Farmers Review Africa Jan/Feb 2023

EFFICIENCY MEETS ACCURACY.

The H2 Stationary was designed as an affordable, entry-level option for acquiring accurate data measurements off-combine. Leveraging “H2 Technology” used in the H2 Classic, this simplified GrainGage is ideal for hand harvesters requiring a mobile option for measuring grain weight and moisture. Accompanied by a 12-volt power source and portable thresher, the lightweight H2 Stationary GrainGage is ideal for quick mobility and data repeatability.

QUICK AND EASY PORTABILITY

Designed for quick and easy setup, the H2 Stationary GrainGage allows users to collect plot data virtually anywhere. Its retractable legs and lightweight design are a few of the features that make its quick mobility possible.

RELIABLE DATA CONSISTENCY

The H2 Stationary allows hand harvesters to collect field data efficiently, while eliminating errors and data variance caused by manual processing/scales. Built to enhance data accuracy and provide repeatability, the H2 Stationary improves both workflow and accuracy.

Executive Editor

Anthony Kiganda editor@farmersreviewafrica.com

sub Editor: Anita Anyango

Contributing writers

Lawrence Paganga Zimbabwe Nqobile Bhebhe Zimbabwe

Oscar Nkala Botswana

Bertha M South Africa

Jane Marsh Environment.co

Project Manager

Victor Ndlovu sales@farmersreviewafrica.com

Art Director & Layout

Augustine Ombwa - info@arobia.co.ke

Correspondents

Mutale K. Pikes’ +260 761730213 mutaleketanipikes@gmail.com

sales & Marketing

Gladmore. N gladmoren@farmersreviewafrica.com

Mandla M. mandlam@farmersreviewafrica.com Kholwani. D kholwanid@farmersreviewafrica.com

Polite Mkhize politem@farmersreviewafrica.com

Creative

Consultancy

CONTENTS

Editor’s Note

T

EVENT

SIMEZA Silos: The turnkey solution for your grain storage plant

he recent continental food summit in Senegal’s capital, Dakar saw Africa leaders recommit to increase financing from national budgets to agriculture by allocating at least 10% of public expenditure to agriculture.African Development Bank has also pledged to $10 billion and a further $20 billion by several other partners in support of Africa’s agricultural transformation.

The three-day summit was timely coming at a time when nearly 250 million people are suffering from hunger in Africa.

Ironically, Africa has 65% of the world’s remaining uncultivated arable land and has the potential to produce enough food to feed itself and contribute to feeding the rest of the world.

The pledge to support agriculture in Africa should be followed by accountability, transparency and high level of seriousness. Countries should also plan on how they will fight vices like corruption that often hinder agriculture development in Africa.

Kenya develops new tilapia breed to meet increasing market demand 40

Anthony Kiganda

Agricultural robots, Italian manufacturers in the spotlight at FIRA in Toulouse BI plans promotions, special offers in 2023 to showcase new online store How technology is transforming Waste oil heaters 09 02 16 34 TO ADVERTISE IN FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA CALL: +27 11 044 8986 | Email: sales@farmersreviewafrica.com Advertiser’s index The publication of this magazine is made possible in part from fees paid by our advertisers. To help our advertisers evaluate the effectiveness of informing you of their company, products and services, and to help us retain our advertisers, tell them that you are contacting them because you saw their advert in the Farmers Review Africa Agritech........................................................................03 Agro Expo..................................................................IBC Bioficiency....................................................................32 Energylogic...................................................................43 FDA Laboratory............................................................29 Junipers/Harvest Master...........................................IFC NamFarmers............................................................OBC Polmac..........................................................................07 Randox..........................................................................27 Wearchek......................................................................22 Simeza..........................................................................35

Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made as to such accuracy and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expr essed are not necessarily shared by Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

Pledge to support agriculture should be followed by actionable plans

BI plans promotions, special offers in 2023 to showcase new online store

Leading supplier Bearings International (BI) will run various promotions and special offers during 2023 to promote its online store, which has been up and running for seven months. “We are very happy with the functionality of the platform,” comments Charmaine Beukes, Business Unit Leader, Allied Products.

“During the initial launch phase, we wanted to ensure all systems were 100% functional and that the customer experience was all we planned it to be,” says Beukes. Confirming that the system has now been tried and tested, she adds: “It is amazing how technology and the Internet of Things has developed to make targeting customers easier.”

The platform offers 24/7 access to BI’s extensive product range in light of the increasing prevalence of e-commerce. A variety of technical information is also available via the platform to support customers in making informed product selection. Beukes points out that this does not displace walk-in clients at branches or technical sales representatives visiting sites to assist with troubleshooting and plan for shutdowns and plant maintenance, or emergency staff providing a breakdown service.

“Our various segment development staff will continue to walk the road with our customers to

plan for maximum efficiency in their plants and present new products, benefits and innovation. Our online platform is simply another leg of our service offering, bringing more to our customers and also showcasing our complete solutions to potential new customers,” adds Beukes.

Describing the platform as intuitive and userfriendly, Beukes outlines future plans to include tutorial-type product videos to showcase product benefits, application and installation. “We aim to make it the go-to place to find out what to do, what

you need to do it and then to procure what you need, all in one place.”

She describes the team effort behind the platform’s development as akin to preparation for a Rugby World Cup event. “We had a few scrums, hard tackles, missed passes, injuries and challenges, but our team, comprising staff members and consultants, had the single goal of bringing our customers the best possible online shopping experience, and that is what we have done.”

Beukes’ says that BI’s recent 65th anniversary celebration was a true testament to the resilience and integrity of the brand. “We have been with our customers through may seasons and challenges and have been able to support and help them grow. Our online presence affords our customers the opportunity to be in touch with us 24/7 in accordance with their requirements.”

In terms of the future, there are exciting plans to extend the platform even further, including exploiting potential synergies with other Hudaco Group companies. “We believe this is a very user friendly and functional platform that will benefit any of our sister companies.” However, Beukes says any such decisions will be researched thoroughly before implementation. “We will proceed steadily and with due caution as required,” she concludes.

CNH Industrial takes minority stake in EarthOptics

Soil sensing tech helps farmers get more from their land and give back to it

CNH Industrial announces a minority investment in the US-based ag tech company EarthOptics through its Ventures arm.

EarthOptics’ proprietary sensor technology precisely measures the health and structure of soil through a combination of ground-based sensors, satellites, physical soil samples, machine learning models and agronomic expertise. By providing such a wide range of soil data, this technology enables farmers to better manage their land and enhance its value. Insights can help them drive

multiple improvements from increasing crop yield to reducing fertilizer application, and assessing their farm’s carbon impact, to name a few key areas.

This funding – part of EarthOptics’ Series B investment round – will help to further build out their sensor suite’s hyper-accuracy capabilities to boost acreage growth and bring greater savings. It will also allow the company to scale cooperation with service providers (agronomists, crop consultants and trusted third party advisors) for data insights.

CNH Industrial will begin a pilot testing phase of EarthOptics’ soil sensing technology through our Case IH brand in 2023. Commercial plans will be the subject of future announcements. The goal of this technology is to accelerate our work in tillage automation and provide greater agronomic insights for customers.

This is the latest demonstration of our work to continuously provide the world’s farmers with solutions that add value to, and increase the sustainability of, their operations.

Zimbabwe farmers adapt to agro-ecology

encourage farmers to showcase and sell seeds they know perform very well,” she said.

Matangi showed participating farmers how increasing their crop diversity and using practices such as conservation agriculture techniques benefit the environment and improves food security and nutrition. “I am grateful for these efforts. Our region is arid, and as such, it is very difficult for our farmers to achieve significant yields to assure them there is enough food for the year,” said Grace Musandaira, a supervisor of the Agriculture Advisory and Rural Development Service. “In addition, the knowledge provision relating to preserving and improving agrobiodiversity through agro-ecological practices is set to improve rural livelihoods,” she added.

Small-holder farmers in Zimbabwe have been experiencing low crop productivity due to a number of factors, including planting inappropriate seeds and seed varieties, labour shortages, loss of agro-biodiversity, insufficient inputs, degrading soils, and recurrent droughts.

This according to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), has led to broken food systems rendering food and nutrition insecurity. However, the One CGIAR initiative, Transformational Agro-ecology Across Food, Land, and Water Systems, led by the CIMMYT in Zimbabwe, has been designed to bring agroecological advances to small-holder famers in an effort to strengthen local food systems.

The identified farmers are in the Mbire and Murehwa districts of Zimbabwe and have been introduced to innovative agro-ecology interventions, premised on harnessing nature’s goods and services while minimising adverse environmental impacts and improving farmerconsumer connectivity, knowledge co-creation, and inclusive relationships among food system actors.

In response to the challenges faced by the smallholders, they were invited to take part in seed fairs. The seed fair’s objective was to enable the farmers to access improved and locally adapted seeds of food crops originating from the private sector and fellow farmers.

In addition, the seed fairs provided a platform for learning about agro-ecological practices. Farmers were also given a chance to see different machinery that could aid in land, food, and feed preparation, and address their labor shortage challenges.

At the opening of the seed fair in Mbire, Dorcas Matangi, CIMMYT research associate, acknowledged that smallholder farmers operate in challenging and complex ecological, social, and economic systems and there is a need for interventions that address the natural resource base without ignoring the social and economic dynamics within communities.

“The communal culture of sharing and trading between community members can be capitalized on for a collective benefit. One such case is through events such as seed fairs where we

Senzeni Nyagonye, a small-holder farmer in Mbire district, added; “This initiative is teaching and exposing us to so many new concepts such as conservation agriculture with mechanization. If we can apply conservation agriculture with the seeds we bought at this seed fair, we are optimistic about a great harvest.”

A total of 1 058 farmers attended two seed fairs in Mbire and Murehwa districts. The farmers had the opportunity to access a variety of crop seeds ranging from maize, to sorghum, millets, groundnuts, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, and sunflowers.

More than 200 farmers exhibited local seeds that were available for sale or exchange. Private seed companies also showcased and sold certified drought-tolerant maize, sorghum, bean and cowpea varieties.

“The seed fairs in Mbire and Murehwa were very successful. And we feel these efforts will serve as a useful case study to guide a national scaleup,” Matangi said.

New Wine-Producing Facility to be Constructed in Rwanda

In 2019, Rwanda and the Rhineland-Palatinate signed a Joint Letter of Intent in agriculture promoting technology-driven farming and sustainable wine cultivation. Both sides aim to work closely in developing suitable technologies and to transfer knowledge to farmers to increase farm productivity. Fast forward today, Rwanda is going to get a wine producing facility for its grape harvest that will also be used to bottle juices and mineral water.

On Track to Grow and Process Grapes

The country’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. Mukeshimana said that almost all the wine and grapes that Rwandans drink and eat are imported. The country gets its wine supply from South Africa as well as Germany favoring red wines and white wines from the Moselle region. She further explains that the market is available and from a technical point of view, grapes can grow in Rwanda based on conducted trials. Now, there is little or no wine culture to speak of, but it is a subject that must be addressed. Knowing what is being offered to customers is important. In addition, wine must be stored and served properly. For example, wine is already an everyday expectation among visitors. Therefore, restaurants and hotels that offer wines should invest in appropriate wine coolers to keep bottles at a good temperature. Proper storage protects the wine and the bottle providing the best conditions for aging.

That said, the country is on track to farm grapes and ultimately, process them into wine. Currently, there are some businesses that produce wines

from local fruits such as pineapples, bananas, and sugarcane. The choice of using local fruits in winemaking is due to the prohibitive costs of importing grapes. But, if grape vines can be added at a large scale as well as the corresponding expertise, there will not only be jobs for the youth in agriculture, but also a wine industry that will be created.

A Wine Processing Plant

Part of the partnership activities between the two countries include identification of suitable geographical sites for grapevine cultivation and

local germplasm and the introduction of highly performing varieties from other locations. At this time, there are two grape varieties from Germany that will be tested for local grape farming. They will be tried at the Mulindi Horticulture Center and if successful, replicated and disseminated to farmers. In the event of non-adaptability, other varieties will be tried.

Huye district is identified as the site of grape production and processing according to Charles Bucagu of the Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Development Board. Private investors are expected to put $1.1 million on the table to construct a wine-producing facility in the country. The plant will make red wine and beverages from grapes.

A farmer in the district presently grows and harvests 3 tons of grapes on one hectare. Theogene Ntampaka stated that grape farming is unfortunately overlooked by farmers and the government. According to him, low volumes of grapes produced in Rwanda can be attributed to a lack of sensitization and awareness on the importance of its cultivation. That’s all set to change soon with the partnership drawing on the expertise of Germany in providing extension services and technical support.

