture, health system and so many areas.”

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of improving agricultural productivity. He pointed out that modern farming methods, better use of resources, and improved planning are essential to achieving meaningful results. He encouraged the use of advanced techniques such as climate resilient seeds, precision farming, and effective irrigation systems to help farmers increase output.

“We have been talking about agriculture for far too long, but the whole mantra is about how to increase productivity,” he stated.

Looking at the broader picture, he described Nigeria as a country full of promise, suggesting that with the right actions, it could compete with some of the world’s leading economies. He referred to the nation as a sleeping giant, echoing a well known historical remark.

On his part, Hari Menon shared the foundation’s intention to deepen its engagement with Nigeria. He acknowledged ongoing reforms and expressed confidence in the country’s direction.

“There are lots of very dynamic changes underway, and the Gates Foundation is privileged to have the opportunity to partner with the government of Nigeria.”

African Farming

Without food safety, there is no food security

AF FEAGAccording to EatSafe research, pandemic safety measures has been widely adopted in traditional food markets in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Nigeria

In 2015, the WHO reported that more than 400,000 people died annually from food borne diseases. In 2018, the World Bank estimated that food safety costs US$110bn a year in lost productivity through illness and health costs, with sub-Sahara Africa affected the most. But more reliable and current data is required to understand consumer values and perceptions as well as the impact of poor food safety.

The Interview Cruncher was hosted by EatSafe, the five-year research and learning programme sponsored by USAID and led by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). It was moderated by Bonnie McClafferty, director, Food Safety and EatSafe at GAIN.

The panel was made up of Mohamed Nasser, regional advisor Food Safety and Quality Assurance, World Food Programme, Dakar/Senegal; Prof Olugbenga Ben Ogunmoyela, executive director, Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative (CAFSANI); and Priya Prakash, founder and CEO of HealthSetGo and Youth Champion for Act4Food Act4Change.

Bonnie McClafferty, director, EatSafe, said, “The human and financial costs of poor food safety are appalling yet it is being widely ignored. That has to change and we need to take action now to achieve better health outcomes for the 600 million people who each year get sick from unsafe food.”

“We know the pandemic has promoted new food hygiene practices that can have a positive impact on food safety in traditional markets. EatSafe’s research shows that there is a lot more to do. We’re calling on governments and donor groups to provide resources and further research so that evidence-based decisions about food safety measures can be taken to strengthen traditional markets, to ensure safer foods,” continued McClafferty.

Traditional food market vendors apply COVID-19 measures

In parallel to EatSafe’s core mission of engaging consumers to demand food safety, the programme recently expanded efforts to include gathering key data from traditional markets to understand how they have been impacted by COVID-19 through GAIN’s Keeping Food Markets Working programme. EatSafe is interested in what is needed to ensure the availability of affordable, safe, nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected from traditional food markets in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Bangladesh bi-weekly during the last quarter 2020. Interviews and focus groups are continuing throughout 2021 to learn how consumer behaviour has changed and how resilient the traditional market supply chains are.

“We can build on the fact that safety measures are now a reality in people’s lives. With better surveillance and education regarding food safety measures, consumers getting their foods from traditional markets can help create an enabling environment to start closing the system's gaps and upgrading markets to support the safety of foods,” concluded McClafferty. 

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Event News

Organic farming takes centre stage at DLG Feldtage 2026. (Image credit: DLG Feldtage)

Event News

From 16 to 18 June 2026, the DLG Feldtage event will return to the International Crop Production Center in Bernburg, Germany, bringing together farmers, researchers, and industry experts under the theme “Crop Production out of the Box”.

With more than 300 exhibitors expected, the event will highlight fresh ideas and practical approaches to modern crop production, with a strong focus on organic farming.

A key feature of this year’s exhibition is the “DLG Spotlight: Organic Farming”, which offers visitors a closer look at how organic arable systems are evolving. Organic farming depends on diverse crop rotations and a wide mix of crops, including both traditional varieties and newer legumes and mixed cropping systems. The event will provide clear, practical insights into how these systems can be managed effectively, from choosing the right varieties to understanding cultivation techniques and market opportunities.

Field demonstrations will play a central role, allowing visitors to see real examples of organic practices in action. Trial plots organised by leading agricultural groups will present a range of crop types suited to organic production. Ridge cultivation will also be highlighted as a method that supports soil health while remaining economically viable for farmers. Organisations such as Naturland and other industry partners will be on hand to offer guidance on market access and support farmers who are considering a shift to organic methods.

