The nuts are found in an almond-like fruit. It is dried, ground to powder, then boiled in water to let out a highly-concentrated butter. The substance rises to the top, solidifies, and is then milled and filtered to extract the unrefined Shea butter. It has an off-white color, frictionless feel, and easy-grip texture that has made it a valuable cosmetic ingredient for centuries.

Uses of Shea Butter

It helps stimulate collagen production for the treatment of wrinkles, scars, and burns.

• It can be used to moisturize dry scalp and stimulate hair growth
• It moisturizes and protects the skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays by creating a mild natural sunscreen
• Shea butter is used as a cooking butter
• It is used to treat eczema, burns, dry skin, acne, and dermatitis
• Other common uses of Shea butter include candle-making, cosmetic production, and in waterproofing wax.

Where Shea Butter is Found in Africa

Today, Shea butter is found in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Guinea Bissau, Uganda, Togo, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Niger, Mali, Sierra Leon, South Sudan, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Guinea. Of these countries, Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda are the largest producers of Shea butter in Africa.

Ghana and Nigeria cultivate the species called Vitellaria Paradoxa while Uganda cultivates Vitellaria Nilotica. Both species can grow as high as 50fts and takes 40 to 50 years of maturity before producing Shea nuts. The Shea tree grows wild across over 1.5 million square miles of the Savannah and can remain productive for up to 200 years.

About 600,000 tonnes of Shea butter is produced in Africa per annum. The Shea butter produced in West Africa is denser while that produced in East Africa is creamier. Also, West African Shea butter has a higher concentration of vitamin A, compared to that of East Africa.

According to FAO Stat, Nigeria was the largest producer of Shea nuts in 2017. Despite it produces about 370,000 metric tonnes per annum, only about 20,000 metric tonnes is processed into butter. Although most Shea butter produced in Nigeria is for domestic consumption, there is undocumented trade of Shea nuts across to Ghana, Togo, and Benin. On the other hand, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana are the largest exporting countries of Shea nuts.

The global Shea butter market is estimated to reach $1.74 billion by 2025. For Africa to maximize its involvement in this market, there is a need for standard Shea processing methods and facilities, best practices awareness amongst farmers, and adequate documentation of all exported Shea butter across the continent. Most importantly, these governments need to heavily investment to harness the full potential of Shea butter in the international market.

Written by Joy Ejere Uche

The post Where this is found in Africa: Shea Butter  appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

Although the African Union agreed to implement it by July 1st, 2019, it has been postponed and further delayed by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Whenever implemented, AfCFTA could generate up to $35 billion per annum, cut importation by $10 billion, and increase the combined GDP of the countries to more than $2.5 trillion.

Also, it will ease the movement of people, goods, and services. It will create employment opportunities and become the largest free-trade zone in the world. It will also attract direct foreign investments to every country and quicken the industrialization of the continent.

AfCFTA holds a lot of promises for the agricultural, manufacturing, transportation, and other sectors that are directly or indirectly involved in the trade of goods within the continent. For this study, we will focus on helping farmers to understand the impact of AfCFTA on the agricultural sector.

Africa has the potential to become a major food producer and supplier for the rest of the world. For maximum productivity, the countries have to deepen integration and prepare common markets for intra-continental trade. The farmers need to put over 600 hectares of uncultivated arable lands into good use for large scale commercial farming. They need to replace outdated farming tools with modern technologies and techniques. And most importantly, agricultural policies must focus on the majority group of smallholder farmers.

These will not only increase food production but create jobs and reduce poverty for farmers who rely on agriculture as the only means of livelihood. In essence, AfCFTA will help ensure that the continent can feed its rapidly growing populations. It will foster macroeconomic convergence, economic integration, and decrease inequalities between wealthy and deprived economic regions.

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement will help ensure the redistribution of agricultural produce from surplus to deficit regions. The governments will have to invest in infrastructural development to help farmers to access markets, storage facilities, drought-resistant seed, and invest in all aspects of the agricultural value chain. Governments also have to invest in research and development programs to help smallholder farmers understand modern techniques and technologies.

Implementing the AfCFTA will have farmers focus their energy on quality over quantity of yield. It will stir the need for basic infrastructure and facilities to ensure maximum productivity. In general, it will have multiplier effects in improving continental food security and sustainability from a trade perspective. Especially now when the continent is grappling to sustain production capacity due to environmental and political challenges.