The new wine processing facility that will be built in Rwanda is projected to support the cultivation and transformation of grapes into wines. Grape cultivation/processing is a growth opportunity that the government is exploring.

Morocco makes positive steps to mitigate drought

Morocco has taken positive steps to mitigate droughts over the past decades, but according to CARE Morocco, there still room for improvement. This is indicated both in the reviewed assessments and the findings of the latest study, which has focused specifically in the agricultural and livestock sector.

According to CARE Morocco, the ongoing technical assistance by different actors and by United Nations agencies will undoubtedly help to set the stage for further improvements in this regard.

“Ultimately, the effectiveness of the actions proposed will depend on how well they are implemented by the Moroccan Government and other national stakeholders. Because of its arid to semi-arid climate, characterised by

limited and fluctuating rainfall, Morocco has made the mobilization of surface water an important component of its economic and social development strategy,” it said.

“Significant investment efforts in surface water storage and mobilisation of 73 facilities, as well as

significant availability of renewable groundwater, are expected to secure water resources that are large enough to meet the needs of its population, harmonious development of the different sectors of the economy and contribute significantly to its food security.”

CARE Morocco added the report will study the overall situation in Morocco and the drought’s negative effects on agriculture, the economy, food security, etc., with gender lenses considering how different gender groups are affected differently on household and community levels.

“The report will provide suggestions and information for the way forward at the local level and per gender group. The findings are reliant on primary data and desk review findings with dependency on the existing Villages savings and

NGOs call for ban in Africa for battery cage chicken farming

chickens in southern Africa. It is an inhumane practice that is very oppressive to the chickens.”

Nurture Imvelo Trust director Sanele Ndlovu said the rights of chickens were being violated through the use of battery cages to rear them. “This includes the freedom of normal behaviour, pain and injury, and freedom from distress and discomfort.”

Ndlovu said caged chicken farming posed a health threat to human beings as battery cages can facilitate the spread of zoonotic diseases such as the avian flu.

Africa’s non-governmental organisations have called for a ban of raising chickens in battery cages as it was cruel and carried harmful germs that can spread to humans. Most small-scale poultry producers in Africa use battery cages to breed their chickens, mostly in backyards. However, at a media workshop on chicken farming underway in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, NGOs in Africa, Open Wing, Africa Network for Animal Welfare and Nurture Imvelo Trust, say the practice is harmful to both chickens and humans.

Programme manager for Africa Network for Animal Welfare Josiah Ojwang from Kenya said caged chicken farming is a cruel practice.

“Battery cages are very cruel to the chickens; they compromise the welfare of the chickens. You would realise that cages were banned in Europe,

loans associations network (VSLAs) that CARE Morocco has been supporting over the past few years, and that is mostly made up of female participants.

“Although the drought is the primary focus of the study, it is worth mentioning that climate-linked risks don’t only affect agricultural losses and challenges but could also lead to flash floods from heavy rain, landlines that are destroying key infrastructure, wildfires, and loss of properties, livestock, and crops.”

Some of the findings of the reported noted that male community members in the rural areas who used to consider agriculture as their main income source decided to migrate to urban communities seeking temporary or permanent jobs.

“Women are the most affected during the drought season for several reasons. Women are primarily responsible for fetching water and with the

and why should we allow them here in Africa?” Ojwang said.

“This is where the media comes in because it is influential. As the media, you have a huge role to play to sensitise the public so that they rethink the issue of usage of battery cages in chicken farming. They are cruel and oppressive and keeping chickens in cages is not compassionate.” Open Wing Alliance official Sebastian Mwanza also condemned the practice.

“The media has a powerful role to play in advancing this campaign so that we remove the chickens from of these oppressive cages. The method violates animal freedoms,” he said.

“The media should come up with adequate ways to set the agenda so that the masses get to know about the effects that battery cages have on

drought; access to water is more challenging.”

“I’m not even sure I will sow wheat this year because the rainfall has been so late,” said Zakaria Khatabi, a farmer in Zhiliga, north of Rabat.

The findings added; “It is observed that over the past few years, farmers have progressively stopped using local seeds, seedlings, crops aiming for a higher yield using foreign inputs that showed low resilience to Moroccan climate and weather. Similarly, few profitable crops were cultivated in areas that suffer from water scarcity such as watermelon, avocado, and few other crops which led the government to intervene and restrict these crops in certain locations.

“It was reported that veterinary service expenses, which were already high, have increased even more due to inputs and fuel costs which pushed herders to reduce the frequency of veterinary checks.

A veterinarian, Felistas Ndlovu, urged the public to prioritise animal welfare and ensure that they are treated in the most humane manner possible. “Animal welfare is a responsibility that must be shared by government and people who own, care for, and use animals, educational systems, veterinarians and scientists so that we relieve animal suffering,” she said.

Battery cages for layer hens will become illegal in New Zealand from 2023. The plan to ban battery cages has been 10 years in the making – in 2012 after the government committed to phasing them out by 1 January 2023.

Battery cages are broadly considered to be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the birds, which cannot exercise natural behaviour and are exposed to infection and disease because of the cramped conditions.

Most of Europe, including the UK, banned the use of battery cages in 2012; Mexico, Israel and Canada have also banned battery cages. Australia announced in August it would phase out the cages by 2036.

“Drought can have a significant impact on the macro economy, but through this study, it was confirmed that the most affected sector was the agricultural production and yields, and thus people’s livelihoods such as small farmers and rural workers with specific challenges women and girls were going through due to water and income shortage.

“Water consumption was reduced despite the implications on the amount of yield they will harvest later but considering that irrigation expenses won’t be recovered by selling their crops later considering the high production cost and limited purchasing power.” Care Morocco then made several recommendations, including delivering awareness-raising sessions to the local communities covering the following aspects, water value and water management methods and techniques, and targeting farmers with information related to smart-climate agriculture and food production.

Africa Agri Expo 2023 Event Launched

Africa Agri Expo 2023 - 6th Edition, a leading regional agricultural show, is set to take place at KICC, Nairobi, Kenya on 8th and 9th February. Ahead of the event, a Press Conference in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development was held on January 23rd at Serena Hotel Nairobi, where Mr. Tahir Abdul Bari, CEO and MD of TAB group, the show’s organizer, addressed attendees and officially introduced the event.

The event is supported by prominent organizations and institutions driving agricultural transformation in Africa; however, a high-profile panel of distinguished guests represented their organizations at the Pre-event Press Conference followed by an intense and interactive Q&A from the major media houses in Kenya. There were brief remarks from Mr. Josphat Gathiru Muhunyu, Agriculture Secretary, Rep. of CS, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kenya, Ms. Agatha Thuo - General Manager, Agriculture Sector Network, Mr. Eric Kimungui - CEO, Agrochemical Association of Kenya, Mr. Guracha Adi - General Manager - Investor Services, KenInvest, Eng. Charles MuasyaActing CEO of the National Irrigation Authority, Mr. Mandlenkosi Nkomo, Chief Growth Officer - CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy, IITA who are working in the Agri-sector for a very long time - aiding support to this prospering industry

through their commendable work and networking capabilities and emphasized on the importance of participation in events like Africa Agri Expo (AAE 2023).

In addition to ways that the AAE 2023 will assist in attracting huge investments to the agriculture industry and Kenya Invest Authority being a one-stop solution for investors and regulators like Agriculture Food Authority which extends business opportunities across the Agribusiness value chain, the interactions at the press-conference revolved around the ways to encourage the involvement of the youth and women in agriculture practices and how the public and private sector work together to attain solutions to increase yield per hectare of land which will lead to increase in food-production and strengthen trade ties between nations.

The discussions also implied how the event will facilitate a platform to develop agri-food value chains using innovations and how technology integration plays an important role from primary production to value addition and processing of food produce, where big companies like CENSA - A WayCool enterprise from India comes into picture - they also happen to be the Strategic Partner at AAE 2023. Furthermore, challenges faced by SMEs and farmers affected by Covid, Conflict and Climate change and their mitigation

were also widely discussed as well as topics like scaling up agrochemicals and the irrigation industry to fight severe droughts, among others.

Considering the event is just 2 weeks away, we urge all the companies who see themselves winning in the African agribusiness market to register and showcase their best technology and solutions. Knowing the fact that the Africa Agri Expo provides a platform for agriculture companies, agrochemical companies, technology companies, machinery and equipment companies, and agri-input companies to place themselves as market leaders and build valuable connections with industry stakeholders who are significant changemakers in the industry - one must not miss the continent’s largest show that will connect Africa to the global agribusiness market.

The press conference concluded with the hope that this year’s event will surpass all previous records and be a success in promoting and strengthening the African agriculture sector in the end it was also revealed that if there is any company who wants to pre-schedule their business meetings - this too can be possible by just a single request.

Website: https://africa-agriexpo.com/

IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT

PRESSURE AND ONE-WAY VALVES FITTINGS

FLOWMETERS BALL VALVES

The Grabouw Weekend Warrior is in April this year, almost a month earlier than last year.

To take full advantage of the peak apple season so that many of the orchards in the apple valley will still be laden with fruit while the mountain bikers explore the area, The Grabouw Weekend Warrior fundraising event, grown by Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, will be on April 15 and 16 this year.

Like last year, this family-centric event which also invites people to camp in supplied three-man tents, raises funds for Grabouw High School, a beneficiary over many years of Tru-Cape’s events in the area.

Tru-Cape Marketing Director, Conrad Fick, is a lifelong Grabouw resident and an alumnus of the school. “Tru-Cape supports events that are in our grower community, that focus on the health of the whole family, and benefits the community. Monies from this event will go towards a new classroom for Grade Four learners at Grabouw High School,” he says.

The venue is the Grabouw Country Club but riders will also be on the mountains, the nearby wine and fruit farms, and alongside the dam during the 10 km, 28 km, and 44 km routes on offer.

A great ride and time spent with the family, especially for those who are camping in the tents provided by Red Cherry Events, is promised. “This is an event focussed on the whole family,” says organiser Shaun Glover of Red Cherry Events adding, “The Adult Entry is R850 with options to add tented accommodation while children under 14 are R350 each. Day rider tickets for either Saturday or Sunday are R450 each.”

Glover says that the camp village includes a comfy chill zone, live music, hot showers, flush toilets and many food options while the children’s play area includes a jumping castle so there is plenty for the little ones to do while the older ones get stuck into some craft beverage options located in the chill zone.

Entries on the day are permitted but carry R100 per entry premium. See www.Weekend-Warrior.co.za for entry details or email team@ redcherryevents.co.za.

Agricultural robots, Italian manufacturers in the spotlight at FIRA in Toulouse

FederUnacoma, the Italian association of agricultural machinery manufacturers, will be attending as Gold Partner the seventh edition of FIRA, the event dedicated to robotic systems in agriculture, to be held in Toulouse from 7 to 9 February. Agricultural robotics, which is already booming today, will become increasingly central in the coming years. Highly automated systems provide an answer to the productivity and sustainability needs of the primary sector.

The use of robotic technologies for agricultural processing looks set to grow exponentially within the next years, making robotics the new frontier of agriculture. In such a dynamic scenario, characterised by the constant evolution of production processes, an event like FIRA, dedicated precisely to the theme of highly automated systems, is called upon to play a strategic role. The seventh edition of the event, which is promoted by GOFAR (Global Organisation for Agricultural Robotics) and held in Toulouse from 7 to 9 February, is a very interesting appointment to take stock of the latest generation technologies, thanks to the exhibition of a wide range of models and the scheduling of a wide range of thematic events.

But the French event is also an opportunity to see in action, in the demo area specially set up, many of the machines already available, as well as the latest prototypes made by exhibiting companies. FederUnacoma, the Italian association representing agricultural machinery manufacturers, will be attending the

French event as Gold Partner (the qualification seals the strengthened cooperation between the association and GOFAR) with its own stand and a collective area in which its member companies

(Cobo, Tecomec and X Farm Technologies) and Field Robotics (a spin-off of the University of Bologna) will present the latest technological solutions for a more efficient and sustainable agriculture.

“Robotic systems and autonomous agricultural machines are conceived and designed not only to facilitate agricultural work but to perform complex and high-precision operations that were not possible with traditional tractors and equipment,” explains the manufacturers’ association. Robots also make it possible to solve several critical issues that have emerged in the agricultural sector in recent years, such as the shortage of specialised labour and working on rough terrain or in conditions that are dangerous for the operator. “The development of highly automated solutions for the primary sector is now a priority for the Italian agricultural machinery industry and will be even more so in the near future. In this perspective,” FederUnacoma concludes, “the partnership with GOFAR and the participation in FIRA are of strategic importance for our sector”.

