African Farming July August 2014

AF JulyAug 2014 Cover_Cover.qxd 7/28/2014 3:00 PM Page 1

www.africanfarming.net July/August 2014

Europe m14.50 - Ghana C1.3 - Kenya KSH150 - Nigeria N200 - South Africa R18 - UK ÂŁ9 - USA $15

Livestock health Tsetse fly genome breakthrough

Tea farmers

Pioneering training programmes

Kitoko Food

Improving food security in DR Congo

Serving

AGRICULTURE for

34

YEARS Managing fogging operations in a citrus plantation. P34

S01 AF JulyAug 2014 Start_Layout 1 7/30/2014 2:58 PM Page 2

S01 AF JulyAug 2014 Start_Layout 1 7/31/2014 10:17 AM Page 3

CONTENTS

Contents

www.africanfarming.net July/August 2014

News and Events

4

Europe m14.50 - Ghana C1.3 - Kenya KSH150 - Nigeria N200 - South Africa R18 - UK £9 - USA $15

A topical digest of news, views and events including Farmers’ Calendar.

Poultry

Livestock health

11

Tsetse fly genome breakthrough

Tea farmers

The poultry industry is actively working to improve animal welfare and public perceptions.

Pioneering training programmes

Kitoko Food

Livestock

Improving food security in DR Congo

16

Serving

Tsetse fly genome breakthrough brings hope for African farmers.

AGRICULTURE for

34

YEARS

Palm Oil

Managing fogging operations in a citrus plantation. P34

18

Kitoko Food’s goal to improving food security in DR Congo.

Wilmar International has agreed to ensure that the palm oil it supplies will not result in any additional loss of rainforests.

Conservation Agriculture

20

With the high cost of farm operations, farmers in some parts of Kenya are adopting a new concept - conservation agriculture. It is cost effective and easily available.

Cereal Processing

24

Processing cereal grains feed dairy cattle.

Kepler Weber’s Agribusiness Seminar

26

African farmers must adopt modern farming and grain storage techniques to boost food.

Micro Irrigation

Animal welfare is important to the poultry industry worldwide.

28

Physical and chemical blockage of micro-irrigation systems.

Fogging Equipment

32

Fogging technology is extremely versatile, but farming is one of the biggest markets for fogmaking machines.

Tea

36

Pioneering training programme helps smallholder tea farmers.

Digital Farming

40

A look into the digital farming segment and new market opportunities for the agrifood sector.

Managing Editor: Zsa Tebbit Editorial and Design team: Bob Adams, Hiriyti Bairu, Andrew Croft, Prashanth AP, Ranganath GS, Rhonita Patnaik, Nicky Valsamakis, Louise Waters and Ben Watts Publisher: Nick Fordham Advertising Sales Director: Pallavi Pandey Magazine Sales Manager: Richard Rozelaar Tel: +44 (0) 20 7834 7676, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7973 0076 email: richard.rozelaar@alaincharles.com Country China India Nigeria Singapore South Africa UAE USA

Representative Ying Mathieson Tanmay Mishra Bola Olowo Tan Kay Hui Annabel Marx Camilla Capece Michael Tomashefsky

Telephone (86)10 8472 1899 (91) 80 65333361 (234) 8034349299 (65) 9790 6090 (27) 218519017 (971) 4 4489260 (1) 203 226 2882

Fax (86) 10 8472 1900 (91) 80 40600791 (65) 6280 2823 (27) 46 624 5931 (971) 4 4489261 (1) 203 226 7447

Email ying.mathieson@alaincharles.com tanmay.mishra@alaincharles.com bola.olowo@alaincharles.com tankayhui@tankayhuimedia.com annabel.marx@alaincharles.com camilla.capece@alaincharles.com michael.tomashefsky@alaincharles.com

Swingfog’s SN50 for plant protection being used here in a citrus plantation.

Head Office: Alain Charles Publishing Ltd University House 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place London SW1W 0EX, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7834 7676 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7973 0076 E-mail: post@alaincharles.com

Middle East Regional Office: Alain Charles Middle East FZ-LLC Office 215, Loft 2A PO Box 502207 Dubai Media City, UAE Telephone: +971 4 448 9260 Fax: +971 4 448 9261 E-mail: post@alaincharles.com

Production: Nikitha Jain, Nathanielle Kumar, Donatella Moranelli, Nick Salt and Sophia White E-mail: production@alaincharles.com Subscriptions: circulation@alaincharles.com Chairman: Derek Fordham Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited US Mailing Agent: African Farming & Food Processing USPS. No. 015-224 is published six times a year for US$90 per year by Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, UK Periodicals Postage Paid at Rahway, NJ. Postmaster: send address corrections to: Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, c/o Mercury Airfreight International Ltd, 365 Blair Road, Avenel, NJ 07001.

ISSN: 0266 8017 Serving the world of business

www.africanfarming.net

African Farming - July/August 2014

3

S01 AF JulyAug 2014 Start_Layout 1 7/30/2014 2:58 PM Page 4

EVENTS

Farming Calendar

IFTEX 2014: Flower tornado from Nairobi

AUGUST 12-14

African Farmers Expo and Workshop www.africanfarmers.co.za

JOHANNESBURG

SEPTEMBER 9-10

Africa Food Security Conference www.aidembs.com

NAIROBI

29-30

3rd Palm Oil Africa www.cmtevents.com

ACCRA

30-1 Oct BCPC Congress 2014 www.bcpc.org

BRIGHTON

THREE YEARS AFTER its colourful launch in Nairobi, IFTEX is arguably heading to become one of the leading flower trade shows in the world. The event has marked a new record as the fastest growing event in the history of international flower trade fairs, even attracting flower growers from other continents to exhibit.

The best grower and best breeder quality competitions were held this year under the supervision of the well-known Dutch juror Gerard de Wagt, who was impressed by the quality of flowers that were brought in for this year’s competitions. IFTEX has given the Kenya flower industry a different face with renewed worldwide attention.

OCTOBER 13-14

African Agri Forum www.i-conferences.org

ABIDJAN

16-17

Pals Africa Poultry and Livestock Show 2014 www.palsafrica.com

KUMASI

26-29

Agribusiness Forum www.emrc.be

28-30

European-African Business Development Conference 2014 www.cedarevent.com

29-31

Africa Grain, Pulses and Technologies Congress & Expo www.grainafrica.org

30-31

Aviana Uganda 2014 www.avianaafrica.com

KINSHASA THE HAGUE ADDIS ABABA KAMPALA

NOVEMBER 5–6

North West Agricultural Expo www.africanfarmers.co.za

11-14

Eurotier 2014 www.eurotier.com

11-16

Apimondia symposium www.apiafrica.org

12-16

Eima International www.eima.it

18-20

AGRA Innovate Nigeria www.informa.com

12-16

Eima International www.eima.it

JOHANNESBURG HANOVER ARUSHA BOLOGNA LAGOS BOLOGNA

DECEMBER 2-4

AgroFood West Africa www.agrofood-westafrica.com

ACCRA

Big names on board for African Farmers’ Workshop SEVERAL LEADING AGRICULTURAL organisations and suppliers have added their weight to this year’s African Farmers Workshop and Expo (AFWE) which takes place from 12 to 14 August 2014 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. Support for the three-day farming expo is on the rise, with expanding interest from the broad agri-sector, as well as buy-in from various non-governmental organisations.

One of these is the Black African Young Farmers Association (BAYOFA), which aims to increase recognition of young black farmers as key players in this sector. BAYOFA is a leading voice for advocating sustainable youth-run agricultural businesses which can meet the demands of an evergrowing market for quality agricultural products and services.

International advocacy group ONE is also fully behind AFWE this year as a partner in the AgriYouth Indaba. ONE is a campaigning and advocacy organisation dedicated to ending extreme poverty and preventable diseases, particularly in Africa.

The AgriYouth Indaba focuses on empowerment, while challenging and supporting young people in agriculture.

Zoetis, the world’s first independent animal health company, will again make a strong showing at AFWE as a sponsor and exhibitor. Zoetis will present various educational workshops to farmers.

Llewellyn Sinclair, group marketing and technical manager at Zoetis, says the company will present three workshop slots per day focussing on three major species; cattle and sheep, pigs, and poultry. In this way visitors can choose the workshop that benefits them most. “We need to look after our farmers,” explained Sinclair. “Education is a key challenge preventing Africa from becoming the bread basket it should be. There is a severe knowledge gap – and Zoetis can assist in filling this,” he added.

Sponsors for this year’s show include: Mintek, Ithala, Masisizane Fund, Massmart, Mintek, Omnia, Standard Bank, University of Limpopo and Zoetis.

Business opportunities galore at Africa's Big Seven AFRICA’S BIG SEVEN (AB7) and the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) represent the single biggest food & beverage, and business opportunities expo, on the African continent. AB7 and SAITEX both took place in June in Johannesburg.

“Exhibitor support for AB7 2014 has been phenomenal, with exhibitors signing up from countries around the world, including Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Morocco, Poland, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates,” said show organiser John Thomson of Exhibition Management Services. “But even more interesting is that out of the 30 countries

4 African Farming - July/August 2014

One-on-one interaction is a hallmark of visiting AB7 and SAITEX.

from where visitors have registered to attend, 27 are in Africa.”

Thomson cited stagnating first-world economies and declining markets as drivers for global companies to explore Africa as

the ‘New Frontier’ for business. And Africa’s Big Seven is the ideal business platform for the African food and beverage industry.

“The ongoing success of AB7 confirms it’s an effective business springboard into Africa,” he added.

As the African continent’s biggest food and beverage trade show, Africa’s Big Seven promises more and delivers more.

This seven-in-one expo showcased thousands of food, beverage and equipment products in hundreds of categories, from 300 local and international exhibitors. AB7 delivers new suppliers, new customers, new products, new markets and new opportunities.

www.africanfarming.net

S02 AF JulyAug 2014 News 01_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:13 PM Page 5

NEWS

Pig genetic farm set for Zambia ZAMBIA WILL IN September this year establish a pig genetics farm which will be breeding stock to the local market and other countries in the region. The farm, which will be fully automated, is expected to supply breeding stock to other countries such as Angola, DR Congo and Tanzania.

The Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) in a recent brief said the development was initiated when a team of local industry experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Union undertook a visit to a pig genetics farm in South Africa to familiarise themselves with the operations of such a venture. ‘’A pig genetics farm will soon start its operations in Zambia. Groundwork has already commenced and the farm is expected to be operational in September 2014,’’ the statement read in part.

The farm will initially start with a 500 sow unit and is expected to offload more than 200 weaners per week to grower farms.

According to ZNFU, the development of a pig genetic farm will help resolve the current problems faced by many pig farmers when sourcing improved genetics for their breeding stock.

Nawa Mutumweno

www.africanfarming.net

AgriBizNiz Summit- addressing agricultural needs AGRICULTURE REMAINS ONE of the key drivers for expanding economic development in Africa, especially for the millions of inhabitants that rely on agriculture – directly and indirectly – for their livelihood. The challenges and opportunities in Africa’s agricultural sector will fall under the spotlight at the second AgriBizNiz Summit, which takes place on 11 - 12 August at the Expo Centre in Johannesburg. This is one of several related events forming part of the African Farmers Workshop and Expo.

A number of high-level speakers and participants have been secured for the following topics: ● Sustainable food production to address food security in Africa ● SMART farming: Exploring alternative, smart and new opportunities to feed population growth in cities. ● Grain and poultry imports saturating the consumer market for South African Farmers. ● The new proposed land bill. ● Promoting trade and investment appeal to drive agribusiness growth - agribusiness trade opportunities in Africa ● Agro logistics/sectoral developments and opportunities, rail and road infrastructure developments.

● Agro processing investment opportunities.

“This two-day AgriBizNiz Summit enables delegates, captains of industry, executives, academics and observers across the agribusiness value chain to engage, network and debate on critical issues in the agricultural industry,” explained Mahlatse Masimini, managing director of Moshate Media, organisers of the event. “In recent years, the importance of smallholders’ contributions to agriculture has gained increasing recognition, with the Government allocating more than R7bn (US$666mn) towards assisting 435,000 subsistence and 54,5000 smallholder farmers over the next three years. The Agri BizNiz Summit and the African Farmers Workshop and Expo provide an ideal platform to reach these markets,” added Masimini.

African Farming - July/August 2014

5

S02 AF JulyAug 2014 News 01_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:13 PM Page 6

Pioneering new trade event in Lagos AGRA INNOVATE IS a pioneering new trade event, supported by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, bringing international agricultural technology providers to Lagos to spend three intensive days with key Nigerian dignitaries, policy makers, agribusiness leaders and entrepreneurs. Together, the audience will identify key business opportunities, technological solutions, share best-practice and form strategic relationships to drive a new period of growth in Nigerian agriculture.

Agra Innovate will be the first major international conference and exhibition to address the specific opportunities of the imminent Nigerian agricultural boom.

President Obiang asks for greater investment in agricultural sector EQUATORIAL GUINEA'S PRESIDENT, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo asked African countries to invest heavily in their agricultural sector to decrease their dependence on the developed world, ensure food security, and significantly reduce hunger in their countries. He made his remarks at the closing session of the assembly of heads of state of the African Union (AU).

President Obiang said that Africa should reorient itself to ensure its independence and security of African states through the safe production of its own consumer goods. “Africa cannot be content to continue with the current dependence on the economies of the developed world. Africa is sailing upstream against a dependency that prevents them from moving toward sustainable development. Africa should rethink its relationship with the developed world to reduce as far as possible the gap that prevents access to development,” said Obiang. “The development of agriculture can greatly reduce this dependence,” he said.

President Obiang proposed to the African Union the establishment of a programme that focuses on the organisation and exploitation of markets to promote trade and food security and to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty. This will also reinforce the fight against climate change and agriculture.

He said that Equatorial Guinea is already investing in its agricultural sector.

“As part of our diversification plan, Equatorial Guinea currently focuses on [agricultural] production to achieve these goals. It is imperative to ensure the security and stability of our states, since agriculture is the most vulnerable sector in times of instability, war and terrorism,” said Obiang.

Brazilians to invest in $119mn sugarcane ethanol plant IN SOUTH AFRICA, South African-Brazilian company Silvapen Group plans to invest in a US$119mn sugar-to-ethanol plant that will use 15,000ha of sugarcane as feedstock. The facility is planned to produce 1.5mn cubic litres of ethanol in addition to 94MW of electricity, of which 84MW will be exported to the grid. Experts expect that cane production could reach 100 tonnes per hectare compared to 80 tonnes in Brazil.