Written by Joy Ejere Uche

The post A Farmer’s Guide to Understanding the AfCFTA appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

Agriculture is greatly affected by the global climate shifts caused by the Greenhouse effect. The release of malign gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen dioxide depletes the ozone layer and leads to an increased risk of flooding, soil erosion, droughts, and wildfires. It invariably decreases crop productivity and affects the global agricultural value chain. 

Researchers are looking at alternative farming techniques, as well as solutions to the environmental condition. Thus, the need for farmers and all agro stakeholders to adopt a sustainable solution to avoid a global food crisis.  

The first step in addressing the impact of climate change on food production is to inform the farmers. They need to understand the causes and consequences of environmental challenges and mitigate them through safer farm practices.

Farmers need to understand the risk involved in not minding the relationship between environmental factors and food production. It is the farmers who have to adapt their agricultural practices to a changing environment.  

This may include adjustments in planting dates, crop varieties, drainage systems, and land management regimes to maintain soil fertility and maximize yields. An example of adaptation is the use of cover crops to protect the soil from erosion and the minimization of tillage.  

Global warming should be treated with urgency. Those who deny its anthropogenic sources do not know the implications of carbon emissions. The government is in a better position to endorse climate change mitigation policies. It should regulate industrial activities associated with the emission of harmful gases into the environment.  

These industries should leverage technology to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration/storage. The government should also set up legislative mandates to reduce emissions and tax defaulters. This way, more people will become more intentional in protecting the environment. 

Farmers, industries, the government, and we all should understand the impact of our changing climate on food production. Climate change-related shifts in long-term weather patterns will cause damages to crop, heat-induced pollination, and a higher incidence of pest infestation and crop diseases.  

Therefore, we should be concerned about the impacts of climate change on global food production and take additional steps to raise awareness of the issue. Farmers should adapt to, while the government should mitigate climate changes. 

Written by Joy Ejere Uche 

The post Understanding Global Climate Change and Alternatives for Farmers   appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

Ginger is one of the many cash crops that is grown on the fertile soil of Africa. We drink, spice our food, bake our cookies, and benefit from its antioxidant and medicinal properties. It contains Gingerol, an active ingredient in the treatment of inflamed arthritic joints, infections, high cholesterol, stomach cramps, cold, fever, diarrhoea, etc.  

Background 

Ginger is one of the strongest spices in the world, dating back to 5000 years AD. The earliest mention was in the writings of Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher, and the Romans. It was first discovered among the Austronesia people in South-East Asia before it graced the East African soils.  

The Austronesians used it for rituals, for healing, and in blessing their ships. In the first millennium, it was later carried in voyages to the Pacific Islands, India, and off to Madagascar and Comoros. The 14th century holds the earliest records of trade and barter; a pound of ginger in exchange for a sheep.  

Cultivation 

Ginger is a herbaceous perennial crop that is cultivated in the humid tropics. There are about 50 known species of ginger in Africa. It is a root crop with trumpet-shaped and scented flowers that appear in lilac, pink, pale yellow, or white variants. It has small, berries-like fruits, and its leaves smell like the crop. Ginger grows well on fertile, well-drained soil, and humid environments. It grows between 300m and 900m high, and 30cm depth.  

The seed or rhizome is first treated before planting to prevent pest infestation and diseases. The soil is cleared and ploughed 12 inches deep and 24 inches apart. The preferable planting season is between May and June where there is low rainfall.  

The farmer then weeds, applies fertilizer, and spreads green leaves on the plant beds, 45 to 90 days after planting. This process is defined as mulching and it is done to conserve soil moisture. The crop should be rain-fed or irrigated every two weeks to ensure high-quality yield. Harvest takes place between 4 to 5 months after planting.    

Nigeria is the largest producer of ginger in Africa and the third-largest exporter in the world after India and China.  South Africa, DR Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, and Ghana. 

Written by Joy Ejere Uche 

The post Where this is found in Africa: Ginger  appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

Sesame seed is one of the oldest oilseed crops known, cultivated well over 3000 years ago. Aside from its high oil content which has a rich and nutty flavour, the seeds are also suitable for various bakery products and other goods of the food industry. 

The largest sesame areas are grown in India, China, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Sudan. However, the most productive sesame farms are located in Greece, where largest productions per hectare were recorded in 2013. 

On the other hand, the largest sesame seeds importing countries are Japan, China, Turkey, South Korea, Israel and the UAE. 