Africa needs to increase fertiliser application 10 fold

Farmers in Africa are using, on average, 20 kilograms of fertiliser per hectare, which is a fraction of the global average, a senior official at a leading Moroccan fertiliser company has said. To maximise yields per acre, it is estimated farmers in Africa will need to increase their fertiliser application by around tenfold.

“Doing this in a sustainable way - without longerterm environmental damage - will be crucial. Not just for the continent, but the globe as well: with 60% of the world’s remaining arable land, Africa’s vast, fertile soils represent humanity’s best hope for future food security,” OCP Group chairman and chief executive, Mostafa Terrab, has said.

“To address the immediate challenges of food insecurity prompted by skyrocketing commodity prices and export disruptions, stakeholders need to agree on urgent remedial actions. Any

long-term solution to global food security and sustainable agriculture begins with the soil.

“Soil health is not only about preserving life beneath our feet. It makes all life above ground possible, from plants to people. An approach to farming that emphasizes soil health and customized fertilization for sustainable high yields is key to reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint. This is a win-win: healthier soil and enhanced biodiversity actively suck harmful carbon from the atmosphere, while maximising yields per acre reduces pressure globally to convert forests and grasslands to agriculture.”

He said technology is global, but innovation is local. “Soil characteristics and growing conditions vary widely, not only globally but even within each continent, country, and region. This calls for a new approach to crop nutrition that shifts from commoditised products to customized crop

nutrients that are adapted to different crops and soils, and applied at the right time.”

Terrab said delivering these goals was entirely possible in Africa using established “precision farming” techniques which observe, measure, and respond to changes in the fields and crops. “For example, mobile laboratories are already crossing Africa collecting soil samples covering millions of hectares. With this data, farmers can map which parcels of land require what type of nourishment and when. More efficient application of the right fertilizer – only what the specific soil and crop needs and will use -- reduces waste and run-off into ground and surface water. “It also lowers costs while boosting yields per acre and, therefore, farmer incomes. African farmers are just as capable and eager as farmers anywhere in the world to increase their yields in a sustainable manner. They just need access to the right inputs, supply chains, financial tools, and innovations.”

He added speeding farming revolution in Africa will require substantial collective effort. “Thankfully, there is growing awareness and commitment from a broad range of international partners – national governments, international and regional institutions, the private sector, universities, and others – who firmly believe African farmers, can play a key role in feeding the world while protecting the planet. There is much work left to do. But having a goal is not just noble - it is necessary.”

HIV/AIDS Can Still Hinder Economic Development in Africa. But it Doesn’t Have To.

Long before COVID or Ebola or monkeypox, there was HIV and its attendant disease, AIDS. Its ravaging impact, especially in low-income countries, has largely been forgotten in the US. But it still impacts large numbers of people, leaving entire communities behind as countries seek to spur economic development and reduce poverty.

The good news: There are successful communitybased HIV testing and treatment programs that enable individuals and communities to manage infection and experience normal life—including work and all its benefits.

These programs in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are funded through the President’s Emergency

Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and run by US-based development organization World Neighbors.

The centerpiece of the programs, carried out with local community groups, is voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). World Neighbors and community groups set up VCT clinics in villages. Volunteers known in the community help educate neighbors on HIV/AIDS and encourage people to get tested. If positive, people are encouraged to receive medication. Clinic volunteers help monitor usage and educate infected persons on healthy living techniques.

Perhaps most important, clinics help those with HIV organize themselves into groups that hold

regular meetings where they discuss a variety of issues such as healthy and positive living, nutrition and drug management. These groups also act as support groups for psychological and moral support.

As a result of these programs, those with HIV are able to work and otherwise participate in community life. Entire communities that could have been reduced to permanent poverty are engaged in profitable agricultural and small business activities. These HIV/AIDS programs are a model for how to address illnesses that impede economic development.

Proper Grain storage can help in boosting food security

in reducing post-harvest losses. The main advantage of grain is their storability, which is higher and less costly compared to many other food products such as meat and dairy as well as most fruits and vegetables.

In developing countries, many households keep grain reserves to make it through the lean period between harvests while a large number of governments hold grain stocks to safeguard national food security in case of an emergency. Apart from helping guarantee the physical availability of food, grains are also stockpiled to protect against unexpected price spikes that might seriously limit people’s access to food. While it is open to debate whether grain reserves are the most efficient instrument to achieve these two objectives, available data suggest that in recent years many countries and households have opted to increase their reliance on stocks as an insurance mechanism.

Ending hunger is a key goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015. This goal notwithstanding, the prevalence of severe food insecurity of the world’s population has increased.

In fact, it is estimated that by 2040 the world’s population will reach 9 billion people. To feed such a population, food security is key. Food security is a term that describes a situation that a household has direct and daily access to food. Grains and grain-based products are critically important for world food security. They are main staple foods in practically every country and constitute essential sources of calories for large parts of the population, especially the poor.

Globally over two billion tonnes of grains are produced annually. The grains are stored at different stages of the grain distribution chain, in defined units such as bags, silos, warehouses, containers and even in piles on the ground.

Good grain quality is achieved not only with a good crop, but also with a good storage facility. Storage is needed for optimizing profitability for farmers since the harvest season is not always the best time to sell the grain and it is also important for transporting grain.

Handling, grading and packaging needs to be undertaken is a clean facility that is free of rodents, bacteria and insects. The right temperature and ventilation will ensure dry storage, so that no harmful pests can attack the harvested grain.

Although accurate estimates of post-harvest losses of grains are not available, but it can vary from 1–2% in the developed countries, where grain is stored in well managed facilities, to 20–50% in less developed countries, with poorly managed storage systems.

Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates from 2011 suggest that as much as 37 percent of food produced in Sub-Saharan Africa is lost between production and consumption. Estimates for cereals are 20.5 percent. For post-harvest handling and storage loss only, the FAO estimate is 8 percent, and the African Post-harvest Losses Information System (APHLIS) estimate is 10-12 percent.

The East African Community reported early last years that it makes huge post-harvest losses in food products annually in the range of 30% in cereals, 50% in roots & tubers, and up to 70% in fruits and vegetables.

Yet proper storage can play a major role

Proper storage of grain should first consider moisture content. Handlers should bring the moisture content of grains to the right percentage. The perfect moisture content is about 14% for maize and around 12% for rice. The right moisture content helps in inhibiting mold growth. This ensures that no harmful substances, such as aflatoxins from molds, will contaminate the stored commodities. This step is important to avoid aflatoxins from spoiling either maize or rice.

Second, the storage system must be prepared and should be suited to hold grains for the long haul. A controlled atmosphere that is airtight and moisture-tight must be guaranteed so that no damage can be brought to the grains. If air can enter, insects can thrive within the grains. Other pests may eventually come in through the airway and eat away the stored grains. This will potentially result in huge losses in quantity and quality. At the same time, airflow may bring in moisture, which may enable molds to grow and bring damage to the crops as well.

Then there is the issue of content monitoring. This step ensures that no damage is sustained by the storage system and that the grains are secured. Regularly checking that gasses, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide, levels are stable and constant goes a long way in securing the integrity, durability, and effectiveness of the storage system and the quality of its contents.

The year that was: Reflections on land reform in South Africa as we recover from a pandemic and a sluggish economy

By Peter Setou

Land Reform – Many land reform claimant communities found the sluggish pace of the land reform programme during the year wearisome. However, the policy and regulatory milestones that have been reached in the past two years offer a glimmer of hope, showing that the process is on the right track, despite the lacklustre rate of policy implementation.

While some sceptics may point to the past failures of the land reform programme as evidence of a lack of political will to expedite the process, it would be wrong to discount the groundwork that has been laid in the past two years, notwithstanding the disruptions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Admittedly, the lethargic pace of land reform, coupled with the “capture” of this process by

political elites in some instances and the reported widespread failure of some communities to render the claimant land productive, has added to the aggravation and growing frustration around this important social and political programme.

Following the 55th National Elective Conference in December 2022, the ANC has made several resolutions regarding the land reform programme. The Conference confirmed that the government acknowledges the capacity issues of the Land Bank and has resolved that the bank’s capacity needs to be strengthened to enable it to deliver on its mandate.

Furthermore, it was acknowledged that there is a need to accelerate the implementation of the new Expropriation Act which is at an advanced stage in the legislative process. Of significance, the Conference emphasised that the process of bringing underutilised land into production should

be sped up and that the new Land Reform and Agricultural Development Agency should be speedily implemented. It was also acknowledged that there is a need to address the problems of access to water use rights as they relate to rural communities, and to develop strategies to increase the productivity of land in communal areas.

Furthermore, it was proposed that a Land Redistribution Bill be initiated to facilitate equitable access to land, based on the needs of the people of South Africa. It is envisaged that this will enable the state to acquire agricultural land for purposes of distribution to previously disadvantaged persons, based on the constitutional principle of equitable access to land.

The ruling party has also committed to setting out clear legislative criteria for beneficiaries of land to be distributed by the state. Beneficiaries

will include all persons working on the land, such as farm workers, farm dwellers and aspirant small-scale and commercial farmers. The state will apply the principle of just and equitable compensation when acquiring land for the benefit of persons and entities who meet the criteria for land allocation.

Although these resolutions are prudent and necessary, there is still a huge gap regarding implementation processes and timelines. Timelines for achieving these resolutions as well as addressing other challenges that have been identified in the past must be clearly determined to support efforts in driving a successful land reform programme.

The reality, 28 years on, is that the current state of the land reform programme has left many communities feeling that they are set up for failure. They are unable to access finance and markets, they have no clear water usage rights, and they lack the technical expertise to manage productive land. If implemented effectively, the proposed changes could make a real difference in South Africa’s land reform.

During the ANC Elective Conference, President Ramaphosa conceded that, although the ruling party has made some strides to restore the land to communities who were forcibly dispossessed through policies of the past regime, much work still needs to be done. Adding his voice to the growing chorus of those lamenting the slow pace of land reform, Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA secretary-general Zolani Mkiva blamed “petty political squabbles” in the ANC for derailing the land reform programme.

‘’The land question is a very important question that ought to be a priority for the ANC and government,” Mkiva said. “I think we have lost time and our people are becoming impatient with the tedious process of restitution and redistribution of land in this country. We Africans are the natives of this country, and the restitution of land should be to us, the African majority.”

The challenges that beset the land reform programme are not new. They have been highlighted in studies such as the Motlanthe Panel, whose recommendations are, worryingly, yet to be implemented. However, the challenges that are associated with this programme do not negate the need to address the historical injustices of widespread land dispossession.

Despite the challenges that continue to plague the land reform programme, the government has made inroads, although some may say negligible, in a bid to address the racially skewed land ownership patterns in South Africa.

President Ramaphosa said that, though the land reform programme has been painfully slow, government has managed to transfer over four million hectares through restitution and over five million hectares through redistribution, accounting for nearly 11% of commercial farmland. “This is far below the initial target of 30% by 2014,” the president told delegates at the Elective Conference.

He further reiterated government’s commitment to accelerate land reform, saying, “there are a few instruments that we will use to drive meaningful land reform, not only to correct the historical injustices but to also use our land more effectively for economic growth and transformation.”

To that end, the president said that more than 100 000 small-scale farmers were given sufficient equipment to carry on farming, through the presidential employment stimulus programme.

‘’This includes support for emerging commercial farmers as well as small-scale farmers. The impact of the input vouchers provided to around 140 000 small-scale farmers to buy seed, fertiliser and equipment as part of the presidential employment stimulus, shows the great potential for such targeted support,’’ said Ramaphosa.

Lack of post-settlement support to successful claimant communities is a barrier that the Vumelana Advisory Fund has persistently highlighted as one of the key impediments to successful land reform. It is for this reason that we have advocated and facilitated partnerships between claimant communities and privatesector investors, to close this gap.

It is encouraging to see that government has realised that the lack of post-settlement support has set up land claimant communities for failure, and it will hopefully take concrete steps to plug this gap. Vumelana is ready to partner with the government and other stakeholders to address this challenge.

Notwithstanding the reported failure of the land reform programme, there have been encouraging signs in the land reform space over the last two years, which should give many claimant communities some hope.

In February 2021, President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a Land Reform and Agricultural Development Agency to accelerate land reform by removing it from political and bureaucratic control. The agency would ideally facilitate national coordination, reduce red tape, and serve as a one-stop shop for issues relating to decentralised agricultural land redistribution.

It has been indicated that the agency would not need any additional financial outlay but would instead rely on existing sources of material and other forms of assistance from the commercial agricultural sector.

