Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The 6th International RISE SWC Conference, hosted by the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Irrigation (APNI), is set to take place in 2025

This significant event will focus on sustainable water use in agriculture, bringing together experts, researchers, and professionals from across the globe to discuss pressing issues around water scarcity and the adoption of efficient irrigation practices. The conference aims to explore and share innovative solutions that address these challenges in the agriculture sector.

The event will dive deep into topics such as water-efficient irrigation technologies, climate change impacts on water resources, smart irrigation systems, and the development of effective policies for sustainable water management. Attendees will be able to participate in technical workshops, attend panel discussions, and review real-world case studies that showcase successful water management practices from different regions. This will provide a platform for professionals from academia, government, NGOs, and the agriculture industry to connect, share knowledge, and exchange ideas.

A highlight of the conference will be its diverse set of speakers, offering insights on the latest trends and innovations in water management technologies and policy development. It also includes a Call for Papers, inviting researchers to contribute their findings and perspectives on sustainable water management and irrigation practices. The conference aims to foster collaboration, ensuring that key stakeholders from various sectors can engage with cutting-edge solutions to improve water efficiency and support sustainable agricultural practices.

In essence, the 6th International RISE SWC Conference offers an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage with experts, explore the latest technologies, and learn about practical solutions that promote sustainable water use in agriculture. It’s an essential gathering for anyone involved in water management, agriculture, and sustainability, as it tackles the pressing need for smarter, more efficient irrigation systems to cope with global water challenges.

To address the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has launched a training programme aimed at educating farmers and stakeholders on the safe use of antibiotics in livestock production

Abdulkabir Otaru, project coordinator, explained that the initiative was designed to equip livestock farmers, veterinarians, doctors, and environmental health professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt safer antibiotic practices.

“This training will help improve livestock productivity in Kogi State while ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health,” Otaru said, emphasising that the initiative would bridge knowledge gaps among farmers regarding antimicrobial drugs and promote best practices to minimise AMR risks.

The project, supported by the World Bank and in collaboration with both federal and state governments, will extend its reach to four additional centres across Kogi State. Each of these centres is expected to train at least 400 participants, with a total of 2,500 farmers set to benefit from the training on AMR prevention and safe livestock production practices.

Otaru also took a moment to acknowledge the continued support of Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who has facilitated the project through the release of counterpart funding. He encouraged the media to give the project more visibility, emphasising that its impact goes beyond just improving productivity and profits.

“This project is not only about increasing productivity; it is about saving lives,” Otaru added.

Agu Yakubu from the Animal Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development also addressed the growing threat of AMR, warning that it is making the treatment of common infections increasingly difficult. He pointed out that overusing antibiotics, poor infection control, improper drug use, and the lack of new drug development were all contributing factors to the rise of resistance.

Yakubu urged the adoption of a "One Health" approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors to fight AMR. He highlighted that by raising awareness and collaborating across sectors, the negative impact of AMR could be mitigated, ensuring that infections remain treatable.

The training programme is expected to enhance food safety, boost livestock resilience, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall capacity to manage AMR risks, aligning with global health standards.

In Bomet County located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, Hellen Rono is already preparing her farm for the new planting season

After a successful tomato harvest, which seemed improbable just a year ago, she is optimistic about her future crops. Like many farmers in the region, Hellen had traditionally depended on rainwater, but it was never enough for her commercial ambitions. The cold climate added to the challenge, prompting her to invest in a greenhouse. She believed it was the solution to her problems, but her first attempt ended in disaster.

“I planted tomatoes inside my greenhouse, which is eight metres by 15 metres, and they started germinating and growing well. However, midway through the growth process, the tomatoes began withering one by one, just as they were about to flower,” Hellen said. The withering continued until nearly 10 plants were dying each day.

Instead of giving up, Hellen reached out to agricultural officers who confirmed the plants were infected with tomato wilt. “We were told that there was no medicine for the disease. They advised us to irrigate the plants with plenty of water to prevent further withering,” she explains. With her farm relying on Bomet County water for both domestic and agricultural use, Hellen's water bill soared as she was using around 200 litres per day to irrigate the tomatoes. Despite the increased irrigation, her greenhouse remained flooded, but the damage was done—by the time some plants began to fruit, the entire crop had withered. There was nothing to harvest.

