Listen in
The New Agriculturist podcast 2008-4
Download this edition of the New Agriculturist podcast to hear the international brewer sourcing local sorghum to make beer in West Africa; the Caribbean flower farmer keeping up with the rocketing demand for exotic blooms, the potato scientist who is passionate about the third-most important staple food on the planet and Kofi Annan promoting a uniquely African Green Revolution. The theme, as always, is agriculture and its ability - with the support of science - to transform lives for the better, even for the poorest farmers. So join us in Rome, London, Salzburg and Peru for some inspiration on how to meet the challenge.
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag08-4.mp3
Article: In this issue...
Home gardens from recycled materials
The theme of London’s Chelsea Flower Show this year was gardening for climate change. One of the most impressive exhibits was a backyard garden constructed by the Durban Botanic Gardens. The garden is constructed from recycled plastics, scrap metal and car tyres. It may sound messy, but Susie Emmett discovered that in reality, the backyard garden is a beautiful and relaxing place, as well as being highly productive. In Home gardens from recycled materials designer, Christopher Dielle, gives her a tour, and explains some of the other work that the Durban Botanic Gardens is doing to bring greenery and vegetable crops to South African schools.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=81
Article: Competing on a world stage
Technology and trade for African bananas
In recent years, banana farming in East Africa has had its fair share of troubles. Diseases like Black Sigatoka have decimated harvests and the spread of banana bacterial wilt threatens to be even more devastating. But, according to Andrew Kiggundu of Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation, there is better news in the pipeline. The government in Uganda is now supporting trials of disease-resistant GM bananas which, Kiggundu believes, could have a major role in protecting banana harvests. And in October 2008, exciting new marketing opportunities for Africa’s banana growers will be under discussion at the Banana 2008 conference in Mombassa. In Technology and trade for African bananas he explains more.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=83
Article: Africa's banana jamboree
African Green Revolution: supporting the private sector
Private sector entrepreneurs are essential to translate new technologies into profitable businesses, says Josephine Okot, founder and chief executive officer of Victoria Seeds in Uganda. Small companies are also well placed to respond to the market demands and opportunities, compared to large multinationals. But, she argues, they need better support. Banking arrangements, for example, should be more supportive of businesses that are working on behalf of the poor. They also need to recognise how adverse weather, such as drought or floods, can impact on yields and profits. And research must also be more market driven. She shares her strongly held views in African Green Revolution: supporting the private sector.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=84
Article: Reaping what you sow: developing a seed industry in Africa
Malawi subsidises seed and fertiliser
Since 2004, the Malawi government has been funding a programme that provides subsidised maize seed and fertiliser to around half the smallholder farmers in the country. Despite some problems, for example with corruption, the scheme appears to be succeeding. The maize harvest in the 2006/7 season was the highest on record, with over 1 million tonnes of surplus grain produced. Ephraim Chirwa of the University of Malawi recently offered an analysis of the subsidy programme to the Salzburg Global Seminar. In Malawi subsidises seed and fertiliser he describes how the programme has been implemented so far, and the challenges it now faces.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=82
Article: Going against the grain: Malawi's fertiliser subsidy
Annan's African Green Revolution
As chairman of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Kofi Annan believes passionately in the capacity of Africa to feed itself. But achieving his vision of a uniquely African Green Revolution will demand much greater coordination of effort, particularly among the big agencies that are currently working to boost productivity in Africa’s farmlands. It will also mean changing the ways that Africa’s farmers produce food, through technologies such as improved seed and better land and water management. In this interview, recorded in May 2008 at the Salzburg Global Seminar, he outlined his vision to Susanna Thorp.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=77
Article: In this issue...
Not just popcorn
The Matayos Self-Help Youth Group from Busia in western Kenya has developed a machine to 'pop' a range of grains, including sorghum, rice and millet. These are now being marketed as healthy snacks. Group coordinator Francis Oundo explains more about this successful use of some neglected crop species to Pius Sawa.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=61
Article: More than just popcorn
From weed to cash crop: Amaranth
Amaranth is widely regarded as an unwanted and stubborn weed, food for the poor during hungry periods. It is, however, a highly nutritious and tasty plant. Recently, the Kenya Seed Company has released an improved variety of amaranth which matures in just 2-3 months, has a long harvesting period and produces nutrient-packed grain as well as leaves. In western Kenya, the plant is now being deliberately intercropped with soybean, a practice which both increases fresh leaf yields and improves the quality of the soil.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=68
Article: African leafy vegetables come out of the shade
