A gift for conservation helps reduce conflict between humans and wildlife
Chipo Munsaka explains that her first name means “a gift” in her language. “A gift for conserving wildlife,” the young Zimbabwean adds radiantly. That neatly sums up her commitment and contribution to addressing the growing problem of conflict between humans and wildlife. Chipo works as a Resource Monitor in northern Zimbabwe with the Mucheni Community Conservancy, which is being established with support from the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme. In
Harnessing innovation: FAO’s webinar series on innovative agricultural extension models in Africa
In the face of rapidly evolving agricultural challenges, the role of extension and advisory services (EAS) is more crucial than ever. Smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities require tailored support by combining suitable EAS with inclusive rural communication services (RCS) to adopt new technologies and sustainable practices. Recognizing this need, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is launching a three-part webinar series to explore innovative extension
Rice-fish farming in the Land of Milk and Honey: South-South Cooperation is revolutionizing agriculture in Uganda
Anastasia Mwamula roots weeds from her quarter-of-an-acre paddy field barefoot. It’s a back-breaking exercise. But, at 51 years of age and with eight children to feed, she’s gotten used to hard work. Every morning, Anastasia and her 58-year-old husband, Zakaria Wapali, leave their red-brick home on the edge of a tiny village known as Scheme View to tend to this and other crops on their 15-acre field, a two-kilometre walk
International Day of Forests 2025: Forests and Foods
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Each year, countries worldwide organize local, national, and international activities to highlight the role of forests, including tree-planting campaigns, educational initiatives, and policy dialogues. In 2025, the theme for the International Day of Forests is “Forests and Foods”, underscoring the indispensable
Empowering African Rural Women Leaders in Kigali, Rwanda
A group of 20 rural women leaders from 13 African countries and Germany gathered in Kigali for the second session of the “Women Lead: Leadership for Rural Women” program. PAFO organized the initiative in partnership with the Andreas Hermes Akademie (AHA) and the German Rural Women’s Association (dlv) to strengthen women’s leadership in agriculture and equip them with the skills needed to drive positive change in their communities. Building Leadership Skills The program provided a
FAO launches ‘Voices for Change’ video series to amplify perspectives on family farming
FAO has launched the“Voices for Change” video series, a collection of interviews and insights from key stakeholders at the Global Family Farming Forum (GFFF), held in October 2024. The GFFF, hosted at FAO Headquarters in Rome, brought together over 400 participants from different regions to discuss policies, innovations, and challenges affecting family farmers. The “Voices for Change” videos capture the essence of these discussions, showcasing the resilience, knowledge, and contributions
Women in Agriculture: Empowering Communities Through Radio
As part of the YenKasa Africa Radio Initiative, Maiyan FM aired an engaging program on Women in Agriculture, produced in Maasai, a local Kenyan language, in collaboration with KENAFF and the Namelok Women Organization in Laikipia County, Kenya. The discussion featured Rosemary Yenko, a community development expert and secretary of Namelok Women Organization, alongside Susan Narinyoki Moisany, an agriculturalist and administrator. They explored women’s economic and social empowerment in agriculture, shedding light on
How a Senegal fishing family found safe harbour at home
Behind the newspaper headlines and the data on migration flows are countless ordinary people who envision a bright future for their families. Wherever their journeys take them, each of their stories is unique. Ousmane and Adama are a couple from rural Senegal who dared to dream of a better future abroad – and, with IFAD’s support, ended up finding it at home. Ousmane’s story Ousmane, a fisherman from Kafountine in Senegal, boarded
International Women’s Day 2025- For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment
On March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD). This year, the celebration is under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, focusing on unlocking equal rights, power and opportunities for all. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation of youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls as catalysts for lasting change. Progress in Women’s Rights in Agriculture and Rural Development In recent years,
Agricultural Transformation and Resilience: Assessment of the FO4ACP Project in Chad
Launched in October 2019, the FO4ACP project in Central Africa, initiated by PROPAC and its member NPOs, has shown significant progress during its second phase, which began in 2023. The first phase, lasting four years, had revealed financial shortfalls; however, the IFAD supervision mission in October 2023 highlighted crucial improvements. The 2024 PTBA launch workshop in Douala identified strategies for optimizing performance , such as implementing the TOP UP phase , improving technical reports and capitalizing on experiences . The PROPAC Regional Coordination undertook field visits to monitor, support and evaluate the progress of the OPNs in implementing