Spotlight

From soap to sustainability: How Malian radio stations are getting their hands dirty to keep their listener groups employed
Spotlight

Over three days in August 2023, a group of around 25 women gathered at Radio Fouta to learn how to make soap. Under the hot August sun, they made colourful blocks and balls of soap on blue tarps outside the radio station, which broadcasts from Yanfolila Cercle in Sikasso Region in southern Mali. Led by an external trainer, the women learned the process for making liquid and dry koulikoro soap,

Strengthening rural value chains, one link at a time
Gender and youth

Well-oiled agricultural value chains build prosperous rural communities. Why? Because they allow small-scale farmers to make the most of their produce – and because each link along the chain can add value, enabling them to earn more for the final product. Value chains can be short or long. Take mushrooms, for example. They can be grown, picked, wiped clean, and then sold directly to the consumer. Alternatively, they can be

Special Feature: International Day of Forests 2024 - Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.
Indigenous Peoples

Forests cover over 30% of the Earth’s land surface and act as our planet’s lungs. They absorb harmful greenhouse gases, regulate climate, and provide vital resources for millions of people. On March 21st, we celebrate the International Day of Forests, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. This year’s theme, “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World,” underscores the urgent need for creative solutions to

8th Farmers Forum – Key Demands: Enhance the autonomy of small-scale food producers
Producers' Organizations

Ibrahim Coulibaly the president of PAFO brought today, on behalf of the organisations of family farmers and small producers in the Farmers Forum the message to the Governing Council of IFAD that meets on the 14 and 15 of Februry directly after the Farmers Forum. On the 12th and the 13th of February LVC, together with other global and regional organisations of farmers, peasants and other small food producers participated to

PAFO Women's Colleges: Empower, strengthen rural women, influence
Gender and youth

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it is essential to reflect on the progress made in gender equality, particularly in critical sectors for global sustainability, such as agriculture. The commitment of PAFO to gender inclusivity in agriculture is a commendable step towards a more equitable and resilient future. By establishing the Continental Women’s College within PAFO, the pan-African organization aims to amplify the voices of rural women, ensuring they

Special Feature: International Women’s Day 2024 - Invest in Women: Accelerating Progress.
Gender and youth

The world unites this International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. As the United Nations emphasizes, investing in women is not just the right thing to do. It is essential for solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Across Africa, women are leading the charge in various sectors, from agriculture and business to climate action and social justice. Yet, they continue to face significant

A call for cases on pluralistic extension and advisory services in Africa
Spotlight

Background Agricultural extension and advisory services (AEAS) consist of all the different activities that provide the information and services needed and demanded by farmers and other value chain actors in rural settings to assist them in developing their own technical, organizational and management skills and practices to improve their livelihoods, as well as promote a more sustainable agriculture. The Public EAS systems are commonly facing challenges in terms of accessibility,

From foliage to fortune: The empowerment of women in Zondoma through non-timber forest products (NTFPs)
Gender and youth

In the heart of Burkina Faso, a silent yet powerful revolution is taking shape, transforming the lives of rural women and redefining the management of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). This is the story of the Association for Development through Existing Resources and Services in the Sahel (ADRESSE), an organization that has made the valorization of NTFPs in the Zondoma province a model for sustainable local development and women’s empowerment. This

“Women can do it too!” Young women in trades supported in first quiz day
Gender and youth

The cheers erupting from more than 500 students filling the auditorium at Kumasi Technical Institute in Ghana could be mistaken for cheers inspired by a football match. But instead of a football match, the cheers were in support of student participants in the first TVET Quiz competition, which took place on Jan. 18 and 19, 2024. The event was part of an effort to encourage young women in technical and

Launch of “AGRINNOVATORS.ORG”: A hub for African Agri-food Innovators
Spotlight

PAFO-COLEAD announce the launch of Agrinnovators, a platform for African entrepreneurs passionate about innovation and sustainability in the agri-food sector. This initiative is a collaboration between COLEAD and PAFO.  The Agrinnovators blog will feature stories, insights, and tips from successful agripreneurs who are transforming the food system in Africa through their creativity, resilience, and vision. The Agrinnovators blog aims to inspire, inform, and connect African entrepreneurs striving to make a