Another land reform development in 2021 was the new Land Court Bill, which aims to address the slow processing of land claims. The Bill seeks to give effect to the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture’s 2019 report on the establishment of two new courts: a Land Court and a Land Court of Appeal. According to the Advisory Panel Report and the Bill’s Memorandum, the creation of these specialised and permanent courts would also aid in the development of case law on land restitution and land rights.

During the year, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, announced the government’s plans to release 700 000 hectares of under-utilised and vacant state land as part of the government’s contribution to the land reform programme. We hope that this process will be pursued vigorously despite the challenges associated with the release of such land parcels.

Despite the urgency required to accelerate the land reform programme, the president cautioned against taking drastic steps that will hinder agricultural production, compromise food security or spook investors. Any interventions to be implemented should not cause harm to other sectors of the economy.

South Africa’s macroeconomic environment has been deteriorating for some time – many hardpressed consumers are struggling to make ends meet in a high-inflation and spiralling interest rate environment. Unemployment has peaked at record highs, and there is no immediate relief in sight in the short to medium term.

The land question is an important political and economic imperative that has to be resolved for the stability of the country, economic sustainability and for social cohesion. The price of a deferred or failed land reform is too high for South Africa to pay.

Peter Setou is the Chief Executive of the Vumelana Advisory Fund, a non-profit organisation that works with land reform beneficiaries to make their land productive by facilitating partnerships between communities and investors who have among others, access to capital and markets.

Poor farmers need investment not handouts : Idris Elba

“Failure to invest massively will lead to increased hunger and poverty, which in turn could fuel social unrest, conflict and migration,” he added.

Today the world is experiencing an unprecedented food crisis triggered by high food, energy and fertilizers prices linked to the war in Ukraine and several climate shocks in 2022.

Prior to the crisis, hunger and poverty was already on the rise due to conflicts, climate change and the economic slowdown brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is forecasting that extreme weather events will likely increase in frequency and magnitude in the years to come. Global and local food systems are at increased risk of disruption, with potential supply shortages and price hikes.

Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba, both Goodwill Ambassadors for the United Nations’ International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), received the 2023 Crystal Award for their leadership in championing and advocating on behalf of the millions of poor small-scale farmers across the globe who work each day to produce one-third of the world’s food and more than 70 percent of the food produced in Africa and Asia, and are essential to ensure global and local food security and thus social and political stability.

The Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos honours exceptional artists and cultural leaders whose important contributions to society have made a tangible impact on improving the state of the world.

Since they became UN Goodwill Ambassadors for IFAD in 2020, Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba have been vocal proponents for greater investment in agriculture and rural development, particularly in Africa where severe weather events and conflicts have further impacted farmers’ ability to produce food for their families, communities

and countries. Despite the important role these farmers play in ensuring global food security, 75 percent of world’s hungry and poorest people live in rural areas of developing countries.

“The poor of the world are not just looking for aid and handouts, they are looking for investmentinvestment in people, in nature, in innovation,” said Idris Elba, making a strong plea in a room filled with many of the most powerful global leaders in government and industry.

“With greater access to finance, markets, resources, technology and knowledge, we can unlock a different future.”

The actor’s plea was echoed by IFAD’s President, Alvaro Lario, who came to Davos “calling on governments, development partners and the private sector to step up now with long-term investments in small-scale agriculture. It is only by investing in how we grow, process, and distribute food, that our food systems can begin to meet the needs for a healthy global population and a healthy planet –now and in the future.”

In her statement Sabrina Dowre Elba emphasized the important role of the private sector. “Rural communities are filled with talented, youthful populations and enormous potential for new and vibrant markets. The private sector can play a massive role in supporting and sourcing from small farmers and in ensuring world leaders continue to invest in holistic ways to combat environmental degradation and rising hunger,” she said.

Despite global commitments to end hunger by 2030, donor support for agriculture has been stagnant at just 4 percent of total Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) for at least two decades.

In 2020, before onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ceres2030 report estimated that current ODA for agriculture (approximately US$12 billion per year) would need to be increased by another US$14 billion, combined with increased low and middle-income countries investment of US$19 billion, to end hunger and help small-scale farmers out of poverty. With the Ukraine crisis, the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change impacts, current funding needs are even higher.

About 3 billion people live in the rural areas of developing countries and they rely to a significant extent on small-scale farming for their food and livelihoods.

ISOBUS technology allows for full compatibility between all tractors and implements

The major advantage of ISOBUS technology in the agricultural industry is that it allows for full compatibility between tractors and implements, regardless of brands and models. The ISOBUS-compatible application combines the modular Field-IQ architecture with the new Trimble Liquid Control ECU. The Field IQ ISOBUS controller is ideal for a range of equipment from sprayers to fertilisers and/or lime spreaders, manure spreaders, liquid toolbars, strip till toolbars, effluent toolbars and planters.

Trimble Agriculture supplies solutions that solve complex technology challenges across the entire agricultural supply chain. In this regard, Trimble has created unique positioning products to assist its customers grow their business for over 30 years. A member of Trimble’s elite agriculture partner network, Vantage SSA (Pty) Ltd. of Centurion represents Trimble Agriculture in the Sub-Saharan Africa region through an extensive dealer network.

“We pride ourselves on being experts in precision agriculture,” says Jaco Viviers, GM at Vantage SSA. The company prides itself on being the farmer’s ‘Precision Agriculture Centre of Excellence’, providing advice on the right combination of solutions and integrating the many complex processes across the farm.

“Our team has an extensive skillset in all areas of precision agriculture and is equipped to bring our industry-level technical expertise, customer

service and support capabilities to your farm,” says Jaco. “We are committed to integrating and supporting a complete, end-to-end solution of hardware, software, positioning services and data for each farming operation’s unique requirements.”

Being the Africa partner of Trimble’s elite agriculture network allows Vantage SSA to offer a bouquet of benefits to its customers. These include a single source of expert, personalised precision agriculture consultation and local sales, maintenance and support services for all Trimble Agriculture products and solutions.

“We are skilled in combining agronomic recommendations with precision agriculture

technology. We alleviate the stress and time constraints caused by trying to coordinate multiple vendors,” says Jaco. He adds that the combination of Vantage SSA’s expertise with precision agriculture hardware, software and service allows farmers to plant smarter, grow better and harvest more.

The unique advantage of the Trimble FieldIQ ISOBUS Liquid control system is that it can connect any ISO terminal to the implement after ECU configuration. Not only can existing Trimble Field-IQ install kits be used, but implement setup is a cinch with standard configuration and calibration screens.

How technology is transforming Waste oil heaters

Imagine having to move waste oil out of an industrial complex for disposal. Waste oil can be an environmental hazard if not carefully disposed. Luckily, waste oil can be useful not only to home but also to businesses.

Waste oil heating systems have become a popular option for many businesses including agribusiness because of their many environmental and economic benefits.

Take for instance a farmer who owns a greenhouse and has to heat it during colder periods knows that fuel prices are a significant detriment to their bottom line during the cold months. Waste oils can provide a major relieve to such farmers by providing free fuel for heating.

Basically, a waste oil furnace takes something that is essentially useless—used oil—and turns it into something useful: free heat for your business.

How it works

A tank on the burner is filled with waste oil, before an electric motor turns a fan.

The fan pulls air into a blast tube, and a pump draws waste oil from the tank and through a filter. The filtered oil is pumped to the burner. The oil is then pre-heated by the burner to the correct temperature.

The heated oil particles mix with air in the blast tube. The heated oil and air particles are then ignited by a high voltage starter. A heat exchanger gets hot air from the ignited oil. Warmth is transferred to cool air/water passing through the exchanger’s other side. This heat is expelled into the room. Leftover gas is vented into the air via a chimney.

Using your own waste as a heating fuel is very environmentally friendly. A waste oil burner that is operating correctly emits no more pollution than a standard fuel oil furnace. There is no odor or visible smoke. By burning your waste on site, you

are eliminating transport emissions from having it hauled away, and also the possibility of accidental or intentional dumping.

When looking for waste oil furnace you must consider available space at your premises. Waste oil furnaces come in a variety of sizes and capacities and can be a perfect heating solution for both small and large businesses. If you have a limited amount of space, look for a waste oil heater that includes a self-contained oil tank.

Also before choosing a waste oil heater, be sure to consult a trusted professional about the size that will suit your needs best based on the volume of used petroleum products that you generate and your unique heating needs.

It is however important to know that waste oil heaters also require frequent maintenance. Most

of these heaters will need to be cleaned on a regular basis, as often as once a month or so. Water has to be drained from the tank on a weekly basis.

It is also important to consider the cost. The initial upfront costs to buy a waste oil furnace can be high in which case you might opt for financing from financial institutions or come up with a personal saving plan.

Smart heaters

While traditional oil heaters are still commonplace, modern technology has allowed more advanced smart heaters. More recently, those using waste oil heaters and boilers have been asking for remote or web-based controls and greater diversity in the existing set of wireless controls.

In in fact manufacturers have recently introduced Wi-Fi Thermostat on oil heaters. With just a Wi-Fi- signal and a smartphone, the thermostat gives you complete control of your furnace from anywhere and at any time.

And the advantages of these technological advancements are many. First, the issue of forgetting to turn the heat down is now a thing of the past. With a Wi-Fi Thermostat, you can see heat settings at any time, and adjust as needed. It is also possible to save money by controlling the temperature throughout the day. You can easily adjust heat settings at any time without relying on pre-set controls or having to remember to adjust the temperature throughout the workday.

The next generation of waste oil boilers come complete with a microprocessor, boiler control system. Depending on the manufacturer, the system may feature an easy-to-use LCD display and push-button keypad to simplify the operation of the waste oil boiler.

High Atlas Foundation plants thousands of trees with Moroccan communities for Annual Tree Planting Day

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF), a nonprofit organization based in Marrakech and dedicated to sustainable development in Morocco, planted over 2,300 organic fruit trees alongside local community members, women’s cooperatives, school children, and various partner organizations in 26 communities around the Kingdom during its ninth Annual Tree Planting Day, which took place on Monday, January 16, 2023.

The trees were transplanted from the 15 HAF-supported community nurseries with farming communities at various locations in the Marrakech-Safi, Souss-Massa, Draa-Tafilalet, Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Fes-Meknes, Oriental,

Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima, Casablanca-Settat and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab regions.

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the commitment to service, community, and peace, HAF has hosted Tree Planting Day since 2014, when it celebrated its one millionth sapling planted in Morocco since the organization’s establishment in 2000. Since then, HAF has planted more than three million additional trees with farming families, schools, and other groups.

This tree planting season, which began in December 2022 and ends in March 2023, the High Atlas Foundation is collaborating with farming communities around Morocco to transplant 1.7 million fruit tree saplings and plant another

2.2 million seeds in the 15 nurseries. Over four million trees have been planted in Morocco to date, including over 88,000 so far in 2023. For more information on how farming communities can benefit from the tree planting initiative this year, visit the HAF website.

“We just have now—just this season—it’s all we can count on, so whatever we can do, wherever we are, let’s maximize this special moment and plant where we are--in the mountains, in the desert, in every direction, ecosystem, biozone-with all the varieties we can,” said HAF President Yossef Ben-Meir. “Let’s plant together in all the diversity of this wonderful country.”

The HAF Family Literacy team plants trees with an artisanal women’s cooperative in Rhamna province on the organization’s Annual Tree Planting Day, January 16, 2023. Photo: High Atlas Foundation

Universities partner to grow edible greens in Mozambique cities

The Irish Ambassador in Maputo, Mozambique Patrick Empey last week launched an Irish Research Council funded project, in partnership with Irish Aid, under the Collaborative Alliances for Societal Challenges programme that will bring urban community gardens and urban beekeeping in the country’s cities. Mozambique aims to investigate cocreated, socially inclusive ‘edible Urban Green Infrastructure’ (UGI) as a strategy to support food security and climate resilience in two rapidly growing cities in Mozambique.

The project was devised as low income and vulnerable households, social groups, and communities living in rapidly growing cities across Africa face concurrent challenges of maintaining food security whilst coping with the impacts of climate change.

Launching the project, Irish Ambassador Empey said: “I welcome this new partnership between UCD and the UEM in Mozambique, supported under the IRC-COALESCE initiative. The SYNERGI project (Socially Inclusive Edible Urban Green Infrastructure) aims to strengthen educational institutional links and promote urban food production.

“Sustainable Food Systems, centred on women and young people, are key to building community

resilience to climate change and opportunities for improved family nutrition in the most vulnerable communities.”

Project lead from UCD School of Geography, Dr Christine Bonnin said: “Diverse urban agriculture can help cities address the twin challenges of food security and climate change by providing a sustainable food supply, enabling cultural support of resilience and change, as well as offering various ecosystem services.