One-stop shop in South Africa TVH SOUTH AFRICA Pty has been part of the TVH family since 1995.

Focusing primarily on the sales of forklift parts, TVH SA became a solid part of the global TVH network. In 2013, TVH acquired Bepco South Africa and integrated Bepco’s agricultural parts business into its own.

The Bepco brand specialises in parts for transmissions, engines, axles, hydraulics, brakes and steering. Product innovation and implementation is key in the company’s goal to be a national one-stop shop.

6 African Farming - July/August 2014

www.africanfarming.net

S02 AF JulyAug 2014 News 01_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:13 PM Page 7

Case’s big tractor training initiative in South Africa CASE IH HAS recently expanded its dealer training programmes with a Big Tractor Training tailored for the sales forces of its dealer network in South Africa.

The attendees were provided with both basic and advanced sessions of commercial training with focus on Case IH high-horsepower tractor offering. They also had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest Case IH tractor technology during in-field tests and practical training sessions.

The event took place during the last two weeks of June in Delmas, east of Johannesburg, and was organised by Case IH EMEA commercial training department, in collaboration with the sales support staff of Northmec, their distributor in South Africa.

The local dealership welcomed more than 60 dealer representatives, including sales specialists and managers coming from every corner of the country on behalf of Northmec. A delegation of dealers from other African and Middle East countries was also invited and participated in dedicated training sessions.

“Having well-trained salespeople always at the top of their profession helps our dealers growing in competitiveness and ensures that our customers receive the best support for their business,” said Ozkan Eren, marketing manager for Case IH in Africa and the Middle East. “Sale force trainings are crucial for our dealers in order to succeed. For this reason, we leverage on the extensive knowledge and expertise of our EMEA commercial training team to provide them the highest quality preparation and training programmes.”

Outbreak of stem rust in Ethiopian wheat AFTER DETECTING AN outbreak of stem rust on more than 10,000 ha of wheat in southern Ethiopia, a global surveillance network is moving quickly to mobilise a global response. The strain of stem rust was found to be lethal to a variety of wheat called Digalu, which has gained popularity in Ethiopia because it carries resistance to other strains of stem rust and also to yellow, or stripe rust.

"With such widespread planting of Digalu, we have not seen the major yellow rust outbreaks that were a problem in recent years and most farmers in Ethiopia have enjoyed bumper crops this season," said Bekele Abeyo, a senior scientist and wheat breeder at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). "But the widespread planting of Digalu may have opened the door for the incursion of a new and destructive strain of stem rust."

Abeyo explained that wind models indicate the disease could spread towards Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. As a result, efforts are underway to identify susceptible varieties being cultivated in these areas. Officials are already reporting that a popular variety in Kenya, called 'Robin', is likely to be vulnerable, although there have been no confirmed reports of the Ethiopian stem rust strain in Kenya to date.

"The recent stem rust outbreak shows that rust preparedness is an ongoing 'arms race'. As pathogens evolve, new varieties must be developed," said Ronnie Coffman, professor of plant breeding and genetics at Cornell University, and director of the Durable Rust Resistance in Wheat (DRRW) project. "The East African highlands are hot spots for rust, but for all countries in sub-Saharan Africa - where food security is such an issue - it is important that we continue to invest in the kinds of agricultural development partnerships that bring results."

www.africanfarming.net

African Farming - July/August 2014

7

S02 AF JulyAug 2014 News 01_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:13 PM Page 8

NEWS

President Jonathan commissions Olam’s integrated rice mill in Nigeria OLAM INTERNATIONAL LTD, a leading agribusiness operating across the value chain in 65 countries, recently welcomed Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan to inaugurate Olam’s stateof-the-art rice mill at its large-scale pioneering rice farm in Nigeria’s Nasarawa State.

The integrated rice milling facility is situated at the heart of Olam’s 6,000 ha greenfield irrigated and mechanised paddy farm, and will provide 36,000 metric tonnes (MT) of milled rice per annum to the domestic market, contributing to the Federal Government’s goal to improve rice self sufficiency. With 3,000 ha already under cultivation and a further 3,000 ha to be developed in 2015, the farm is expected to harvest two crops per annum with four varieties of high-yield rice developed in partnership with the West African Rice Development Association.

Together the farm and the mill are expected to boost smallholder rice production in the region through a ‘nucleus and outgrower farming model’. Surrounding rice-growing communities are supported by Olam with training, pre-finance, agri-inputs and marketing linkages in order to improve their paddy yields and realisations, which are

then purchased by Olam at a fair market price. Currently 3,000 farmers are engaged in the programme, with a target of 16,000 by 2018. Ultimately, 20,000 smallholder farmers will supply 30-40 per cent of the mill’s capacity. The commercial farm itself employs up to 1,000 workers depending on seasonality, providing another source of training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The model was highlighted as a catalytic innovation in African agriculture by the Rockefeller Foundation in 2013.

Venkataramani Srivathsan, Olam’s managing director for Africa and Middle East, commented: “This mill, commissioned today by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, characterises three important aspects of Olam’s commitment to the agricultural sector in Nigeria. Firstly, it demonstrates how large-scale corporate farms can work hand in hand with smallholders to help advance Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda and generate rural prosperity through local processing. Secondly, it underlines the country’s ability to grow high quality, nutritious rice that can enhance domestic food security by providing an alternative to

imports. Thirdly, as Olam kicks off its 25th anniversary celebrations this month, this investment is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Nigeria, the country where Olam was founded.”

He continued: “As we witness this inauguration, we are pleased to announce our plans to increase our acreage in Nasarawa up to 10,000 ha. This will bring Olam’s total investment in the integrated farm and milling facility to more than US$111,000 (NGN 18bn).”

Attending and presenting the opening speech at the inauguration, President Jonathan remarked: “The private sector is responding strongly to our rice policy, as the number of rice mills has grown from just one three years ago to 18 today.”

The President further added: “Our goal of making Nigeria a net exporter of rice will be achieved faster by encouraging large commercial farms that will complement our small-scale farmers. Large mechanised rice farms like Olam’s 6,000-ha farm will not only boost food production but also provide significant opportunities for jobs in rural areas. These mills are producing high quality local rice that meets international standards and competes well with imported rice.”

Bentall Rowlands storage BENTALL ROWLANDS STORAGE Systems Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer in complete storage and processing equipment solutions for the agricultural and industrial markets. The company offers a wide range of galvanised steel silos and hoppers, water tanks, catwalks and platforms, material handling equipment, cleaning, grading and weighing and drying systems that are assembled worldwide.

With over a century of experience in the design, quality and installation of grain storage systems, the company has developed new technologies that have been applied to the manufacture as well as the installation of grain storage and processing equipment.

Its engineering and technical expertise combined with continued focus on customer satisfaction places them in a strong position to

8 African Farming - July/August 2014

capitalise on the expanding market in storage systems. With the capabilities to design, manufacture, supply, and install storage systems from an extensive range of products, Bentall Rowlands provide a comprehensive end-to-end solution which can be designed to any specific client’s requirements.

As the demand for bulk storage and handling equipment is increasing worldwide, volumes and competitive pricing in grain handling charges require efficient solutions. The company manufactures the right quality of product to produce the efficiency savings required to justify the investment.

Its intention to remain at the forefront of this business sector has already been established, with key preferred supplier status being achieved with major companies throughout the world.

www.africanfarming.net

S03 AF JulyAug 2014 News 02_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:23 PM Page 9

S03 AF JulyAug 2014 News 02_Layout 1 7/31/2014 10:15 AM Page 10

NEWS

Zimbabwe develops national livestock policy hub

Ecobank and eleni join forces for agriculture

ZIMBABWE HAS DEVELOPED a national livestock policy hub hosted under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, according to a report by Dr Peter Sinyangwe, regional co-ordinator for the SADC African Union Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources.

A national multidisciplinary stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Harare, which drew participants from different backgrounds with vested interests in the livestock sector, agreed on a roadmap and way forward including roles and responsibilities.

“The meeting agreed on the terms of references and mandate of the policy hub and the national livestock policy focal point,” Sinyangwe said.

The initiative will see participation from government ministries, civil society, parastatals and private sector organisations as policy hub members.

Sinyangwe said that through the hub, mechanisms have been agreed on to link major livestock initiatives to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) process at country level. This will also utilise the African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) guidelines and tool kit and check list for the inclusion of livestock in the CAADP compact and investment plans.

The initiative is being conducted under the AU vet-gov programme for reinforcing veterinary governance in Africa. It will see the setting up of national policy hubs in Africa as multidisciplinary platforms bringing together key stakeholders to foster the formulation and implementation of livestock policies in general and health legislations in particular.

Wallace Mawire

ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC has signed a memorandum of understanding with eleni LLC, the leading proponent and developer of commodity exchanges in Africa, with a view to establishing a co-operative framework to promote and accelerate the development of Africa’s agriculture. Albert Essien, Ecobank’s group chief executive, and Dr Eleni Gabre-Madhin, CEO of eleni, signed the MOU at an official ceremony held during the AfDB’s Annual General Meeting in Kigali.

The partnership between Ecobank and eleni aims to realise a shared vision to transform Africa’s competitiveness in global commodity markets, enhancing value addition and processing in the domestic economy and enhancing food security. The partnership builds on the synergies between Ecobank’s unrivalled pan-African presence and its commitment to financial inclusion and eleni’s successful track record of creating and operating commodity exchanges in Africa, with projects in Ghana, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Nigeria. Ecobank recently announced that it was a keystone investor in the establishment of the Ghana Commodity Exchange, eleni’s first major foray in West Africa.

“As well as increasing market transparency and reducing transaction costs, commodity exchanges play a crucial role in the monitoring and assessment of risk,” commented Albert Essien, Ecobank’s Group CEO. “Instruments such as warehouse receipts reduce uncertainty and improve access to finance across the value chain. We look forward to collaborating further with eleni to enhance Africa’s agricultural financing capabilities.”

“We are very excited to be working with one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with a solid pan-African focus, as this opens up a tremendous opportunity to establish the leading platform for commodity-related payments and transactions across the continent,” concluded Dr Eleni Gabre-Madhin.

Finance with the equipment builder

COLLIN BULLOCK CASSAVA AGRONOMY AND PROCESSING Small Holder and Big Farms solution to grinding and packing

http://uk.linkedin.com/in/collinbullock Tel +44 13 8050 1424 cbullock02@sky.com 10 African Farming - July/August 2014

JOHN DEERE HAS been conducting business in South Africa for the past 50 years and in November 2009 branched out into sub-Saharan Africa and now supports customers and dealers in 48 counties.

Africa is today a core market for John Deere with focused ambitions to unlock mechanisation potential in At John Deere Financial the sole purpose is Sub-Sahara Africa. to help customers invest in the future Lack of access to finance is success of their business. a major constraint to unlocking the potential of agriculture in Africa. John Deere Financial aims to reduce this constraint. John Deere's dealer infrastructure in Africa is in key locations so as to be as accessible as possible to customers. And who better to trust for your financing than the company who built the equipment in the first place. John Deere is represented in nine focus African countries with 10 main dealerships in South Africa and 61 locations across the rest of Africa. John Deere Financial knows the equipment, how it’s used, and what it means to your livelihood. “It’s important for customers to understand that we do not offer just straight funding but that we are able to be creative and flexible in order to meet a client’s needs and cash flow.” said Jacques Taylor, managing director John Deere Financial sub-Saharan Africa. ”You can take advantage of our flexible payment options, competitive rates, plus a fast and easy application process,” he added.

At John Deere Financial the sole purpose is to help customers invest in the future success of their business by providing the full range of financing for John Deere equipment, including hire purchase, finance lease and rental options. www.africanfarming.net

S04 AF JulyAug 2014 Analysis_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:25 PM Page 11

NEWS

Ashkan Animal Health/Bayer exclusive distribution agreement BAYER HEALTHCARE, ANIMAL Health has finalised a sole distribution agreement with Ashkan Animal Health’s Aviboost and Byboost nutraceutical range for the Southern African region, This includes South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. The innovative nutraceutical range developed in South Africa by Eddy Mehta of Ashkan Animal Health will be marketed exclusively by Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health group. The Aviboost and Byboost range provide nanoparticulate nutrients, quickly and effectively, in a liquid form to the livestock and poultry industry. Organic minerals coupled with specifically balanced vitamins, essential

protein precursors and nucleotides deliver a readily available boosted package enhancing investment return for poultry and large animal farmers.

The CEO of Ashkan Holdings commented that the four year relationship with Bayer now had a solid foundation while the Bayer’s marketing manager, Dr. Barry Schoombee emphasised that the only way forward for this range “was upwards and outwards” emphasising, “The beauty of this range is that the farmer can immediately alleviate any micro nutrient deficiency syndrome on farm once identified, reducing the long term impact on production and profitability” The agreement includes the exclusive

distribution of Aviboost poultry tonic, the flagship of this range, as well as the innovative and novel Byboost Scour-Ex for the treatment of scours in ruminant and monogastric stock. A combination energiser, Byboost Liquigize, as well as Byboost Kal-CiPhos with extra zinc will go a long way to providing the protein-producing industry of Southern Africa with essential immediate response tools to alleviate nutrient stress episodes and enhance investments returns in both intensive and extensive livestock farming sectors.

The comprehensive range will be supplied solely through Bayer and their logistic partners UTI.

SAPA welcomes commitment to the NDP

Stunning system for improved quality and animal welfare

THE SOUTH AFRICAN Poultry Association (SAPA) welcomed the commitment made by President Zuma, at the State of the Nation address on the 17 June 2014 to the agricultural objectives as set out in the National Development Plan.

Kevin Lovell, CEO of SAPA, said in aiming for a five per cent economic growth rate and reducing unemployment, poverty and inequality, it is apparent that the agricultural sector has a key role to play in helping government to achieve these goals.

“As the biggest single contributor to South Africa’s agricultural GDP and responsible for the employment of more than 120,000 people, the local poultry sector continues to feel the effect of high input costs, imports and dumping, all of which have had a negative effect on the potential for further expansion and job creation,” said Lovell.

“As an association, we have embarked on a series of actions that will transform the local poultry industry, promote the cause of the emerging farmer, institute a range of measures to assist smallholder farmers, and ensure greater access to information, education and resources that will encourage ease of entry to the industry and its markets but also ensure the long-term success and sustainability of these new entrants,” he said.

