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The backbone of CISANET’s incredible achievements is its alliance with AGRA, whose financial support propels its vision to new heights. (Image source: AGRA)

The Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) has partnered with AGRA to begin a remarkable transformation through its dynamic Seed Monitoring Committees (SMCs)

Equipped with a deep understanding of the intricacies of seed production and distribution, SMCs act to ensure that only the highest quality seeds find their way into the hands of farmers. Their work involves monitoring seed quality according to established national standards in a bid to protect farmers from substandard seeds.

Yet their impact doesn’t stop there. Their commitment to excellence extends to every corner of the nation, especially the rural areas, where smallholder farmers are the heartbeat of agriculture. Through collaboration with seed producers and distributors, the SMCs establish plans to ensure a timely availability of certified seeds around the country.

“It is in these remote regions that the spark of transformation ignites, as smallholder farmers gain access to superior seed varieties, unlocking the door to bountiful harvests and financial prosperity,” said CISANET’s programme officer, Thokozani Guta.

The backbone of CISANET’s incredible achievements is its alliance with AGRA, whose financial support propels its vision to new heights. AGRA’s funding fuels an array of groundbreaking initiatives, from the comprehensive training programmes that empower SMC members with unrivaled expertise, to the establishment of robust monitoring mechanisms that strengthen the very foundations of the national seed system. The result is a dynamic force of change, a transformative seed system that propels smallholder farmers towards a future of food security and enriched livelihoods.

The impact of CISANET’s involvement rises beyond immediate improvements in seed quality and availability. With every seed sown, a ripple of collaboration radiates throughout the nation, converging farmers, seed producers, government agencies, and research institutions in a shared space of knowledge, innovation, and growth.

It is here that Malawi’s agricultural landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of progress, where ideas are nurtured, and boundaries are shattered. Through this collaborative approach, CISANET kindles the flames of agricultural growth, lighting the path toward a prosperous and sustainable future for the country’s smallholder farming households.

 

Musasizi moved the motion to approve the request. (Image source: Parliament of the Republic of Uganda)

In order to facilitate the transfer of funds from rationalised government agencies to the receiving institutions, Uganda's parliament has approved a supplementary budget amounting to US$154,237

The supplementary expenditure schedule No.2 for the financial year 2024/2025 was presented by the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Henry Musasizi 6 February. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries will receive US$4202.96 for recurrent expenditure and US$334.18 for development. 

Musasizi said that the funds will implement projects under the Dairy Development Agency, National Agricultural Advisory Services, Cotton Development Organisation and Uganda Coffee Development Agency. On the other hand, the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority has been allocated US$295.62 for development, US$110.41 under statutory to cater for contract gratuity and National Social Security Fund for staff as well as US$1131.07 for recurrent expenditure.

The National Planning Authority, National Identification Registration Authority and Ministry of Water and Environment equally benefited from the US$154,237 supplementary. “Supplementary Expenditure Schedule No.2 will be funded using unreleased resources that had been appropriated to the rationalised votes,” Musasizi said. The House suspended Rule 153 to allow the supplementary request to be approved without its estimates being committed to the Budget Committee.

This followed a a motion moved by the Government Chief Whip, Dennis Hamson Obua. A section of lawmakers however, opposed the motion, with Jonathan Odur, UPC of Erute County South highlighting that suspending Rule 153 would be unconstitutional. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa guided that the funds in question are already available, saying that approval of the supplementary request is aimed at completing the process of rationalisation of government agencies. The parliament has passed several Bills, merging several government agencies following the government’s policy on Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditures (RAPEX).  

 

According to regulatory reports, two guidelines were developed to ensure quality assurance for vegetables and potato seeds. (Image source: Ministry of Information Eritrea)

The Regulatory Services Department of the Ministry of Agriculture reported significant progress in agricultural inspections conducted in 2024

Tekleab Misghina, director of General of Regulatory Services, stated that the department, through regional inspectors, has worked diligently to ensure the safety of animal and plant-based food products before they enter the market. Efforts were also made to maintain a proper food processing chain and prevent cross-contamination across 18 food and processing plants.

