Crops

Highly hazardous pesticides are a development and human right issue that calls for global action. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) joined hands with the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) to support Zimbabwe and Zambia to reduce risks of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) through a peer learning & exchange workshop between pesticide regulators from Zambia and Zimbabwe, that was held in Harare from 8-9 May this year

Around 14 pesticide regulators attended the workshop. As part of the workshop the delegates compared lists of identified HHPs, shared experiences of pesticide risk and needs assessment for HHPs and jointly identified viable alternatives. The engagement culminated in the development of draft risk mitigation plans, and information exchange on the status of HHP identification and needs assessment in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The pesticide regulators also compared the status and gaps in their respective pesticide regulatory frameworks.

To limit the impacts of HHPs on human health and the environment, FAO and WHO developed the ‘International Guidelines on Highly Hazardous Pesticides to provide Governments and other stakeholders with stepwise guidance on HHP risk reduction.’

According to FAO Agricultural Officer, Ivy Saunyama, the HHP Guidelines recommend a clear step wise approach for HHP risk reduction, which Zambia and Zimbabwe have both followed. 

The regulators from both countries highlighted that it was possible to increase agricultural productivity with limited use of HHPs by promotion alternatives, with emphasis on the use of less hazardous alternatives, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that preserve ecosystem, product management measures to enhance proper use and risk reduction, like training farmers in proper use, ensuring availability and use of PPE, precautionary label statements.

“Feeding the two nations without the use of highly hazardous pesticides is possible if we work together,” said Daisy Ndlovu, environmental health officer at National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Zimbabwe. “It is good that the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia have already started working together to phase out HHPs.”

GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. have played a pivotal role in this resurgence, focusing on quality, sustainability, and consumer engagement. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In 2024, South African raisin producers have indeed made an impressive recovery, achieving a total crop size of 95,000 tonnes, marking a significant improvement from the challenges faced in the previous years 

Companies like GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. have played a pivotal role in this resurgence, focusing on quality, sustainability, and consumer engagement.

The combination of optimal climate conditions, including well-distributed rainfall and ample sunlight, has resulted in some of the best quality and most diverse variety of raisins yet. This achievement not only reflects the resilience of South African raisin producers but also highlights the potential for future growth in the dried fruit category.

The upcoming PR campaign in the UK, led by GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd., demonstrates a strategic shift towards targeting both trade and consumer audiences. By organising activities such as trips for key buyers and trade journalists to the Orange River region, retailer roadshows, and continued media placements, they aim to showcase the excellence of South African raisin production and engage with both industry stakeholders and consumers.

Furthermore, the commitment of GrapeHarvest SA and SunRaisins Ltd. to responsible business practices, including human rights, environmental protection, social responsibility, and product traceability, adds a layer of trust and credibility to their offerings. Customers can be assured of not only excellent-quality raisins bursting with flavor but also products that align with their values and health-conscious lifestyles.

Ferdie Botha, CEO of Raisins SA, said, “Customers can look forward to excellent-quality South African raisins this year. They are bursting with flavour and natural goodness, and as they are packed full of nutrients such as fibre, iron, calcium and antioxidants, they are perfect for New Year health diets. We are excited to work closely with customers and bring new consumers into the category.”

The pilot will assess the commercial viability and effectiveness of a business model that integrates mini-grids with agribusiness operations at nine sites across Ethiopia. (Image source: African Development Bank)

The board of directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved US$8mn to support the launch of a groundbreaking pilot mini-grid program with potential benefits across Africa 

This funding, managed by the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), will be provided through concessional loans, grants, and risk mitigation measures to cover up to 50 percent of the mini-grid capital expenditures for the Ethiopia Distributed Renewable Energy and Agriculture Modalities (DREAM) program.

DREAM represents an innovative approach for Africa’s mini-grid sector. The pilot will assess the commercial viability and effectiveness of a business model that integrates mini-grids with agribusiness operations at nine sites across Ethiopia.

The program was developed in partnership with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), which is offering co-financing, alongside Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy, Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Transformation Institute, and other stakeholders.

A successful pilot will lay the groundwork for scaling and replicating the model in Ethiopia and other African countries.

“Water, energy, and food are critical for our sustainable well-being,” said Dr Eng. Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy. “The Ethiopian government is approaching the twin challenges of agricultural productivity and energy access with an integrated approach. We are glad to partner with the African Development Bank, through SEFA, and other project stakeholders on this innovative DREAM pilot. With the long-standing partnership we have with the Bank, my ministry reaffirms its commitment to work with all stakeholders and ensure the DREAM becomes a reality.”

GEAPP’s Interim CEO, Joseph Ng'ang'a, said, “GEAPP was created to address two of the defining challenges of our time – ending energy poverty and tackling the climate crisis through a just transition to renewable energy, and DREAM is a great example. Leveraging on strategic partnerships to implement the programme, DREAM communities won’t just get electrification, but will also get reliable power for irrigation and clean drinking water. The programme will also enable the local economy to create enormous value and accelerate rural development for close to 300,000 people.”

ORA Technology focuses on converting Agri-Forest materials into high-quality, eco-friendly products for organic farming markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Based in South Africa, Ora Technologies Pty stands at the forefront of developing sustainable biorefinery solutions

The company focuses on converting Agri-Forest materials into high-quality, eco-friendly products for organic farming markets. In partnership with the CSIR, Ora Technologies has embarked on a groundbreaking pilot study aimed at enhancing soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and water treatment through the production of bio-chemicals, bio-oils, bio-char, and activated carbon.

Ora Technologies has developed a diverse range of products that target the enhancement of soil health and productivity, addressing the rising demand for organic farming solutions.
Its pilot products have shown significant potential in improving environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on harmful chemical inputs.
Is pioneering efforts to localize the production of essential bio-inputs, creating jobs, and promoting gender equality and youth participation within the community.
Collaborating with leading scientific institutions and grounded in extensive research and development, Ora Technologies has established a robust foundation for its innovative biorefinery project. This initiative not only addresses critical environmental issues but also supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Ora Technologies is seeking seed funding of US$125,000 to scale up its operations and enhance its market reach. This funding will support:

Marketing efforts, including participation in major 2024 industry events, promotional materials, and website development.
Legal and operational infrastructure to solidify supply and distribution channels and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Office and administrative needs to maintain efficient daily operations and facilitate stakeholder engagement.

Ora Technologies aims to attract investors who are passionate about sustainable development and wish to join in transforming the Agri-Forest sector. This investment opportunity promises not only a competitive return but also the chance to be part of a solution to pressing global environmental challenges.

Solomon Billy Ndlovu, founder and CEO of Ora Technologies, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in agricultural innovation. With over 15 years of farming experience and four years dedicated to biorefinery development, Solomon has expertly guided Ora Technologies through significant growth phases. He can be reached at +27 (0) 67 368 9277 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The African Agri Council (AAC)’s Investment Discovery Sessions (IDS) are an important component of the African Agri Investment Indaba, an annual event that brings together the brightest minds and leading stakeholders in the African agriculture sector. The Indaba serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and investment, drawing attention to the most innovative and competitive projects in African food and agriculture. Specifically designed for accredited investors and financial institutions, the IDS represent the ultimate hunting ground for investment-ready food and agri projects.

At the heart of our success are two fundamental objectives: (i) to identify investment-ready opportunities across the entire value chain and (ii) to accurately match these opportunities with our engaged investor and financial community. Through the IDS, we have established the ideal match-making and deal-making platform, facilitating meaningful connections and fostering lucrative partnerships among our partners and members.