vc.web.local
AF_TB_DLG_Markets_011026_311026

In The Spotlight

Agriculture

The Ekiti State Government has launched a targeted technical training and agricultural interventions across the state to enhance livestock productivity, advance sustainable agribusiness, and boost rural livelihoods

This comes as part of the government's larger initiative to empower livestock producers and agricultural entrepreneurs via deliberate investments and capacity-building, said Ebenezer Boluwade, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, while speaking in Ado Ekiti at the Mass Artificial Insemination, Training and Induction of Inseminators programme organised by the state’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

The programme leverages modern breeding technologies to multiply breeds at a greater pace while refining animal genetics. This shift from traditional breeding concerns will address root challenges such as low yield and restricted access to superior genetic stock.

“The artificial insemination programme was designed by the state L-PRES for breed/genetic improvement and multiplication of livestock for better production,” said Boluwade.

Beyond upgrading animal stock, the programme prioritises hands-on skill development. Local farmers and newly inducted inseminators are receiving practical training to effectively execute advanced breeding techniques in the field.

By modernising farming practices, building a skilled cadre of agricultural service providers, and optimising the broader livestock value chain, the Ekiti State Government intends to foster a resilient, highly productive livestock sector that strengthens regional food security and expands commercial agribusiness opportunities.

Technology deployment can help smallholder farmers.

Agriculture

Modern technology integration into farming operations can boost income for smallholder farmers

Ahead of the Africa International Agricultural Expo 2026, agriculture secretary, James Wanjohi, said that small-scale growers should build communities like cooperatives and producer associations to pool resources for shared expenses. This will split the costs of heavy purchases like equipment while optimising its use for everyone.

According to Wanjohi, technical support, dedicated extension services and reliable market access are required to make technology deployment a success.

“Technology that is being pushed must also come with some earning. That value must give an extra earning to the farmers,” he said.

The upcoming event will showcase innovations tailored to several vital steps in the agricultural process, including harvesting, processing, irrigation, and post-harvest management. Attendees will also have opportunities to review funding packages provided by financial organisations such as the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC).

Furthermore, Wanjohi noted that the exhibition aligns with ongoing state initiatives to encourage value addition, packaging, and branding—empowering farmers to transition away from selling unrefined farm goods and meet international trade standards.

“There is a huge push by government not just to sell raw materials,” he said.

Flacko Wang, Director of Market Development at Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition Limited, said, “AI can solve some basic questions and daily questions. Farmers can get information from AI without having to ask around.” 

The previous edition of the expo featured roughly 10,000 pieces of farm machinery and tech solutions.

Senegal has partnered with FAO to address livestock theft.

Cattle

As part of National Integrated Livestock Development Programme (PNDIES), Senegal will be initiating a digital identification and traceability network pilot for farm animals 

The approximately US$1.7mn programme will involve the use of electronic chips, ear tags and connected collars to establish a strong livestock network, informed PNDIES coordinator, Dame Sow. 

This is anticipated to bring about a positive change in Senegal's livestock scene which has been frequently dealing with theft challenges. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that between 22,000 and 30,000 animals are stolen annually, driving financial losses to roughly $3.2 million every year. 

With the support of FAO, Senegal addressed the challenge by setting up community intelligence networks alongside a validated National Livestock Identification and Traceability System. The project saw the involvement of local tech start-ups for the deployment of IoT monitoring tools and a costed execution plan. 

Identifying that the reach of the problem extended beyond borders, Senegal partnered with FAO in February to host delegates from 15 West African nations in Dakar. The outcome of the session was a proposal for a cross-border initiative focused on digital tracking, early warning networks, and unified judicial frameworks.

In April 2026, the Regional Veterinary Committee adopted a roadmap to standardize digital identification systems across member states—aiming to curb theft while simultaneously smoothing regional trade, managing transhumance routes, and easing pastoral conflicts.

Moving forward, Senegal's primary hurdle will be executing these legal frameworks and digital tools effectively on the ground.

ATR_Inhouse_SS_010926_300926

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. 

