Crops

A wide range of initiatives were adopted to encourage agricultural development in the Gash Barka region. (Image source: Eritrea Ministry of Information)  

A meeting conducted in Barentu discussed collaborative efforts undertaken to enhance the agricultural sector in the Gash Barka region

Known for being rich in arable land and livestock resources, the Gash Barka region has drawn the attention of the Ministry of Agriculture, who in collaboration with local administrations, agricultural experts, and farmers have introduced a wide range of initiatives to encourage agricultural development in the region.  

Participants at the meeting involved in detailed discussions regarding various issues that were raised, giving due attention to the development of green animal fodder, expanding livestock vaccination programmes, and conducting sustainable awareness-raising activities.

Director General of Agriculture and Land, Abubeker Osman highlighted the various community-based and farmer-focused preparations and training programmes organised in 2024 that not only gave rise to ample harvests, but also encouraged developments in irrigation farming. Moreover, well over 18,000 ha of water diversion schemes and terraces were renovated and nearly 8,700 cu m of dry organic fertiliser and 50,000 l of liquid fertiliser were distributed, in addition to around 1.1 million quintals of vegetables and fruits that had been supplied to markets.

The spread of tea locusts, which is considered one of the major challenges in the region were also addressed, as pesticides were sprayed over nearly 4,800 ha of land in the same year. Furthermore, the construction of five dams witnessed successful completion, with nine more being currently under construction. 

The region Governor, Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui also called for stronger efforts to improve the region’s agricultural sector in both quantity and quality. 

The collaboration under the MoU is effective from December 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to reaffirm their joint commitment to promote food and nutrition security, strengthen the resilience of vulnerable groups, and transform the Madagascar’s food systems

WFP's Country Strategic Plan (2024 - 2028) is aligned with the Government's vision to strengthen the resilience of rural communities in several areas. The collaboration under the MoU, effective from December 2024, will continue for a period of four years and is based national priorities and the sustainable development goals. Despite the key role that agriculture plays in Madagascar’s economy, the sector faces major challenges: climatic shocks, low productivity, limited access to markets, inadequate infrastructure, and significant post-harvest losses.

“Through innovative, inclusive and appropriate solutions, we are collaborating with our partners to build food systems that can withstand shocks and ensure human dignity,” said WFP acting country director and representative, Mamadou Mbaye. “Other innovative interventions include facilitating market access for smallholder producers through home-grown school feeding, climate risk management through resilient agriculture, anticipatory action, agricultural insurance, and the promotion of renewable energy through the Rapid Rural Transformation initiative.”

Farmers' stock for this season is expected to reach 104,000t. (Image source: Raisins South Africa)

Industry body Raisins SA has forecast a significant increase in farmers' stock for 2024/25, with figures going beyond 100,000t

South African production has been on a steady upward curve for a number of years. In the 2023/24 season, farmers’ stock was 96,000t, meaning this year’s harvest is set to once again show a healthy 8% increase. Farmers' stock for this season is expected to reach 104,000t, representing the first time the country has broken through the 100,000t barrier. 

This milestone comes after the weather stability achieved after a temperature variability period during the spring season. Producers are now reporting ideal conditions and plant health, with early harvest expected to kick off in January and peak volume intake at processors expected in March. 

“This is shaping up to be an exciting season for South African raisin producers and exporters,” Raisins SA chairman David van der Merwe said. “Following a few years where the industry had to overcome numerous weather and infrastructure challenges, everything is looking much more settled now and the growth in production is testament to producers’ commitment to the crop. Our customers in all markets can look forward to a consistent, high-quality product that will meet growing demand for healthy, indulgent raisins. 

Group photo of the delegation of the Pan-African Farmers' Organisation (PAFO), led by its president, Ibrahima Coulibaly (seated, third from the right), with Martin Fregene, director of the Agriculture and Agro-Industry department at the AfDB (seated, third from the left). (Image source: AfDB)

The Pan African Farmers' Organisation (PAFO) has collaborated with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to boost support for smallholder farmers across Africa

A deligation from PAFO visited the AfDB headquarters on 13 December to advance the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023. PAFO president Ibrahima Coulibaly highlighted PAFO's mission and strategic priorities to empower smallholder farmers and advocate for their rights, stressing the need for greater strategic support from the Bank to address challenges in agriculture, which has the potential to solve 80% of the continent’s problems.

The meeting culminated in plans to jointly host a High-Level Conference on Financing Small-Scale Farmers in the second quarter of 2025. This event will rally stakeholders to discuss the financial needs of small-scale farmers and explore sustainable solutions to improve livelihoods. Additionally, the two organisations agreed to develop a comprehensive action plan focusing on capacity building, technology integration, and access to finance, particularly for women and youth farmers. 

This partnership aligns with the Bank’s ‘High 5’ priorities, particularly the 'Feed Africa' strategy, and builds on its commitment to fostering collaboration with civil society organisations.