“Social inequality is also an issue when it comes to access to quality food, so with SYNERGI we hope to investigate not only diverse, multifunctional systems for food provisioning with environmental sustainability and climateadaptive dimensions, but also ones that enable inclusive participation and outcomes.”

The project is partnered with local civil society organisations to understand the necessary conditions to promote edible UGI in vulnerable urban communities, and how it can be designed and used to better meet the needs of these groups.

The researchers will use nature-based solutions and sustainable design to co-create and pilot low-cost edible UGI innovations with vulnerable communities.

Examples of such innovations are anticipated to include community gardens – containing fast-maturing food trees such as Moringa, fruit and nut trees, and nutritionally dense crops like orange-fleshed sweet potato – vertical greening garden structures, urban beekeeping, and directly linked supports such as organic waste-to-compost, rainwater capture systems and natural canopy (which provides temperature regulation, particulate pollution filtration, carbon dioxide sequestration, storm-water attenuation and biodiversity enhancement).

Project co-lead from Mozambique’s Eduardo Mondlane University, Professor Ines Raimundo said: “In addition to the ambitions of our research, SYNERGI is an initiative that will also serve to strengthen the research environment between UCD and Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), and between Ireland and Mozambique.

It will help enhance the overall capacity of UEM’s departments for research and academic outputs. Furthermore, through the project, local universities, including our collaborators, Lurio University, will deepen their partnership with UEM as well, which is a welcome added benefit of our collaboration.”

Bamboo and Rabobank impact funds announce deal to support green coffee firm

The company has been successful in securing contracts with major international buyers such as Olam Group (Singapore), Make & Grow (Thailand), Ataka (Japan) and Sasini Plc (Kenya).

A significant issue for smallholder farmers is reliable payments for produce supplied. GMAC is a reliable and stable payer. This increases the sources of income within poor communities and provides a platform for growth.

Out of the 1,200 producers in GMAC’s coffee supply network, 635 are UTZ certified. The UTZ certification stands for more sustainable farming and better opportunities for farmers, their families and the planet. It also ensures that coffee producers take measures to (re)use water efficiently, reducing coffee producers’ vulnerability to climate change.

In addition, GMAC encourages its suppliers to use cultivation techniques that improve coffee production without causing soil degradation and that prevent soil erosion, with the goal to enhance biodiversity and environmental conservation. Similarly, GMAC is implementing a reforestation program with a few its coffee farmers in areas where there is no natural vegetation left.

Bamboo Capital Partners, the specialist impact investor in emerging and frontier markets, today reports that in December 2022 it invested over USD$510k in Green Mountain Arabica Coffee (GMAC) Limited through its BUILD fund and together with the Rabo Foundation

The BUILD Fund, an impact fund upon which Bamboo partners with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Government of Luxembourg, is an innovative blended impact finance vehicle designed to support business opportunities that contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in lower-income countries primarily in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

GMAC was established in 2012, as a producer and exporter of green coffee, that is unroasted coffee beans. In Rwanda, 85 per cent of the country is rural and more than 49 per cent of people in rural areas live in poverty. Investment in such areas is crucial and GMAC is a vehicle for positive impactful investment. It currently has 1,200 smallholder farmers in its network (around 30 per cent or c360 are female and around 70 per cent or c840 are male in this network), providing them with a stable source of income and further contributing to improving their production –

both in terms of quality and quantity without degrading soils and water supplies. The BUILD Fund investment will allow GMAC to expand and improve its products and services and lift more people out of poverty through direct and indirect creation of jobs for both women and young people.

In 2020, UNCDF collaborated with UN Women to implement a business clinic programme which aimed at reviving and sustaining women led companies affected by the Covid-19 pandemic through entrepreneurship skills trainings. The collaboration further facilitated the selection of GMAC, a women owned company, as the beneficiary of the build fund. In 2022 the partnership to support GMAC was further expanded with the addition of the Rabo Foundation as co-financier. As a long-standing player in the Rwandan agri space, Rabo Foundation encourages the partnership with BUILD Fund to further reinforce the coffee value chain through supporting GMAC in their growth journey.

GMAC is committed to making a positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers with which it works. GMAC has also acquired a Rainforest Alliance UTZ certification[1] and will soon seek other certifications such Fairtrade.

Jean-Philippe de Schrevel, Founder and Managing Partner of Bamboo Capital Partners, says: “The BUILD Fund continues to fulfill its mission to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. This significant investment in Rwandan green coffee company, Green Mountain Arabica Coffee, will secure decent, secure, well-paid jobs, which in turn supports worker’s communities and lifts people out of poverty.”

“GMAC showcases how innovative financing solutions can make a real difference to improve economic opportunities and simultaneously reduce environmental damage.

“We are delighted that BUILD is providing key bridge investment to scale GMAC and fueling its expansion plans to help the company reach more farmers and have an even greater impact on life in rural Rwanda.”

“UN Women recognizes BUILD and its investment on GMAC as a clear example of a catalytic multi-partner strategic collaboration to expand women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Rwanda. We look forward to scaling up our partnership with UNCDF for transformative outcomes,” said Ms Jennet Kem, UN Women Representative to Rwanda.

Inexpensive Solar Devices Help Accelerate Development in Kenya

are critical for family poultry farmers who need a reliable supply of chicks. Importantly, they run during power black outs, which can be devastating for farm families that rely on standard power sources.

Solar vegetable drier

Investment in solar power continues to accelerate. Significant factors include government mandates and incentives, lower costs and battery systems that can store solar energy for later use. It’s understandable most attention to solar is at the utility level. But smaller solar deployments are having as large an impact, especially in low-income countries. An example of how solar power simply “makes sense” at the community level can be seen in agricultural projects in Kenya run by international development organization World Neighbors. The NGO and its local partners are helping family farmers install and use inexpensive solar powered equipment, including:

Mobile solar water pump

This is a pump used for surface irrigation. A standard version uses two 80-watt solar panels that power two electric pumps. Easily transportable, it pumps water to irrigate vegetables for home consumption and local sale. It can be used where reliable electricity is an issue. And since the free energy lowers input costs, it increases profits and incomes. During the rainy season, it can also be used to boost a home solar system.

Solar incubators

Eighty-watt solar panels and an 100 amp-hour battery are used to run these incubators, which

During the rainy season, various types of vegetables flood the market and the price drops, reducing incomes. Farmers use solar driers to increase the shelf life of vegetables, which can be sold during times when prices are normal. Farmers also use the driers during times of drought, increasing food security and the ability to sell their produce when it is needed, and prices are higher. Solar driers are an inexpensive and easy way to increase returns on agricultural production.

CooKit

CooKit is a solar powered cooking device. It drastically reduces fuel wood consumption and, with it, deforestation and air pollution. In addition, the device is used to pasteurize household drinking water—critical during times of drought.

HIV/AIDS can still hinder economic development in Africa. But it doesn’t have to.

Long before COVID or Ebola or monkeypox, there was HIV and its attendant disease, AIDS. Its ravaging impact, especially in low-income countries, has largely been forgotten in the US. But it still impacts large numbers of people, leaving entire communities behind as countries seek to spur economic development and reduce poverty.

The good news: There are successful communitybased HIV testing and treatment programs that enable individuals and communities to manage infection and experience normal life—including work and all its benefits.

These programs in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are funded through the President’s Emergency

Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and run by US-based development organization World Neighbors.

The centerpiece of the programs, carried out with local community groups, is voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). World Neighbors and community groups set up VCT clinics in villages. Volunteers known in the community help educate neighbors on HIV/AIDS and encourage people to get tested. If positive, people are encouraged to receive medication. Clinic volunteers help monitor usage and educate infected persons on healthy living techniques.

Perhaps most important, clinics help those with HIV organize themselves into groups that hold

regular meetings where they discuss a variety of issues such as healthy and positive living, nutrition and drug management. These groups also act as support groups for psychological and moral support.

As a result of these programs, those with HIV are able to work and otherwise participate in community life. Entire communities that could have been reduced to permanent poverty are engaged in profitable agricultural and small business activities. These HIV/AIDS programs are a model for how to address illnesses that impede economic development.

Improved food security expected in Rwanda as harvest starts

The Season A harvest in Rwanda, which typically accounts for about 60 percent of Rwanda’s annual staple food production, began in December.

According to the US-based Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), the start of this important harvest will significantly improve household and market food availability relative to the lean season, despite some shortfalls in production totals. “Key informants estimate the bean harvest will be about 10 to 15 percent below normal, due to the irregular October to December rains and the high cost of agricultural inputs, which reduced the use of quality inputs, planted acreage, and crop yields,” it said.

“However, maize production is expected to recover from the impact of erratic rains due to better end-of-season rainfall, sustaining average production. The start of the Season A harvest and recent improvements in cross-border trade – which is due to improving bilateral relationships with Uganda and Burundi – are increasing food availability in rural areas and are expected to temporarily stabilise staple food prices.”

FEWS NET added; “However, food prices remain atypically high overall due to below-average local and regional production and increased regional competition for supplies.”

According to Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the rural Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 43 percent at the peak of the lean season in November compared to the same time last year and by 1.3 percent compared to October 2022.

“Amid high food inflation, the significant contribution of the Season A harvest to rural households’ annual food needs will be the main factor driving improvement from current Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes to Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes after December, including in the districts in Western (Ngororero, Nyabihu, and Rutsiro) and Southern (Ruhang) provinces that were previously affected by low harvests in past seasons and restricted cross-border trade,” FEWS NET said.

It added that although income for households working in the industrial, service, and tourism sectors remains average, the sustained, high cost of food and non-food items (including fuel and transportation) is placing pressure on household purchasing power.

According to the NISR, November’s urban CPI for food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 22 percent over the past year and one percent over the past month.

“Food prices are expected to remain high in early 2023, and the economic challenges occasioned by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the unemployment rate of 17 percent, and the high cost of food will likely continue to limit access to food in 2023,” FEWS NET said.

“An estimated 127 000 refugees and asylees are expected to sustain Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) outcomes as food price shocks continue diminishing the purchasing power of humanitarian cash transfers amid reduced rations due to funding shortfalls. Based on the latest WFP monthly food price monitoring report in October 2022, the price of the minimum food basket increased by 17 percent compared to the previous month and nearly doubled compared to October 2021.

“While some marginal improvement in food prices and purchasing power is likely during the harvest period, food prices will likely remain above average overall. As a result, the calibration of cash transfer values is essential to avoiding food consumption gaps among the refugee and asylee population,” it added.

Bayer launches new collaboration with Oerth Bio to further advance innovations in crop protection

Bayer and the agricultural biotech company Oerth Bio today announced a new collaboration seeking to develop the next generation of more sustainable crop protection products. The unique protein degradation technology used by Oerth Bio has the potential to generate products that support Bayer’s sustainability objective to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, via lower application rates and favorable safety profiles.

Oerth Bio was founded in 2019 by Bayer’s impact investment arm, Leaps by Bayer, and Arvinas (NASDAQ: ARVN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leading the way in the development of targeted protein degradation therapeutics. Initially developed to fight human diseases like cancer and other difficult to treat diseases, Oerth’s patented PROTAC® (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera) protein degradation technology provides an innovative pathway to entirely novel crop protection and climate resilient farm solutions. Oerth Bio remains the first and only company researching agricultural PROTAC® solutions.

“The world’s farmers need dependable and sustainable solutions to crop protection challenges, and PROTAC protein degradation technologies show an increasingly promising path toward a new way to develop tailored technologies,” said Dr. Robert Reiter, Head of R&D at Bayer’s Crop Science Division.

“We expect protein degradation technology, already used in medicine, to be an important cornerstone for the development of new crop protection products that reduce the impact on the environment significantly. Oerth Bio’s work has proven to be promising, and we are looking forward to what the next phase of our work together will bring.”

Oerth Bio’s targeted protein degraders offer the capacity for high-precision product development, low application rates, and paths to overcome biological resistance. Oerth molecules are designed to interact with only one target protein, and safeguard off-target/beneficial organisms. These attributes combine to offer a very attractive pathway for the development of novel

crop protection products that are sustainable, and highly effective. PROTAC® molecules activate a specific naturally occurring process within target species. The impact is expected to be precise and limited to interrupting the specific targeted processes in weeds, diseases or insects that impact crops negatively.

“This collaboration further emboldens our ambitions for first-in-the-world farm centric protein degrader solutions,” said John Dombrosky, Oerth Bio CEO. “It’s a real tribute to Bayer’s leadership and vision, as they significantly invest in breakthroughs that could change farming and the world for the better.”

