Farmers oppose residential development in Kisumu’s sugarcane farming Zone.

Sugarcane farmers in Miwani, Kisumu, have strongly objected to a proposal for residential development on over 100 acres of agricultural land

The protest erupted during a public consultation meeting held on Tuesday, which was organised by environmental consultants working on behalf of Safaricom Investment Cooperative Society, the new landowners. The meeting aimed to discuss land subdivision, fencing, beaconing, and murram grading but was abruptly cut short due to the farmers' strong opposition to the development plans.

The farmers, led by Zedekiah Otene, expressed concern that the land, currently designated for sugarcane farming, was being threatened by a change of use without official approval. They argued that no legal changes had been made to reclassify the land for residential purposes, making the proposal unlawful. Otene declared, "This is agricultural land, and there is no change of use. We reject this exercise in totality."

The opposition was supported by Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd (KSAIL), a major player in the region that relies on sugarcane from the contested land. Joyce Opondo, the company’s Group Corporate Affairs Manager, warned that permitting the conversion of agricultural land to residential development would have far-reaching consequences. "The land produces approximately 40,000 tonnes of sugarcane annually, which is critical for job creation, tax revenue, and foreign exchange," Opondo explained. "Allowing residential development would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging the conversion of more vital agricultural land into housing estates."

Local residents attending the forum echoed similar concerns. Michael Ngeso, a local resident, emphasised that the land should remain focused on agricultural use, stating, "Safaricom can engage in any agricultural activity, but not turn the land into residential plots."

Further dissatisfaction arose as the farmers questioned the transparency of the consultation process. They argued that the public participation was not adequately publicised and did not meet the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations. Moreover, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) had not issued an EIA licence for the project, prompting farmers to refuse to complete questionnaires handed out by the consultants.

The farmers urged NEMA to adhere to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which they believe should focus on preserving crucial agricultural zones to safeguard food security and economic stability. In closing, they called on Safaricom to reconsider the project, urging, “Let them withdraw from this project and allow the government to focus on food and cash crop production for the good of the nation.”

he use of digestate in smallholder cabbage farming has proven to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields.

In South Africa, smallholder cabbage farmers are benefiting from an innovative, sustainable agricultural practice using digestate-a byproduct of biogas production

Digestate, rich in organic matter and nutrients, is being integrated into farming practices as a natural fertilizer, providing a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

The use of digestate in smallholder cabbage farming has proven to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields, addressing key challenges such as soil degradation and high fertilizer costs. The process of digestate production involves converting organic waste into biogas, which generates renewable energy. The leftover digestate is then used as a nutrient-rich soil amendment, reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.

For smallholder farmers, especially those in rural areas, digestate offers a sustainable solution to several pressing issues. These farmers typically struggle with the high cost of commercial fertilizers, which often hinder productivity. By adopting digestate, farmers not only reduce input costs but also contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fertilizers.

The integration of digestate into cabbage farming also aligns with South Africa's broader agricultural sustainability goals. It promotes circular economy principles by repurposing agricultural waste into a valuable resource, benefiting both farmers and the environment. Additionally, the use of digestate has shown to improve soil health, water retention, and overall crop resilience, particularly in regions affected by erratic rainfall and drought.

As more farmers adopt digestate as part of their farming practices, its potential to revolutionize smallholder agriculture in South Africa grows. The practice not only supports food security by boosting crop yields but also helps farmers achieve greater sustainability, making it a game-changer for the agricultural sector.

By embracing biogas technology and digestate, South Africa’s smallholder farmers are moving towards a more resilient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly farming future.

Biotechnology solve Nigeria’s food security issues.

Nigeria must urgently tap into the power of biotechnology to address challenges in food production, healthcare, and economic growth, according to Professor James Chukwuma Ogbonna, Vice Chancellor of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State

Speaking at the 37th International Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), held in Umudike, Ogbonna stressed the need for the country to take bold steps towards adopting biotechnology innovations. The conference, themed “Innovative Biotechnology for National Growth: Pathways to Food Security, Health and Environmental Sustainability,” brought together key stakeholders to explore solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges.

According to Ogbonna, biotechnology is central to tackling major global and national issues such as hunger, energy supply, disease management, and environmental protection. He pointed out that although Nigeria currently lacks the economic and technological strength to fully withstand foreign pressures, the country can only secure its future by aligning with global scientific progress without compromising cultural values.

“We will best be able to protect ourselves from undue influences only if we advance technologically and economically to the point of being globally competitive,” he said.

He called for stronger research efforts and the need to push biotechnology discoveries into commercial use. Ogbonna argued that showcasing the economic value of biotechnology would help attract more investments from both the government and private sector. He also noted the BSN’s role in promoting collaboration, highlighting the existence of cross-institutional research groups. However, he urged for more targeted research, better funding, and proposals that focus on Nigeria’s local needs.

He expressed concern about Nigeria’s heavy dependence on South-North collaborations, which he said often result in research led by foreign agendas with minimal relevance to local priorities.

On education, he urged the government to increase investment in biotechnology training and infrastructure. He encouraged BSN to strengthen ties with key institutions and agencies to improve education and research.

Ogbonna concluded by appreciating attendees and expressing hope that the conference would help re-examine Nigeria’s biotechnology sector and steer the nation toward becoming a knowledge-driven, tech-based economy.

NRCRI has prioritised making these innovations accessible to farmers.

To tackle challenges such as climate stress, low yields, and disease outbreaks, the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, has successfully developed and released over 90 improved crop varieties tailored for Nigerian farmers

These include more than 50 cassava varieties, 30 yam varieties, 10 potato types, 4 sweet potato lines, and 2 ginger varieties, all bred for better productivity, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.

This was revealed by Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, Executive Director and CEO of NRCRI, during his address at the 37th International Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), held from August 18 to 22, 2025, at the NRCRI Library Complex in Umudike. The conference, themed ‘Innovative Biotechnology for National Growth: Pathways to Food Security, Health and Environmental Sustainability’, was hosted in collaboration with the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).

Prof. Egesi underscored the institute’s commitment to biotechnology as a critical tool in driving agricultural progress. He stated that NRCRI has consistently remained at the forefront of crop improvement by using advanced technologies like molecular markers, tissue culture, and gene editing to develop resilient and nutritious crop varieties that meet the demands of both farmers and markets.

The institute has also introduced modern propagation techniques to improve seed systems. These include the use of vine cuttings for sweet potato, aeroponics for rapid yam seed multiplication, and semi-autotrophic and autotrophic systems for cassava, potato, and sweet potato. These innovations ensure faster, healthier, and more reliable planting material production.

Beyond research, NRCRI has prioritised making these innovations accessible to farmers. Through rural empowerment schemes and training programmes, the institute supports technology adoption across the root and tuber value chain. “We have created vibrant communities of seed entrepreneurs across the country, ensuring sustainable access to quality planting materials, thereby strengthening seed systems,” said Prof. Egesi.

He added that thousands of farmers, students, and agro-industrialists have benefitted from technical and vocational training, focusing on areas like advanced multiplication techniques and the development of value-added products. “Training has focused on specialized areas such as advanced multiplication techniques and value-added product development.”

Among these innovations is a technology that extends the shelf life of gari to over one year, enhancing its storage, export potential, and market value. Other product developments include starch, instant fufu, baby formula, bread, chips, biscuits, and flakes.

Prof. Egesi stressed that NRCRI’s work directly contributes to national priorities such as food security, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He also reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture, noting its essential role in promoting environmental sustainability amid ongoing climate change challenges.