Sustainable Development

Agroecology in fragile contexts in sub-Saharan Africa
Spotlight

Emerging evidence shows how agroecology, as a holistic approach, can improve the resilience of food systems and strengthen communities’ livelihoods towards food security. To what extent can this compelling approach offer responses before, during and after multiple types of crises? This online event is addressed towards humanitarian and development actors aiming to explore opportunities and limitations of inspiring agroecological best practice cases in fragile contexts. Date: 12 JUNE Time: 11:00

Special feature: International Day of Potato 2024 – Harvesting diversity, feeding hope
Communication and ICTs

The International Day of the Potato 2024, May 30, is celebrated under the theme “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope,” bringing together innovation, resilience, and hope across Africa. YenKasa Africa celebrates this day by showcasing various potato stories, highlighting the continent’s diverse efforts to improve agriculture and food security. Potatoes are a key crop across diverse farming systems globally. As the third most consumed food crop globally, they contribute to the food

Special feature: World Bee Day 2024 - Bee engaged with youth
Spotlight

World Bee Day 2024 celebrates the vital role of youth in beekeeping and pollinator conservation under the theme “Bee Engaged with Youth.” This year’s theme underscores the importance of global cooperation to safeguard food security and sovereignty, preserve rural and urban livelihoods, combat biodiversity loss, and foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility in our global community. Uniting young individuals worldwide to protect these essential species is crucial to

Compendium of forgotten foods in Africa: A companion publication for Integrating Africa’s forgotten foods for better nutrition
Publications

The “Compendium of Forgotten Foods in Africa”  is a remarkable publication which has emerged to shed light on a treasure trove of forgotten foods scattered across the African continent. This publication serves as a beacon of hope, offering a roadmap for integrating these neglected gems into the culinary landscape for improved nutrition and sustainable development. This Published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this compendium is a testament to

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

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,

September 29: The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
Resilience and climate change

In the heart of Africa, where agriculture forms the lifeblood of communities and the backbone of economies, there exists a paradox. While the continent has vast agricultural potential and is home to diverse ecosystems and abundant natural resources, it faces a staggering challenge: food loss and waste. As we mark Food Loss and Waste Day 2023 with the theme “Reducing food loss and waste: Taking Action to Transform Food Systems“,

Q&A on food security and supporting small-scale farmers with IFAD president Alvaro Lario
Resilience and climate change

Farm Radio International’s Executive Director, Kevin Perkins, recently spoke with the president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Alvaro Lario. Mr. Lario was in Ottawa during his first visit to Canada. They spoke about how IFAD is supporting small-scale farmers, how climate change is affecting farmers, and how IFAD is engaging communities in finding solutions to the big challenges they face. The following is an edited, abridged transcript

Workshop report: Exchange of experience on successful rice sector development policies in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia
Spotlight

In the pursuit of global food security and sustainable agricultural practices, rice plays a vital role as a staple crop, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Recognizing the significance of rice sector development in these areas, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a momentous regional rice policy workshop titled “Exchange of Experience on Successful Rice Sector Development Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.”