Top Stories

Grid List

Event News

IPM ESSEN unites global supply and demand in one place. (Image source: IPM ESSEN)

Event News

Global trade fair for horticulture, IPM ESSEN will be opening its doors to international partners for expansion accross new markets with wider networking and long-term business opportunities 

Set to be held in Germany from 26 to 29 January 2027, IPM ESSEN will be introducing a new international delegation programme, which will see partcipation from both key and emerging markets. There will be an engaging presentation of products, concepts and innovations in the green sector. The delegation will comprise not only international trade associations and industry organisations but political institutions and economic development agencies as well. 

“IPM ESSEN unites global supply and demand in one place. With the new delegation programme, we are systematically expanding this matchmaking function and creating additional opportunities to connect international IPM participants with one another. This is how personal encounters lead to new projects and long-term partnerships,” said Oliver P Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. 

Participants can take away valuable practical insights from exchanges with horticultural businesses, breeders, nurseries and garden centres in North Rhine-Westphalia.

IPM ESSEN will have a dedicated Innovation Centre Horticulture Technology promoting future-oriented fields such as climate adaptation, resource efficiency, peat reduction, automation and artificial intelligence.

The IPM Discovery Centre will display innovative POS concepts and ensure modern shopfitting ideas for retailers are staged to maximum effect. Exhibitors from all areas of horticulture can tap into easy brand positioning by integrating their products and novelties into high-profile sales concepts. The presentation is practical, trend-oriented and emotive, directly within the application context. 

Innovations in feeding is a key area for improving economic efficiency.

EIMA 2026 aims to bridge demand-supply gap in agritech.

Livestock

Intraco has collaborated with Prognosis for rapid mycotoxin detection.

Cattle

In a move to strengthen its Detect & Protect mycotoxin management strategy, Intraco has added two new offerings to the Intra Toxinbind Xpro range -- Intra Toxinbind Xpro Plus and Intra Toxinbind Xpro Premium

The company has also collaborated with Prognosis for rapid mycotoxin detection. These developments equip Intraco to support faster identification of mycotoxin risks before it can adversely affect animal health and performance.

The company taps the growing demand for reliable detection and targeted mitigation tools as a result of increased mycotoxin pressure on livestock production. The Prognosis and Toxinbind offerings make up a complete package to address mycotoxin risks, with rapid screening solutions ensuring quick decision making when it comes to feed ingredients and raw materials assessment.

"Our customers tell us that mycotoxin challenges are becoming increasingly complex and less predictable, with a growing negative impact on animal performance, health, and profitability,' said Julie Feyaerts, global portfolio manager.

"Based on customer feedback, we see that the most important factors in assessing mycotoxin risk are the origin of raw materials, climatic conditions during cultivation and harvest, and the subsequent processing and storage conditions. Together with flock observations such as reduced growth performance, increased mortality, or gut health challenges, these factors help determine the most appropriate mycotoxin management strategy.

"To support our customers, we have strengthened our mycotoxin management approach in three ways. First, we help customers evaluate their mycotoxin risk based on raw material sourcing and flock observations. Second, we now offer rapid mycotoxin screening of raw materials through our partnership with Prognosis, providing a valuable quality check of suppliers and an additional decision-making tool. Third, we have expanded the Intra Toxinbind range with the introduction of Intra Toxinbind Xpro Plus and Intra Toxinbind Xpro Premium, completing our portfolio and allowing customers to select the most appropriate strategy for their specific mycotoxin risk and animal needs.

"By combining rapid detection, technical expertise, and a graded portfolio based on adsorption, bioprotection, and detoxification, we help customers apply the right level of protection locally, safeguarding animal health and performance while optimizing return on investment," Feyaerts said.

With this expanded offering, Intraco provides customers with practical tools, proven protection solutions and expert guidance, delivering a comprehensive Detect & Protect strategy tailored to local challenges and customer needs.

The event brought together more than 30 guests. (Image source: Aviagen)

Senegal has partnered with FAO to address livestock theft.