Innovation remains at the heart of the spotlight programme. Visitors will be introduced to modern solutions designed to tackle current challenges in organic farming. These include soil regeneration practices, climate resilient systems, and camera guided mechanical weed control for both cereals and broadleaf crops. Seeing these technologies in operation will help farmers better understand how to apply them in their own fields.

Machinery demonstrations will add another layer of practical learning, with around 66 machine setups operating live each day. These will showcase efficient soil friendly techniques such as non inversion tillage, direct drilling, and mechanical weed control methods.

Alongside the demonstrations, experts will share advice through talks, discussions, and guided tours, creating a space for knowledge exchange and informed decision making across the organic farming community.

Feed & Food Show 2026: exploring the future of indoor agriculture (Image credit: Inhouse Farming)

IFTEX 2026: A global gathering for the floriculture industry in Nairobi. (Image credit: HPP Worldwide)

Livestock

Ntungamo battles to contain foot and mouth disease as markets close and tensions rise.

Livestock

Ntungamo District, a district in Western Uganda is facing mounting pressure as a fast moving outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease continues to disrupt livestock trade and strain relations between farmers and veterinary officials.

The disease, which was first detected in Nyakyera Sub county after animals were brought in from unknown sources, has lingered for nearly two months.

In a swift response, the district halted cattle markets and installed quarantine checkpoints to limit further spread. According to Dr Yake Basulira, the district veterinary officer, emergency measures were introduced as soon as the outbreak was confirmed.

“We had a challenge of Foot and Mouth Disease starting with Nyakyera area due to inflow of animals from unknown sources. We came in as a task team and set up FMD task teams,” he explained.

A District Task Team later met stakeholders in January, 2026, in Nyakyera and Rubare to agree on stricter controls, including market closures and a vaccination drive.

Foot and Mouth Disease affects animals with split hooves including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. It spreads quickly through direct contact, infected equipment and the movement of livestock.

Despite the government supplying what officials describe as enough vaccines for the entire district herd, progress has been uneven. “The vaccination campaign programs have continued, however with setbacks. These setbacks are attached to farmers not bringing all their animals for vaccination yet requesting to know where the disease is,” Dr Basulira said.

“The government has given us massive amounts of vaccine which can contain the animals of Ntungamo. If all farmers would bring all their animals in time, we would ably push out this FMD out of Ntungamo, and operations of markets would be normal.”

Tensions are rising in Itojo where some large scale farmers have resisted the exercise. “In Itojo some people have over 200 animals but have failed to vaccinate yet they are threatening the district veterinary officer. There must be penalties,” warned Denis Savimbi.

Officials insist enforcement will follow. “The farmer who doesn't want to bring his animals for vaccination is handled by those penalties. Dear farmers, let’s comply so that you know how to manage it before you are put in prison for the sake of your animals,” Dr Basulira cautioned.

Beyond animal health, the economic impact is clear. Bernard Ahabwe noted, “FMD has killed our cows and affected the district in terms of resource mobilization. The markets are not functioning, we are not collecting local revenue.”

Chief Administrative Officer Fildeus Kizza added, “Much as some farmers could be selling from their homes and they don’t bring their animals to markets, definitely we cannot collect money like market dues. There must be some sort of decline in terms of revenue collection. We might lose revenue but we are protecting income for the farmer.”

For Ntungamo, the task now is to restore order, protect livelihoods and bring the outbreak under control before losses deepen further.

Nigeria’s livestock plan set to drive growth

Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide. (Image credit: VIV WORLD)

Crops

Nigeria and FAO collaborated to advance climate smart agriculture

Agriculture

Nigeria is taking firm steps to deepen its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization as part of a broader effort to improve food security and promote climate smart farming.

This renewed commitment was highlighted by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, following a strategic meeting in Abuja with an FAO delegation led by Country Representative Hussein Gadain.

The collaboration is expected to support farmers through the adoption of climate resilient practices, better access to quality seeds, and the use of modern agricultural technologies. It also aims to strengthen value chains, helping farmers move beyond basic production into more sustainable and profitable systems.