T H E M E Y N M U LT I STAG E CO2 stunning system, a codevelopment with Praxair Inc, offers important benefits. During stunning, the birds remain in the drawer or container, thus completely eliminating the handling and transport of active birds. This largely reduces risk on injuries to the birds. The closed cabinet construction allows for the CO2 concentration to be managed perfectly in every stage of the process, resulting in a humane stun. Although the stunning cycle is longer than competitor systems, this reduces wing flapping and as a result reduces the risk of damage to the birds. The system can operate at the highest capacities in the market, ranking from 1,000 to 13,500 bph.

Research shows that using the Meyn multistage CO2 stunning system, you are assured of a higher yield through less trimming loss and less B-grade products. This as a result of the improved quality of the breast fillet, thighs and wings (less blood spots).

Furthermore, the system considerably enhances the working conditions of your personnel and improves animal welfare conditions, meeting the ever increasing public and consumer demands.

www.africanfarming.net

African Farming - July/August 2014 11

S05 AF JulyAug 2014 Poultry_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:28 PM Page 12

POULTRY

VIV Europe 2014 visitors heard of how the poultry industry is actively working to improve animal welfare and public perceptions.

Animal welfare important to poultry industry

A

CONFERENCE ON animal welfare, conducted by Watt Global Media at VIV Europe 2014, drew a diverse crowd and numerous questions from the audience. It focused on the poultry industry's role in the implementation of World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) animal welfare standards, how genetics companies breed for animal welfare, and how a group in Germany is raising consumer awareness of the poultry industry's commitment to animal welfare.

Aline Veauthier, from the Science and Information Centre for Sustainable Poultry Production, Vechta University, Germany, described the organisation's programme that opens poultry growing houses to the public in northern Germany.

She explained that animal welfare groups and the media were presenting a negative view of the poultry industry in Germany. To combat that, the group developed this programme to give full transparency to the public. "We want the public informed on modern systems of meat production," she said.

Still in its beginning stages, the programme has hosted more than 4,000 visitors on 24 farms, with more than 80 farmers participating.

Studying animal welfare under commercial conditions is critical.

How the programme works She explained how the programme works. "In general, farm openings take place one Sunday per month, April to October." She explained they are careful to choose farms that are adequate distances apart to keep people from visiting multiple farms in one day, and they choose farms with animals of a proper age.

"Last weekend, we had 300 visitors on two new farms. We feel the project is an overwhelming success."

When arriving at the farm, visitors enter a tent erected next to a facility. They get general information on poultry farms and are questioned about their expectations and attitudes prior to the tour. Visitors wear protective clothing and footwear, and biosecurity measures are followed.

After the tour, the visitors take a second 12 African Farming - July/August 2014

Animal welfare is important to the poultry industry worldwide.

A major nutritional problem in developing countries is the biological and chemical contamination of poultry feeds, which may have serious consequences. survey and the changes of their attitude are tracked. She presented results taken from 3,000 visitors on 15 farms.

More than 40 per cent of people taking the survey had no previous knowledge of the industry, and 74 per cent had not seen a poultry house before. The survey showed that their impressions of the industry had improved, especially on air quality and dust in the facilities. She said 81 per cent report positive impressions, and 77 per cent now disagree with the non-governmental organisation (NGO) and media representations of the industry.

Vincent Guyonnet, scientific advisor for the International Egg Commission, gave an outline of the role of the poultry sector in the implementation of the OIE animal welfare standards. The OIE was formed in 1924 to combat disease risks from trans-border transportation of poultry. Since 2001, the group has been leading the development of recommendations on animal welfare practices, and in May 2013 approved recommendations

for standards with broiler production systems.

Regional or national poultry organisations can then base their regulations or recommendations on these standards.

"These standards are valuable, but must be applied and monitored for compliance locally," said Guyonnet. "There are different methods of this in different countries." He used the National Chicken Council's animal welfare guidelines and audit checklist as an example of how this is being done in the United States.

He said industry participation is the key.

"Studying animal welfare under commercial conditions is critical," said Guyonnet. "The poultry sector is co-operating and helping in developing OIE standards. The challenge now is to get training materials and OIE standards in all countries."

The third speaker, Anne-Marie Neetson-Van Nieuwenhoven, vice president of welfare and compliance for the Aviagen Group, explained how animal welfare is one of the major factors that genetics companies take into account when developing strains of birds.

"We have a balanced breeding programme for welfare and sustainability," she said. She added that a very high percentage of the traits they select can be traced back to improved animal welfare and sustainability. She pointed out that those factors are going to be crucial if the industry is going to increase production at the levels needed to support the increased demand for protein in the coming decades. h Wattagnet.com www.africanfarming.net

S05 AF JulyAug 2014 Poultry_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:28 PM Page 13

S05 AF JulyAug 2014 Poultry_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:28 PM Page 14

POULTRY

Poultry and nutrition and feed IN TERMS OF cost, feed is the most important input for poultry production, and the availability of low-priced, high-quality feeds is critical for the expansion of the poultry industry. For maximum performance and good health, poultry need a steady supply of energy, protein, essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins and, most important, water. Recent advances in poultry nutrition have focused on three main areas: ● developing an understanding of nutrient metabolism and nutrient requirements; ● determining the availability of nutrients in feed ingredients; and ● formulating least-cost diets that bring nutrient requirements and nutrient supply together.

Practical poultry diets are formulated from a mixture of ingredients, including cereal grains, cereal by-products, fats, plant protein sources, animal by-products, vitamin and mineral supplements, crystalline amino acids and feed additives. In developing countries, the increasing cost and decreasing supply of traditional feedstuffs are expected to constrain the future expansion of poultry production. This situation highlights the urgent need to improve utilisation of the wide range of alternative feedstuffs available in these countries. In many circumstances, feed resources are either unused and wasted, or used inefficiently. The use of most alternative feedstuffs is currently negligible, owing to

constraints imposed by nutritional, technical and socio-economic factors. However, unlike intensive commercial poultry production systems, family poultry units and semicommercial systems are well-suited to the inclusion of these feedstuffs.

A major nutritional problem in developing countries is the biological and chemical contamination of poultry feeds, which may have serious consequences on bird performance and the safety of poultry products for humans. Of the potential contaminants, mycotoxins are the most widespread, particularly in hot, humid conditions, and mycotoxin decontamination must be a part of feeding strategies.

Potential of insects as resources for animal feed INSECTS CAN PROVIDE a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option for animal feed, in addition to already being a mainstay of human diets for two billion people worldwide, FAO assistant director-general Eduardo Rojas-Briales told an international gathering of researchers in The Netherlands.

Rojas spoke during the opening session of the conference, “Insects to Feed the World,” jointly organised by Wageningen University and the UN agency. More than 400 participants from 45 countries athered for the May event to examine the current status and future potential of insects as food and feed.

“The time is ripe to think about alternative sources of food in view of a growing world population, climate change threats and persisting hunger in many parts of the world,” said Rojas, who oversees FAO’s work in forestry and related food systems and livelihoods. Wild foods contribute to the food security of millions of people living in and around forests and most of the insects consumed by one-third of the world’s people are collected from the wild.

“Certainly insects alone will not solve the world’s food security challenges but it would be absurd not to mobilise their full potential in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.”

“Raising insects for feed is an environmentally friendly and efficient way of producing animal feed,” said Rojas. “Insects can be fed on bio-waste, compost and animal slurry, and can transform these into high-quality protein for animal feed.”

Insects can provide a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option for animal feed.

14 African Farming - July/August 2014

Bees are among the most commonly consumed insects in some parts of the world.

“Recognising the global potential of insects for food in this conference is not to advocate a change in the food patterns of the other two-thirds of the global population that is not used to eating insects, but to ensure that those who consume insects can continue to do so in the future in a sustainable way, and to highlight the different potential contributions insects can make to food security in the future,” Rojas said.

He added that the challenge of feeding a projected nine billion people in a sustainable way by the year 2050 will “never be achieved based on one single measure, but is only possible by a convergence of perseverant measures that complement each other.”

Tiny champions Rojas mentioned bees as a prime example of the variety of ways in which insects contribute to food security. Bees provide honey but they are also the predominant and most economically important group of pollinators in most geographical regions of the globe, supporting pollination of 71 of the 100 crop species that provide 90 per cent of the world’s food. Also, bees are among the most commonly consumed insects in some parts of the world.

In addition to raising awareness of the potential of insects in sustainable diets and food production, conference participants plan to discuss a variety of related issues, including data-gathering, nutritional analysis, and regulatory and research considerations, among others.

Rojas said the international scientific community could make “important contributions by generating the right momentum to overcome the still-existing bottlenecks and to unlock the full potential of insects for food and feed.”

www.africanfarming.net

S06 AF JulyAug 2014 Livestock_Layout 1 7/31/2014 10:13 AM Page 15

FERTILISER

Ensuring soil fertility is maintained is vital in improving crop yields. Organic fertiliser has a big role to play in improving soil fertility to grow fruits and vegetables enabling the gradual release of nutrients to reach optimal absorption

Ferm O Feed’s organic fertilisers increase crop yields

F

ERM O FEED, a subsidiary of Den Ouden Group from Schijndel, recently set-up a new organic fertilizer production facility in The Netherlands. The Helmond-based factory has been constructed to meet the highest standards, producing 70,000 tonnes per year of pelletized organic fertilizers from dried chicken manure. Almost 95 per cent of the production is exported to more than 45 countries across the globe and as capacity has doubled, Ferm O Feed is now interested to expand its markets.

With the factory fully operational, Ferm O Feed´s organic fertilizers can be used by farmers across the world for a wide range of crops, including tomatoes, coffee, tea, cocoa, tobacco and rubber.

Ferm O Feed provides high organic matter to improve the quality of soil, thus increasing crop yields. The main advantages of using organic fertilizers include improvement of soil life, improved structure of the soil and no harmful effects to the environment. It’s a cradle to cradle product.

The different types of organic fertilizers produced by Ferm O Feed are Fertiplus® NPK 4-3-3, Fertiplus® NPK 4-2-10, Fertiplus® NPK 4-10-2, Fertiplus® NPK 8-3-3, Fertiplus® COW and Fertiplus® BIO. All these products are also available in crumb.

“Customers ask for fertilizer with high organic matter to improve the quality of soil and fertilizer which also contains a lot of trace elements and humic acids. Our fertilizer is always minimum 88 per cent dry matter. Local producers can’t dry its product very well.

Farmers buy only very good dried pellets, that’s important for the storage of the fertilizer,” said Rob den Ouden.

Ferm O Feed produces environmentally friendly fertilizers and therefore stays away from chemical fertilizers, which can be harsh to the environment and are known to decrease the quality of the soil causing low rates of organic matter and poor water-holding capacity. The chemicals can seep through the soil meaning the crops will lose their NPK, in contrast to when organic fertilizers are used, the NPK’s are retained. The company’s organic fertilizers offer a way to overcome this problem as they also contain NPK, composition of nitrogen, phosphorus

Ferm O Feed’s Helmond-based production facility is now fully operational.

www.africanfarming.net

Ferm O Feed’s new facility produces 70,000 tonnes of pelletized organic fertilizer per year.

and potassium that is vital in plant nutrition. Ferm O Feed’s products are also used as plant food in fish hatcheries to encourage the growth of algae, which can then be used as fish feed.

The benefits of Ferm O Feed’s organic fertilizers have been widely seen through exports mainly to the Middle East, Europe and North Africa including Libya, Tunisia and Morocco but also in the Far East including Cambodia, Taiwan and Vietnam. Rob den Ouden revealed that the firm has plans to manufacture special types of organic fertilizer, targeting a specific crop, for example, olives.

Almost 95 per cent of the production is exported to more than 45 countries across the globe and as capacity has doubled, Ferm O Feed is now interested to expand its markets.

Ferm O Feed’s main presence is in the northern part of the African continent, although it has loyal customers elsewhere in the continent, for example in Botswana. The company now aims to extend its reach across Africa, especially to countries where there is easy access to the sea with a good connection to the port in order to lower export costs. When it comes to loading shipping containers, 20ft containers and 40ft containers are mainly used with maximum loads of between 24-26 tonnes.

The firm is currently working towards expanding its business by focusing on distributors who are working in African countries who have experience with importing agricultural inputs and also distributing them to end users.

“Our company policy is to stay in the organic fertilizer market we don’t want to expand in mineral or chemical because we have a lot of raw material available in the Netherlands and we want to give this organic material in the form of chicken manure and new life. For this we export this organic fertilizer worldwide and help people increase its crops yields and produce some more food for all the people in the world,” said Rob den Ouden proudly. h African Farming - July/August 2014 15

S06 AF JulyAug 2014 Livestock_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:30 PM Page 16

LIVESTOCK

Understanding the DNA code for this carrier insect will help scientists working to control livestock disease.

Tsetse fly genome breakthrough brings hope for African farmers

S

CIENTISTS HAVE CRACKED the genetic code of the bloodsucking tsetse fly, prompting hope that the breakthrough will help future efforts to control one of the most devastating livestock diseases in sub-Saharan Africa spread by the insect.

The tsetse genome was sequenced and annotated during a 10-year international collaborative effort that involved the Insect Pest Control Laboratory run jointly by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.

The achievement allows scientists to better study the fly’s genes and their functions, knowledge that should open the door for researching ways to control the insect.

Found only in Africa, tsetse flies are vectors for the single-cell parasites that cause trypanosomiasis, or nagana, an often-lethal disease that affects some three million animals in the region each year at massive costs to farmers’ livelihoods and food security.

The disease leads to a debilitating chronic condition that reduces fertility, weight gain, meat and milk production, and makes livestock too weak to be used for ploughing or transport, which in turn affects crop production.

Humans bitten by carrier flies can develop African sleeping sickness, which can be fatal without treatment.

No vaccine against the disease exists for livestock or humans because the parasite is able to evade mammalian immune systems, so control methods primarily involve targeting tsetse flies through trapping, pesticide treatments and sterile male release strategies.

“Decoding the tsetse fly’s DNA is a major scientific breakthrough that opens the way for more effective control of trypanosomiasis, which is good news for millions of herders and farmers in subSaharan Africa,” said Kostas Bourtzis of the

The disease leads to a debilitating chronic condition that reduces fertility, weight gain, meat and milk production.

16 African Farming - July/August 2014

Found only in Africa, tsetse flies are vectors for the single-cell parasites that cause trypanosomiasis.

Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.

“Detection and treatment of trypanosomiasis is currently expensive, difficult and dangerous for the livestock as it often involves toxic drugs, but this new knowledge will accelerate research on tsetse control methods and help scientists develop new and complementary strategies to reduce the use of costly drugs and insecticides,” he said.