Commercial sesame crops require 90 to 120 frost free days. Warm conditions above 23 °C (73 °F) favour growth and yields. While sesame seeds can grow in poor soils, the best yields come from properly fertilized farms. 

Sesame is drought-tolerant, in part due to its extensive root system. However, it requires adequate moisture for germination and early growth. While the crop survives drought and presence of excess water, the yields are significantly lower in either condition. Moisture levels before planting and flowering impact yield most. 

Commercial sesame cultivation is a very good business and you will make good profit if you follow this complete guide carefully:

See also: 7 Simple Tips to Maintain Your Farm Equipment

Pick a good location 

First of all, ensure to pick a good location. This is very important as sesame seeds generally grow very well in well-drained soil which is fertile with neutral pH. They tend to do very well in dry conditions, but cannot tolerate water-logged conditions. And the seeds require full sun for proper growth and maximum yield. These are all the factors while selecting location for growing sesame seeds. 

Soil Preparation 

The ideal pH level for growing sesame plants is between 5.5 and 8.0. Acidic or alkaline soils are not suitable for growing sesame. 

For preparing the soil, 1-2 ploughing will be required with 2-3 cross harrowing. Apply all the fertilizers during this time. For commercial production, add 10-12 kg urea and 40-50 kg superphosphate per acre. And apply MOP if the soil is deficient. 

Variety Selection and Purchase 

There are several sesame varieties available in different parts of the world. It is best to select the variety which is easily available in your area. Some improved or hybrid sesame varieties are SVPR-1, VRI-1, VRI-2, CO-1, TMV-3, TMV-4, TMV-5, TMV-6 and TMV-7. Ensure to consult with an existing farmer or an agriculture specialist in your area who has a good recommendation for selecting good variety. 

After you have made your selection, purchase good quality seeds from any of your nearest markets. You can also consider ordering the seeds online. 

Planting and Planting Rates 

Because the sesame seeds are very small in size, you will require less seeds as compared to many other crops. Generally, a proportion of 2- 2.2 kg seeds will be enough for one acre. 

It is a very good option to plant seeds in rows instead of scattering them throughout the land. Ensure the rows are spaced to about 10-12 inches apart. Mix the seed with dry sand and spread the mixture along the furrows to ensure even distribution. Sow the seeds to about 1/2 to 2/3 inch deep. Cover the seeds with soil after sowing, and water the soil lightly. 

Before sowing the seeds, you will need to treat them with Bavistin at the rate of 2 grams per kg seed. This will prevent the seeds from brone diseases. You can thin the seedlings to about 4-6 inches apart when they are about or up to 4 inches tall.

Fertility, Water and Weed Management 

In most cases, additional fertilizers for growing sesame plants is not necessary. If you have prepared the soil by following the guides mentioned above, your crops will grow just fine. But if there is a need, stick to balanced NPK fertilizers. 

Sesame seeds use less water compared to other oily seeds but will give higher yields with more moisture. The best water the sesame seeds will ever get after planting is that of a heavy pre- irrigation. Once the seeds germinate, fast light irrigations would be preferable. Too much water kills sesame seeds.

Managing weeds is very important as they consume most of the nutrients from the soil. The first step for controlling weeds should be taken while preparing the soil. Then additional weeding is required 15-25 days after sowing the seeds. And finally, another one at 15 to 20 days after first weeding. 

Pest and Diseases 

These are generally less in sesame plants especially in the growing area with present varieties. However, caterpillar and gall fly are the common pests you will notice while growing sesame plants. Endeavour to consult with an experienced farmer or your nearest agriculture extension office for more help for controlling all these pests and diseases. 

Harvest and Yield 

Sesame seeds become ready for harvesting within 3-5 months after planting the seeds depending on the variety. But in most varieties, you can expect to harvest when the leaves, stems and capsules begin to turn yellow and the lower leaves of the plant start shedding. 

It is not advisable to wait until the crop becomes dead ripe as this will cause the seeds to shed. The ripe sesame plants should be cut at the ground level and should be stacked for 7 to 10 days in sun to get them ready for the threshing process. 

Total yield always depends on the variety selected, and also on good farm management practice. It is possible to expect between 200 and 500 kg per hectare in autumn. And 300-600 kg per hectare in summer. 

Written By: Nene Nseabasi 

The post Sesame Seeds: A Complete Growing Guide appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

Operator Training  

There are different types of farm equipment used for farming activities, however, they all operate in different ways. If you, as a farmer, operator, or manager, knows how to effectively man the farm equipment, then the chances of missing out on maintenance are lowered.  

