Farmers Review Africa Jan/Feb 2022 by Mailing Times Media

Volume 10. Issue 1 Jan/Feb 2022

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In this issue... Agriculture Providing a Livelihood Buffer During COVID-19 P10

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GMO cowpea Akara tastes so delicious P20

You are what your food eats P35

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Volume 10. Issue 1 Jan/Feb 2022

CONTENTS

Volume 10. Issue 1. January/February 2022

Editor’s Note

News Suspected avian influenza outbreak reported along Namibian coast

Reliable Storage High Grain Value CESCO EPC GmbH

In this issue... Agriculture Providing a Livelihood Buffer During COVID-19 P10

FARMERS

REVIEW AFRICA

You are what your food eats P35

GMO cowpea Akara tastes so delicious P20 Please visit the website

.com iewafrica.co farmersreviewafrica .farmersrev

Unscrupulous avocado exporters are a threat to our economy

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Executive Editor Anthony Kiganda editor@farmersreviewafrica.com Writers Silimina Derick, Lawrence Paganga Contributing Writers Nqobile Bhebhe Zimbabwe Oscar Nkala Botswana Bertha M South Africa Anita Anyango Kenya Project Manager Victor Ndlovu sales@farmersreviewafrica.com Art Director & Layout Augustine Ombwa austin@arobia.co.ke Correspondents Isabel Banda zambia@farmersreviewafrica.com Sales & Marketing Gladmore. N gladmoren@farmersreviewafrica.com Mandla M. mandlam@farmersreviewafrica.com Kholwani. D kholwanid@farmersreviewafrica.com Polite Mkhize politem@farmersreviewafrica.com leslien@farmersreviewafrica.com East African Liaison Arobia Creative Consultancy Tel: +254 772 187334, arobia@farmersreviewafrica.com eastafrica@farmersreviewafrica.com Published by : Mailing Times Media +27 11 044 8986 sales@farmersreviewafrica.com

REPORT

Tanzanian bean breeder working with US scientist on dry-bean, project set to benefit 10 African nations

NEW PRODUCT

Bobcat T7X - World’s First All-Electric Compact Track Loader

INSIGHT GMO cowpea Akara tastes so delicious, says Nigerian farmer’s group chief

Promoting gender equality in agriculture on the African continent

n Kenya, horticulture regulator has extended the ban on the export of popular avocado varieties to overseas markets to curb the harvesting of immature crop. It follows a drop in the price that the fruit fetches. In Dubai for example, the price of avocado dropped by almost half in 2018 as exports of immature crop hit the value of the produce to that market. The decline resulted from immature avocados that were being exported to Dubai by unscrupulous businessmen following high demand of fruit in the world market. While the move is necessary to ensure quality of exports, genuine farmers could be hurt in the process. Avocado has been a major contributor of the income from the horticulture earnings, raking in nearly half of the total returns from fruits. As the ban continues it important that authorities move with speed to regulate the harvesting of avocado to ensure that the exports are of high quality. Unscrupulous businessmen should also be removed from the value chain. Government should also ensure that farmers get financial support and training to boost production.

Anthony Kiganda

editor@farmersreviewafrica.com

Feature Load Cells for Silo, Tank and Hopper Weight Management

How animal welfare can boost productivity and enhance good health

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

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NEWS

Hass avocado to complement sugarcane in Busoga, Uganda

he government of Uganda through the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon Frank Tumwebaze, has proposed the introduction of Hass avocado in Busoga to complement sugarcane growing. Hass avocado, a commercially popular and nutritious fruit is part of the 19 crops that the ministry is promoting under the Agricultural Value Chain Development Strategy. The other crops include cashew nuts, banana, cassava, beans, fish, cocoa, cotton and coffee among others. Tumwebaze and the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon Hellen Adoa appeared before the Committee on Agriculture, to defend their National Budget Framework Paper for the Financial Year 2022/23. The sector has been allocated Shs1.534 trillion for the Financial Year 2021/2022. While making his presentation, Hon Tumwebaze said that the 19 priority crops will change agriculture, noting that new strategy will help regions that do not have perennial crops by

introducing new crops for cash. Tumwebaze said that Busoga for instance, as a region, can benefit from Hass avocado growing instead of sugarcane. “Between the sugar and Hass avocado in Busoga for example, which can benefit more? Hass avocado can help Busoga transition from sugarcane,” Tumwebaze said. Tumwebaze also pointed out that while Uganda has 44% of arable land, only 34.4% is under agricultural use, and as a ministry, they hope to move it to 50% by 2026 through the promotion of the Agricultural Value Chain Development Strategy. Maj. Gen. Sam Kavuma, a Member of Parliament representing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and also the Deputy Chief Coordinator Operation Wealth Creation, defended the proposal to have Hass avocado introduced to Busoga. “We need to move agriculture from traditional feelings to science and research, we need to introduce these new crops to Busoga.

Because if we say Busoga must continue with this crop that they have been engaging in for the past 100 years even if it does not benefit them, I think it is wrong,” Kavuma said.

