A number of mechanisms have been established within the veterinary domain by the AU IBAR. (Image source: AU IBAR)

In an attempt to control the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the South African region, the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with stakeholders from various organisations and member states attended a three-day sub-regional training workshop which took place from 30 July to 1 August at the Kingdom of Lesotho in South Africa

Organised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and conducted under the umbrella of the Global Framework for progressive control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GFTADs), the workshop focused on FMD epidemiology, diagnostics and surveillance for strengthening the control of this virus in the Southern Africa region.

During a presentation, the head of Animal Health Unit at AU IBAR, Dr Hiver Boussini emphasised the role of animal resources as being an important livelihood and commercial asset, particularly to rural communities which consititutes 70% of the African population. 

Among the numerous Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) and Zoonoses diseases that impact the African continent, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most widely distributed diseases in the continent, with the Southern Africa region being the most adversely affected. 

To combat this issue, a number of mechanisms have been established within the veterinary domain by the AU IBAR. These include the Continental Animal Health Platform of Public and Private Actors (CAHP-AFRICA) which works on providing leadership in the implementation of Animal Health Actions, the African Association of Veterinary Education Establishments (2A2E-V) which spearheads reforms in veterinary education across the African continent and the African Association of Veterinary Statutory Bodies (2VSB) which co-ordinates reforms in veterinary regulation. 

The objective of these mechanisms is to strengthen the competencies of veterinary services for the implementation of the Standards Methods and Procedures in Animal Health Approach (SMP-AH) which in the long run will help in the prevention and controlling of Transboundary Animal Diseases in the African Union member states.

Each day will focus on a different topic. (Image source: IPM ESSEN)

IPM ESSEN is organising a new forum in Hall 2 from 28-31 January 2025 in Germany

Gardeners, breeders and young plant producers can exchange information at Messe Essen on the future topics of this important interface in horticulture. The new information programme which is currently being developed in close cooperation with the industry offers space for keynote speeches, panel discussions, innovations and best practices. 

The forum offers valuable insights into the latest developments and trends in the young plant sector and the opportunity to share experiences with each other. Each day will focus on a different topic. Guided tours of growers and young plant companies begin at the stand area. Moreover, translation will be provided for all non-German-speaking visitors.

At IPM ESSEN, we would like to offer a meeting place in the centre of the young plant area where current topics and solutions can be discussed with experts and producers, as well as knowledge and know-how passed on,“ explained IPM project manager, Andrea Hölker. “In this way, we are promoting targeted industry dialogue for gardeners in order to tackle the challenges of the future. At the same time, exhibiting companies can actively contribute their own ideas and strengthen their network.“ 

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.ipm-essen.de

Technological solutions for the innovative indoor production of feed and food have now been developed and are under evaluation. (Image source: DLG)

Organised by the German Agricultural Society (DLG), this year's Inhouse-Farming - Feed & Food Show is scheduled to take place from 12-15 November in Hanover, Germany with 13 November marked as the Aquaculture Theme Day 

The show invites attendees to learn more about fish, crustaceans, algae and other aquaculture topics. Exhibitors will showcase their technologies, ranging from turnkey solutions to specialised feeding and farming equipment. On 13 November, information on aquaculture will be discussed and exchanged in Hall 24. System builders and their producers will provide information about their experiences on the farms and international experts will report on how fish and vegetables thrive together in aquaponics systems.

Technological solutions for the innovative indoor production of feed and food have now been developed and are under evaluation. Ulrich Averberg from the German Algae Co-operative, along with other experts on indoor farming products will be discussing the question with representatives from the retail sector: "How can we escape the marketing desert?" There is a need for action and optimisation in marketing. The economic success of the new system depends on the development of new markets and successful links to international trade, "otherwise the others will take the business," says Averberg.

The various facets of food and feed production in closed inhouse systems enable the creation of new material cycles and the utilisation of nutrient and energy flows, which will be demonstrated and discussed in Hanover. Moreover, algae and insects as feed additives will also be discussed, as will nutrient solutions and CO2 binding in algae farms, packaging material from crustacean moults and insect growth on waste materials.

The AFRICA Awards selection process is overseen by an Independent Awards Selection Committee composed of globally recognised experts. (Image source: Afreximbank)

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) recently announced winners of the inaugural Afreximbank-FARA Research, Innovation and Competence in Agriculture (AFRICA) Awards in Nassau, Bahamas

These prestigious awards honour individuals, groups, or established organisations that have made outstanding contributions towards improving food and nutritional security, income generation, resilience and natural resource management in Africa through research, innovation, agripreneurship and policy advocacy in the food and agriculture domain.

The awards were presented on the margins of the 2024 Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF). The AFRICA Awards selection process is overseen by an Independent Awards Selection Committee composed of globally recognised experts and encompasses three categories which include, the Africa Research Excellence Award, the Innovation-based Entrepreneurship Award, and the Impactful and Evidence-based Policies Award.

Following a highly competitive selection process, the two laureates of the 2024 AFRICA Awards were announced:

1. Umezuruike Linus Opara: Recipient of the Africa Research Excellence Award in recognition of his contribution to developing and validating a novel integrated value-chain approach to post-harvest research and innovation, one crop at a time.

2. Professor Richard Mkandawire: Recipient of the Impactful and Evidence-based Policies Award for his foundational role in conceptualising Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and catalysing its domestication in African countries at NEPAD. 

“Africa’s vulnerability to climate shocks exacerbate its food insecurity concerns and heighten the urgency of structural transformation of its agricultural sector," said president and chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank, professor Benedict Oramah. "It needs to boost efficiency and productivity, modernise its agriculture, and reclaim its rightful position as a net exporter of agricultural products I applaud the winners of the Inaugural AFRICA Awards for the demonstrable and innovative impact they are delivering for agriculture.”