This setback led Hellen to research tomato wilt online, where she discovered tomato grafting, a technique from China that combats the disease. She also learned that high temperatures inside her greenhouse were another contributing factor, causing the flowers to drop and halting fruit production. “When scientists supervised my greenhouse, they reported high temperatures. At the time, I could not work inside the greenhouse from as early as 10 am because it was unbearably hot,” Hellen says.

Upon receiving training on how to regulate greenhouse temperatures, Hellen reduced the number of tomato plants from 500 to 250. The results were immediate. “We planted both grafted and non-grafted tomatoes in the same greenhouse. After a month, the non-grafted tomatoes started withering, while the grafted ones flowered consistently,” she says. “The grafted plants were not infected, and they continued to fruit, leading to a bumper harvest.”

Hellen's grafted tomatoes yielded impressive results. “It took 75 days to start harvesting grafted tomatoes, the same as the non-grafted ones. However, the grafted ones lasted much longer, with the first harvest weighing 6.8kg compared to 5.1kg from the non-grafted. The grafted plants reached an incredible 73.2kg, while the non-grafted ones barely made it to 8.7kg before dying.”

Yutao Liu, professor & director of the Confucius Institute at Egerton University, highlights the positive outcomes of using technological innovations in farming. "The graft seedling is resistant to disease, while the normal seedling is not. This is an example of the promising future of agricultural technology, particularly through the partnership between China and Kenya," Liu explains.

The collaboration between Egerton University and Nanjing Agricultural University has seen the establishment of 18 demo sites across Nakuru, Kisumu, Bomet, and Subukia. These sites showcase the grafted tomato variety, which has shown promise with a six-month harvest period per planting season. However, to grow grafted tomatoes, farmers need to have greenhouses.

The China-IFAD South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) initiative, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Finance, is behind this project, which aims to provide rural youth and farmers with innovative horticultural solutions. Steve Codjo, a regional analyst for China-IFAD SSTC, explains, “South-South cooperation is about knowledge exchange. We wanted something tangible that would serve the smallholder farmers for the long term.”

For farmers like Hellen, this collaboration has meant not only increased food security but also a more sustainable livelihood. This demonstrates that when technology is adapted to local contexts, it can break cycles of agricultural loss and empower rural communities.

From rugged dirt tracks to remote farmlands, ISUZU has long been part of the rhythm of South African agriculture

Known for durability, reliability, and low total cost of ownership, ISUZU trucks have helped generations of farmers move livestock, harvests, tools, and supplies across some of the country’s most unforgiving terrain. It’s more than just a business relationship — it’s a partnership rooted in shared values, trust, and a deep understanding of the land.

Agriculture is more than a market segment for ISUZU; it’s a core part of their identity. Farming powers the South African economy through job creation, exports, and innovation. ISUZU recognises this and has shaped its approach around one belief — when farmers succeed, the entire country thrives. Their vehicles are built with these realities in mind: strong, economical, and always dependable, especially in the country’s most remote regions.

This commitment stretches beyond the sale. ISUZU offers comprehensive aftersales service, reliable parts availability, roadside support, and a wide network of dealers in farming areas. It’s not just about delivering trucks; it’s about keeping farmers moving — and that means less downtime, less stress, and more productivity.

A clear example of ISUZU’s dedication to agriculture is the JCR 800 Special Edition — the brand’s most affordable 8-tonner, designed specifically for the South African market. “Named in tribute to one of our legendary models, the JCR 800 is a no-nonsense workhorse designed to deliver maximum value and performance where it matters most.” It was developed with local input from engineers and dealers to meet the everyday needs of small to medium-scale farmers. Whether it’s carrying produce, feed, tools, or livestock, the JCR 800 is built to get the job done in the field, on gravel, or out on the open road.

Then there’s the backbone of countless South African farms — ISUZU bakkies. For nearly 50 years, these vehicles have proven themselves reliable, tough, and versatile enough to handle the daily demands of farming. Whether it’s an early morning market run or navigating muddy fields, ISUZU bakkies are built to keep up. Spacious interiors, safety features, and powerful engines make them a trusted companion on any farm, big or small.

ISUZU understands that farming isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle. And in that life, every tool, including your vehicle, must earn its place. While cheaper options may seem tempting, the long-term costs of breakdowns, inefficiency, and poor resale value often outweigh the upfront savings.