CENEEMA inks partnership agreement to speedup agricultural mechanization “The collaboration focuses on the following areas: design research, manufacture, and adaptation of agropastoral machinery, the manufacture of efficient agropastoral machinery, testing of agropastoral machinery designed and manufactured locally, training and vulgarization of agropastoral mechanization,” we learn. Andrée Caroline Mebande Bate, director-general of the CENEEMA, explains that the partnership is in line with the institution’s 2021-2025 strategic plan and also aligns with the 2020-2030 national development strategy elaborated by the government and being implemented over a year now.

he director-general of CENEEMA -National Centre for the Study and Experiment of Agricultural Machinery- and the managing

director of Gradit Technoloc-Industries Sarl signed a six-year partnership agreement to speed up mechanization in Cameroon.

2 | January - February 2022

According to the agreement, the two parties will implement the government’s mixed farming development and mechanization as well as the promotion of the local manufacturing of agricultural machines.

“As you know, the 2020-2030 National Development Strategy, which is the reference framework for the development of Cameroon’s agriculture, places special emphasis on mechanization, which is a key factor to achieve production and productivity and guarantee food security and reduce mass importation of some consumer goods,” she said when the agreement was being signed with Gradit TechnolocIndustries.

NEWS

European Bank provides new funds for olive growing, irrigation projects in Tunisia infrastructures in southern regions such as Gabès, Gafsa, Kebili and Tozeur whose almost 40 oases are “the primary source of employment and income in the region, with irrigated agriculture providing jobs to 35 percent of the working population,” the EBRD wrote in a press note.

he European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has confirmed a new €6.2 million loan to the Compagnie Générale des Industries Alimentaires (COGIA) to help strengthen the olive farming sector in Tunisia. COGIA, one of the country’s major food manufacturers, will use those funds to foster production, bottling and exports. In support of the country’s exports, there have been six EBRDfunded projects for olive growing in Tunisia since 2017.

Since the start of its operations in Tunisia in 2012, the EBRD confirmed that it has invested more than €1.3 billion in 55 projects in the country. On top of the funds directed to local farming, the EBRD has also approved a €49 million loan to the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Fisheries destined to improve access to irrigation waters for more than 6,800 farmers and their families. Those funds will help reinstate deep wells and ageing water

The EBRD project will follow the path of the strategic development plans announced by Tunisia for sustainable water management in the southern regions. The modernization of the infrastructures, “will also address the depletion of non-renewable groundwater resources through the development of a long-term sustainable strategy to address the water scarcity in the region, as well as a training program for farmers to promote more sustainable agricultural practices and water management and identify alternative income sources.” “Olive growing is one of the most relevant agricultural activities and it exerts a pivotal role for its socio-cultural ramifications, fostering development and curtailing depopulation in rural areas”- Massimiliano Giansanti, president, Confagricoltura.

Suspected avian influenza outbreak reported along Namibian coast

ver 200 wild birds along the Namibian coast had been found dead as a result of a suspected avian influenza outbreak. A branch of Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DYS), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), received the report of dead wild birds. “Live sick birds were also observed showing clinical signs such as tremors, shivering, staggering movements and swollen heads. Some sick birds showed signs of tameness and reluctance to flee from humans,” MAWLR Chief Veterinarian Officer Albertina Shilongo said. Samples have been collected and sent to Namibia’s Central Veterinary Laboratory for confirmation and the results are pending, she said, adding that the source of infection is suspected to be wild migratory birds. Shilongo also urged the public not to handle the sick or dead birds, nor to

consume products made from these birds. Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.), as well as pet birds and wild birds. Occasionally mammals, including humans, may contract avian influenza. Avian influenza has captured the attention of the international community over the years, with outbreaks in poultry having serious consequences on both livelihoods and international trade in many countries. Implementation of biosecurity measures, in line with OIE international standards, is key in securing the production sector and trade, to safeguard food security and the livelihoods of farmers, and to limit the risk of human infection with avian influenza strains that have zoonotic potential.

January - February 2022 | 3

NEWS

Zimbabwe lists duty free on agricultural equipment

imbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has listed import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT)-free agricultural equipment while the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has introduced a crop insurance product for Pfumvudza/Intwasa beneficiaries. The move is part of the government’s bid to boost agricultural production. Machinery such as manure spreaders, fertiliser distributors, hay balers, combine harvesters, machines for sorting eggs, machines for preparing animal feed, tractors and poultry incubators would be imported duty and VAT-free. Importers were required to engage clearing agents registered with the tax collector. “The goods are treated as commercial importations. Clearance is to be done through a bill of entry and a tax clearance certificate is needed in order to be exempted from payment of presumptive tax. Failure to produce such attracts a presumptive tax of 10 percent of the value for duty purposes,” said Zimra.