Crops

Image credit: Ethiopian news Agency

Processing & Storage

Ethiopia has renewed its call for greater recognition of coffee as more than a global export, framing it as a cultural treasure, a social bond and a vital economic pillar for both the country and the wider African continent

The message was delivered at a high level policy forum held on Tuesday during the 3rd African Coffee Week in Addis Ababa, where leaders and development partners gathered to discuss the future of Africa’s coffee industry.

Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture said, “Coffee is far more than a tradable commodity. It is and will remain one of Africa’s most powerful symbols and strategic assets,” Meles said.

He warned that climate change is placing increasing pressure on the sector, with erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and growing pest threats already affecting production. According to Meles, smallholder farmers are bearing the brunt of these changes, making climate resilience and sustainable transformation urgent priorities.

As Africa’s largest coffee producer, Ethiopia has positioned coffee at the core of its national development strategy. Meles said the government is expanding climate smart farming practices, strengthening quality control systems and improving market transparency, while ensuring women and young people benefit from sector reforms.

He also urged African countries to rethink their role in the global coffee value chain by moving beyond raw bean exports and investing in value addition, branding and finished products. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a major opportunity to build regional value chains and create decent jobs.

“Investments in climate smart production systems and sustainable land management are not optional; they are economically prudent,” he said. “Together, we can cultivate a coffee industry that is economically vibrant and deeply rooted in Africa’s rich heritage.”

AU Commission Chief of Staff Mohamed El Amine Souef echoed the call for stronger cooperation, noting that new harmonised African coffee standards aim to boost competitiveness.
“Coffee brings people from diverse cultures together for mutual benefit,” Souef said.

UNIDO Representative Stephen Kargbo highlighted coffee’s role in Ethiopia’s export earnings while warning of climate risks and price volatility. “No single institution or government can address these issues alone,” he said.

Italian Ambassador Sem Fabrizi praised coffee’s cultural roots and confirmed Italy’s continued support through development cooperation and increased financing via the Italian Climate Fund.

Technology

FederUnacoma offers tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots. (Image source: FederUnacoma)

Machinery & Equipment

Highly specialised FederUnacoma machineries for operations in rice fields were on display at the recently concluded Riso – International Rice Festival in Vercelli, organised by the Province and City of Vercelli alongside the National Rice Authority (Ente Nazionale Risi) and Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (MASAF)

From tractors to levelling machines and weed-control robots, there are technologies dedicated to each stage of production to ensure maximum efficiency. 

With more than 230,000 hectares under cultivation, and of high-quality varieties, rice production drives Italy's agriculture scene. To secure rice generation stability against factors such as drought, low market prices and foreign competition, technology is the most scientific way to manage uncertainties, according to FederUnacoma. The 17 innovative machines on display included tractors powerful and versatile enough to work across ploughing, sowing, irrigation and harvesting.

There were multi-purpose blades for constructing solid embankments designed to consistently maintain water level without leaks or seepage. Levelling blades ensuring uniform water distribution were displayed as well. In addition to these – also on display at RISO’ – were precision seeders, electric telescopic loaders for CO₂-free operation in the field, combine harvesters fitted with specialised harvesting attachments, and reaper-binders for harvesting in dry-farmed rice fields.

An agricultural robot was present demonstrating cultivation operations such as weeding with precision. “The technologies produced by Italian manufacturers are capable of managing rice paddies with extreme precision, complying with the phytosanitary parameters imposed by the European Union, conserving water resources and significantly reducing labour costs,” said Mariateresa Maschio, president of FederUnacoma, “and thus enable production costs to be kept in check in a sector...such as the rice industry, which currently offers low profitability”.

“Our Federation’s presence at the RISO event strengthens our collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry,” said Simona Rapastella, director-general of FederUnacoma, “and forms part of a comprehensive programme which, in recent years, has included exhibitions and machine demonstrations at the main events dedicated to agriculture. This is precisely to highlight how mechanisation is a fundamental tool for the competitiveness of Italian production, and how machinery can be a valuable ally for agricultural businesses.” 

 

 

The transition to solar-driven irrigation provides crucial relief for smallholders.

MTC's PE2 re­inforced gloves can be a good fit for sugarcane farmers.

More Articles