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. 

Japan has been a long-standing partner of WFP’s assistance in Zimbabwe since 2019. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Japanese government has contributed US$5.1mn toward the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), supporting nearly 37,000 smallholder farmers across five districts in Zimbabwe

The ongoing climate challenges in Zimbabwe caused by El Niño has resulted in widespread food insecurity, making this three-year project crucial for solving food security issues and enhancing resilience for smallholder farmers. The WFP will make this possible by establishing water-based infrastructure, developing value chains and strengthening agricultural extension service capacity. 

Moreover, the project aims to address sustainability issues by combining food assistance with climate-adaptive practices, thereby helping smallholder farmers to cultivate more sustainable crops, particularly sesame, which has a high market potential. Production of this crop will be one of the central value chains, enhancing export opportunities for Zimbabwean smallholder farmers.

“Under this project, small-scale farmers will be supported in growing sesame seeds to practice market-oriented agriculture and a Japanese trading company called ITOCHU Corporation is expected to play an important role in completing the value-chain of the project,” said Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka.

He highlighted that the Japanese government would be providing financial assistance of around US$72,000 to ‘the project for the construction of storages for sesame farmers in Mwenezi District’ implemented by Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT), which is expected to support sesame production and its procurement including value addition for the local and export market.

With a contribution of more than US$28mn toward food assistance and resilience-building initiatives supported by the WFP, Japan has been a long-standing partner of WFP’s assistance in Zimbabwe since 2019. 

“This invaluable contribution from the Gomore than vernment of Japan allows us to make food more available, easier to access, and more reliable for Zimbabwean families,” said Barbara Clemens, country representative and director for WFP in Zimbabwe. “By supporting farmers to grow food in a sustainable way and connect them to markets, we can address immediate food needs and empower communities to build a food secure future.”