Unique biology In their contribution to decoding the genome, scientists from the FAO/IAEA Insect Pest Control Laboratory focused on the tsetse fly’s relationship with a symbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, which in many insect species affects its host’s biology and physiology, including reproduction, mating behaviour and capacity as a vector.

“Our group was involved in the discovery of the horizontal transfer of large stretches of genomic sequence from the Wolbachia bacteria into the tsetse genome,” Bourtzis said. “How these gene insertions affect the biology of the tsetse is currently being investigated.”

The tsetse fly’s complex relationship with Wolbachia and two other symbiotic bacteria are part of its unique biology, which also involves feeding exclusively on vertebrate blood, giving birth to live young, and feeding young by lactation.

A first set of findings on the tsetse fly genome

was recently published in the journal Science in a paper entitled ‘Genome Sequence of the Tsetse Fly (Glossina morsitans): Vector of African Trypanosomiasis’.

Sterile insect technique The Joint FAO/IAEA Division is currently supporting 14 African nations in their efforts to tackle the trypanosomiasis problem by controlling tsetse fly populations by integrating the sterile insect technique with other control methods.

A form of insect birth control, the sterile insect technique involves releasing massbred male flies that have been sterilised by low doses of radiation into infested areas, where they mate with wild females. These do not produce offspring and, as a result, the technique can suppress and, if applied systematically on an area-wide basis, eventually eradicate populations of wild flies.

Tsetse flies were successfully eradicated from the island of Zanzibar using the sterile insect technique and are currently being suppressed in parts of southern Ethiopia. In January, Senegal reported that it was making significant progress in infested areas in the Niayes with the same method.

Established in 1964, the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture uses the talents and resources of both organisations to broaden cooperation among their member countries in applying nuclear technology and related biotechnologies to improve sustainable food security. h www.africanfarming.net

S07 AF JulyAug 2014 Palm Oil_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:35 PM Page 17

Introducing the New and Innovative Kenya: Agro-pastrolism in Transmara PASTROLISTS IN TRANSMARA County are embracing diversity and adapting drought resistance crops for food and fodder for the animals.

The shift to agriculture is attributed to the harsh climatic conditions that have forced farmers in Transmara to reduce the number of animals so as to grow traditional foods such as sweet potatoes.

Leonard Leina, 25, is now thinking of shifting from pastoralism to dairy farming. Currently Leina is growing fodder in part of his 10 acres of land that he inherited from his father. ”I take care of fodder crops and besides the little that I sell, my two indigenous cows do not eat much of it so I feel I am not utilising it properly,” said the young beneficiary of the Agricultural Productivity and Climate Change in Arid and Semi-arid lands supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in partnership with Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Kisii.

48-year-old Emily Kokoyo, also a beneficiary of the project, said vegetables are more economical. “I have seen a change since I started growing vegetables, beans and sweet potatoes and I only have to wait for three months, unlike maize which I have to wait for six months with no surety of getting any yields,” she said adding that they are easy to grow and she always has sufficient food.

Kokoyo can get an income of Sh15,000 (US$171) from the sale of her yields which she invested on a business and is now able to pay school fees for her five children. She was trained on soil management by Kari and she has been able to improve on her farm yields and become economically independent.

Isabelle Proulx, the programme manager Climate Change Adaptation in Africa; Climate Change and Environmental Economics, Agriculture and Environment (IDRC) said the project was financed at a tune of more than US$1mn for a period of three years.

www.africanfarming.net

Bristle Crop-Holder.

The new and improved Bristle Crop-Holder will fit in most header-open fronts for harvesting drought affected or short crops. The bristles hold the heads from falling back on the ground after the crop has been cut by the knife.

Phone: +61 457357269 Website: www.bristlecropholder.com E-mail: info@bristlecropholder.com

African Farming - July/August 2014 17

S07 AF JulyAug 2014 Palm Oil_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:35 PM Page 18

PALM OIL

Wilmar International, one of the world's biggest palm oil producers, has agreed to ensure the oil it supplies will not result in any additional loss of rainforests, in a move that could significantly slow the destruction of tropical forests around the world. The company has also vowed to better protect the rights of its workers and the forest communities where it operates.

Palm oil but with greater rainforest protection

C

RUCIALLY, THE COMMITMENT also applies to subsidiaries of the company, which processes or trades 45 per cent of the world's palm oil - a US$5bn a year global industry.

“If Wilmar is genuine in its commitments to deforestation-free, peat-free, exploitation-free palm oil, this could be a game-changer for the industry,” said Sharon Smith, palm oil campaign manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Last year, in a Newsweek ranking of the environmental performance of the world's 500 biggest companies, Wilmar came last, Smith noted. But if the new agreement is effectively implemented, it “could become the industry standard for sustainable plantation expansion and palm oil trading”.

Under the agreement, the Singapore-based food products company agreed that it and its subsidiaries would not cut down any additional rainforest to boost agricultural production, would not destroy important carbon-sequestering peatlands and would in particular protect forests that are habitat for endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, Sumatran tigers and orangutans.

The company also said it would ensure its employees and the forest communities where it works have the right to free, prior and informed consent about operations that affect them.

“Six months ago, fires from out-of-control deforestation in Indonesia choked Singapore and much of Southeast Asia - fires made possible by a no-questions-asked palm oil sector,” said Glenn Hurowitz, managing director of Climate Advisors, an organisation that works toward creating low-carbon policy.

A new “Green Revolution” “This agreement could mark the start of a new 'Green Revolution' that provides the deforestation-free agricultural goods global consumers are increasingly demanding,” he added in a statement.

Surging global demand for palm oil has become a major driver of tropical deforestation in Southeast Asia and, increasingly, in West Africa. Forest loss is a significant contributor to climate change, and Indonesia today ranks third in carbon emissions, behind only China and the United States, as a result of its rapid deforestation and destruction of peatland.

Smallholder palm plantations may be small in West Africa, but in Indonesia and Malaysia the picture is grim for communities and forests.

18 African Farming - July/August 2014

Oil palm (or Elaesis guineensis) originated from the coastal swamplands and freshwater riverines of Central and West Africa.

If the new agreement is effectively implemented, it “could become the industry standard for sustainable plantation expansion and palm oil trading”.

Industry and environmental organisations in 2004 set up a Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, which runs a sustainable palm oil certification scheme, to try to deal with some of the problems.

But critics say the organisation has been less effective than hoped, both in curbing loss of tropical forests in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, and ensuring the rights of indigenous people living in those forests.

Palm oil is used in a huge range of products, from foods like chocolate and baked goods to soaps and cosmetics. According to The Forest Trust, a non-profit organisation that works with businesses on responsible products, US imports of the oil have grown fivefold in the last decade alone.

Wilmar's commitment follows a similar agreement by Nestlé in 2010 and one by Unilever last month to track the supply of all of its palm oil by end of 2014, the trust said.

But because “few companies dominate their sectors the way Wilmar dominates palm oil, the new commitment could have far-reaching effects,” said Scott Poynton, executive director of The Forest Trust.

The agreement “dwarfs in ambition any previous joint commitment in the sector,” he said.

Poynton and others, however, warned that enforcement of the new agreements will be the real test.

"While this policy is great news for forests and wildlife, its success will be judged by Wilmar's actions to implement and enforce it," said Bustar Maitar, head of the Indonesian forest campaign at Greenpeace International, in a statement.

He said the deal also amounted to a gauntlet “thrown to other palm oil traders such as Cargill, Musim Mas and Sime Darby to release similar policies”. h

www.africanfarming.net

S07 AF JulyAug 2014 Palm Oil_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:35 PM Page 19

STORAGE SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE

We take looking after your grain very seriously

Bentall Rowlands Storage Systems Limited Dragonby Vale Enterprise Park, Mannaberg Way, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN15 8XF, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1724 282 828 E: AF@bentallrowlands.co.uk SITE 5

SITE 4

SITE 3

SITE 2

SITE 1

S08 AF JulyAug 2014 Feature A&B_Layout 1 7/31/2014 10:22 AM Page 20

CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE

With the high cost of farm operations such as ploughing, harrowing and weeding, farmers in some parts of Kenya are adopting a new concept conservation agriculture. Mwangi Mumero reports

Conservation agriculture: cost effective and easily available

A

CROSS THE AFRICAN continent, the concept has also been well taken in Ghana, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania.

According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), conservation agriculture (CA) entails minimal soil disturbance during land preparation and other consequent operations. Cultural methods are used in retaining soil moisture, fertility and in weed control.

African Farming visited a farmer in Kenya who is among the early converts to CA to see progress in this form of farming.

“The soil is able to retain fertility, there is less cost and more production per acre compared to conventional agriculture,” observed Antony Mathenge, a farmer in Kongoni village, Kinamba location in Laikipia County, one of the 1,500 farmers in the area practising conservation agriculture.

Unlike in conventional farming where land is opened up during ploughing, Mathenge’s farm is left intact and only planting channels are dug using a ripper – a tractor-drawn implement that opens up narrow trenches 30 cm deep on land still showing crop remains of the last season.

The soil is able to retain fertility, there is less cost and more production per acre compared to conventional agriculture.

“Deep trenches help retain water especially in areas with high evaporation rates. It also reduces the surface area where weeds can establish and compete for nutrients with the established crops”, said George Kamau, an extension officer with the Tree is Life Project, a local nongovernmental organisation working closely with farmers in Laikipia.

The Tree is Life Project, an affiliate of the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu, has initiated four demonstration farms in Ng’arua division and another seven farms in Nyandarua County where farmers can learn conservation agriculture.

Funding for this project has been provided 20 African Farming - July/August 2014

Laikipia farmer Antony Mathenge demonstrates how conservation agricultural practices such as minimum tillage and use of maize remains to control weeds and moisture. Image: Mwangi Mumero.

by the Global Environmental Facility, part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in an effort to boost food production, boost rural incomes and reduce pressure on forest resources.

It also has a component of free fertiliser that is given to participating farmers on whose land demonstration farms are located.

In Kenya, farming operations account for more than 50 per cent of all crop production costs and a reduction on these overheads is considered a boon to the rural-based smallholder farmers.

According to research conducted by the Egerton University-based Tegemeo Institute for Food Security, 47 per cent of Kenya’s rural households is derived from crop farming - mainly maize.

Per capita maize consumption is estimated at 98 kg translating to a national demand of 30 to 34mn bags annually.

Maize accounts for more than 28 per cent of total crop production.

The biggest challenge According to the research, the biggest challenge is for the country to increase food

production while keeping production and marketing costs at the lowest. This should be done by improved farming techniques and skills and subsidised farm inputs.

“If farmers were to lower the cost of ploughing, harrowing and weeding, it would greatly improve on their business profitability.

Conservation agriculture employs practices that are cost effective and available to many farmers”, observed Kamau.

Currently in Laikipia under conventional farming an acre of land costs a farmer Ksh2,500 (US$29) per ploughing, Ksh2,500 (US$29) for trenching and Ksh1,800 (US$20) for planting using tractors.

Weeding costs average Ksh7,200 (US$85) as it is done twice during the growing season.

Using a ripper-the only implement required in conservation agriculture, farmers will only spend Ksh1,800 (US$ 21) per acre - saving on Ksh5,000 (US$58) annually. In weeding, an acre of land requires a litre of herbicide which retails at Ksh1,800 (US$21).

Experts say that with minimal soil disturbance, soil moisture, fertility and www.africanfarming.net

S08 AF JulyAug 2014 Feature A&B_Layout 1 7/31/2014 10:22 AM Page 21

CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE

structure are retained. There is improved water percolation in the soil, reduced soil erosion and improved microbial activities in the soil.

Minimal use of herbicides Weeding is done through slashing and minimal use of herbicides – especially after harvesting.

According to Mathenge, farmers should spray against weeds immediately after harvesting to reduce the growth of weeds over the rest period.

“This reduces the need for ploughing during land preparation. For the persistant weeds, slashing is done just before planting trenches or holes are dug during land preparation”, said Mathenge, a retired teacher and a father of grown up children.

Advantages of mulching Weeds are also smothered by mulching that utilises crop residues such as maize stovers and wheat straw.

Mulching also conserves soil moisture, moderates soil temperature and upon

With minimal soil disturbance, soil moisture, fertility and structure are retained.

www.africanfarming.net

A plot of land being prepared near Watamu - careful measurement of where holes are dug is important.

decomposition improves soil organic matter and fertility.

To boost decomposition of organic mulch, local farmers are adding bacterial formulations to the soil.

Mixed cropping and crop rotation For this method to succeed, mixed cropping and crop rotation must also be practised. The correct amount of fertiliser must be added to the soil and planting and should be done at the onset of rains, according to Kamau.

Agricultural experts state that many rural farmers fail to attain their crop production potential due to failure to prepare the land early, low fertiliser application rates,

incorrect spacing affecting crop population and competition, and poor weeding.

“When these practices are done in the right way, production shoots up by more than 50 per cent per acre. The produce is healthier compared to previous situations,“ said Mathenge who has seen his maize production increase from 15-20 bags per acre in conventional farming to 40-50 bags per acre under conservation agriculture.

With the average price of maize at Ksh2,500 (US$29) per 90 kg bag, the profitability per acre rises from Ksh30,000 (US$353) in conventional farming to Ksh100,000 (US$1,176) under conservation agriculture.

Even with the accruing benefits, lack of information has slowed the adoption of CA across Africa.

“Governments and other agencies must improve agricultural extension services to get this information to many farmers”, said farmer Mathenge.

Globally, about 115mn hectares of land were under CA according to FAO indicating the importance this form of agriculture in securing food security to the mainly rural-based populace in the developing world. h

African Farming - July/August 2014 21

S08 AF JulyAug 2014 Feature A&B_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:48 PM Page 22

DR CONGO

Kitoko Food Farm, a joint project funded by the Gertler Family Foundation (GFF) and the Fleurette Group, aims to help combat food shortages in DR Congo in a bid to improve the lack of access to food.

Kitoko Food’s goal to improving food security in DR Congo

M

ORE THAN 70 per cent of DR Congo’s population works in agriculture and despite the lack of access to food, the country’s agricultural potential has barely been tapped with only 10 per cent of 80mn arable hectares being cultivated.

Kitoko Food Farm was built around 45 km outside of the capital of Kinshasa providing access to the 12mn people who live in Kinshasa as well as supplying local markets with fresh, high-quality produce.

