Alexandra Rieder’s Post

Strengthening food security among smallholder households, particularly those with women and young people, is indispensable for sustainable development and poverty reduction. 🌱 So, in Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Market and Seeds Access Project (MASAP) is ensuring this goal is achieved through through interventions that strengthen seed and commodity value chain in the participant countries. 🌍 Recently, MASAP brought stakeholders from Zambia and Zimbabwe together to talk over initiatives around the Farmer Varieties Registration Frameworks. This has been an important development that brought about notable progress in both African nations. ✅ In Zimbabwe, it led to the formation of a Seed Analysis Working Group, which will be chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture. Under this group are two sub-committees, one dedicated to research and another to policy analysis. As for Zambia, the engagement resulted in a technical working group assigned with researching ways to contribute towards the nation’s seed policy review process. 🔎 At the core, MASAP’s interventions are focussed on promoting the use of improved seed varieties that can significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. With improved seeds come higher productivity, optimal growth and resilience to harsh weather conditions that could damage crops. 💚 A project jointly implemented by NIRAS, the Community Technology Development Organisation and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, MASAP is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. It is a 12-year project that is currently in its first phase (2021-2025), focussing on rolling out project implementation in the four initial districts of Tsholotsho and Mudzi in Zimbabwe and Sioma and Chipata in Zambia. ⭐ 👉🏾 If you want to read about updates on this project, visit their page at Markets and Seeds Access Project in Zambia and Zimbabwe (MASAP) (Image and news from MASAP’s LinkedIn page) #NIRASProjects #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #Zambia #Zimbabwe

Bayer is investing in the sustainable transformation of agriculture on the African continent! The survival of mankind has always depended on what grows faster – the population or agricultural productivity. In most parts of the world, agricultural productivity has increased more strongly over the past 100 years. This is one of the main reasons why we can feed 8 billion people today. On the African continent, however, population growth is far outstripping agricultural productivity. This is not sustainable! For African agriculture to be more productive and to be able to cope with climate change, it needs better access to knowledge, technology, but also investment. That’s why development policy and business need to work together closely – and I’m extremely proud that we at Bayer do our part. Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of participating in a USAID event with distinguished experts like Samantha Power and David M. Beasley. We discussed what is needed to support the transformation of agriculture on the African continent. For more: https://lnkd.in/exkaS_en During that event, I was able to talk about our new investment in a state-of-the-art seed facility in Zambia, that will make high-performing maize seeds for food production available to farmers in various countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It strongly underlines our belief in a food-secure future for Africa, our commitment to contribute through innovation and technology, and our dedication to our unique mission. #HealthForAll #HungerForNone #TeamBayer

🌱 We’re proud to spotlight Ezra BR, a key player in Uganda’s cocoa value chain and a cornerstone of our portfolio. Ezra BR aggregates and processes organic cocoa sourced from 2,500 smallholder farmers across five cooperatives. By integrating smallholders into global supply chains, the company facilitates market access while providing them with training in sustainable farming, biodiversity conservation, and climate-smart agricultural practices.   With Balim Investments’s strategic financing, Ezra BR is advancing its direct export capabilities, positioning the company to capitalize on international market demand for FairTrade and organic-certified cocoa. This transition will not only unlock premium pricing for smallholder cocoa farmers in Uganda but also mitigate risks associated with price volatility, ensuring more resilient and diversified income streams for rural communities.   At Balim Investments, we believe in empowering enterprises like Ezra BR through tailored financial solutions and technical assistance, fostering meaningful and sustainable socioeconomic impact across Sub Saharan Africa   Biyara Ezra HEKS/EPER (Swiss Church Aid) Somaha Foundation iGravity #ImpactInvesting #SustainableAgriculture #CocoaValueChain #AfricanSMEs #BalimInvestments  

🌱🌍 Exciting News in Agricultural Development! 🌍🌱 Since 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in Uganda, spearheading the National Oil Palm Project, has been leading a remarkable journey towards inclusive rural transformation through oil palm production across Uganda. Embarking on this transformative mission, MAAIF initially focused its efforts in the Kalangala region, catalyzing change through the Vegetable Oil Development Project phases I and II. Witnessing the success and impact in Kalangala, the project has now set its sights on expanding its reach to other vital hubs such as Buvuma, Mayuge, and Masaka. What's truly inspiring about this initiative is its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. With a visionary approach, MAAIF secured a substantial USD 75.8 million loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This funding isn't just about numbers; it's about creating meaningful opportunities for the community. The aim? To positively impact over 30,000 beneficiary households, with a deliberate focus on uplifting women (30%) and youth (40%). This isn't just about agriculture; it's about catalyzing holistic change, fostering economic empowerment, and paving the way for a brighter future for Uganda's rural communities. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to sow the seeds of progress and prosperity across Uganda! 🌟🌿 #AgriculturalDevelopment #InclusiveGrowth #CommunityEmpowerment #MAAIF #IFAD #UgandaGrowth #Sustainability