Oerth Bio is simultaneously developing several novel agricultural applications in nascent crop efficiency and plant resilience segments, ensuring PROTAC® technology can be utilized to its full potential, and provide maximum utility to farmers and the greater food system.

Developing Sustainable Aquaculture in Africa

Aquaculture has become an increasingly important industry in Africa in recent years. As populations continue to grow and demand for seafood rises, sustainable fish farming practices are crucial for meeting the needs of people and the environment. Here’s why and how the seafood sector must expand in Africa.

Background on Aquaculture in Africa

People have been practicing aquaculture in Africa for centuries, but it has only recently begun to gain widespread recognition as a viable source of food and income. According to experts, Africa’s fish production has grown more than 11% yearly since the 2000s. Currently, freshwater fish such as tilapia and catfish make up most of Africa’s aquaculture production. However, marine species such as oysters and mussels are also becoming increasingly popular. In addition to providing food and income, aquaculture offers employment opportunities and reduces poverty in rural areas.

5 Ways to Develop Sustainable Aquaculture in Africa

There are several ways to develop sustainable aquaculture in Africa so the industry can thrive and grow:

1. Invest in infrastructure and technology: African countries must invest in infrastructure and technology such as automatic fish feeders, fish hatcheries, processing facilities and equipment to support large-scale aquaculture operations.

2. Encourage responsible land and water use: Governments and private sector organizations should work together to ensure land and water resources are

used responsibly and sustainably. This can include setting aside protected areas and implementing regulations to limit pollution and habitat destruction

3. Promote native species: Using native species in aquaculture can help minimize the potential negative impacts on local ecosystems. It avoids introducing invasive breeds that can overtake local seafood sources and destroy habitats.

4. Foster public-private partnerships: Private sector organizations can play a critical role in promoting sustainable aquaculture in Africa. Public-private partnerships can provide the necessary funding and expertise to support the development of sustainable practices.

5. Provide education and training: It is essential to provide education and training for farmers and other professionals in the field to support the growth of the African aquaculture industry.

Challenges to Sustainable Aquaculture in Africa

Despite its potential benefits, there are several challenges to developing sustainable aquaculture in Africa. Issues include water quality, fish health and market access.

1. Lack of Facilities and Equipment

Many African countries need more facilities and equipment to support large-scale aquaculture operations, and there is a need for more skilled professionals in the field. This can make it difficult for farmers to sell their products and for consumers to access fresh, locally sourced fish and other aquatic products.

2. Shortage of Suitable Resources

Another challenge is the limited availability of suitable land and water resources. Many areas in Africa are already overexploited, and competition for resources between aquaculture and other industries, such as agriculture and mining, can be intense. In addition, many of the continent’s water sources are contaminated with pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins. This can make raising healthy fish and other aquatic organisms difficult and lead to disease and other health problems.

3. Negative Environmental Impacts

There are concerns about the potential environmental impacts on aquaculture. Fish farms can lead to pollution and habitat destruction, and nonnative species can also adversely affect local ecosystems.

Many of the continent’s fish farms are plagued by diseases and other health problems, leading to high mortality rates and reduced productivity.

Invest in Sustainable Aquaculture

Aquaculture can play a significant role in meeting the food and income needs of Africa’s growing population. However, it is crucial to develop sustainable practices to minimize negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Africa can build a sustainable and prosperous aquaculture industry for the future by investing in infrastructure and technology, promoting responsible land and water use, and fostering public-private partnerships.

Protecting African Farms from Wildfires

Wildfires on African farms can be devastating, especially during the dry season when the lands are void of moisture. In East Africa, for example, the dry period often lasts from September to March in areas north of the Equator and from April to August south of the Equator. Interestingly, farming activities occur the most during these times of the year.

In an attempt to clear lands for farming and rid them of pests and diseases, farmers often set forests on fire because this method is less expensive. Another way wildfires can occur is through the effect of climate change, such as when severe weather conditions spark a fire in the forest.

Forest fires significantly contribute to soil erosion, deforestation and loss of biodiversity. However, farmers should protect their farmlands from such events because — aside from their adverse economic effects — they could further contribute to climate change.

How African Farmers Can Protect Their Lands From Wildfires

Wildfires cause a loss of biodiversity and contribute to environmental pollution. To prevent this, farmers can employ several steps to stop bushfires from taking place on their lands, as most human-started fires are accidental. One such method is putting a prevention plan in place.

Farmers should take precautions to reduce expensive losses before a fire threatens their lands. Families and employees who operate on farms and ranches should all be able to recognize potential fire threats and comprehend fundamental response strategies to stop or reduce property loss and personal injury. Some

of the precaution methods include:

• Installing smoke detectors.

• Developing an escape plan.

• Placing fire extinguishers in visible and accessible locations.

• Keeping flammable objects far away from the farmlands.

• Discarding combustible materials appropriately.

However, preventing an inferno does not eliminate its likelihood on farmlands — it only reduces its probability. Farmers should remember that protecting human life must come before protecting any other property if a wildfire threatens a farm. Farmers must exercise caution if they have time to evacuate their livestock. Some animals could refuse to leave and even retreat into a barn or building that is on fire. Farmers could shut all gates and open a window for fresh air — or escape — to prevent access to hazardous locations.

Wildfires are particularly dangerous for animals. Farmers should evaluate all animals exposed to smoke, heat and burns during a wildfire. Animals may need to be sprayed with water to help them cool off. The definite aftermath of a farm inferno is severe damage to properties, especially farm produce and chemicals. When some substances get caught up in a fire incident, they could increase the fire’s intensity and even cause damage to humans and animals who have had close contact with it. It is vital to alert the appropriate authorities if dangerous materials are released during a forest fire or while suppressing it in order to minimize its impact on the environment.

Effect of Climate Change on Wildfires

Climate change contributes to the eruption of wildfires and vice versa, especially in regions

susceptible to scorching weather conditions. Because this weather is quite common in Africa, there is a higher probability wildfire could emerge from the heat produced by flammable farm materials.

Burning plants emit dense, grey smoke into the atmosphere and elements in the smoke contribute to the heightened greenhouse effect. The rate of evaporation increases as the Earth’s temperature rises. More fires result from increased wildfire evaporation and forests become more explosive due to climate change brought on by humans.

There are many ways for people to lessen the environmental effects of wildfires and climate change. Farmers could anticipate a difference in the duration of fire seasons and an increase in the frequency and intensity of flames if they experience drought conditions or a long dry season, along with rising temperatures.

Africa is more prone to wildfires due to the lack of appropriate and sustainable management practices that could help combat fire accidents, especially in a climate-changing world. It is necessary to take action to monitor and control these flames. Keeping an eye out for a likely fire accident is crucial, but creating a regional alert system to help prevent potentially catastrophic wildfire effects is also essential.

Protect Farms From Wildfires

In protecting farms from forest fires, African farmers need to ensure preventive measures are in place while also paying attention to management procedures in case of a fire outbreak. These preventative and management methods will not only avert infernos on farmlands but also combat the effects of climate change.

Mycotoxin Detection

Rapid & Reliable Results

The Randox Food Diagnostics Myco 9, 7 and 5 arrays have been developed with Biochip Array Technology to provide a comprehensive solution that simultaneously and quantitatively detects the world’s most prevalent toxins from a single sample of feed or cereal.

Randox Food Diagnostics also offer one of the only ELISAs on the market for Ergot Alkaloid screening within flour and grass seed.

• Aflatoxin B1/B2

• Aflatoxin G1/G2

Mycotoxins Detected

• Deoxynivalenol

• Diacetoxyscirpenol

Evidence Investigator Analyser

• Ergot Alkaloids

• Fumonisins

• Ochratoxin A

• Paxilline

• T-2 Toxin

• Zearalenone

Technology offers hope on fight against mycotoxins

Again, mycotoxins are not homogeneous within a lot of any grain, even when all the grain comes from one field. Different bags of grain from the same farmer may have different mycotoxin levels, because mycotoxins do not appear uniformly throughout a crop.

An additional difficulty is the fact that there is a large number of different mycotoxins. More than 300 types of fungal toxins are currently known, of which, however, only some are regulated by law. Several types of mycotoxins can appear simultaneously; it is not unusual to find different trichothecenes in one product.

Mycotoxins are the most widely studied biological toxins, which contaminate foods at very low concentrations. They can occur in a variety of different crops and are estimated to be responsible for losses of 5-10% of crop production globally. While some toxins are relatively harmless, some are dangerous for instance aflatoxins, citrinin, ergot alkaloids fumonisins, ochratoxin A, patulin, trichothecenes and zearalenone.

Mycotoxins are found in nature and are almost unavoidable. They can infiltrate our food chain either directly or indirectly through contaminated plant-based food components or toxigenic fungal development on food. Mycotoxins can build up in ripening corn, cereals, soybeans, sorghum, peanuts, and other food and feed crops in the field and during transportation.

Both humans and animals can get sick from eating mycotoxin-contaminated food or feed, which can result in acute or chronic poisoning. In addition to worries regarding direct consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated foods and feeds, the public is concerned about the possibility of ingesting mycotoxin residues or metabolites in animal-derived food products such as meat, milk, or eggs.

Large doses of aflatoxins for example can lead to acute poisoning (aflatoxicosis) and can be life threatening, usually through damage to the liver. Aflatoxins have also been shown to be genotoxic, meaning they can damage DNA and cause cancer in animal species. There is also evidence that they can cause liver cancer in humans.

Testing for mycotoxins has become an important regulatory standard throughout the food and

feed production process; from farmers, to grain elevators, to the countless facilities producing finished products.

Nowadays, more than 100 countries have formal mycotoxin regulations for food and feed. The mycotoxin regulations are the most stringent in the EU, where various organizations and panEuropean networks contribute to combat the mycotoxin problem.

One quick and easy testing method is the enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This antibody-based test provides fully quantitative results not only for mycotoxins, but also for other risks, such as food allergens and drug residues. These tests are extremely easy to perform and provide results in only minutes.

These tests can give both screening and quantitative results, and can be cheaper than sourcing a third party facility for analytical testing methods. Rapid testing solutions allow safety experts to save time, reduce costs and keep testing within their own facilities.

Testing challenges

There are plenty of stumbling blocks to overcome when testing for mycotoxins. The sheer variety of products that require testing can be difficult to manage. The complex matrices encountered in mycotoxin analysis are a major challenge for laboratories. Mycotoxins may be present in various foods including cereals, nuts, coffee and dairy products.

Some matrices, such as spices, contain interfering substances which make analysis difficult. Animal feed is particularly difficult to analyze, because its exact composition is not always clear.

However, Modern technology has allowed testing several mycotoxins in one run. This has allowed a great chance to improve efficiency by screening both toxins and for instance fungicides.

Additionally, modern innovations have also allowed rapid testing of mycotoxins in the field as opposed to taking samples to the laboratory for analysis. It is to be expected that mycotoxins will stay with us in the future and climate change might have a negative influence in this respect. Several possibilities exist to mitigate the problems caused by mycotoxins. In particular prevention of mould growth and mycotoxin formation is key to the control of mycotoxins.

It is advisable to buy grains and nuts as fresh as possible; make sure that foods are stored properly – kept free of insects, dry, and not too warm; not keep foods for extended periods of time before being used; and. ensure a diverse diet – this not only helps to reduce mycotoxins exposure, but also improves nutrition.

Variables to mitigate the risks of Poisonous mycotoxin growth on stored food

of water and light on mycotoxin formation could help to minimize growth when grains and other food products are first in storage.

Reducing Moisture to Inhibit Formation of Molds

Any type of water ingress can damage the structure of a storage unit and, if left untreated, can go on to seriously affect the foodstuffs inside. Even small amounts of moisture could result in dangerous molds growing on wet products and these can pose a risk to health both to farmers in the building and, if they produce aflatoxins, when the products are consumed. This is because aflatoxins and other mycotoxins are highly poisonous whether they are eaten, inhaled or even absorbed through the skin. If postharvest storage facilities are inadequate, levels of aflatoxin can increase in volume several fold, contaminating the grain and making it unfit for consumption. To address this issue, guidance for farmers includes using strong water-proof structures to prevent water ingress and keeping them well-ventilated to prevent the build up of moisture inside the building. In addition, they are advised to swap traditional jute sacks for rubber-lined hermetic bags as these can be sealed to make them airtight, preventing any moisture from reaching the grain stored inside.