According to Kitoko Food cofounder and agronomist, Gil Arbel, the 607 ha farm has been set-up to equip local Congolese with the tools and intensive practical skills needed to strengthen food security in the region and advance the DR Congo’s agricultural and economic development. The farm has currently recruited 90 Congolese workers and in the space of a year is expected to employ a total of 200 permanent Congolese workers, more than 80 per cent of whom already reside in villages near the farm. When construction is fully complete, Kitoko Food Farm is expected to grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, contain fish farms including a plant and tree nursery on almost 600 acres, with a goal to improve the availability of fresh, quality food and protein in and around Kinshasa.

“DR Congo in particular is severely affected by high food prices; it is a large net importer of cereals and people suffer from malnutrition - this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Kitoko’s aim is to address the issue of food security in the DR Congo while 22 African Farming - July/August 2014

Congolese workers in the fields at Kitoko Food Farm.

harnessing the commercial potential of the country’s agricultural sector, which is very promising. Given the arable land in the country, it’s unfortunate that Congolese citizens import most of their food at high prices,” said Arbel.

The number of people experiencing food shortages in DR Congo has seen an increase; figures in December 2013 reveal that this has reached 6.7mn, a five per cent increase compared to figures recorded in June 2013. The conflict-zones in DR Congo are reported to have been the most hard hit by the lack of access to food. The Kitoko Food Farm project shows that people can overcome this lack of access by growing their own fruits and vegetables to become self-reliant as external support is not a sustainable solution in the battle to improve food security in the country.

“It is only by teaching the right techniques in the right way, making use of practical experienced agricultural expertise from the outset, and delivering tangible benefits to the people that the Congolese will become self-sufficient,” stated Kitoko Food’s co-founder.

Plans are now also underway to develop an on-site agricultural training academy which if successful may be set up

in other parts of the country and across the African continent. The intensive training farmers will receive is the first of its kind.

Farmers in the region will have the opportunity to enrol at the academy, which will admit 120 students annually, as it educates growers on farming and management techniques. Kitoko Food has recently devised small, medium and large kits that use an irrigation process from Netafim Company in a self-contained vegetable production system, promoting sustainable food production for farmers to use.

“The farm is the testing ground for an academy – which future farmers and managers will graduate from, and who will replicate the Kitoko model elsewhere. The aim for the academy is to go out and attract some of the big influential international institutions to help fund the completion of the Kitoko academy, as it is planned,” said Arbel.

New farming techniques Kitoko Farm has adopted new farming techniques to support farmers growing crops, including fertigation through drip irrigation rather than fertilising the crops.

This in turn will lead to increased nutrient absorption by plants and a reduction in fertiliser, waste, and water needed due to

evaporation. This method reduces water consumption due to the plant’s increased ability to trap and hold water. Fertigation also lowers the probability of the roots being affected by soil borne diseases through the damaged soil, and prevent soil erosion as the nutrients are pumped through the water drip.

“The use of cutting-edge agricultural technology and techniques, including industry best practices in efficient irrigation, fertilisation, farm mechanisation and sustainable farming methods also contribute to the project’s uniqueness,” added Arbel.

Kitoko now looks to the future at working alongside other international institutions and organisations, which following on from the successful launch of this agricultural project, it hopes will be more positive towards Kitoko project’s goals and values.

Partnerships and expertise being two key factors for future development, Kitoko Food hopes to set-up projects that will be sustainable under the right social and environmental conditions. Therefore with secured investment and improved knowledge of farmers in Africa on irrigation methods, the continent is one step closer to eradicating food poverty. h www.africanfarming.net

S09 AF JulyAug 2014 Cereal Processing_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:52 PM Page 23

S09 AF JulyAug 2014 Cereal Processing_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:52 PM Page 24

CEREAL PROCESSING

Optimising feed efficiency and income over feed costs on dairy farms is very important because feed is the highest cost associated with producing milk.

Processing cereal grains fed to dairy cattle

S

OME OF THE primary dietary areas for achieving high feed efficiency are feeding high-quality forage, providing optimum balance of protein and carbohydrates for rumen health, and high digestibility of the cereal grains. Diets for lactating dairy cows generally contain about 70 per cent carbohydrates, with 20 to 25 per cent of the diet consisting of starch. The cereal grains provide most of this starch, but corn silage often contributes a high proportion of the dietary starch. However, the focus of this article will be on improving the digestibility of the cereal grains for optimising lactating cow performance.

Whole, unprocessed cereal grains are not fed to lactating cows because of the low digestibility that would occur. The high dry matter intake of dairy cows results in a rather fast rate of passage of digestion through the digestive tract, so inadequately processed grains will have low digestibility.

Achieving high digestibility of dietary ingredients is critical for getting the most out of feed ingredients, especially during periods of high feed prices.

Ways to process cereal grains The two major ways of processing cereal grains are to reduce particle size by: (1) rolling or grinding the dried grains or (2) using a combination of moisture and heat.

Reducing the particle size increases the surface area for microbial activity in the rumen and enzyme action in the small intestine. Using heat and moisture results in the gelationisation of the starch, which increases its rate and extent of digestion. In general, about 50 per cent of the starch from processed, dry cereal grains is digested in the rumen, and total tract digestibility of the starch in most processed cereal grains is greater than 90 per cent (Table 1). Reducing the particle size of corn, sorghum, or barley increases the total tract digestibility of starch and thus increases the energy available from these feeds (Table 1).

Steam flaking of cereal grains further increases their digestibility. The maturity of the grain, level of moisture, and the fermentation that occurs during ensiling 24 African Farming - July/August 2014

Hydroponically grown fodder is an extremely cost-effective feed supplement for cattle. This changes digestibility from 30 per cent when in grain to 95 per cent when in the fodder, thus enabling the livestock to use the energy for milk production, reproduction and weight gain.

Achieving high digestibility of dietary ingredients is critical for getting the most out of feed ingredients. results in higher digestibility of starch for high-moisture corn than with dry processing, yet high-moisture corn should be rolled, preferably before ensiling for optimising energy availability.

With each of these processes, the rate of digestion of starch in the rumen is expected to increase. This increased rate of fermentation can result in increased volatile fatty acid production, and sometimes with increases in lactic acid production, which can cause reduced rumen pH, leading to subacute rumen acidosis (SARA). To reduce the risk for SARA, adequate forage and its particle size must be provided, and the balance of forage neutral detergent fibre (NDF) with non-fibre carbohydrates must be monitored when balancing diets, especially taking into account the amount and rate of digestion of

the starch. There is higher risk for SARA when feeding steam-flaked and high-moisture cereal grains when there is marginal effective NDF in the diet in comparison to feeding dry processing cereal grains. For optimal utilisation of dry processed corn for highproducing cows, mean particle size should be less than 1mm in diets with 20 to 25 per cent starch and 18 to 21per cent forage NDF. Particle size sieves for grains are available for use by most dairy nutritionists.

Economics associated with grain processing With any processing of cereal grains, there is additional cost. Yet as mentioned previously, some processing is needed for improving digestibility of the grain. The marginal cost of grain processing was calculated using dry rolling as the minimal processing needed (Table 1). Traditionally, rolling grain was used for various sizes of cracked grain, but the rollers would not provide for finely processed grain. Today, some grain processors use modern rollers that have precise roller spacings for reducing particle size to the optimal range.

However, other grain processors and www.africanfarming.net

S09 AF JulyAug 2014 Cereal Processing_Layout 1 7/30/2014 3:52 PM Page 25

CEREAL PROCESSING

farmers use hammermills for fine grinding of grains. The energy cost of operating a hammermill is greater than for a roller mill; thus, cost of processing was assumed at US$12 versus US$8/ton, respectively. The cost of steam processing, especially flaking, is much higher than for dry processing and was assumed at US$30/ton. The marginal cost of processing beyond dry rolling,

taking into account the additional cost of processing and the increased energy availability, ranged from US$0.05 to US$0.14/Mcal of NEL. Thus, the marginal cost of processing is less than the value of energy at this time, making the processing economical. However, the utility and labour costs of processing are less volatile than feed prices and will remain high, so when

Dairy cattle eating processed maize.

Table 1 Grain Corn Dry, cracked or rolled Dry, ground Dry, finely ground Steam rolled Steam flaked High-moisture, rolled High-moisture, ground Sorghum Dry, rolled or ground Steam flaked Barley Dry or steam rolled

Starch Digestibility (%)1

NEL2 (Mcal/lb)

Marginal Processing Cost3 ($/Mcal)

85.0 90.7 91.4 88.8 94.2 94.2 98.8

0.87 0.91 --0.95 0.91 0.95

Base 0.05 --0.14 Base 0.05

83.5 94.9

0.82 0.93

Base 0.10

95.8

0.85

--

1 Data taken from: Firkins, J.L., M.L. Eastridge, N.R. St-Pierre, and S.M. Noftsger. 2001. Effects of grain variability and processing on starch utilisation by lactating dairy cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 79:E218-E238.

2 Data taken from: National Research Council. 2001. Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle, 7th rev. ed. Natl. Acad. Sci., Washington, DC. 3 Calculations based on NRC (2001) energy concentrations and assumed processing costs of $8, $12, and $30/ton for rolling, grinding, and steam flaking, respectively.

www.africanfarming.net

grain prices decrease and the value of energy decreases, the more extensive processing may not be economical, but any of the processing methods resulting in less than US$0.10/Mcal of NEL will likely be economical based on historical feed prices.

Dry processing of cereal grains to reduce particle size is essential for improving their digestibility. Further processing by using moisture and heat or harvesting highmoisture corn should be based on value of energy, other ingredients in the diets for promoting rumen health, and equipment and land resources for the use of high-moisture grains. Diets should be formulated taking into account the extent and rate of digestibility of starch sources and providing for adequate effective NDF using high-quality forage. h

African Farming - July/August 2014 25

S10 AF JulyAug 2014 Equipment & Micro Irrigation_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:03 PM Page 26

SEMINAR REVIEW

African farmers must adopt modern farming and grain storage techniques to boost food security, a one-day agribusiness seminar held recently in Nairobi was told. Mwangi Mumero reports.

Kepler Weber’s Kenyan agribusiness seminar

M

ORE THAN 150 agricultural service providers, academics, farmers and government officials attended the seminar organised by Brazilian firm Kepler Weber in collaboration with a Kenyan registered company BrazAfric.

The Brazilian ambassador to Kenya Marcela Nicodemos and BrazAfric founder and head, Marco Brandalise, graced the occasion.

“It is important that African farmers reduce their post-harvest losses through the introduction of cheaper easily adoptable technologies. Losses of more than 50 per cent of grain due to poor storage and pests can be cut through better methods”, observed Antonio Campos, a foreign trade manager with Kepler Weber, as he unveiled a 6.2 tonne-capacity modern silo suitable for farmers’ groups (see page 42).

The silo, made of corrugated iron sheet, was one of the attractions of the seminar held at the Safari Park Hotel, just outside Nairobi.

Other equipment for conservation agriculture were also on show at the seminar.

More grain must be produced Farmers however must first produce enough grain for consumption and storage, and speakers in the seminar highlighted this important aspect.

“Over 200mn Africans are food insecure mainly due to lack of coherent food policies, low productivity, climate change and low levels of mechanisation”, noted Professor Miriam Kinyua, a don at the University of Eldoret and one of the key speakers at the seminar.

Globally, 800mn people are undernourished with the majority in the developing nations of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

According to Prof Kinyua, developing nations need to produce more food, reduce post harvest losses and effectively control pests to reduce field losses.

Her call was echoed by Jackson Mandago, the Governor of Uasin Gishu County - one of the main maize and wheatproducing regions in Kenya.

26 African Farming - July/August 2014

Seminar participants admire a maize planter suited for conservation agriculture.

“We have used the same production methods for years which have adversely affected our production. We need to adopt better and modern farming methods especially for the youthful farmers - to boost production”, said Mandago lamenting on the problem of ageing farmers.

A need to attract the young According to the governor, more than 70 per cent of the farmers in Uasin Gishu are more than 70 years old noting that it was time service providers came up with farming techniques that will make farming attractive to the burgeoning youthful population.

He also called upon universities and research organisations to be more practical oriented and seek better yielding crop varieties for local farmers.

“We need agricultural graduates with a practical - not a theoretical - approach to farming. Someone eager to soil their hands in the farm”, said Mandago to much applause.

The seminar also noted that a reduction

in the cost of production was vital for the overall profitability of the farm business.

“Adoption of conservation agriculture where there is no tilling of land during land preparation - decreases soil erosion, conserves moisture, microbial activities and aerates the soil”, observed Luiz Henrique of Vence Tudo, a firm working with BrazAfrica on soil conservation.

In Brazil, 57mn ha under crops are under the no-till system of farming.

According to Henrique, no-till practice and crop rotation every two to three years would help preserve and restore soil resources over time.

Experts say that only two per cent of conservation agriculture in the world is by smallholder farmers, with 20 per cent being practiced in Africa.

Farmers in the country practising conservation agriculture in Kenya assert that savings of more than 40 per cent can be realised mainly due to no tilling during land preparation. www.africanfarming.net

S10 AF JulyAug 2014 Equipment & Micro Irrigation_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:03 PM Page 27

NEWS

“With low cost in land preparation, farmers can realise better profitability. In Uasin Gishu, a farmer can save Ksh6,000 (US$ 71) per acre of land during the planting season”, said Gedion Lagat, a farmer growing grain in a 75-acre piece of land.

He has been practising conservation agriculture for four years.

During the open session, Dr Charles Kariuki, a researcher with the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), noted that it was imperative that Brazilian companies get involved in animal and plant genetics to strengthen research in crop and livestock diseases.

In response, the Brazil ambassador Marcella Nicodemos said: “Brazil has set aside US$80mn for the purchase of agricultural equipment from Brazilian firms. This funding has to be accessed through the government”.

On his part BrazAfric head Marco Brandalise said his firm will in future partner with local firms and organisations in training and the production of farm equipment.

“Production of farm equipment in Kenya is our agenda but we need the volumes in sales for us to manufacture locally”, he added.

Most of the equipment and technologies marketed through BrazAfric are sourced from Brazilian firms such as Kepler Weber and others.

An agriculture executive from Kiambu County Dr Monica Waiganjo observed that there was need for BrazAfric to work with the county governments in improving access to farm machines and modern agricultural solutions.