Farm4Me is now LIVE.. The vision of RiceAfrika Technologies is to build an Africa that can feed itself and feed the world, and we are very serious about that. Achieving our vision requires taking some deliberate strategic steps, and we have been doing that in the past few years. The most recent estimates from the United Nations/FAO show that nearly 282 million people in Africa (about 20 percent of the population) were undernourished in 2022, an increase of 57 million people since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  About 868 million people were moderately or severely food-insecure and more than one-third of them – 342 million people – were severely food-insecure. Solving the above situation requires BOLD actions, and walking the talk. With 65% of the uncultivated arable land of the world, Africa's comparative advantage is in converting this asset into the food production hub of the world. We launched products and services like the FarmEASY OS and our Mechanisation Service Platform that has transformed #smallholderfarming communities in Africa. Today, we launch Farm4Me as another initiative geared towards increasing food production in Africa. So, do you own a farm and you are finding it difficult to manage? Are you interested in farming but you don’t have the time or know how? Are you an African in the diaspora and would love to own a farm in Africa? Are you a friend of #Africa interested in ending #food #insecurity in Africa? Do you want to own a farm without the usual stress that comes with its management? Then FARM4ME is for you… Farm4Me is now LIVE in #Nigeria, #Tanzania, #Rwanda, #Ghana, and #Somaliland (more countries coming soon). Are you interested? Go to www.riceafrika.com/farm4me and submit an indication of interest form. Let us farm for you so that together we can build an Africa that will feed itself and feed the world. Ibrahim Maigari Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture African Diaspora Network African Development Bank Group African Union Development Agency-NEPAD International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) FAO U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) The World Bank World Food Programme The Villars Institute UpLink - World Economic Forum

🌾 Explore an Exciting Investment Opportunity in Zambia's Thriving Agricultural Sector! 🌱 Dive into a comprehensive farming operation centered in Zambia, renowned for its ideal climatic conditions and vast arable land. This venture prioritizes the cultivation of high-demand crops like Maize, Sorghum, Wheat, and Sugar Beans. Why Zambia? Favorable climate for agricultural production. Extensive arable land ripe for cultivation. Strategic location facilitating domestic and international market access. Key Highlights: 🌿 Diversification: Spread investments across multiple crops to mitigate risk. 📈 Market Potential: Tap into diverse market segments, both domestically and internationally. 💼 Sustainable Growth: Contribute to Zambia's agricultural development while reaping profitable returns. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of Zambia's flourishing agricultural landscape! Contact us today to learn more about this promising investment opportunity. 🚜💼 #AgriculturalInvestment #Zambia #FarmingOpportunity

Encouraging Agrarian Women: She Farms Africa's First Town Hall Wonderful updates from She Farms Africa! Our inaugural community gathering with rural farmers was conducted recently, and it was an amazing event full of thought-provoking conversations and mutual learning. The meeting's highlights were: 1. Eco-Friendly Agriculture Methods: We delved into specific techniques such as organic farming, crop rotation, and water conservation. These methods, among others, were discussed as creative ways to protect the environment and increase crop production. Farmers were enthusiastic about implementing these techniques that offered increased sustainability and production. 2. Market Access: One of the main discussion topics, which holds great potential for improving your livelihoods and expanding your reach, was how to increase access to domestic and foreign markets. We discussed ways to link growers and consumers and guarantee fair prices for your produce. 3. Financial Literacy: Educating farmers about investment alternatives and money management is critical. We discussed specific savings plans like the 'Susu' system and micro-lending options like 'Esusu'. We also explored how to expand; they reinvest in their crops, including diversifying income sources and managing cash flow. 4.Community Building: One of the main objectives was to fortify the ties among farmers. We discussed how to create a helpful group of people who can exchange information, skills, and experiences. Why This Is Important At She Farms Africa, the foundation of sustainable agricultural development is the empowerment of rural farmers. By giving them the resources, information, and assistance they require, we improve their standard of living while simultaneously promoting food security and economic expansion in Nigeria. Our Next Actions: We're determined to keep talking to our rural communities. This was only the start of the meeting. To fulfil our common objectives, we will not stop cooperating, developing, and learning. We are here for you, every step of the way, committed to your success. Many thanks to every farmer who took part and shared their insightful observations. One farm at a time, we are changing the world together. #SheFarmsAfrica #RuralDevelopment #SustainableAgriculture #CommunityEmpowerment #FarmersFirst #Agribusiness #FoodSecurity #EconomicGrowth

The after effects of ElNino must bring us to a place where we re-evaluate indigenous farming mechanisms, GAPs and regenerative strategies for climate resilience and Better Nutrition. This also calls for extensive Investment in research & Development to broaden our understanding in climate resilient seed/tuber varieties. Rural Women need more support as they amplify the need for us to create heirloom seed banks and foster value addition innitiatives to wild fruits. Ammy Heinstain - Enterprise Development Zambia Emerging Manufacturers and Food Processors ZAMBIA FOOD BUSINESS NETWORK

We are reaching out to you today with an exciting investment opportunity in Zambia's thriving agricultural sector. We're developing prime farm blocks with fertile soil, abundant water resources, and a favorable climate, ideal for high-yield crops like maize, soybeans, and wheat. Zambia offers: Stable political environment Growing economy Favorable investment climate Strong agricultural potential Our farm blocks present an opportunity to: Capitalize on increasing global food demand Generate attractive returns on investment Contribute to food security in the region Diversify your investment portfolio #InvestInZambia #AgricultureInvestment #FarmBlocks #HighYieldCrops #FoodSecurity #EmergingMarkets #SustainableAgriculture #ImpactInvesting

🇺🇬🎋 Uganda is betting on bamboo cultivation to boost the economy. ➡ Bamboo cultivation is experiencing a boom in Uganda, bringing with it a wave of promising economic opportunities. ➡ The government sees in this resilient, fast-growing plant a real potential for growth, while local authorities highlight its utility as a fuel source in rural communities, thereby helping to alleviate pressure on declining forest reserves, mainly composed of eucalyptus and other natural resources. ➡ Read the full article in the comment #Uganda #BambooCultivation #EconomicBoost #Sustainability #Agriculture #Development #opportunities #economic