Listen in
The New Agriculturist podcast 2008-3
A worryingly large number of useful crops have become neglected in recent times. But now, with their nutritional, economic and social properties, many are making a comeback. In this edition's podcast we hear the views of several underutilised crop enthusiasts, who are keen to highlight the benefits of these previously undervalued plants. With the concern over rising food prices, we also feature comments from two of the authors of the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development report, on what is needed to revolutionise farming and increase agricultural productivity.
Finally, Susie Emmett interviews William Easterly at a review of the Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative at FAO in Rome. Easterly's book The White Man's Burden shook the aid business to its foundations - so she is keen to find out what makes a good, or not so good, agriculturist for development. This edition of New Agriculturist podcast is piled high with an array of views, news and discussion, as colourful as the produce on sale at Arusha's covered vegetable market, where the podcast begins...
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag08-3.mp3
Article: Making more of undervalued crops
The New Agriculturist podcast 2008-2
The current political crisis in Kenya has had a negative impact on many aspects of the country's economy - from the booming tourist industry - to the blooming flower industry. Sixty-five per cent of Kenya's horticultural produce arrives in Europe on the same planes on which holidaymakers fly tourists home. Fewer tourists means fewer flights, less export capacity and ultimately lower profits. So is Kenya's flower industry is wilting, or can it survive the current political storm? Also in this edition's podcast - Susie Emmett speaks to one man with serious doubts about the biofuel crop jatropha. Can it really offer an environmentally friendly solution to our burgeoning fuel consumption? Listen in to find out.
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag08-2.mp3
Article: In this issue...
New Agriculturist podcast 2008-1
It is generally acknowledged that farmers and farming systems are changing and that there is an urgent need for changes in approach if more effective agricultural development is to be achieved. But how can this be best achieved and do we still need to put farmers first? Susanna Thorp provides some thoughts from participants, including donors, researchers and the private sector, at a recent conference held at the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex in the UK. From India, Susie Emmett meets with veterinary students who are encouraged to 'Earn and you Learn' encourages students to get involved in the real world of work, by developing a business plan and testing it out as a real working business.
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag08-1.mp3
Article: Agricultural research and development - which way now?
Getting the balance right
December has closed recent talks in Tanzania at the 5th African Population Conference. Discussions were held to analyse problems associated with rapid urbanisation - among them, the challenges for ill people, including those with HIV. Our correspondent in Ghana, went in search of practical advice for those living with HIV or AIDS in urban areas where food is often expensive. In Getting the balance right, our reporter talks to one specialist to find solutions to one problem in particular. How to ensure a balanced diet in the city?
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=37
Article: Agriculture and HIV/AIDS
Jatropha - fuel for the future?
We will be finding out about the wild plant jatropha. Will it use up precious land which could be used to grow food - or does it hold the key to feeding the world's hungry industries? Find out in Jatropha - fuel for the future?
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=36
Article: Seeds of change: jatropha in India
New Agriculturist podcast 2007-6
The northern region of Uganda is the closest it has been to peace for over two decades. The long-running civil war has devastated an area once known as the country's 'bread basket' and recent flooding has exacerbated the food insecurity of millions living in camps for internally displaced people. Against this backdrop of war and food insecurity, lessons in practical agriculture are healing minds as well as building businesses for the younger generation. In the New Agriculturist podcast, Georgina Smith journeys to classrooms and colleges to meet the remarkable people who are rebuilding lives and restoring dignity by passing on their skills in agriculture and belief in rural businesses.
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag07-6.mp3
Article: Reaping the fruits of labour
New Agriculturist podcast 2007-5
Much agricultural research lasts only a few years or so. But the Broadbalk fields at Rothamsted Research, UK, are home to the longest-running agricultural experiment int eh world. Professor Phil Brookes takes Susie Emmett to the heart of the trials to discuss how useful and relevant such a demonstration is to farmers today, more than 150 years since they began. From Uganda, Georgina Smith reports from a plot bursting with juicy pineapples and healthy vegetables as part of another on-farm experiment, and how it has benefited smallholders.
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag07-5.mp3
Article: Making soil matter
Orange-fleshed plantain for child health (part 1)
Not getting enough Vitamin A in the diet has a serious impact on health. In Cameroon, for example, 40 per cent of children under five suffer from Vitamin A deficiency; this means that they become sick more easily, and may even die. While it is possible to take Vitamin A supplements, in the long term it is better to include more Vitamin A rich foods in the diet. For example, some varieties of plantain and banana have high levels of carotenoid, a substance that the body uses to make Vitamin A. The African Research Centre on Banana and Plantain in Cameroon (CARBAP) is investigating the potential of these varieties, at its research station in Njombe, Cameroon. The station also has an enormous collection of different types of banana and plantain, one of the biggest collections in the world. Food scientist, Dr Gérard Ngoh, took Mike Davison to see the collection, and Mike began by asking just how many different varieties the collection contained.
Audio link: http://radio.oneworld.net/mediamanage/view/6546
Article: Going bananas for vital vitamins