Kenyan government officials attending indicated that a draft on a comprehensive farm mechanisation policy would be discussed by stakeholders in the 2014/15 financial year. h

Case IH donates two tractors for smallholders CASE IH HAS donated two JX55T tractors to the Tana River Area project of Welthungerhilfe in Kenya. The donation was handed over to Florian Landorff from the aid agency during the launch event of the new partnership between Case IH and TTEA in Nairobi on 16th May. The celebration of the new sales and service co-operation between TTEA and Case IH in Nairobi and the hand-over ceremony were attended by numerous high-ranking participants including Ms Ann Onyango, secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

“When learning about the Tana River Area project and a drought relief initiative of Welthungerhilfe, we decided to start our direct involvement right there. TTEA has a professional automotive value chain with extensive experience and logistics concepts and a broad distribution and service network for vehicles. That will be an excellent base for the distribution and service of Case IH machinery in Kenya, From left to right: Ms Ann Onyango, Florian Landorff, Tanzania and Uganda regional director WHH, Matthew Foster, Dennis Awori as well. This network ambassaor and chairmen TTEA will ensure easy, quick and reliable access to all types of machinery and services needed by farmers across East Africa”, emphasised Matthew Foster, vice president Case IH.

New Corona 400: high speed seeding THE MASCHIO GASPARDO product range is expanding with the new four meter version of the folding combination seed drill Corona: the new machine shares the large hopper and the advanced technological solutions with the former six meter model.

The Corona discs, roller and seeder combination allow soil cultivation, seedbed reconsolidation and seed deposition in a single pass. The high working speed (on average between eight and 14 km/h) increases daily productivity.

The new version has the same sturdy frame and high clearance design as in the former version. Applications range from conventional seeding after primary tillage to direct drill on stubble. The seedbed is perfectly consolidated by the roller assembled with large diameter tires (more than one meter), and arranged in a staggered manner to facilitate the maneuverability of the machine and prevent clogging on wet soils.

The Perfecta seeding bar - characterised by the parallelogram connecting rods over two well-spaced ranks - is equipped with double staggered discs with a 370 mm diameter, and rear wheel to control the seed depth and compression. This guarantees extreme precision in homogeneously depositing the seeds on any soil or at any speed.

A precise seed distribution is granted by the tested Flexeed Gaspardo system, managed by the Isobus control unit, which allows extreme precision in seeding. Thanks to the connection to the seeding bar through the three point hitch, the seeding elements can also be disconnected in a few minutes, letting the disc carrier till the stubble.

www.africanfarming.net

African Farming - July/August 2014 27

S10 AF JulyAug 2014 Equipment & Micro Irrigation_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:03 PM Page 28

IRRIGATION

Micro-irrigation systems are inherently prone to blockage and the consequent impeded flow of water. Dr Terry Mabbett looks at some of the causes and how to overcome them.

Physical and chemical blockage of micro-irrigation systems

C

HARACTERISED BY LARGE numbers of narrow flow path emitters, micro-irrigation systems become easily clogged up and blocked by foreign particulate matter, often originating from the water source and therefore requiring long term continual treatment. Virtually all water sources used in trickle/drip irrigation systems can be made ‘safe’ by using an appropriate physical or chemical method of treatment.

Farmers and growers must seek proper advice from manufactures and distributors and aim to install modern automatic closed injection systems.

Physical treatment is generally used to remove both organic and inorganic suspended solid matter comprising particles that are large enough to block the emitter outlets. Suspended solids are simply removed by utilising centrifugal separators, settling basins, skimming boards, screen filters, sand media filters or appropriate combinations of these methods. Failure to employ these methods on source waters with substantial suspended solids will invariably cause clogging and lead to uneven distribution of water across the irrigated area, with poor performance of both the system and the crop it was designed to water.

Chemical treatment Chemical treatment involves the addition of one or more chemicals to the water to disperse and dissolve insoluble chemicals through chemical reaction. The chemicals traditionally and commonly used to treat trickle irrigation water include chlorine and acids which are potentially toxic, corrosive and therefore dangerous. On no account should they be used by unqualified, untrained and inexperienced personnel.

Farmers and growers must seek proper advice from manufactures and distributors and aim to install modern automatic closed 28 African Farming - July/August 2014

iDE promotes drip irrigation throughout the developing world. These drip systems have helped people with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe to improve their nutrition by growing vegetables.

injection systems, so that any handling and contact with such chemicals is eliminated or at least minimised.

Typically encountered physical and chemical problems may include the following, often in combination and possibly interacting with biological factors (eg, bacteria) which means treatment becomes accordingly more complex. ● Large mineral particles comprising sand and grit ● Smaller mineral particles including silt and clay which are generally more difficult to eliminate ● Precipitated chemicals including iron compounds, sulphates and calcium carbonate in the distribution system which ultimately block the emitters.

Large mineral particles When emitters are blocked by large particulate matter, the offending particles will be mostly mineral in nature and include silt and clay sourced from the bottom of rivers, canals, reservoirs and ponds, scale deposit flaked off from pipe walls or bore casings. Particles such as weed seeds and snail eggs, though organic in origin, will essentially cause a physical blockage.

The large inorganic particles present few problems for removal since they are of relatively large size and mass (weight) and can be easily dealt with by using a settling basin or a centrifugal sand separator.

Organic materials being that much lighter have to be removed using a media or screen filter. Organic materials that are actually floating in the water rather than suspended in it can be skimmed from the surface of the water by using a simple skim board, or be left in water source and barred by using a floating self cleaning filter.

High loads of silt and clay Small amounts of sand, silt and clay particles in the water supply present few problems and are easily removed by employing a sand media filter down to a particle size of about 70 microns. However, high loads of such particles will rapidly block and overcome a sand media filter leading to an inefficient irrigation system with increased frequency of backwashing.

Users should not attempt to use filtration for removal of such high loads of silt and clay. Instead they should build a settling (sedimentation) basin at point which is situated before the water actually enters the irrigation system. Dimensions of the settling basin will be determined by the system flow rate and the settling velocity (speed) of the particles that are being removed. Settling velocity in turn is governed by particle size, shape and density.

Very fine silts and colloidal particles of clay are much too small for practical economic removal through use of settling basins.

Settling velocity is so low and sedimentation www.africanfarming.net

S10 AF JulyAug 2014 Equipment & Micro Irrigation_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:03 PM Page 29

S10 AF JulyAug 2014 Equipment & Micro Irrigation_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:03 PM Page 30

IRRIGATION

so slow that any settling basin employed would have to be so large as to be uneconomic. Fortunately, the very small size of such particles means that for all intents and purposes they will pass through the system providing proper precautions are taken, including close and continual monitoring.

Ultra small silt and clay particles which manage to pass through the settling basin and/or the filter may sediment (settle) out in the water contained in the lateral lines or emitters. Here they can become cemented (fused) together by action of slime producing bacteria. This new problem may be overcome by using chlorination of the water supply to curb and kill bacterial growth. Sub-mains and lateral lines require regular flushing to remove the debris and sediment thus created.

Chemicals like acids and chlorine must not be handled or used by unqualified and inexperienced personnel and require proper protective clothing.

Chemical precipitates Precipitates (insoluble deposits) of various chemicals including iron, sulphur and calcium are commonly responsible for system blockages. Precipitation of iron may be caused by the biological activity of bacteria in the water supply or simply by inorganic chemical reaction. Bacterialinspired iron precipitation is normally controlled by chlorination of the water to kill the bacteria or inhibit their activity.

Chlorination can be performed continuously using at a rate of one mg of free available chlorine per litre of water or a 10 to 20 mg/litre for 30 to 60 minutes duration every day.

30 African Farming - July/August 2014

Fertiliser and chlorine can be injected into irrigation water through these controls; sand filters also treat recaptured irrigation water before it is reentered into the irrigation system. Photo: Everfilt.com

Chemical precipitation of iron is caused by physical and chemical changes in the water when it is pumped out of the aquifier and is related to the effects of pH, pressure and temperature on iron solubility. Use of chelated phosphates and calcium salts aggravates the problem and should be avoided in iron bearing waters. ‘Natural’ precipitation of insoluble iron salts may cause serious blockage of emitters even in a relatively small quantity. Remedial operations include aeration and settling, ‘dedicated’ pre-precipitation of iron using free chlorine and pH control through acid injection because iron is more soluble at lower (more acidic) pH values.

Water containing in excess of 0.1 mg/litre of sulphides is prone to bacterial precipitation of sulphur which in turn produces organic sulphur slime. The white cottony slime mass can completely block the emitters. This can be prevented using chlorination as previously described.

Additional problems can be created by interaction of iron and sulphur components in the water supply, whereby dissolved iron salts and sulphides chemically react to produce insoluble iron sulphide.

Precipitation of calcium salts causing blockage in drip emitters and lateral lines is heavy and frequent with some hard waters containing high levels of calcium salts. The problem appears as a white film or plate of insoluble calcium carbonate. The remedy is acid injection at a rate just sufficient to reduce pH to below 4.0 for between 30 and 60 minutes.

Caution: chemicals like acids and chlorine commonly used to treat irrigation water are potentially dangerous and highly poisonous and corrosive. They must not be handled or used by unqualified and inexperienced personnel and require proper protective clothing including protective allover body suits, gloves, boots, goggles, face masks and respirators. Never attempt the treatment procedures referred to here unless you are qualified and experienced to do so.

Always purchase chemicals from bona fide suppliers and get the supplier or other qualified personnel to do the treatment for you. If possible have an automatic closed injection system installed which will minimise or even eliminate any handling and exposure to these and other chemicals used in the treatment of irrigation water. h

www.africanfarming.net

S11 AF JulyAug 2014 Fogging Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:40 PM Page 31

S11 AF JulyAug 2014 Fogging Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:40 PM Page 32

FOGGING

Fogging technology offers the versatility to cope with jobs ranging from large scale public health programmes to visual effects in the entertainment industry, but farming is one of the biggest markets for fog-making machines. Mike Willilams reports.

Versatile fogging

O

NE OF THE key requirements for successful fogging is producing droplets that are the right size. The artificial fog consists of large numbers of small droplets that are light enough to defy gravity and float in the air for long periods. The size range of the droplets from conventional crop spraying equipment is typically between 100 to 200 microns, but the droplet size needed for many fogging operations is less than about 50 microns, small enough to remain airborne while they disperse over the target area carrying the active chemical solution.

The small size of the fog droplets makes them unsuitable for use with some types of chemical in situations where wind drift is a problem, which is why the larger droplet size from spraying equipment is usually preferred for applying some chemicals to field scale crops. Apart from this limitation, fogging can apply relatively small volumes of chemical with high efficiency, and it is established as a popular method for pest and disease control in buildings used for livestock and crop production. Other agricultural uses include maintaining freshness in newly harvested vegetable and salad crops using pure water droplets, and fogging with water can be used for temperature reduction in buildings housing livestock.

Fogging machines used in farming range from hand-held units preferred for working inside buildings, and at the other extreme are high capacity truck or tractor-mounted machines. Hand-held equipment has obvious advantages, including lower initial cost, but weight is a limitation and the heavier machines can be tiring to operate for long periods. The overall design of hand-operated fogging machines, including the position of the controls and the weight balance, can also affect the ease of use, and handling different machines before buying can be a useful part of the choosing process.

Thermal fogging machines use heat to form the droplets while cold or ultra low volume (ULV) fogging relies on a low pressure, high volume air flow for droplet formation, and there is also a growing number of versatile machines that work with both processes. The Curtis Dyna-Fog company, an American based manufacturer with a wide range of fogging machines, helpfully explains why differences between the two types of machine can be important.

Fogging is established as a popular method for pest and disease control in buildings used for livestock and crop production.

Thermal fogging process The thermal fogging process produces a wider range of droplet sizes including large numbers of very small droplets, the company explains. The quantity of smaller droplets is important because it makes thermal fogging particularly suitable for areas with obstructions such as large amounts of vegetation, and the small droplets also make the fog more visible to allow the operator to check the thoroughness of the application process.

32 African Farming - July/August 2014

The Microfog 35E portable thermal fogger from Micron can work with water or oil based formulations.

Cold or ULV fogging Cold or ULV fogging produces a much more uniform droplet size and one advantage is that formulations can be applied with less dilution, allowing smaller volumes to be used to reduce costs. The droplet size can also be adjusted on cold fogging machines, and this allows the operator to select the appropriate size for different application requirements. Although the absence of large numbers of very small droplets means cold fogging may be less effective in obstructed areas, the ability to adjust the droplet size with ULV application can be a big advantage in many situations, says Curtis Dyna-Fog. A popular model in the medium capacity sector of the Curtis Dyna-Fog range is the electric powered Dyna-Jet L30, a ULV type fogging machine designed for truck mounting. It weighs 47.6kg, has 57 litres tank capacity and the output is 38.3 cu m/min. The electric drive gives almost silent operation and avoids engine exhaust emissions, a useful advantage for working inside buildings, and the design of the high speed rotary atomiser means 90 per cent of droplets are less than 20 microns.

The pulsejet principle The first Swingfog thermal fogging machines were built in Germany in 1946, introducing the principle on which all thermal fogging machines using the pulsejet principle are based. The current Swingtec range includes the SN 50, SN 81 and SN 101 models in the Swingfog series providing a complete portable and truck-mountable range. The design for all Swingfog models includes stainless steel for construction material in contact with the chemical preparation, allowing the machines to be used with corrosive disinfectants.

Options for Swingfog generators include the patented high performance fogging tube for use with environmentally friendly water based preparations. This produces a fine ULV droplet spectrum with a Volume Median Diameter (VMD) below 30 microns at high flow rates without producing the large droplets that cause pollution and waste chemicals. The VMD meets the World Health Organisation specification for thermal foggers and ULV applicators, and Swingtec claims to be the only thermal fogging machine manufacturer that can produce this droplet spectrum at similar high flow rates. If larger droplets are required, with fungicides for example, larger nozzles can be used at higher flow rates. www.africanfarming.net

S11 AF JulyAug 2014 Fogging Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:40 PM Page 33

S11 AF JulyAug 2014 Fogging Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:40 PM Page 34

FOGGING

Swingtec also offers a full range of Fontan ULV aerosol generators including the truck-mountable Mobilstar ER with a unique GPS control system that matches the flow rate to changes in vehicle speed. This avoids variations in application caused by speed changes and travelling over rough terrain, leading to incorrect application rates and the risk of pollution and chemical waste.

The Fontan range includes the Portastar, described by Swingtec as ‘a genuine ULV backpack applicator which sells in thousands worldwide and is probably the most widely used machine of its type currently available.’ The Fontan Twinstar and Turbostar models are electrically powered and programmable, allowing computerised application which is ideal for greenhouses because automatic control means an operator does not have to be present.

Swingfog’s SN 50/plant protection being used here in a citrus plantation.

