Water is not only essential for the production of crops, fisheries and livestock, but also for the processing and preparation of these foods and products. Water is the lifeblood of ecosystems, including forests, lakes, and wetlands, on which the food and nutritional security of present and future generations depends. From soil to seed, to growth to harvesting, water is the key to Africa’s ability to harness and develop the continent’s food production potential.
Analysis
Smart Data Yields Big Harvests to Feed the World
The global population is careening toward 11 billion by 2100, up 52.7% from the 7.2 billion recorded in 2014. Looking at a more immediate date and in our lifetime, 2050, the projected population climbs to 9.1 billion.
Is current agriculture production equipped to feed these masses, especially those in poorer, undeveloped regions? Can farmers keep up with the 80 million people that are added on average each year, and address the needs in sub-Sahara Africa, which is expected to have the highest growth?
Value-Added Potato Products
Potato starch and potato flour are two value added potato products that bring in valuable returns to food processors. And, a smart farmer trying to diversify knows that the global consumption of potato as food is shifting from fresh potatoes to added-value, processed food products.
Know Your Enemy: Common Pests And Remedies – Army Worm
An army worm is a green-striped caterpillar larvae of the adult army worm moth. It’s called army worm because it travels in small armies with other worms. They destroy every crop in their path. Therefore, it’s important to know about them for control measures to be effective. The army worm is common pest of grass, but can also eat maize, beans, millet and other grains.
Five Ways To Market Your Harvest
Back in the day, advertising your business used to be very expensive. It was only done in newspapers and magazines. But not anymore! With the internet and other free or inexpensive marketing techniques, you can let people know about your produce without spending a fortune.
Making a Healthy Profit in the Energy and Fruit Bar Business
The agricultural process is diverse. And, because not everyone can go out and farm, others try their hand at agro and food processing. Energy bar and fruit bar manufacturing is not only easy but also a highly profitable business that requires a small startup capital investment. You can launch a variety of natural energy, fruit or meal replacement bars with minimal effort.
How Zambia could achieve “breadbasket” (agricultural downgrade) status
According to Jervis Zimba, president of the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), “The only way we can achieve the status of being a breadbasket is to zero rate agriculture.” ZNFU are the owners of the upcoming Agritech Expo Zambia which is set to take place at the Gart Research Centre in Chisamba from 27-29 April.
Know Your Enemy: Common Pests And Remedies – Leaf Miner
Your best allies in farming are awareness and quick action. This means you have to be proactive and educate yourself about your crops and the problems that can arise, including common pests and how to avoid and get rid of them. Today, we focus on the leaf miner.
Meet Gladys Simonda – You don’t need a field to grow your food
I love to grow my own vegetables. It’s not only fun but rewarding too. The process of creating a veggie garden can seem like a lot of hard work especially with limited space but once you know your way around your garden it’s quite easy.
How to make your farming dream a reality
Does the idea of buying your own farm sound like a fairytale? Well it doesn’t have to be especially if you have the right mindset. Lack of affordable land and real estate prices that continue to rise in Zambia can be discouraging. But it’s time to get creative as newbies in the farming business. These two smart solutions can help you turn your farming fantasy into a reality —without breaking your bank account. We’ll also give you nine organisations you can approach for finance.