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Horticulture

Collaborative strategies aim for a resilient Africa that proactively addresses risks. (Image Credit: AU)

In a significant move for public health and environmental sustainability, the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have jointly launched two key frameworks: the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Control Strategy (2025–2030) and the Africa CDC Strategic Framework on Climate Change and Health (2025–2029)

These strategies represent a unified, cross-sectoral approach to combating the intertwined challenges of zoonotic diseases and climate change across the continent.

Speaking at the launch event in Addis Ababa, Huyam Salih, director of AU-IBAR, called for action, urging stakeholders to move beyond mere declarations:“Let us move beyond declarations—now is the time for united, cross-sectoral action. I call on all stakeholders to embrace the One Health Strategy as a continental imperative. Together, we must forge a new era of health security, where animal, human, and environmental health are protected as one. Africa’s resilience depends on it, and our future demands it.”

The strategies were developed through a collaborative and evidence-based process that involved Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical partners, and civil society organisations. The overarching goal is to create a resilient Africa that addresses risks proactively rather than reactively.

Raji Tajudeen, the deputy director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of moving from rhetoric to results: “These frameworks are more than strategy documents; they are Africa’s collective commitment to protecting our people, our ecosystems, and our future. We must move from rhetoric to results. The time to act is now, and the responsibility rests with all of us.”

Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, Ethiopia highlighted the interconnectedness of health, ecosystems, and economies across Africa, stating: “Our health, ecosystems, and economies are deeply intertwined. We cannot protect one without investing in all. This is a call for action, not another declaration.”

With more than 75% of emerging human diseases originating from animals and climate change intensifying health risks, the new frameworks seek to strengthen surveillance, improve early warning systems, and integrate public, animal, and environmental health responses. These strategies offer both a roadmap and a call for decisive, coordinated action for a healthier, more resilient Africa.

OptiDry Compact X integrated at Triflor (tulip). (Image source: Bosman Van Zaal)

Bosman Van Zaal has been realising customised dehumidification solutions for customers since 2015, with their R&D department managing to translate these customised solutions into a series of dehumidifiers that are plug-and-play applicable for a wide range of crops and growing systems

Whether in high-tech climate chambers, growing potted plants or fruiting vegetable crops, the innovative OptiDry dehumidifiers can be implemented seamlessly in any cultivation system. The dehumidifiers used in horticulture typically operate with synthetic refrigerants that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions due to their high GWP (Global Warming Potential), with their sale within Europe planned to be phased out between 1 January 2025 and 1 January 2030.

Low-GWP refrigerants are also currently under fire in Europe due to the fact that these refrigerants contain PFAS. As a result, really only natural refrigerants are future-proof. That leaves only 3 applications: CO2, ammonia and propane. Bosman Van Zaal sees R290 (propane) as the best and most sustainable solution.

The OptiDry series consists of two basic type dehumidifiers:

  • The OptiDry Compact X: Designed to dry air very efficiently and can be easily connected to an existing or new chilled water or freecooling circuit by drycooling or basin water. The X stands for cross flow heat exchanger, which is integrated into the unit. Using this additional heat exchanger saves 30-50% on cooling capacity. It is connected to an outdoor unit (chiller or buffer) and is available in two different versions to suit every growing situation.

  • The OptiDry Advanced DX: As one of the first dehumidifiers to use natural refrigerant R290 (propane), the Optidry Advanced DX offers lower energy consumption compared to synthetic refrigerant models. R290 (propane) is therefore not only highly efficient and environmentally friendly, but also future-proof in contrast to synthetic refrigerants. These units can be easily installed in greenhouses or added to existing plant growth chambers for improved dehumidification.

Some of the notable features of the OptiDry range include compact design, lightweight models, high-efficiency dehumidification capacity, presence of the environmentally friendly and future-proof refrigerant R-290 (propane), availability of airsock, and easy integration and connection to new  or existing chilled water systems.

 

ZALUX’s products will be on display at GreenTech Amsterdam, which is scheduled to take place from 11-13 June this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Drawing on its global proficiency in horticultural science and technology, ZALUX, a member of the German group Trilux (Market Leading Company for Professional Lighting), is delivering a groundbreaking line of LED luminaires that profoundly amplify the growth of crops and plants in horticultural settings

ZALUX develops biologically efficient lighting solutions tailored to flowers’ and fruits’ vegetative and generative growth cycles. 

The harmonious integration of greenhouse design, plant biology, and specialised lighting systems holds the promise of unparalleled crop yields and sustainable agricultural practices. By meticulously considering these factors, ZALUX can tailor a lighting system that meets any grower’s unique needs, ultimately fostering optimal plant growth and unlocking maximum yield potential.

“ZALUX lighting solutions are designed to combine the expertise of our European specialists in protected lighting for demanding and aggressive environments, and the advice of horticultural experts,” said head of farming at ZALUX, Patrick Rüschenbaum. “Compared to conventional lighting technology, you can save up to 60% energy with LED luminaires

ZALUX’s products will be on display at GreenTech Amsterdam, which is scheduled to take place from 11-13 June this year.

For more information, visit: www.zalux.com

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