Ability to work with oil and water based solutions The ability to work with both oil and water based solutions adds to the versatility of the fogging process, and a recent addition to the VectorFog range of machines from South Korea is the H200SF thermal model that uses both types of solution. It is a portable fogger weighing 10.8kg and with a specification that includes a 6.5 litres tank capacity and a 50 l/hr flow rate with droplets in the 5 to 30 micron size range. The H200SF offers a higher capacity alternative to VectorFog’s H100SF model which also works with either oil or water formulations and has a 4.5 litre tank, a 40 l/hr flow rate and weighs 8.5kg.

The VectorFog range also includes a comprehensive range of ULV cold foggers with recent additions at both ends of the size range.

Their newest portable ULV model is a lightweight suitable for applying chemicals such as pesticides and disinfectants inside small crop storage and livestock buildings. Called the C20, it is powered by a 560 watts Samsung electric motor with dual-speed control, the chemical tank holds 1.5 litres, the flow rate is between 15 and 30 l/hr and the weight is only 3.5kg. At the other end of the output scale in the VectorFog ULV range is the TU100 truck-mounted fogging unit for outdoor work in environmental and public health schemes and on larger farms. The weight is 150kg, the chemical tank capacity is 150 litres and the power unit is a Mitsubishi petrol engine.

The newest addition to the list of ULV fogging machines in the IGEBA range from Germany is the U5M model designed to work with both oil and water based solutions. It is powered by a 3.5hp Briggs & Stratton four-stroke petrol engine and can be carried on

Automatic control means an operator does not have to be present.

A special version of the IGEBA TF-35 portable machine for water based solutions working inside a livestock building.

34 African Farming - July/August 2014

a small utility vehicle or an ATV. The U5M can also be mounted on a special lightweight two-wheel carrier which is available as an optional extra. The U5M has a stainless steel frame and the fuel tank capacity is sufficient for about two hours of continuous work, the solution tank holds 20 litres and can be replaced by a full tank when empty, and the airflow from the compressor is delivered at 200 m/sec velocity. IGEBA says the droplet size is 25 microns with a water based solution or 15 microns with oil.

IGEBA’s thermal fogging machine range includes their popular TF35 model, a medium capacity fogging machine that can work with oil or water solutions. It was the first fogger to be equipped with the unique IGEBA ignition system which does not need a spark plus and has a reduced maintenance requirement. The standard version of the TF35 has a fogging tube designed for oil based formulations, but a special tube is available to provide extra versatility for working with water solutions. The specification includes a 5.7 litre solution tank, but a 10-litre version is also available, and the standard accessory kit includes a selection of nozzles giving different dosage rates.

The Microfog 35E thermal fogger from the British based Micron Group is designed to use oil or water based solutions, producing droplets in the 5 to 10 micron range from oil based mixes and 10 to 30 microns with a water based solution. It is designed for indoor or outdoor use and for a wide range of applications from plantation crops and livestock housing to food stores and public health, and it is fully certificated for vector control. The weight is 7.9kg with empty tanks and the fuel capacity is 1.2 litres with a 6.0 litre tank for the solution. Design features include extensive use of stainless steel for corrosion resistance and a push-button starts the electronic ignition.

Micron’s Electrofan is an air-assisted sprayer for applying low and ultra-low volumes of chemicals such as insecticides and fungicides in areas with little or no natural air movement. The main agricultural uses are for protected crops in tunnels and under glass, for livestock buildings including poultry houses and for large grain stores. Two versions are available, one powered by a 12-volt battery giving about 1.5 hours of work before recharging, and the other has an electric motor powered from a 240-volt mains supply. Both versions weigh just over 4.0kg with a full tank, and the battery version produces droplets in the 60 to 70 micron range over a 3 to 5metres distance while the mains powered Electrofan produces 50 to 60 micron droplets over a maximum of 6.0metres.

For large scale fogging work For large scale fogging work the vehicle mounted Micron AU9100 cold fogger is used for vector control schemes and by public authorities for disinfection and odour management. It has an air blower powered by a 13hp Honda engine and the standard specification includes remote controls operated from the vehicle cab. h

www.africanfarming.net

S11 AF JulyAug 2014 Fogging Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:40 PM Page 35

S11 AF JulyAug 2014 Fogging Equipment_Layout 1 7/31/2014 10:25 AM Page 36

TEA

The tea industry is taking action to improve smallholder livelihoods across Africa and Asia. Pioneering partnerships are also aiming to raise workers’ wages and help farmers adapt to climate change.

Pioneering training programme helps smallholder tea farmers

A tea plantation in Tanzania.

Image: Technoserve.

A

PIONEERING TRA INING programme which has helped smallholder tea farmers modernise production and improve their livelihoods is being rolled out to major African and Asian tea-growing countries, the Ethical Tea Partnership and IDH – the Sustainable Trade Initiative has announced.

The unique training approach has already helped 48,000 farmers in Kenya increase their yields by a third and find ways to generate more income from other sources. It has been piloted by the Kenya Tea Development Agency which has set up more than 1,600 Farmer Field Schools to deliver the programme.

ETP and IDH now aim to reach 200,000 more smallholders with the programme within three years, extending it in Kenya and rolling it out to Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, India and Vietnam in partnership with major tea brands Tata Global Beverages (who produce Tetley), Taylors of Harrogate (Yorkshire Tea), Unilever (PG Tips) and other partners including the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), Rainforest Alliance, the Wood Family Trust and Gatsby Charitable foundation.

Strategic initiatives This is one of a number of strategic initiatives led by ETP and IDH which aim to tackle key issues facing the tea industry such as improving livelihoods for farmers and workers, managing environmental problems like climate change, and building resilient and stable supply chains. They are setting up innovative, long-term programmes and building powerful partnerships between the tea industry, retailers, governments and NGOs to find solutions to these complex problems.

Sarah Roberts, executive director of the ETP, said: “Tea is the world’s favourite beverage, after water, and it provides a livelihood for millions of people around the globe. These projects show that the industry is committed to helping smallholder farmers and 36 African Farming - July/August 2014

The tea industry is making serious efforts and investments to address difficult issues such as wages and smallholder inclusion. workers earn a decent wage and farm better, and that it understands that this is fundamental to building secure supply chains and future success.”

The tea industry’s annual Team Up conference, held recently in London, identified key social and environmental issues affecting the sector and explored how action to tackle them can secure supply chains and build brands’ reputation. ETP and IDH, joint hosts of the event, updated producers, packers and retailers on the progress of their pioneering projects.

Joost Oorthuizen, chief executive of IDH, said: “It is amazing to see how the tea industry is making serious efforts and investments to address difficult issues such as wages and smallholder inclusion.

These and other deeply rooted problems, that only a few years ago were ‘owned’ by civil society groups, are now high on the agenda of the international tea industry. We can use this positive energy by working together, and collaborating with retailers, government agencies and NGOs, who all have a part to play.”

It is estimated that eight million smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia are responsible for around 70 per cent of global tea production.

However, many use outdated production methods, often in poor working conditions, which result in poor returns.

Kenya world’s 3rd largest tea producer Kenya is the world’s third largest tea producer and more than 60 per cent is produced by smallholders. Its largest smallholder cooperative, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), with support from IDH and Unilever, introduced Farmer Field Schools in 2008 to www.africanfarming.net

S11 AF JulyAug 2014 Fogging Equipment_Layout 1 7/31/2014 10:25 AM Page 37

TEA

improve the livelihoods and working conditions of its 560,000 smallholder tea farmers and their workers, and the programme was later combined with Rainforest Alliance certification.

The programme takes a unique approach designed to train large numbers of farmers at relatively low cost. Groups of farmers are trained in “schools without walls” over 12 months, trialling different farming approaches and learning from experiments in their own fields and from each other. They are consulted about key issues affecting both their tea crop and their farm, so the training can be designed around their needs.

Three quarters of the curriculum is focused on tea farming; they can also choose modules such as using kitchen gardens and live stock farming to diversify their income. At the end of the training they share their experience with their neighbours so that improved practices are spread across the locality.

Some 48,000 farmers have already been through the programme and, according to KTDA data, they are achieving yields 36 per cent higher than those who have not, and are also generating more income from other sources.

Farmers who have been through the programme have benefited in a number of ways, according to an independent impact assessment For all the tea in Kenya (2014) by LEI–Wageningen University. They have: ● Improved production and yield ● Increased gross margins ● Improved farm management ● Achieved greater diversification of income ● Achieved better living standards ● Improved health and safety Raising wages for tea industry workers ETP, IDH, Oxfam and the German Development Agency GIZ have also assembled a coalition to tackle the issue of low pay on tea estates, and plan action to move workers towards a living wage which will cover a basic nutritious diet, decent housing and other needs.

Many tea producing countries are poor and minimum wages may be set at a low level, so although tea estates pay their workers the legally agreed wage this may not be enough to give them a living wage that covers a household’s basic needs.

Work is focussing initially on Malawi, Africa’s second biggest tea producer, where pickers earn two thirds of the World Bank poverty line income of around US$2 per person per day, but are still better off than 62 per cent of the population, who exist on less than the World Bank’s extreme poverty line of US$1.25 a day.

The coalition aims to help tea estates improve their productivity and profits and make more finance available to invest in improvements in return for a commitment to raise wages. They will

Farmers were taught about the impacts of climate change and how to adapt to them. also work with employers, unions and governments to agree phased improvements to wages – which are set at national or regional level – and increase worker representation in negotiations.

The programme will run for several years and inform similar work to raise wages in other countries.

Helping tea farmers adapt to climate change Another project run by the ETP and GIZ has helped more than 100,000 smallholder farmers to increase their resilience to climate change and secure their future livelihoods in Kenya.

Farmers were taught about the impacts of climate change and how to adapt to them, trained in good practice, low-cost farming techniques, and given access to affordable finance to help them make improvements.

More than 3.5mn trees have been planted on farms or are growing in nurseries to provide shade for tea bushes and help fix soil nitrogen. More than 600,000 drought- and frost-resistant tea clones have been planted or are being grown in nurseries to improve smallholders’ resistance to extreme weather. More than 2,500 farmers have installed rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation systems.

The training will now be extended to all 560,000 farmers working for the Kenya Tea Development Agency, the country’s largest smallholder cooperative, and it is being adapted for use in Malawi and Uganda. h

New & Used Food Machines All With Warranty Bowl Cutters Used Seydelmann 120 litre Bowl Cutter Used Rex 200 litre S/S Bowl Cutter & Bowl New fatosa 35 litre Bowl Cutter S/S Bowl Mincer and Mixer Grinders Used Hobart 56 Mincer, 15 Hp Used Laska 130 Auto Mincer S/S Used Hobart 4346 Mixer Grinder Used Wolfking 140 Mixer Grinder New Fatosa PSA 160 Self feed Mincer Used KS 46 Hp , upright Emulsifier Vacuum Packers and Shrink / dip mc’s New ATM Table Top Vacuum Packer, single phase New ATM long table top Vacuum packer for fish New ATM Packman single chamber Vacuum Packer New ATM large single chamber Vacuum Packer New ATM double chamber Vacuum Packer Used Cryovac CJ 51 heat shrink Tunnel Used Suman semi auto dip tank Used Mondini Inline Tray sealer, Year 2002 Used Ilpra Inline Tray sealer, Model Speedy year 2003

Mixers and Tumblers New Fatosa 80 litre paddle Mixer, tipping Used IFM 1,000 litre Ribbon Mixer Used Lutetia 150 kg Vacuum Tumbler Used Lutetia 400 Kg Vacuum Tumbler Used Ruhle 400 Kg Vacuum Tumbler / cooling Dicers, Flaker, Grater Used Ruhle SR1 Dicer Used Treif Dicer 84 x 84 chamber Used Biro Bandsaw sliding table Used AEW 400 Bandsaw 3 phase, year 2004 Miscellaneous Used Koppens VM 600 HS Former Used Vemag Robot 500 Vacuum Filler Used Risco RS 105 sausage filler linker, year 2010 Used Ranger Apollo Skinless sausage Peeler Used Hycut sausage snipper, cuts to count Used BCH 500 litre Steam Vessel with mix Used Rapidaire 2 Trolley thro’ door steam cooker Used Nilma auto Pasta Cooker gas heated Used Do Boy continuous bag sealer Used Vertical bag clipper Used Grote 713 slicer for logs

www.machines4food.co.uk Email: sales@machines4food.co.uk Unit 40, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, BA3 4BH, England

A Rwandan tea picker at the Mulindi tea plantation, in Byumba. (Image: The Guardian.)

www.africanfarming.net

Tel: 44 (0)1761 410345 Fax: 44 (0)1761 410332

African Farming - July/August 2014 37

S12 AF JulyAug 2014 ICT Agri & Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:49 PM Page 38

IRRIGATION

At the core of

BUSINESS By strengthening the local workforce in Africa, Kirloskar Brothers Limited have created a niche for themselves in the continent, says Shipra Tripathi, head of corporate global marketing and communications at KBL KBL just entered the Limca Book of Records and was awarded the Award of Excellence at ACREX 2014 for its lowest life-cycle cost pump. Do tell us about this.

KBL’s all-women Coimbatore plant set a benchmark and bagged a prestigious award by the Limca Book of Records for its project Mahila Mission 20. The project achieved a milestone of assembling a pump in a time of 17.25 seconds, making it a national record. The silver jubilee of the Limca Book of Records, dedicated to the cause of empowering women, honoured the entire ladies workforce of Kirloskar Brothers Limited, Coimbatore plant. The award was offered in the presence of numerous dignitaries, leaders, decision makers and bureaucrats from various participating companies.

The Coimbatore plant is run efficiently by the all-woman workforce and has been receiving numerous awards in various categories. We are hopeful that this trend will continue.

After the setting up of a value-added service facility in Egypt, what next does KBL have in mind for the region?

The service facility is an investment in the region and we are hopeful it will drive more business towards the organisation. This is our effort to let our customers know that we are here for the long run and that we are committed to the best work from KBL. Our effort in the region will continue to grow. This service centre will also serve as a place for training of the local engineers to operate and maintain the pumps better. It will help reduce incidents of breakdown and damage to the equipment and, thus, reduce costs incurred to maintain these critical installations.

What are KBL’s future strategies for the region?

KBL is committed to a very long-term engagement with the region and Egypt in particular. It will be our effort to grow the business on good practices. We believe that our investments will also improve our connection with people and our commitment to a greater engagement extends to this level.

We are convinced that the potential of the region is still unexploited, especially in the use of energy-efficient technologies to manage water resources. With the experience that KBL has in this field, it is now time for a comprehensive dialogue on planning the use of these in the long run.

It is our effort that we pool in our resources with that of think-tanks and technology institutes to help formulate policies and strategies that give us optimal solutions for the region.