Mr. Tekleab further noted that around 23 tons of obsolete agro-chemicals were safely disposed of in collaboration with relevant government institutions, with an additional 140 tons awaiting disposal. The Seed Release Committee, overseen by the Regulatory Services, conducted inspection tours of various farmlands to verify the quality of basic seeds under multiplication.

According to regulatory reports, two guidelines were developed to ensure quality assurance for vegetables and potato seeds. The department also conducted salinity inspections on irrigation farms in Forto-Sawa and Dige, confirming that no salinity issues were detected.

Tekleab emphasised that the department organised extensive awareness campaigns, including meetings, workshops, and conferences, attended by approximately 2,700 participants. 

The WFP Innovation Accelerator supports bold and transformative solutions to address food insecurity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Leader in soil and water conservation technology, Desert Control AS has been selected to join the United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) Innovation Accelerator SPRINT Programme

Our participation in this programme aims to pilot the innovative Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) technology in Iraq, focusing on sustainable food production and efficient water resource management. Funded by a grant from the WFP Innovation Accelerator, the six-month pilot will be executed in collaboration with Desert Control’s regional partner, Soyl and the WFP Iraq Country Office. The project will target the enablement of agricultural cultivation under harsh desert conditions at a site managed by the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Forestry and Combating Desertification. The initiative aims to demonstrate LNC's capacity to improve soil health, reduce water consumption, and convert low-value agricultural land into fertile areas suitable for high-value crops.

"Iraq has been grappling with environmental challenges such as drought, desertification, and water scarcity, which jeopardise food production and community livelihoods," said Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO of Desert Control. "Being part of the WFP Innovation Accelerator Programme enables us to develop a blueprint for drought response and resilience, utilising our innovation to transform degraded land into fertile soil. By enhancing agricultural productivity under water-limited conditions, we empower communities to manage their resources sustainably and contribute to global food security."

The WFP Innovation Accelerator supports bold and transformative solutions to address food insecurity. Its SPRINT Programme (Sustainable Product Innovation & Technology) offers seed funding, hands-on project management and access to WFP’s expert networks. Desert Control’s involvement aligns with WFP’s mission to eradicate hunger and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

"By leveraging innovative solutions like Liquid Natural Clay, we aim to tackle the root causes of food insecurity while building resilience in regions most affected by climate change and resource scarcity," said Bernhard Kowatsch, head of the WFP Innovation Accelerator. "We look forward to Desert Control and Soyl joining our programme to explore the potential of this technology to unlock sustainable food production."

Kashif Shamsi, group CEO of Mawarid Holding, parent company of Soyl, expressed: "As a group deeply committed to the conservation of natural resources, we are honored to work with Desert Control and WFP as the implementation partner for this groundbreaking initiative. This innovation programme holds immense potential to create lasting impact, transforming how communities in arid regions can sustainably cultivate their lands and achieve food security, which can become a global blueprint for solutions to end hunger."

The project plans to demonstrate the innovation’s impact on agricultural crops, including olive trees, pistachio, and windbreak varieties in sandy soils, with performance monitored against designated control areas. Success metrics encompass reduced water usage, improved tree survival rates, and observable plant and ecosystem health enhancements.

"Through participating in this  programme, we aim to demonstrate how marginal land and sandy soils can be transformed into productive agricultural land, contributing to food security and sustainable economic development," Sivertsen added. "Our mission is clear: soil health leads to healthy plants with less pressure on natural resources, which support healthy food, healthy people, and, ultimately, a healthy planet. We aim to make earth green again by delivering innovations that secure the future of humanity and the resources we depend on, and we are proud to work with the WFP team to drive meaningful impact on this mission."