Using Light to Inhibit Growth of Mycotoxins

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, mycotoxins contaminate at least 25% of crops around the world. Common in Africa and other warm and humid regions of the world, the contamination of foods by harmful mycotoxins not only has a significant economic effect but can also cause serious health problems from acute poisoning to longterm conditions such as cancer and immune

deficiency. Mycotoxins are chemical products generated by fungi that can easily grow on stored grain crops, and some of the most common types found in African foodstuffs such as maize are aflatoxins, levels of which can drastically increase in inadequate storage conditions. While advanced sorting technology can help to detect products contaminated with mycotoxins during processing, recent studies on the effects

While it is important to keep water away from stored grain products, increasing their exposure to different light sources could help to keep them safe. Studies have shown that the use of fluorescent and short and long UV light is an effective way to inhibit growth of fungi and mycotoxins in wheat grains, thus avoiding their highly toxic effects. While there are variations in the way that different fungi respond to the range of light sources under different humidities, all are inhibited to some extent. One study of four highly toxic fungi even saw the complete eradication of some mycotoxins under certain conditions. As an accessible solution for any farmer in Africa, simply drying contaminated maize in sunlight before or after storage has been shown to destroy almost all aflatoxins. As mycotoxins have such a significant impact on human health, preventing their growth on maize and other stored foodstuffs is vital. By keeping grains in watertight storage facilities to stop mold forming and using light to inhibit their growth, the hazardous effects of mycotoxins can be minimized.

Some Companies Get your Fish Farm Project Going – But Who Defines its Profitability?

After decades of global deployment, pond fish farming has prevailed, and yet, today, countless projects and multiple locations are at a standstill, resulting in slower than anticipated Return on Investment. To meet the surge in demand for fish, and fast-growing populations in need of proteins, these projects must deliver shorter ROI.

The need to intensify grow-out, and enhance the use of existing land resources and water supplies, have resulted in the critical need to integrate Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) as a preliminary stage when introducing fish into the ponds. During this initial stage, fish can grow out in a fully-controlled environment, yielding the introduction of stronger, healthier fish to the ponds, intensification of fish in the

ponds, and a total greater annual harvest. The future is intensification – producing more fish per unit of area and water, supported by sustainable, cost-effective technologies. With the limited availability of land and water, intensification is the only viable solution. This is the pioneering technology behind BioFishency’s single-pass water biofiltering system.

existing and new fish growing developments with water restrictions, low water quality, or to increase productivity, with minimal investment.

Easy to install and operate, with no technical skills required, BioFishency SPB converts a flow through set up into a RAS system, to support ammonia, CO2 and solids removal, while enriching 02 throughout the process. As a full water treatment (FWT) system, it outpowers traditional RAS with an all-in-one, plug and play biological filter for highly-efficient ammonia removal. What’s more, when it comes to sustainability, BioFishency SPB uses only 20% of the water required, delivering a higher quality of discharged water, and an exceptionally small carbon footprint.

A True, End-to-End RAS Solution: From growth, to harvest, to market –and beyond Today’s aquaculture customers have a unique opportunity to benefit from RAS, to intensify growth density, increase survival rate, deliver healthier fish – and realize high ROI. Ideal for use with sea and fresh hot water species, BioFishency SPB™ (Single-Pass Biofilter), is designed for www.biofishency.com

With years of experience throughout Africa, including large-scale installations in Nigeria, Congo, and Ghana, BioFishency goes beyond standard system installation. From needs analysis, planning and design, to implementation, all BioFishency projects include expert-led training, post-sales customer support and service, and recommendations on the best species and how to grow them, by implementing the ‘right’ growth protocols. BioFishency is far more than RAS – it’s a new era in RAS water treatment.

BioFishency is pleased to offer Farmers Review Africa Magazine readers a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us to schedule a call with a BioFishency expert.

BioFishency – A new breed of sustainable and profitable RAS water treatment solutions BioFishency – A new breed of sustainable and profitable RAS water treatment solutions

SIMEZA Silos: The turnkey solution for your grain storage plant

Almost 50 years manufacturing and installing silos all over the world, certify the experience of this European company. Farmers Review Africa (FRA) speaks to Pablo García, SIMEZA Chief Sales Manager on various aspects of grain storage silos

FRA: Please explain a brief history of Simeza and your core business

Pablo: SIMEZA has been manufacturing storage silos for cereals, flours and other industrial products for over 45 years. It is one of the pioneer Silo companies in Europe with broad experience in the design, production and installation of corrugated steel sheet silos for industrial, agricultural and farm uses. Matching our value proposition (#everywhereintheworld), you can find SIMEZA silos throughout the five continents.

FRA: There are many grain storage silos out there what is your unique selling point ?

Pablo: SIMEZA silos are designed in a modular way so that they can be assembled quickly. In addition, the high quality materials used in production makes them highly resistant in all types of environments, assuring the conservation of all types of grains.

Our silos are manufactured with S-350GD - Z600

high tensile steel sheets, which means a zinc protection of 300 gr/m2 on each side of the sheet. For saline environments and adverse weather conditions, it offers a plus of safety to the silo.

At SIMEZA we work with a very smooth wave on the sheet, which allows grains with a higherthan-average moisture percentage not to adhere to the walls of the silo, thus avoiding product loss and grain germination. In some facilities in Africa, the drying process may not be as efficient as in Europe, which can be a problem, when mixing varieties of grain and leaving it wet for days in contact with a steel wall, which could lead to rust.

FRA: What is the range of Grain silos that you provide to the market?

Pablo:At SIMEZA we design and manufacture flat bottom silos, hopper bottom silos, agricultural silos, tanks, and a wide range of accessories for silos, for agricultural, industrial, commercial and strategic applications such as big farms, inland storage facilities, grain terminals, industrial plants feed with cereals such as flour mills, feed mills,

rice mills, oil mills, and biofuel facilities. SIMEZA silos cover a wide range of models from 2,5 to 32,10 meters in diameter and from 8 to 25.000 m³ individual capacity.

FRA: What is the scope of maintenance package that comes with your products?

Pablo: As a result of the strong growth of our company’s activity and faithful to our commitment to continuous improvement, we have implemented an integrated management system basing on the international standards ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), moreover, the other standards of Social Accountability, according to which we assume the commitment to adopt a set of basic principles, applicable to all our products and processes. Along with this, SIMEZA offers an 18-month guarantee on all its products, as well as a use and maintenance manual, with recommendations from our technical team for correct use of the silos.

FRA: In a nutshell, what does SIMEZA’s turnkey Grain silos solution for the African farming business entail?

Pablo: Our main asset is the optimization of the installation together with the plans and loads of the civil works, plus the manufacture of silos and accessories, transport and supervision, and if the client requests it, we also take care of the assembly. Furthermore, and through agreements with partners in the agribusiness sector, SIMEZA can offer complete storage plants, from engineering to commissioning, with all the necessary elements (excluding civil works).

FRA: Can you share with our readers about the latest innovations in Grain Storage systems that farmers should look forward to in 2023?

Pablo: Without a doubt, the automation of all grain storage management. In other words, through the same software, being able to determine the humidity, temperature and level of grain that we have in our entire facility, divided by silos.

With this data we can automate the ventilation or filling/emptying process. This allows us to have a higher performance and minimize losses as much as possible. As for the silos themselves, our technical team is continuously looking for points of improvement in their statics, optimizing each of its components in order to offer more stability and more durability against any external and internal inclemency.

FRA: In what ways has SIMEZA adopted technology to improve the performance and productivity of its products?

Pablo: In 2022 SIMEZA has modernized and has automated the manufacturing process of the sheets, roofs and reinforcements which compose

the silos, with the acquisition of cutting-edge technology for the cutting, sheet metal punching and bending processes. More recently, we have acquired a complete cutting line, something that allows us to be self-sufficient in the entire process. All this, together with the management software and analysis of the processes of this technology, allows us to spectacularly optimize the cost and manufacturing times, something that, in the end, is translated into better prices for the client, without a reduction in the end product quality.

FRA: What mistakes should farmers avoid when purchasing Grain storage systems?

Pablo: The first mistake, and perhaps the most decisive, is to look at the purchase or investment price of the projects. Sometimes the price can be decisive, but making a decision based only on that, can be fatal.

You have to trust a company with demonstrable know-how and experience, and that accompanies and advises the client at all times through the process. The silo manufacturer cannot disassociate himself from the project once he has sold his items, something that customers do not take into account, and that can be crucial for a facility to function correctly, without additional costs in the plant.

After all, silos are great storage “cans”, but an error or faulty assembly can ruin a tender. Another common mistake in grain storage is to think that a facility can work perfectly in another location, knowing that it is for the same type of grain.

There are many factors that determine how a silo should be built and designed (degree of slenderness), and many variables that modify the calculations of its structure, such as wind speed, the snow load that the roof can suffer, or the seismicity of the area where the storage plant is located. In addition, there are other factors more typical of the silo, such as its diameter or height, which make it more suitable for some locations, but are strongly discouraged in others.

In short, the price is not always the variable to take into account, and SIMEZA recommends always using professional companies. A correct advice at the right time and a serious and professional service is synonymous with trust and the best possible guarantee, therefore, it is no coincidence that SIMEZA has remained a top company in the grain storage sector for almost 50 years.

SIMEZA commercial mission in Ghana and Cameroon

SIMEZA, following its expansion strategy in African markets, has made a totally personalized trip through the company InAfrica. In this case, the countries chosen were Ghana and Cameroon, where SIMEZA has already established contacts in both countries with potential in the grain storage market.

The Company’s Sales and Exports Manager, Pablo García, visited clients in Ghana that are highly focused on the grain trade, such as Black Carbon Commodities, where he met with its CEO.

In addition, SIMEZA also visited more companies related to the world of poultry farming, with the

milling of wheat/corn and soybeans, and above all companies in charge of the design and conception of complete plants, since every large project must be supported by a large engineering company.

On the other hand, in Cameroon, the typology of clients was slightly different. Through the local collaborators of the In Africa company, they met with international companies related to wheat milling, such as OLAM AGRI or Société Camerounaise de Céréales (SCC), who are very interested in learning about alternative suppliers in projects for the short and long future medium term.

The main objective of the entire commercial mission was the presentation of the SIMEZA brand to new markets never explored, and with enormous growth potential in the coming years. All this, within the ambitious project that the company has in the medium term, which is to be able to give a quick and effective response to customers or potential collaborators, in the regions with the greatest need for grain storage in the coming years.

Africa is one of the markets in which SIMEZA continues to bet within its process of international expansion and brand consolidation for the near future.

The importance of measuring biosecurity in animal production.

The objective of biosecurity is to keep infection pressure on the farm as low as possible and therefore, biosecurity should be the basis of any disease control program. Better biosecurity can increase production rates (growth, feed conversion ratio..) resulting in an increase in profit at sale. In addition, a reduction in antimicrobial usage can be achieved and this is becoming increasingly important in combating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Biocheck.

UGent is a risk-based and independent scoring system which evaluates the quality of on-farm biosecurity. The Biocheck.UGent scoring system is an efficient tool to quantify the biosecurity level of farms by indicating both strong and weak points of the farm and to help set goals for monitoring and improving the biosecurity status of the farm. The online surveys can be filled out for free and are available in different languages and for different production systems such as pigs, cattle and poultry. The poultry category is extensively covered including surveys for laying hens, broilers, turkeys, breeders and ducks.

The scoring system was developed at the Veterinary Epidemiology unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University and

has recently reached over 50,000 entries. The surveys are divided into subcategories of internal biosecurity (prevention of the spread of diseases within the farm) and external biosecurity (prevention of the introduction of disease into the farm). Each question is weighted differently based on the 5 principles of biosecurity and

scientific research. The specific weights are equal to their relative importance for the transmission of disease. The report provides a score for both internal and external biosecurity individually, as well as an overall biosecurity score which is the weighted average of the internal and external scores. The scores can range anywhere from 0 (total absence of the described biosecurity measures) to 100 (full application of described biosecurity measures) and consequently enables you to compare you biosecurity results with the national (if sufficient data is available) and global averages totally free.

However, there is also an option to become an advanced user. For a yearly fee extra benefits such as receiving tailored feedback to answers given in the survey, sharing entries and results with colleagues, creating your farms own benchmark value to compare results and track progress and improving your biosecurity knowledge with the Biocheck online E-learning modules. Biocheck. UGent has already been used multiple times in Africa and we hope to expand on this in the near future. For more information contact us on info@ biocheckgent.com or visit our website https:// biocheckgent.com/

Rwanda to invest US $16 million to boost fish farming

By Zablon Oyugi

The government of Rwanda is set to commit over $16 million towards implementing a five-year project to boost fish farming in the country. The East African nation’s demand for fish is estimated to reach 112,000 tons by 2024 yet the country has not even produced half of the projected demand with just a year remaining to meet the target.

