Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA)’s Post

👩🌾 👨🌾 #Agrivoltaic farming is the practice of growing crops underneath solar panels. It enables dual or even triple land-use, through simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and #solarphotovoltaic power generation. Beets, potatoes, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots are crops suitable for agrivoltaics. 🍅 🥕 🍆 🥔 Many formerly fertile agricultural areas located in mild #climate zones suffer from progressive infertility due to rising #temperatures or #waterscarcity. Other areas are exposed to extreme weather phenomena. Agrivoltaic projects could help with both, restoring fertile conditions to areas in progressive abandonment. Thereby contributing in solving #climatechange There has been implementation of #agrivoltaic research projects in Germany, South Korea, France, the USA and Japan. APV-MaGa is a research and development project focusing on and exploring the potential, the economic and technical feasibility of agrivoltaics in #subsaharanafrica - Mali and The Gambia and #eastafrica- Kenya. There are no researches conducted in Cameroon yet but there is high potential for #agrivoltaics as electrification rates are often low and #foodsecurity needs to be improved.

BIG FARMS (CHANGE IN DEFINITION) #Agribusiness  An older farmer belonging to the older generation who is used to the old farming techniques will think that increasing the amount of land cultivated will increase his/her productivity in other to meet up with the demand caused by the ever growing population. But this is not the case in the 21st century with the occurrence of new modern Agricultural techniques such as precision farming, green house farming, vertical farming, hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, acquaculture, peeponics etc. A man with 5 green houses can produce the same exact amount of tonnage farm produce with a man with hectares of land. Therefore in the present times we as Africans must begin to shift our paradigm in other to see the possibilities embedded in modern Agric techniques and we must embrace them. For this is one of the pivotal ways in which we can achieve food security and sustainability (#SDG2) in Africa especially Nigeria. It is important that we also consider the possibilities of negative environmental impact increasing the amount of land we farm on may have on the environment. This impacts include; habitat destruction, deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution e.t.c. on increasing the amounts of land we farm on. Although some of these impacts can be mitigated if proper land management techniques are followed. Caveat: not there is still need for large hectreage of land use in farming. Dimeji Michael  #Agribusinessopportunities #SDG2 #Zerohunger #EYiAUnique EYiA Farm

PLANNING FOR 🚜 FARMERS IN SOUTH AFRICA - LOW COLD UNITS & LATE WINTERS 🥶 In South Africa, the agricultural sector faces a unique challenge with the variability of cold units and the onset of late winters, significantly impacting plant growth cycles and agricultural productivity. These climatic shifts underscore the critical need for farmers to adopt strategic planning and innovative approaches to optimize plant growth and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. Understanding the Challenge South Africa's diverse climate zones experience varying levels of cold units, crucial for the dormancy and subsequent growth cycles of many fruit and nut crops. Cold units, or chilling hours, are the cumulative hours within a specific temperature range during winter that plants require to break dormancy and develop normally during spring. With changing climatic patterns, including late winters and reduced cold units, farmers face uncertainties in predicting optimal planting and harvesting times. 🌾Crop Diversification and Selection Farmers need to diversify their crop selections to include varieties that are more resilient to fluctuating weather patterns. Some crops require fewer cold units or have adapted to warmer conditions, making them suitable alternatives during years with particularly low cold unit accumulation. ⛈️Advanced Weather Monitoring Utilising modern weather forecasting technologies can provide farmers with real-time data. This enables timely decisions on irrigation, frost protection measures, and planting schedules, minimizing risks associated with unpredictable weather. 🌦️Microclimate Management Implementing microclimate management techniques such as windbreaks, irrigation systems, and row covers can help mitigate the effects of late frosts or unseasonably warm spells. This helps with optimal plant growth, despite broader climatic challenges. 💧Optimised Resource Allocation Efficient use of resources, including water and fertilizers, becomes increasingly crucial during periods of uncertain climatic conditions. Precision agriculture techniques, such as soil moisture monitoring and variable rate irrigation, ensure that resources are applied precisely where and when needed, maximizing plant health and minimizing environmental impact. 🔬Research and Development Investing in research and development initiatives focused on breeding and developing new crop varieties adapted to changing climatic conditions is vital. Collaborative efforts between agricultural researchers, extension services, and farmers can lead to the introduction of resilient cultivars that thrive under reduced cold unit conditions. Strategic planning not only mitigates risks associated with climatic uncertainties but also fosters innovation and resilience within the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to food security and economic stability in South Africa. How is this effecting your operation? #PrecisionAg #ClimateSmartAg #AgriTech #FarmersFirst

Someone asked this, "Why is hydroponics farming better than traditional soil methods? " And here's my answer: You don't just read the pros without reading the cons. So here's the real deal: In a well-balanced hydroponics system, a plant can receive almost everything it needs. Sunlight is never the limiting factor in a growing system, this is because the amount of energy hitting a given piece of land is absolutely gigantic. Therefore, the limiting factors are water and nutrients. An awesome hydroponic system will provide these limiting factors for these plants. The plant pests are easier to manage. Most hydroponics systems are relatively closed to outdoor pests, this protects them in most cases from pests, as well as allows for scalable management of pests if they are found. All plant needs are easier to address. If you find a little chlorosis in your leaves, you can immediately ramp up the nitrogen, increase the iron, or lower the pH. These changes take days, weeks, months, or years in the field. *Cons* It is expensive --- The inputs for a hydroponics system are enormous If you are talking about hydroponics outside Nigeria, then you might be considering spending more on your bills. Because, Hydroponics is done in a CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) setup. Adopting CEA is over-expensive here in Nigeria and for that reason a lot of Nigerian Hydroponics farmers have been able to adapt an off grid technology towards growing hydroponically plus the typical inputs of planting, harvesting, and transportation. #penmanfarmer