Abdullahi noted that Nigeria has maintained a strong and productive relationship with the FAO over the years. This partnership has supported key areas such as technical assistance, financial support, and the development of agricultural data systems. However, he stressed that more needs to be done, especially in improving irrigation. Expanding and modernising irrigation systems, he explained, is essential for year round farming and increased food production.

He also pointed to plant health and pest control as urgent priorities. Addressing these challenges effectively will not only protect crops but also improve yields and support long term sustainability in farming practices across the country.

In a related view, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the role of structured market systems in transforming agriculture. He explained that better organised markets can help shift farming from subsistence to a more competitive and profitable sector. This change would increase farmers’ incomes while strengthening the overall economy.

Kyari also highlighted the importance of digital tools and improved market information. These tools can help farmers access fair prices and reduce dependence on middlemen. He referenced growing agribusiness platforms that are already making a difference by connecting farmers to essential services and opportunities.

The FAO, through Hussein Gadain, acknowledged Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential and reaffirmed its commitment to continued support. With a shared focus on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships, both sides are working towards building a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.

Liberia and Jigawa State collaborated boost to rice production (Image credit: FrontPageAfricaOnline)

Rising costs and imports put South Africa’s sugar farmers under pressure

Technology

The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.(Image credit: xylem)

Machinery & Equipment

Water scarcity and wastewater management have long been pressing concerns across South Africa, and Xylem, a globally recognised water technology company, has just made things a great deal more manageable.

The company officially launched its Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment and services at its Africa headquarters in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, marking a significant step forward in accessible, practical wastewater treatment for the region.

The launch drew attention from a wide range of industries that deal with the daily challenge of treating and recycling water responsibly. Mining operations, municipalities, agricultural businesses, aquaculture farms, food and beverage producers, paper and pulp mills, chemical manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies are all in the frame as potential beneficiaries of this technology. It is a broad reach, and deliberately so.

At its core, DAF is a pre-treatment and solids-separation system designed to slot into existing wastewater management frameworks. It works as a standalone unit or as part of a larger treatment process, sitting alongside biological treatment, filtration, and water reuse systems to help facilities meet compliance targets and achieve their recycling goals. What makes it particularly attractive is its compact, modular build, which means it can be installed even in tight or congested spaces where traditional systems simply would not fit. Rental options are also on the table, making it viable for smaller operations or those with seasonal demands.

The science behind DAF is clever but straightforward. Xylem's systems use Hellbender pumps to generate microscopic air bubbles that, after the water undergoes coagulation and flocculation, latch onto suspended particles and drag them to the surface where they can be skimmed off. The result is water that is significantly cleaner, with total suspended solids, fats, oils, greases, and biochemical oxygen demand all reduced efficiently.

Three models are available, the RT-50, RT-100, and RT-240, catering for flow rates ranging from 100 to 1,000 GPM. Each unit is built from durable stainless steel, comes with an integrated flocculation tube, and includes a pre-wired control panel that makes setup relatively straightforward.

Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem WSS (AMETI), was candid about what this launch means for local customers. "We are very excited to bring cutting-edge DAF solutions to our local customers. Xylem has introduced our DAF solutions to several other markets, where they have become a big hit among companies of various sizes. They appreciate the logistical benefits of DAF's compact designs and convenient deployment, supported by our expert technicians. South African organisations in the private and public sectors can now also leverage DAF to expand their choices for water treatment and recycling."

The support offering goes well beyond simply supplying equipment. "Xylem's expert staff and our experienced partners customise each solution as required. We deliver and manage components such as mixer tanks, weir tanks, pumps, and conveyors, as well as catwalks and accessories. Our skilled technicians can support on-site staff or run the process on behalf of our customers," added Mistry.

For too long, fully industrialised water treatment felt out of reach for many South African organisations, put off by the cost and operational complexity involved. Xylem's DAF range changes that conversation considerably, offering a flexible, scalable entry point into serious water management without demanding enormous upfront commitment. Whether a business is running a pilot programme or upgrading an established treatment system, there is a configuration to suit the need.

The launch plants Xylem firmly on the map as a hands-on, solutions-driven partner for industries and municipalities that are serious about using water wisely.

Nigeria partners with Nestlé to build skills and transform dairy production (Image credit: AgroNigeria)

Truck Mounted Forklifts transform delivery efficiency in modern agriculture logistics. (Image credit: Shamrock Forklifts)

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