As more and more Indian companies are entering Africa, what steps is KBL taking to retain its position in the region?

It is our work that speaks for itself and we have an intrinsic position in the minds of decision-makers as a credible organisation that will make all efforts to develop and deliver the best fluid handling solutions. It is with this knowledge that we prepare ourselves as well as work on the ground in any of the countries that we are present in.

38 African Farming - July/August 2014

Our irrigation project in Senegal is valuable to the country and has helped reduce the import bill on rice by almost half, releasing a large amount of foreign exchange to be used for other critical requirements in the country.

The one thing that we definitely do is to engage with planning for the countries. We recognise that each country in Africa has unique requirements and we believe we are capable of providing optimised solutions for each country. Equipped with more than 700 engineers, KBL has the bandwidth that works in R&D as well as delivery on the ground.

We are also engaged in a process of creating critical partnerships with institutes that will strengthen our delivery on the ground. We believe that our work should speak for itself and till now it has not failed us.

What CSR activities is KBL conducting in Africa at the moment?

Our CSR is based on the concept of ‘teach to fish’. We believe that we have to train people to become skilled as it will help increasing our local employment and create educated users. So as a policy, our work is around creating skilled people in African countries. KBL’s global vision places a lot of importance on the countries of Africa. It promises to be one of the most potential markets for our products. h

Shipra Tripathi heads the corporate global marketing and communications for Kirloskar Brothers Limited. She was also responsible for creating the CII-Conclave on India Africa that takes place every year in India. Author of several articles on the growing economic engagement between India and Africa as well as India and Southeast Asia, Shipra has travelled to more than 30 African and Southeast Asian countries and has developed close contacts there. She is a CII Certified EFQM Assessor and holds a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the University of Delhi.

www.africanfarming.net

S12 AF JulyAug 2014 ICT Agri & Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:49 PM Page 39

High performance from New Holland CR NEW HOLLAND’S NEW high capacity CR combine harvesters take productivity to an entirely new level, with 10 to 15 per cent capacity increase, and set new standards of grain and straw quality. To support the launch of the exceptional CR8070 and CR9080 combine harvesters, which made their debut in the South African market at the Nampo show earlier this year, New Holland unrolled a training and customer demonstration programme. The aim was to ensure a good understanding of the full potential of the advanced features of this new range, both within its dealer network and among South Africa’s professional farmers.

New Holland product specialists from the brand’s Europe, Africa, Middle East team have run a series of two-day dealer technical training sessions in Delmas and Bothaville to provide dealers with the in-depth knowledge of this high performance combine. The dealer salesmen were able to go into the details of all the winning features of the new CR8070 and CR9080 combines, and test them in the field. Anton van der Merw, salesman at NWK in South Africa, was impressed with the CR and the training session: “At every combine course I learn something new. The CR combines have many positive features. I found very interesting the comparison with equivalent models in the same class, highlighting the features and technical characteristics that give CR combines a competitive edge.”

In addition, key customers had the opportunity to see the CR combines in action during a demonstration day in the Delmas area.

AGCO committed to transforming African agriculture AFRICA IS MOVING into an agricultural revolution and AGCO is accelerating the movement forward, with a developed strategy that focuses on investment in human capital to improve farming know-how while helping with the move toward mechanisation.

A total of 15 per cent of the world’s arable land lies in Africa, of which more than 80 per cent remains uncultivated. That is a major driver for AGCO to be engaged in the World Economic Forum’s Grow Africa Initiative and why, for example, it is committed to the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition of the Group of Eight (G8) member countries. Currently, the majority of power for farming in Africa comes through animals or human hands. This not only severely limits productivity, but it also makes agriculture an unattractive occupation where hard work yields so little return.

To continue to bring Africa agriculture thought leaders together, AGCO held its third annual AGCO Africa Summit, “Agriculture in Africa – Innovation in the Field,” earlier this year in Berlin, Germany. Building on the success of previous AGCO Africa Summits which shared the agricultural vision then moved the vision to action, the 2014 event focused on innovation. Important pieces of this agricultural revolution revolve around using technology and science to overcome Africa’s agricultural challenges while wisely investing in the opportunities to raise Africa’s agricultural productivity levels for all farmers.

With the aid of mechanisation in farming, the amount of land farmed is greater; yields are up — and economic benefits like increasing the efficiency of labour, reducing costs, and improving the quality of cultivation are realised. The social benefits are many too.

www.africanfarming.net

African Farming - July/August 2014 39

S12 AF JulyAug 2014 ICT Agri & Equipment_Layout 1 7/31/2014 10:28 AM Page 40

DIGITAL FARMING

Alcimed, an innovation and new business consulting firm, looks into the digital farming segment and new market opportunities for the agrifood sector.

How do manufacturers approach this market segment?

H

ISTORICALLY, DIGITAL TOOLS were designed to simplify tasks with automated complex calculations and enabled information to be processed at lightning speed. And this is precisely because farming needs to consider simultaneously dozens of parameters (such as sun exposure of crops, humidity, soil pH, levels of fertilisation, pest control, management of livestock effluents, hygiene control...), that high technology is particularly appropriate. In fact, agriculture is the fine management of a fragile ecosystem under economic pressure from global markets.

Thus, attention to details ensures greater profitability.

Today, developments around digital farming mainly target crop production. But tomorrow, they could be extended rapidly to other fields that could take advantage of these tools as well.

Precision agriculture is a farming management concept combining both computer and satellite technologies to distribute very precisely seeds and inputs (water, pesticides, fertilisers) on a given area. The potential global market for precision agriculture is estimated at US$3.7bn in 2018 with an average 13.6 per cent annual growth rate.[agwired.com/2013/09/13] Some examples of applications include: ● In Champagne, where one hectare of vines is worth more than US$1.4mn, this technology appears to be a promising tool to finely manage production, optimise the use of inputs and harvest at the right time in the right place. Such a tool could complement the winemaker’s intuition to produce the best wines. ● According to the IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute) report published in February 2014, precision agriculture could increase wheat yields by 25 per cent by 2050 in the UK. Many possible innovations Many opportunities can be unveiled thanks to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The farmer is a busy and a nomadic person by nature. More than a communications means linking him to his suppliers, customers or employees, his computer can now be used to retrieve key information on his production. Many mobile applications can receive real-time weather data, monitor changes in commodity prices, and even receive alerts from his farm

Knowledge Workers act as valuable local intermediaries, bridging the "last kilometer" to bring essential information to other rural farmers in Uganda. Here, a CKW uses her highend mobile phone to check for information on banana wilt.

40 African Farming - July/August 2014

equipment which are linked to sensors. All these prediction tools help minimise risk and optimise production.

But beyond these smartphone applications, many innovative projects (only at the stage of ideas or in advanced development phase) are taking shape to combine both digital technology and agriculture: driverless tractors guided by satellites, cows milked thanks to algorithms, robots that remove weeds and pests with lasers without any chemical residue, micro-robots bees pollinating flowers...

Thus there is a network of possibilities for innovation strategies.

In order not to miss this new wave of opportunities, agrifood manufacturers have several strategies. * Either by integrating cutting-edge expertise through the acquisition of small companies.

For example, Monsanto purchased Climate Corp, a data analysis company, for nearly US$1bn in October 2013. Climate Corp is a company specialising in agricultural risk management and insurance against damage, that has developed a simulation platform and local weather monitoring system. Monsanto also purchased Precision Planting for US$250mn in May 2012, which created the first "Integrated Agricultural Operating System" called FieldScriptsSM. The product is expected to be launched in 2014 in four states in the United States and will advise on the best corn seed to plant thanks to local data previously analysed. * Or through collaboration between agribusiness multinationals.

For example, the leader in farm machinery, John Deere, signed in December 2013 two non-exclusive collaborations with agribusiness partners, namely Dow AgroSciences and BASF. John Deere developed in 2012 an online information platform, called MyJohnDeere, which manages data from equipment, production or the farm as a whole. Through these two collaborations, farm management solutions and customised advices systems will emerge. * Or through the implementation of collaborative consortium.

Standardising practices and homogenising data exchanged within the same farm where there are potentially different "Information Systems in Agricultural Exploitation" is important. To this end, AgGateway, a consortium of stakeholders in agribusiness, created in 2012 a project called SPADE (Standardized Precision Ag Data Exchange) on the seeding process. SPADE 2 took over in 2013 and focused on harvesting and crop protection. The number of members of the consortium rose from 31 in October 2012 to 208 in February 2014, showing their enthusiasm for this initiative; these included leading agribusiness companies such as Syngenta, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, BASF, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer.

The development of digital farming could generate momentum towards an industry beset by both environmental (soil depletion, climate change...) and social (sustainable development, media pressure…) crises.

But beyond innovations, the big challenge will be to frame and structure this overflow of information, and for market players to reinvent their business model to continue to support the agricultural world. h www.africanfarming.net

S12 AF JulyAug 2014 ICT Agri & Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:49 PM Page 41

S12 AF JulyAug 2014 ICT Agri & Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:49 PM Page 42

New grain silo

Pottinger’s new multi-talent in mulch drilling technology

A NEW SILO suitable for smallholder farmers in Africa has been launched in Nairobi. The 6.2 tonnes capacity silo, made by Brazilian company Kepler Weber, is fit for rural farmers and small sized commercial farms.

It is made with corrugated iron sheets and is solar power-operated so that it can be used in rural areas with no electricity connection.

The cylindrical tapering silo dubbed ‘Kikapu silo’ is easily loaded by hoisting grain bags manually using ropes. The silo is assembled for easy handling and erection during times of grain harvesting and conservation.

“It has ventilation for drying the crop. Warm air is sucked upwards using solar power and this lowers the moisture content of the grains from 15 per cent to the recommended 13 per cent in a short time”, observed Antonio Carlos de Campos, the foreign trade manager with Kepler Weber during the unveiling of the silo in Nairobi.

According to Campos, the silo is suitable for farmers in sub-Saharan countries such as Mozambique, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Kenya.

“Currently, the silo is priced at US$4,500 (Ksh 382,000) and is fit for a group of farmers. Those with five hectares or more would need to purchase two silos for their grain”, explained Campos.

He added that a group of non-governmental organisations had made orders for their groups across the country.

THE COMPLETELY NEW concept of the multiline brings together a Terradisc compact disc harrow with a seed drill. The unit delivers cost effective, high performance mulch drilling technology that enables sensational flexibility during operation. Used solo or in a combination, the new Terradisc multiline promises enormous potential.

The Terradisc multiline is available in working widths of three and four metres. The basic unit is a Terradisc compact disc harrow in combination with the 585 rubber packer roller. The machine is trailed using a drawbar attached to Cat II low linkages. The Terradisc multiline can be operated conveniently using the most straightforward tractor set up.

Combined with the seed drill, it offers an ideal alternative to conventional mulch seed drills. The weight of the machine is borne by the packer roller. Only the supported load acts on the tractor. This means that it is possible to use the machine without front ballast, harmful compaction at the headland is greatly reduced as a result. The new machine features excellent ground conservation technology and sustainability. This guarantees long-term yield. The machine is raised using the rubber packer roller to provide ground clearance of 280 mm.

Vitasem A, Vitasem ADD or Aerosem seed drills are installed as standard above the packer roller. This allows the seed drill to be fitted or removed easily, depending on whether the trailed compact disc harrow is to be used on its own or not. As a result the Terradisc multiline is a real multitalent with a wide range of applications.

In the field and during road transport the machine runs on the rubber packer roller, which is divided into two sections with a central support.

This ensures smooth running and optimum stability during transport.

A D V E R T I S E R S

Subscription Form

I N D E X

I wish to subscribe to AFRICAN FARMING AND FOOD PROCESSING for 1 year (6 issues) starting with the next Issue.

Company ................................................................Page Alvan Blanch Development Company Ltd.......................9 AWILA Anlagenbau GmbH ..........................................29 Ayurvet Ltd ....................................................................30 Bentall Rowlands Storage Systems Ltd........................19 Bomford Turner Ltd ........................................................8 Catalysis S.L. ................................................................41 Centre for Management Technology ............................17 (3rd Palm Oil Africa 2014) CNHI International S.A. ................................................44 Compact Seeds and Clones SA ..................................19 Denis SA ......................................................................13 Eurodrip SA ..................................................................11 Factory 2014 ................................................................10 FederUnacoma SURL ..................................................21 Ferm-O-Feed B.V. ..........................................................7 Gary Fiechtner ..............................................................17 Goizper Sociedad Cooperativa ....................................35 Informa / IIR Middle East (Agra Innovate 2014) ............6 Jacaranda Agricultural Show ..........................................9 Kepler Weber Grupo ......................................................2 Machines 4 Food Ltd. ..................................................37 Moshate Media ............................................................13 (African Farmers' Workshop & Expo 2014) Omex Agrifluids Ltd.......................................................27 Pan Trade Services Limited ..........................5, 23, 35, 41 Silos Córdoba S.L. ........................................................25 Swingtec GmbH ............................................................33 T-L Irrigation Co ............................................................29 TVH Group NV..............................................................39 Unipoint AG ..................................................................43 Valmont Industries ........................................................31 Vi-COR..........................................................................29

Europe a 94.50, Kenya Ksh1500, Nigeria N2800, South Africa R210, United Kingdom £57, USA $111 Enclosed is my cheque/draft.❑ Please send us the invoice Please debit my: Amex ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard ❑

❑

oooo oooo oooo oooo Expiry date: oo/oo Security Code: ooo (Please note that we will debit your account in sterling).

Card number:

Name ..............................................................................................Position..........................................................

Organisation ..........................................................................................................................................................

Telephone............................................................Fax ............................................................................................

Address..................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................

Country.............................................................................Email ............................................................................

Signed

...............................................................................Date ............................................................................

Send this subscription form by airmail together with cheque payable to: Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place London, SW1W 0EX, UK

Subscription order can also be placed via the web: www.alaincharles.com or email at circulation@alaincharles.com

YOUR BUSINESS 01

Government/Public/Diplomatic Services

03

Education/Research Institutes

06

Commercial Services

08

Import/Export Agents, Distributors

09

Farms & Plantations

11

Food Processing

12

Aid Organisations

13

Agricultural Equipment & Material Manufacturers

16

Others, Please specify ............................... ..................... ................................................ ..................... ................................................ ..................... ................................................

www.africanfarming.net

S12 AF JulyAug 2014 ICT Agri & Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:49 PM Page 43

S12 AF JulyAug 2014 ICT Agri & Equipment_Layout 1 7/30/2014 4:49 PM Page 44