According to Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director General in charge of Animal Resources Research and Technology Transfer at RAB, the country’s fish production by 2021 was 39,269 tonnes of which 87 percent was from fish capture and only 13 percent came from fish farming.

The five-year project which is funded by the Belgium government will start by improving and increasing fish feeds. “Feeds made from soybeans and maize for tilapia are still expensive. So, we want to work with investors to increase fish feed production,” said Uwituze.

She says that currently only two factories, one at Huye district and the other in the special economic zone, are producing fish feeds that are suitable for tilapia in the country.

“We also want to use black soldier flies to produce fish feed rich in proteins as they has been beneficial in pigs and poultry. They can replace soybean and provide 75 per cent of the needed proteins to make fish feed,” she Uwituze adding that this is besides training more Rwandans on fish farming techniques that are affordable.

According to the director, 90 per cent of Rwanda fish production is fish capture.

In 2022, fish production in Rwanda was at 43,560 tonnes which is a slight improvement from 41,664 tonnes of 2021 indicating that only 4,000 tonnes of fish were produced from fish farming, agreeing the reports by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

“We are training 96 cooperatives across the country on tilapia fish farming in over 3,000 ponds and we with the new project, fish production will improve through different ways,” she said.

Fish production from fish ponds has increased from 461 tonnes in 2020 to 490 tonnes in 2021. With support and new investment, the production is expected to increase from 1, 543.6 tonnes expected in 2022 to 2,000 tonnes by end of this year.

Until 2010, fish farming in ponds was the only common farming system that was adopted in Rwanda but today other intensive systems are being promoted such as fish farming in cages, tanks, and dams according to RAB.

Already there are at least 12 hatcheries available in the country able to produce 40 million fingerlings annually.

According to the report by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, fish imports increased from 22,473 tonnes worth Rwf22 billion in 2017 to 35,772 tonnes worth Rwf32.5 billion in 2020.

The most popular fish species in Rwanda is Nile Tilapia, which represents 90 per cent of the stock consumed, according to the report.

Investing in fish production is expected to reduce the trade deficit, said Uwituze.

Kenya develops new tilapia breed to meet increasing market demand

By Zablon Oyugi

Commercial production of tilapia in Kenya has potential for expansion following the latest effort by the government to breed and introduce a new tilapia strain into the market. The new breed, a farmed Nile tilapia or Oreochromis niloticus has been going through a series of development and trials by experts at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute’s (KMFRI) Sagana Centre.

“The selective breeding programme of this breed was initiated some years back, at the national aquaculture research and training Centre in Sagana and so far, we are at the eighth generation of breeding,” said Dr. Domitila Kyule, Sagana KMFRI Centre director.

According to the centre’s fish genetist, Jacob Abwao, the need for this new breed has been

triggered by the ever increasing demand for tilapia fingerlings by farmers and tilapia fish by consumers.

“Currently, the demand is approximately 40 million fingerlings considering the investment in cage culture in Lake Victoria since the start of the implementation of the government stimulus program,” said Abwao.

On the other hand there’s a demand for 450,000 tonnes of fish in Kenya and there’s currently less than 35,000 tonnes produced by aquaculture. Around 50,000 tonnes of tilapia are currently imported from China, but consumers have a preference for local fish.

The stimulus program therefore prompted an immediate and short-term demand for about 28 million certified tilapia and catfish fingerlings. Currently, there are close to 3,000 active cages

in Lake Victoria producing an estimated 10,000 metric tonnes of fish annually.

The F8 generation through the Kenya climate smart Agriculture project and Climate smart Agricultural Productivity project has been validated at the on-farm level and also distributed to farmers in over 20 counties.

Benefits of the new breed

A farmed Nile tilapia breed, according the researchers, has the following benefits to farmers: -a faster growth rate hence reduces harvest period hence farmers can harvest twice a year, -has a great resilience to drastic changes in the climate,-it is a good candidate for intensive aquaculture system considering it can be resistant to emerging diseases, -through this breed famers can increase the farm productivity with high turnover and -it is nutritious and with no side effects to the consumers.

Seed/fingerlings multiplication

In its 2021 State of Aquaculture in Kenya Report, KMFRI indicates that one of the problems affecting the industry is inadequate readily available quality fish seed (fingerlings) and in this, certified breeders or hatcheries have been allowed to multiply the new breed.

“Yes, we are encouraging certified hatcheries with the production capacity to get engaged in seed multiplication to meet the rising demand,” said Kyule adding that there is already a number of breeders in the country involved in the multiplication of the new breed of tilapia.

In this, the government recognizes the importance of hatcheries towards ensuring continued access to high-quality broodstock and seed. As at 2017, KMFRI’s statistics indicate that there were 87

active hatcheries in the country of which 82 per cent are privately owned while the rest belongs to various government institutions. Currently, Lake Victoria is suffering from overfishing, and tilapia, the most popular freshwater fish in Kenya, is becoming scarce increasing the demand for fingerlings.

This rise in demand for tilapia fingerlings is expected to continue due to the emerging cage farming n Lake Victoria which requires thousands of fingerlings. This has pushed the current demand for tilapia fingerlings to approximately 40 million annually.

Where to get the new breed.

According to Abwao, many hatcheries in Kenya are already having the farmed Nile tilapia breed for seed multiplication and sales to farmers.

“We, however, advise fish farmers to obtain fingerlings from authenticated hatcheries which have the recommended facilities for brooding for breed multiplication purposes,” he said.

The hatcheries recommended requirements include a water reservoir, resting tanks, breading tanks, weighing balance, incubators for hatching eggs, scoop nets, oxygen supply and fish packaging materials.

Generally, the recommended practice for the hatcheries in Kenya is to keep broodstock for three years before bringing in anew stock.

This is to ensure high fingerling production since females older than three years spawn less frequently.

Ukraine, Russia war opportunity for Africa to ramp-up production: AU

The disruption of grain deliveries from Ukraine is an opportunity for countries African countries to increase their food production at home, the African Union’s Commissioner for rural economy and agriculture, Josefa Sacko, has said. Speaking to the European media, she said Ukraine and Russia made up significant of worldwide grain and oilseed exports and countries, mainly from Africa, dependent on imported wheat and other products imports were seriously affected by the disruptions and price spikes. Some of the affected countries were Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Benin.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Berlin Agriculture Ministers Conference in Germany last Saturday, Sacko warned that food shortages and high prices pose a high risk of social unrest in many African countries. “In Africa, we are very vulnerable to such conflicts,” she said while pointing to the beginning of the Arab Spring in Egypt, where protests were triggered in 2010 by high bread prices,” she said.

“As policymakers, we should take this as an opportunity to change the narrative, change our approach. Look at Ethiopia today: this year, they are going to export wheat because last year, when the (Ukraine/Russia war started, they started producing it.”

She said Africa was spending US$45 billion every year on food imports – money that could

be spent instead on developing the domestic agriculture sector.

Sacko added said that, on a free international market, it is fair for Europe to export its products, but that African countries would be able to offer their produce at more competitive prices once production on the continent is ramped up.

“We cannot tell Europeans not to produce. But once we start producing, it will be competitive –people will see the price,” she explained. Sacko said the African Union was encouraging its member states to leverage the possibilities held

by their agricultural land by investing in domestic production and thereby creating jobs and wealth. “With 60% of arable land so far uncultivated, there is a large potential to ramp up agricultural production, she added. “We have the ecosystem to feed Africa and to feed the world.”

Europe’s push to decrease over-reliance on third-country food production is unavoidable due to the pandemic. Still, it could come in handy for encouraging African domestic production, according to the president of the UN’s Romebased International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Waste Oil Heating Systems for the Agricultural Industry

The agricultural industry is facing a unique set of challenges. EnergyLogic builds products to help ensure agricultural professionals around the world don’t have to worry about climate control, waste oil disposal, and high resource prices. Maintaining the temperature for livestock and produce farm buildings is essential, as is finding an environmentally responsible and affordable method for doing so. Agriculture experts need reliable heating and hot water solutions capable of consistent performance in one of the most demanding industries and unpredictable environments.

Farmers usually work with large machinery, resulting in the production of waste oil. Proper disposal and recycling can seem like a chore, but it is imperative for anyone working with waste oil to always dispose of it properly. However, there’s another option. Why not turn your agriculture waste oil into a heat source? When you use an EnergyLogic waste oil system, you employ an environmentally responsible method for disposing of waste oil and saving money on gas for heating and hot water.

The Value of Waste Oil in Agriculture

Most farm buildings are far too large for standard, residential grade heating and cooling solutions, this is especially true when you have temperature extremes. Proper disposal and recycling of waste oil can seem like a chore, but it is imperative for anyone working with waste oil to always dispose of it properly. Unfortunately, many farms are not realizing the full value of their waste oil.

Waste oil is an incredibly valuable resource! In fact, waste oil generates more energy than #2 fuel oil and has nearly twice the energy value of coal. To give you a better idea of what that means, approximately one gallon of waste oil = 18 kWh of electricity. That’s enough electricity to run the average household for around 15 hours. Thanks to advancements in technology and EnergyLogic’s continued commitment to innovation, burning waste oil in an approved waste oil heating system is an environmentally friendly way to capture the full value of your resource.

There are many benefits to burning waste oil, including:

• Saving thousands of dollars on heating bills

• Getting consistent, high-performance heating, and hot water

• Reusing waste oil on site provides added

convenience

• Reducing the environmental impact of waste oil spills and waste oil ground pollution

High-Tech, Environmentally Friendly Waste Oil Heating Systems

EnergyLogic is the leading provider of highquality waste oil systems in the US, boasting over 40 years of experience in the waste-oil combustion industry. All products are designed and manufactured in the USA to exacting standards. EnergyLogic used-oil burners are UL tested and rated for:

• Used crankcase oil 5w-90w (including synthetic)

• Used automatic transmission fluid

• ASTM D396 No. 2 fuel oil (including Diesel)

EnergyLogic’s waste oil heating systems are unmatched in terms of quality and clean burning technology. A patented metering pump provides consistent, reliable fuel delivery, regardless of fuel type, without manual adjustments.

EnergyLogic’s patented flame retention head is designed for complete combustion, which offers two big benefits: First, you get the highest heat output–double the heat rise compared to the competition. Second, you get the longest maintenance interval, due to a flame so hot it

incinerates most impurities, leaving less ash to clean. Finally, the Beckett chassis and AccuTemp preheater runs fuels from No.2 to 90 weight and a stainless-steel heat exchanger is lighter, better at heating, and is far more resistant to warping and weld breakage.

Waste oil heating systems are one of the best additions one can make to any agricultural building. Keeping large barns, stables, storehouses, and other buildings climate-controlled doesn’t have to be costly. When you invest in a waste oil heater from EnergyLogic, you can rest assured it will quickly pay for itself. Contact us for more information on how to purchase a system or become a dealer for your area.

South African winemaker using ducks to control pests in vineyards

ASouth African winemaker, Vergenoegd Löw, The Wine Estate, is using 1 000 Indian Runner ducks to forage its vineyards where “they happily dine” on snails while keeping the farm pest-free and natural.

The wine estate is located in the Cape of Good Hope and is close to the Atlantic Ocean.

According to the owners, they have always been dedicated to great wine, innovation and environmentally friendly farming practices.

“So when it came to protecting our precious vineyards from pests, we asked: Is there a way to do it without harming the farm’s delicate ecosystem? Our working flock of 1000 Indian Runner ducks forage in the vineyards, happily dining on snails and keeping our farm pest free, naturally. We are one of Africa’s proud pioneers of a very unique, integrated pest management

programme, a practice we have been refining since 1984,” they said.

“We have always loved our ducks here at Vergenoegd, but we have decided to take it a step further and show people that we actually love ALL birds! Our ducks are a big part of why Vergenoegd Löw proudly carries a WWF biodiversity certification seal as well as being awarded the Conservation Champion status.”

They added; “Every process on our farm is designed to leave as light a footprint as possible. This starts with a deep respect for the land and every creature that calls it home. Our working flock of Indian Runner Ducks form part of a natural pest control solution integral to the quality of our wines. We follow environmentally conscious principles such as recycling, solar electricity, composting and low-water drip irrigation systems. This is why we are proud of

our WWF Conservation Champion status, and IPW biodiversity certifications.

“We care about our people as much as we do about the environment. As a proud member of the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA), we are committed to creating a safe, supportive and uplifting working environment that enables our farm workers and surrounding communities to benefit.

As part of their commitment to sustainability and to safe valuable amounts of water in the vineyards, the estate makes use of drip irrigation. This is a type of irrigation system saves water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of grape plants with the goal to place water directly into the root zone and therefore minimise evaporation.