https://lnkd.in/eV6Xwz2v InfoPoint conference: Improving farmers’ livelihoods in the Sahel through agroforestry and the agroecological intensification of farming systems Experiences from the FairSahel (DESIRA) and SustainSahel (H2020) projects From Senegal to Ethiopia, the Sahel region faces serious environmental and social challenges, such as widespread poverty, worsening security and changes in the weather patterns that threaten the resilience and productivity of farming systems. Since most of the local populations’ livelihoods depend on subsistence farming, it is crucial to investigate and promote practices that enhance soil quality and yields while preserving the long-term health of agroecosystems.

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭!!! 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 by Binod Adhikari Divya Gupta Parbati Pandey and Harry Fischer published in New Angle: Nepal Journal of Social Science and Public Policy. This paper tries to assess the resilience of small commercial farmers and identify factors that can enhance their ability to weather external disruptions like COVID-19.  #farming #midhills #covid19pandemic #resilience https://lnkd.in/dT-MT3uj

Is the belief that a Green Revolution is unattainable in #sub_Saharan_Africa a mere myth? In this new publication, Ethiopian scholars demonstrate a #GreenRevolution2.0 happening, citing ongoing progress in wheat self-sufficiency. They argue that strategic actions akin to the successful yield improvements seen in the 1960s in Asia and Latin America are happening in Ethiopia. The paper outlines the path to recent wheat self-sufficiency, involving investments in #irrigation, efficient #input supply, collective farming organization/ #clustering, multiplication of #suitable_varieties (especially early maturing ones in irrigated wheat), farmer and service provider #training, and good #governance. Key achievements highlighted in the paper include the cultivation of 2.6 million hectares, resulting in a record-breaking wheat harvest of 8.2 million tons in a single year. Notably, the paper reports 100% wheat self-sufficiency and a surplus of over 1 million tons for export. However, it's important to acknowledge that food availability doesn’t directly equate to national food security, and targeted intervention for efficient distribution and redistribution is necessary. Glad to also read that the authors acknowledge and identify potential limitations that could pose a threat to the sustainability of this success and call for an early intervention. Congrats to the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) and the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research ! https://lnkd.in/dcNmMA5M

Facing Zimbabwe's severe drought head-on, we at #CIMMYT are leveraging the insights and successes from our #SIFAZ project in #Zambia. Our goal is to adapt these sustainable intensification and climate-smart agriculture strategies to support Zimbabwean farmers with drought-resistant crops and water-efficient practices. Together, we're not just addressing the immediate crisis but building a resilient agricultural future. Get to know more about the project 🌾💧 #ZimbabweDrought #SustainableFarming https://bit.ly/42CRzzJ

Welcome back to our educational conversation on land selection in our Crop Production Series as part of the Great Agricultural Rethink! Selecting the perfect land for crop farming in Nigeria is not just about fertility; it's a meticulous process, especially in flood-prone areas. By following the principle of 'know your crop first then select the farm', thorough research helps in identifying the ideal conditions for growth. Here's what you need to consider: 1. Soil Quality: Look for loamy or sandy soils with good drainage to ensure your crops thrive. Potential modifications such as soil pH adjustments can be done but remember this will increase your input costs. 2. Topography: Opt for flat or gently sloping terrains that aid irrigation and prevent erosion. 3. Sunlight Exposure: Ensure your land receives ample sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth. 4. Water Resources: Assess nearby water bodies or irrigation facilities, crucial during dry seasons. PS. Invest in water storage facilities. I find it interesting that we build land dams for catfish production but not for irrigation purposes. 5. Climatic Conditions: Analyze rainfall patterns to match crops with suitable seasons and microclimates. 6. Market Accessibility: Consider proximity to markets and transportation networks for efficient distribution and access to your farm 7. Legal Considerations: Evaluate land tenure and compliance with regulations for secure ownership. 8. Seek Guidance: Engage with local agricultural extension services and experienced farmers for valuable insights. I need to highlight this. Build a relationship with your input supplier. Consider the various products they supply that will enable you to produce a successful crop. Too many times we see farms only doing this when a problem occurs, resulting in bad and costly decision influenced by desperation and pressure of a failing crop. By considering soil, water, climate, and logistical factors, you can select the right land for sustainable crop farming in Nigeria. Let's rethink agriculture together! #agricrowdy #GreatAgriculturalRethink #CropProductionSeries #LandSelection

According to Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) of South Africa the South African weather service predicted that “the multi-model rainfall forecast indicates above-normal rainfall for most of the country during midspring (September to November) and late spring (October to December). "However, the weather service added that “early summer (November to January) … indicates below-normal rainfall over the central parts of the country and above-normal rainfall for the northeast. "This means some regions of the country, mainly the central to western parts, may not experience the same start to the season as the eastern areas. Still, the broad sentiment is that showers are likely to support crop germination at the beginning of the 2023/24 production season. This is also an encouraging message for horticulture and livestock, as the rains will help production conditions in these subsectors," says Sihlobo Leon Louw #whyafrica #whyfarmafrica #agriculture #naturalresources #climatechange #weather #africa #africanfarming #rainfall