Lubricate Your Equipment  

There’s nothing as ineffective as a part of equipment undergoing friction as a result of rust. Be sure to always apply good quality lubricants to every movable part of your equipment. It will enhance good performance and longer life expectancy for your equipment. 

See also: Dealing with Agricultural Challenges in Africa

Check for Signs of Wear  

It is possible for your farm equipment to be in perfect shape and excellent condition once you check for signs of wear. Did you discover a sign of wear and tear on any part of your equipment? Ensure to replace the part as soon as possible to prevent a major breakdown from happening.  

Keep Farm Equipment Clean  

Maintain a proper cleaning routine such as filter cleaning, build up removal, vacuuming and dusting inside farm equipment so your equipment will look great for a longer time to come.  

Have A Maintenance Schedule  

The best way to be sure that your farming tools and machinery are in good shape is by having a proper maintenance schedule. This way, you are rest ensured that you are not missing out on repairing farm equipment. It is also recommendable to take operator training lessons especially if you are working with sophisticated farming equipment.

See also: It takes a Healthy Farmer to Produce Food – Staying Safe Amid Covid19

Keep Children and Animals Off Equipment Building  

Farms offer a world of adventure for curious kids. To avoid any disastrous accidents, keep your child’s play area separate from your work area. Know where your children are even when you are mowing the lawn. Don’t let a split-second accident impact your child forever.  

Observe Safety Precaution Measures  

The spread of infectious diseases like COVID- 19 demands that we adhere to safety precaution measures. Ensure to wash your hands with clean water and soap before and after the use of every farm equipment. In cases where water and soap are not readily available, use hand sanitizers. Avoid bringing your hands in close contact with your eyes and mouth.  

In conclusion, farm equipment is a crucial investment that you cannot afford to lose. It should serve you for years, and the best way to ensure that it stays in service for as long as possible is by taking proper care of it. These simple maintenance tips should get you started and keep your farming equipment safe and effective. 

Written by: Nene Nseabasi

The post 7 Simple Tips to Maintain Your Farm Equipment appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

A woman puts her all in ensuring that the earth yields its increase. She cultivates her farmland and grows crops for domestic consumption; nurturing her plants the same way she handles her young. She weeds and ensures that the soil is regularly watered throughout the planting season. After harvesting, she handpicks and separates the crops – takes some home to feed her family and the rest to the market for sale. This is the reason why there are more women in local markets.

Women’s involvement in agriculture dates before the earliest existence of civilization – when they had to bore many children to help out in farmlands belonging to their families. This is because the continent has a history of relying on family farming, which depends on family labor.

Women have been the backbone of African rural agriculture and the guardians of the continent’s food security.

African women constitute about 70% of the agricultural workforce. According to a report by the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women produce up to 80% of foodstuffs for household consumption and sale in local markets.

See also: AFDB to Setup Fourteen Agro Processing Zones Across Africa

The United Nations estimates that Africa will have a population of two billion people by 2050, the majority being women and youths. The most direct consequence of this exponential population growth is that there will be more mouths to feed. This feat can be achieved by empowered women. They are the major drivers of both rural and international trade of agro commodities.

The high level of participation of African women in the agricultural sector comes with challenging working conditions. Although the agricultural labor force is comprised mostly of women, the rules governing ownership and transfer of land rights are less favorable to African women than those in Asia and Latin America. According to FAO, women possess less than 1% of land and are often ignored in rural development projects which often target male-dominated activities.

Women deserve equal rights to own farmlands and agribusinesses. To improve yields, women should have better access to lands, mechanized tools, markets, fertilizer, credit facilities, and information. Hence, for International Women Day 2020, we have chosen to celebrate the unsung productive labor of the African women in agriculture. Although she is not yet where she wants to be, she is not where she used to be centuries ago.

At MTFC, we believe that Africa can feed the world, and empowering women is the major way to achieve food security. Happy International Women’s Day to the women in agriculture.

Written by:

Joy Ejere Uche

The post Seeds, Sweats & Sunlight – the Labor of African Women in Agriculture appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

The winners will gain access to UNDP’s global network of experts, agro community membership, financial support, research, and development opportunities. Other benefits of participating include a collaborative process that ensures commercially viable and investable solutions and partnerships between participating agritech startups.

