Feeding a growing world poses complex challenges for which new technologies can help provide solutions. We share information on improved food production that is balanced with issues related to international trade, certification, animal welfare and health. We also share information on areas such as deforestation.
Farmers are at the center of the problem regarding global warming; since the rise in temperature affects the climate change which in turn affects the agriculture produce. World population is continuously increasing and the demand for food products is witnessing a significant rise. Using solar power can help us to curb climate change and help us fight the problem effectively.
An underground irrigation technology has helped 100 farmers in Tunisia to continue farming in times of droughts. Dubbed the Buried Diffuser, the technology utilizes 2 times less irrigation water than drip irrigation, while raising yields 3 to 5 times more; and ensuring water is not lost through evaporation.
A new open source grain drying technology dubbed the EasyDry M500, has been developed in East Africa, to help small holder farmers dry grains effectively and quickly, to reduce post harvest losses. The portable dryer, dries 500 kilograms of maize in 3 hours, by lowering the moisture content from 20 to 13.5 percent, the recommended moisture content level, for maize storage.
Food waste in Nigeria has various causes, including damage after harvesting and during transportation. Consumers are also to blame, since many buy larger amounts than they can consume. Shops can also do their share by reducing the amount of expired food thrown away, through computerised ordering systems and apps such as Chowberry.
Food demand is projected to significantly increase anywhere between 59% to 98% by 2050. Sustainable food growth is essential for humanity’s health and survival, and the need to increase global food supplies is an urgent one. While food security is a complex issue, vast improvements can be made by being smart with our resources and working to keep the energy used in food production to a minimum.
In Northern Upper East Ghana, a water conservation technology is enabling about 400 smallholder farmers from 10 communities to farm in dry seasons. As a result they are now getting at least two crop seasons annually as opposed to one, after implementing the PAVE irrigation Technology which harvests flood and rain water, and stores it in underground aquifers where it lasts for up to 180 days.
The Africa Food Prize is an annual monetary prize of $100,000 given to an organization, or individuals who are making a real difference to African agriculture. The prize encourages the use of technology and innovation in food production and looks to make an improvement to food security.
From Albania to Zambia, people across the globe love gardening. For some, it is a way to wind down and to enjoy some spare time, while for others, it is the difference between having food on the table and going hungry. Gardening is even popular within teeming cities like Nairobi, where residents have come up with novel solutions to squeeze gardens in to the most unlikely urban locations. Let’s find out what is involved.
The Kenya National Farmers Awards, an annual fete that seeks to celebrate the country’s finest in farming and now in its fourth year, is the latest stab by the country at enticing especially women and youth in farming, a constituency traditionally neglected in food production.
In Kenya, a solution to counter the menace of fruit flies rampant among small holder farmers is now available. Dubbed the Fruit Fly Mania, this protein bait is made from brewer’s yeast was developed through the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology research, and is being commercially produced for farmers, by Kenya Biologics.
Amit Bajpaye
James Karuga
Sally Keys
Bob Koigi