Crops

Omona highlighted the need for extension services to reach the local communities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

According to the State Minister for Northern Uganda, Kenneth Omona, the presence of an agreed cash crop is vital to boost incomes and enable the development of the region's agricultural sector

Presenting during the first regional plenary sitting held in Gulu City on 28 August, Omona highlighted the need for extension services to reach the local communities, noting concerns that the services have not been received by most sub-counties in Northern Uganda.

The state minister said mechanisation of agriculture will go a long way in improving crop yields, noting that farmers in the area continue using traditional tools like hand-hoes and ox-ploughs to till their land. According to Omona, utilising such primitive tools would fail to meet the economic demand of crop production. Therefore, harnessing the over 20,000 sq km of land in Acholi sub-region to engage in livestock production, will support the provision of livestock breeding at subsidised costs. 

The committee chairperson, Linda Auma, said there is need for government to support the creation of public and private water sources for production in the region and the country at large. While chairing the plenary sitting, the Speaker, Anita Among, said the Committee report needed to address broader issues on the agricultural sector in Northern Uganda, and she tasked the Committee to carry extensive consultations on the matter. She added that the committee should look at the primary and secondary aspects of agricultural production in different regions of Northern Uganda.

“Availability of water for production is key in enhancing agricultural production in the face of challenges associated with climate change," said Auma. "Rehabilitating the existing water sources and creating more is vital in promoting usage of water for agricultural production.”

Among also added that finding out the number of tractors needed by each region and the type of crops that grow better in these areas, it would be possible to improve post-harvest handling and add value to improve the agricultural sector. 

China is willing to work with Zambia to make good use of the FOCAC platform. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Chinese Ambassador Han Jing exchanged his views on China-Zambia agricultural cooperation during a courtesy call 26 August, on Minister of Agriculture of Zambia, Reuben Phiri 

China's is optimistic about Zambia's agricultural investment prospects and is willing to work alongside Zambia to utilise the platform of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), to promote more joint agricultural projects in Zambia and more exports of Zambian agricultural products to China to benefit the two peoples.

The Ministry of Zambia has rendered strong support, in turn guarenteeing the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state and further deepening of the comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership between China and Zambia.

Minister Phiri stated that Zambia-China agricultural cooperation has yielded fruitful results under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and welcomed Ambassador Han to assume his office. This opens a gateway for Chinese businesses to invest in Zambia's agricultural sector, with the upcoming FOCAC Summit hoping to serve as a mutually beneficial, win-win cooperation between the two countries in the field of modern agriculture. 

The agreement supports streamlined approach on deal sourcing and investment, risk sharing, and technical assistance, aimed at raising farmers' incomes. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A new partnership was recently announced between the IDH Farmfit Fund and social impact investor Oikocredit, aimed at reducing the financing gap for smallholder farmers

The two organisations have signed a collaborative agreement, committing to creating synergies in their sourcing and investment transactions. By aligning their approach and intensifying their collaboration, the Farmfit Fund and Oikocredit will create efficiencies that accelerate impact for smallholder farmers. 

While developing economies have a total available amount of US$9bn, the actual financial need of smallholder farmers is US$450bn. In order to bridge this financial gap, Farmfit Fund and Oikocredit are providing loans to cooperatives and other small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the smallholder farming sector, thereby enabling cooperatives to export directly and sell their products at improved conditions, while also investing in climate smart agriculture practices. 

Through their collaboration, the two organisations will streamline their interventions, allowing both to accelerate impact. Aligning investment processes and criteria, and utilising each other's unique and extensive network and knowledge in producing countries, will enable the two organisations to source, structure and monitor deals. Additionally, the partnership will also share risks and provide technical assistance where necessary, thereby ensuring the success and sustainability of their interventions. 

“Smallholder agriculture is the backbone of many emerging economies. The collaboration with IDH enables Oikocredit to invest more in smallholder farmers who are important in providing safe and affordable food for local communities and play a crucial role in the fight against climate change,” said director of Specialised Finance and Community Building at Oikocredit, Hans Perk. 

Roel Messie CEO of IDH Investment Management and IDH Farmfit Fund also highlighted the previous partnership between the two organisations to provide loans to smallholder-focused Agri SMEs in Guatemala and Nicaragua. "This experience has revealed how aligned our strategies are and how much we can achieve if we bundle our knowledge and networks. By formalising our collaboration in this broader framework, we can build on our complementarity to further improve the livelihoods of smallholders.”

Vertical farming offers a sustainable alternative that allows farmland to recover while enhancing urban living. (Image source: Go Vilnius)

With agriculture being a major driver of climate change, the European Union (EU) is promoting a green transition through continent-wide initiatives including the adoption of sustainable technology in agriculture

Through continent-wide initiatives, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania is striving for climate neutrality by 2030. Alternative farming methods like vertical farming for example, are being adopted to help the city meet its environmental protection goals. 

Valentinas Civinskas, CEO of Leafood, Europe's largest vertical farm emphasised that agricultural practices are shifting not only in Lithuania but throughout entire Europe. A number of technologies including AI-driven crop management, renewable energy integration, and sustainable water management are being adopted to enhance agriculture. 

Leafood's vertical farm is located in an industrial zone of the capital and grows greens in areas that are not suitable for traditional farming methods. The presence of the farm within the urban limits enables the reduction of the supply chain and CO2 emissions. Significantly bringing down the environmental strain directly contributes to achieving the goals of the Nature Restoration Law, which aims to restore 90% of the EU's land by 2050. 

“Vertical farming allows for greens to be grown in stacked layers within controlled indoor facilities. This reduces the need for vast tracts of land and alleviates the environmental strain associated with conventional farming methods,” Civinskas explained. 

Leafood also uses up to 95% less water than traditional farms and 100% renewable energy to reduce the detrimental impact on the environment. Civinskas asserts that the continuous expansion of the talent pool is one of the most significant drivers in sustainable businesses, especially those operating in agriculture. For Vilnius, the supply of talent is essential for continuous innovation and emphasis on sustainability. In addition to sustainable practices, Civinskas emphasised the importance of a positive work environment.