Crops

Poor maize yields blamed on reuse of hybrid seeds

Poor maize yields blamed on reuse of hybrid seeds.

The government has defended the long standing practice that requires maize farmers to buy new seeds every planting season, explaining that most maize grown across the country comes from hybrid varieties that do not perform well when replanted.

David Silinde, Deputy Minister for Agriculture addressed concerns raised by Urambo MP Magreth Sitta, who questioned why farmers are unable to reuse seeds harvested from the previous season instead of purchasing fresh supplies each year.

Silinde said the issue lies in the nature of hybrid seeds, which are specifically developed to deliver high yields, resist diseases and tolerate harsh weather conditions. These qualities, he explained, are only guaranteed during the first planting.

“Most of the maize seeds used by farmers nationwide are hybrid seeds, developed by crossing two or more parent lines of the same family. Due to their scientific structure, these seeds cannot retain their superior qualities when reused, which affects harvests and overall agricultural efficiency,” he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, certified seeds sold through registered agro dealer shops undergo extensive laboratory testing before reaching farmers. These tests confirm their quality and ensure they meet standards for productivity and resilience. However, once farmers save and replant seeds harvested from hybrid crops, the original traits weaken or disappear completely.

He added that this decline results in smaller harvests, reduced income and lower overall productivity, which ultimately affects national food security. For this reason, farmers are advised to use certified seeds each season to maintain stable production.

In a supplementary question, Sitta asked what steps the government is taking to lower maize production costs for low income farmers and how it plans to protect crops from destructive pests.

In response, Silinde said the government remains committed to supporting farmers through its agricultural input subsidy programme. The initiative provides subsidised seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, helping to reduce farming expenses while improving yields.

He noted that the programme is designed to ensure small scale farmers can access quality inputs without placing too much strain on their finances, while also strengthening pest control efforts to safeguard crops throughout the growing season.

Swedfund backs Phatisa Food Fund 3 to strengthen Africa’s food systems

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

Swedfund has committed US$15mn to Phatisa Food Fund 3, a private equity fund focused on established businesses operating across the food value chain in several African countries.

The investment is designed to strengthen food security, support the creation of decent jobs, and help build more resilient and sustainable food systems across the region.

Food systems in Africa are facing growing pressure from rapid population growth, climate related challenges, and fragmented supply chains. These factors continue to limit access to affordable and nutritious food while placing strain on producers, processors, and distributors. Improving how food is produced, processed, and delivered is increasingly important to ensure food availability while supporting livelihoods and long term economic stability.

Phatisa Food Fund 3 plans to invest in companies that are looking to scale their operations or transition ownership. Drawing on Phatisa’s long standing experience in the food and agriculture sector, the fund is expected to support businesses with the potential to increase production capacity, improve operational efficiency, and create more stable employment opportunities. These investments are aimed at strengthening local and regional markets while encouraging sustainable business practices.

Sebastian Süllmann, Investment Manager for Food Systems at Swedfund, said, “Strengthening food systems is essential for inclusive and resilient growth across African markets. Through this investment, we help channel long-term capital to companies that can expand production, support decent jobs, and improve access to affordable and nutritious food. The investment also contributes to deeper value chain integration, supporting more stable and sustainable livelihoods over time.”

Swedfund’s contribution forms part of an US$86mn first close for the fund, alongside other development finance institutions including BII, Norfund, IFC, and FinDev Canada. Together, these partners aim to mobilise long term capital to support food system transformation and economic development across Africa.

GEF supports climate resilient water management in the Zambezi 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.(Image credit: GEF)

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.

ADFD and IFAD collaborated to strengthen sustainable agriculture

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)

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

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

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.

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