Cultiv@te Agro Initiative aims at bringing together global-leading agritech startups, experts, and market insights for sustainable agriculture. The participants will be judged based on impact, innovation, relevance, feasibility, and clarity.

Application closes on the 14th of February, and UNDP will announce successful applicants on the 24th of February. In the first stage, UNDP will select 78 teams and shortlist the final 52 teams afterward. Each shortlisted team will solve 1 of 13 challenge statements under three themes;

• Urban agriculture: How do you leverage innovative technologies to rethink and create a sustainable food production system for the urban population?
• Rainfed agriculture: How can you maximize agricultural productivity to meet the challenges posed by climate change?
• Livestock farming and aquaculture: How do you ensure safe, sustainable livestock farming and lessen the environmental impact of current practices?

All 52 teams will have to solve 13 challenge statements targeted at 12 countries, which include Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan. The teams will also attend the Global Launch to hold in Singapore in July. Register for the Cultiv@te Initiative here.

The post UNDP Launches Cultivate Agro Initiative for Innovative Agritech Startups appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

Technology will bring about innovation, the introduction of modern farm practices and a total revamp to the agro sector. 

The introduction of AI Agriculture Bots enables easy harvest of crops at faster rates for maximum production volumes. This bot will perform typical functions of harvesters and relieve the stress involved by 99%. 

Also, cameras and satellites are on spot in future farmlands. These gadgets monitor the growth of farm produce and allow farmers to know what is happening on farmlands. This will reduce theft and monitor the growth and survival of crops.

See:How to Deal with Agricultural Challenges in Africa

Another modern technology that will impact the future of agriculture is the use of machine learning and IoT. More drones and robots will also become rampantly used in farmlands around the world. 

Imagine farmlands totally managed by robots. A farm where robots plough, till the ground, monitor and harvest the crop is what the future of agriculture looks like. 

In developed countries, irrigation and typical crop supervision are carried out using unmanned aerial vehicles are built on machine learning and AI.

And finally, IoT just made the Agro future fantastic. Imagine controlling all this technology, predicting data and running daily farm activities with just a simple remote control – Fantastic right! Yes, the future will be. 

Thus, as we advance into the 4th industrial revolution, the agro sector will not be left behind. Rather, it will evolve into a sector fully enhanced with technology.

The future of Technology in Agriculture will also be a major lecture delivered by Hannu Kulju at the 2019 MTFC conference that holds in six days. 

You can attend to learn more by clicking here to register.

The post The Future of Technology in Agriculture appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

However, Africa’s agricultural potentials cannot be fully maximized without dealing with its challenges. Farmers across Africa, unlike their global counterparts, face challenges that go beyond pests, diseases, damaging water, etc. Their challenges mostly border on lack of access to the necessary input required to boost productivity.

The majority of Africans depend on agriculture for their livelihood. As regards to this, boosting agricultural growth will scale income and the living conditions of Africans. Considering that one of the most effective ways to boost the use of local products and services and generate economic growth is by scaling the growth of the agricultural sector.

See also: UAE’s Interest in Non-oil Trade Relations with African Countries

Agricultural growth propels economic development which will be unachievable without significant investments in the sector. Investments in the agricultural sector cut across; Inputs e.g. Fertilizer and Hybrid seed; Infrastructure e.g. Irrigation, Storage, Electricity, Technology, Roads, Ports, etc.; Markets e.g. Trade; policies, regional and international trade flows, off-take markets. When these are carried out properly, jobs will be created across all investment sectors.

To properly deal with Africa’s agricultural challenges, there is a need to collaborate, cooperate and network at multiple levels. Which is the platform Meet the Farmers Conference (MTFC) 2019 aims to provide.

MTFC is the largest agro conference that connects agro stakeholders from Africa and the GCC. The conference aims to produce a healthy environment, economic profitability, and innovations, in a bid to drive business partnerships that will foster formidable agricultural growth.

The conference will feature a presentation from Leonie Hartmann the CEO of Avagro. He will be speaking on the topic ‘How to Deal with Agricultural Challenges in Africa’.

More on MTFC:

• Creating a Sustainable Future In Agriculture
• The Role of Dubai as an International Trade Hub for Businesses in Africa
• The role of African Farmers in Achieving Zero Hunger and Global Food Security
• Where this is found in Africa Series – an Expository of African Cash Crops
• Highlights of Agriculture in North Africa

The post Dealing with Agricultural Challenges in Africa appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.