Changes in temperature and rainfall are making some areas less suitable for cocoa cultivation, while others may benefit from the shifting climate. (Image source: Shutterstock)

According to a study by Wageningen University & Research (WUR), climate change is having a significant impact on cocoa production in West and Central Africa

Changes in temperature and rainfall are making some areas less suitable for cocoa cultivation, while others may benefit from the shifting climate. Researcher Paulina Asante from Ghana and her colleagues used a computer model to simulate the impact of climate change by 2060 in four countries: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. In Ivory Coast, up to 50% of the current cocoa-growing areas could be lost, significantly reducing production. Ghana is expected to see a moderate decline in suitable areas, while Nigeria and Cameroon may experience an increase in arable land for cocoa. Cameroon’s production could rise by 60%, and Nigeria’s by approximately 40%.

Risk of increased deforestation

These shifts may push cocoa farming into previously untouched areas, increasing the risk of deforestation, explained WUR researcher, Niels Anten. “Cameroon has a relatively large amount of rainforest, and cocoa is often grown in areas that were originally tropical forests. This puts significant pressure on these ecosystems.”

"Addressing the impact of climate change on cocoa requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. It affects every stage of the supply chain: farmers face reduced yields, businesses encounter rising costs, and consumers see higher prices,” said Paulina Asante. “While collaboration can be challenging, it is crucial to help current production regions adapt and maintain production on existing plantations. This will prevent cocoa-related deforestation elsewhere and ensure that deforestation-free policies, like the EU law EUDR, deliver meaningful outcomes."

New EU law to prevent deforestation

The European Union is introducing new import rules to combat global deforestation. Starting in September, the Regulation of Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) will prohibit imports of products, including cocoa, from areas deforested after 2021.

Uncertain factors in projections

The models used by the researchers combine current knowledge of cocoa physiology with projected climate changes in West and Central Africa. However, there are still many unknowns. One is the effect of rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Since CO2 enhances photosynthesis, it could mitigate some of the negative effects of drought and heat. The extent of this impact remains uncertain. Additionally, researchers are still exploring how flowering and fruiting will respond to warming, as well as how pests and diseases may evolve. Further research is urgently needed - not just for cocoa but for all crops - to better prepare agriculture for the future.

Major consequences for farmers

For many farmers in West Africa, who already face low incomes and limited access to resources, climate change could have profound consequences. To offset the negative effects, it is crucial to increase yields per hectare. There is significant potential for improvement, as the current production levels are far below their potential. Better soil management and targeted fertilisation could help bridge this gap. Agroforestry, where cocoa trees are grown alongside other trees, also holds promise. Shade trees can lower temperatures, stabilise humidity, and provide additional products, diversifying farmers' incomes. “Choosing the right shade trees is essential. Some trees use too much water, exacerbating drought issues. It is crucial to select species suited to the local climate and soil conditions,” says Danaë Rozendaal, another researcher on the team. Developing heat- and drought-resistant cocoa varieties and providing training for farmers can also help maintain or even boost production.

The research involved collaboration between WUR groups Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Plant Production Systems Group, and Forest Ecology & Forest Management Group, along with cocoa companies, international and national research institutions, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), and local governments as part of the Norwegian government-funded CocoaSoils programme.

Chocolate prices

The effects of climate change on cocoa production are already noticeable. Cocoa trees, which typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, are struggling with higher temperatures and unpredictable rainfall. This has previously led to crop failures in Ivory Coast. Consumers feel the impact through higher chocolate prices. Some manufacturers are responding by incorporating alternatives, such as cookie pieces, into chocolate bars to reduce cocoa use. “I don’t think cocoa will become so scarce that chocolate letters will only be visible under a microscope in the future,” Anten jokes, “but the sector must adapt to the changing climate.”

The research on the impact of climate change on cocoa production in West and Central Africa is ongoing. Current studies are examining the extent to which West Africa can meet growing cocoa demand while adhering to the EUDR regulations.

The Netherlands and cocoa

Climate effects on cocoa also have economic implications for the Netherlands, one of the largest players in the global cocoa industry. The Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of cocoa, processing large volumes into chocolate and other products for worldwide export. The annual Dutch export value of cocoa and cocoa products is nearly 10 billion euros - almost equal to the combined export value of the dairy and egg sectors. This makes cocoa the fourth-largest export sector in the country.

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