The decision was greatly welcomed by farmers who said it supported their efforts to grow the agricultural sector by easing the means of production and lowering the burden on most farmers who desperately needed modern equipment and technology. Mrs Martha Macheke from Banket said it gave relief to those who were importing machinery aimed at improving farming. “Value addition as well as mechanisation are both critical for us to be sustainable. This type of equipment industrialises and modernises our agriculture through innovation development. Mechanisation, for example, leads to precision farming which maximises efficiencies, lowers post-harvest losses, and increases the profits that a farmer can make,” she said. The Government had been making huge efforts to revive the agriculture sector by incentivising the importation of machinery. On the other hand, the area yield index crop insurance, which will be technically directed by Pula Advisors, is meant to protect Pfumvudza farmers from heavy impact of climate change vagaries.

Beginning in the 2021/22 agricultural season, the Ministry will implement a pilot exercise with financial support from development partner, Mercy Corps Zimbabwe. Pula Advisors has been contracted by Mercy Corps’ AgriFin Digital Farmer (ADF) to provide technical assistance for the design and implementation of a comprehensive area yield index insurance on the inputs distributed under the Pfumvudza initiative in Zimbabwe. Mercy Corps’ AgriFin Digital Farmer (ADF) is a two-year, $5 million initiative that aims to support the expansion of high-impact, digitally-enabled services to at least one million farmers and to expand the services to a further five million smallholder farmers in partnership with Gates and Bayer foundation.

John Deere’s unveils first fully autonomous tractor, ready for use

ohn Deere has unveiled a self-driving tractor at CES 2022 that’s ready for mass production and that’s expected to begin working in late this year. John Deere’s autonomous tractor operates in a geofenced area so it knows where to turn around and when to stop. We’re told that setting it up is easy: Farmers simply need to take it to a field, configure it, and launch the job using a purpose-designed smartphone application.

It’s fully autonomous, so it doesn’t require human supervision (either in the cab or in the field), and the app gives owners access to images, a live video feed, and an assortment of data. They can even use their mobile device to adjust the tractor’s speed and its implements, such as a plow’s depth. Elektrek calls it “a step into the future” as John Deere’s new vehicle will allow farmers to leave the cabs of their tractors after

programming the devices to accomplish the task at hand. The details are managed by “six pairs of stereo cameras around the vehicle to help with object detection,” says Engadget, combined with GPS technology which “enables it to maintain its position within a geofence around an individual field.” The system is even capable of amassing data as it works, like specific soil composition, to better tweak algorithms for each application and field. It doesn’t sound like removing the driver from the job required making mechanical modifications. Power comes from a 9.0-liter PowerTech straightsix diesel engine that’s twin-turbocharged to develop 410 horsepower. It’s bolted to an e23 PowerShift transmission. Pricing for the autonomous 8R hasn’t been announced, but we won’t have to wait long to find out: It will go on sale in late 2022. For context, the non-autonomous 8R (which is already one of the more advanced row-crop tractors on the market) starts at approximately $521,600.

4 | January - February 2022

NEWS

Liberia Cocoa Corporation rejects LACC, Senate Committee’s claim of corruption

he Liberia Cocoa Corporation has rejected claims of corruption allegedly levied by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry, saying it is prepared and ready to disprove their allegations. The Cocoa Corporation’s Management noted that it is deeply troubled that the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission would publish reports that contain not only gross misrepresentations of facts but outright lies against Liberia Cocoa Corporation and its CEO, Momolu Tolbert. The Liberia Cocoa Corporation said it is prepared to disprove each brazen lie presented by both the Senate Committee and the LACC with documentary and photographic evidence. It however challenged the LACC to make available to the management of the Corporation or to publish for the public the “alleged contract” for US$1.4 million that was “allegedly” and “unilaterally” awarded to Mr. Momolu Tolbert

by Madam Jeanine M. Cooper, Minister of Agriculture.

the country “all dead cocoa seeds that were not F1 Hybrid Cocoa Seeds.”

Furthermore, the management of Cocoa Corporation said it wants the Senate Committee to make available or publish for the public all documents and or reports that support the Senate Committee’s claim that Mr. Tolbert brought into

The Cocoa Corporation said it is confident that it will be fully vindicated from the shameless and politically motivated lies that the Senate Committee and the LACC have falsely presented to the public as “truth.”

Zimbabwe’s yearly milk output records 4% increase

pallo said, however, few farmers can afford The government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Agriculture’s dairy services department announced that dairy farmers produced 79.6 million litres of milk in 2021, representing a 4% increase from 76.69 million litres produced in 2020. Despite a slow start to the year, milk production was boosted by increased availability of feed, as more maize was being delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) by farmers. This helped ease the rationing of maize between feed and domestic needs. However, players in the dairy sector missed full year government expectations despite an improvement in milk production. The Government revised 2021 dairy milk production from 97 million litres to 92 million litres. This is against annual demand of about 120 million litres. While the country does not produce enough milk, the excess demand is being met through powdered milk imports mainly from neighbouring

South Africa by processors under a duty-free quota system to approved importers. Milk supply remains constrained by the high cost of stock feeds. However, government launched the command silage programme, an initiative intended to support dairy farmers grow their own silage in order to improve stock feed availability and reduce cost of milk production. This is poised to further improve milk production. In November 2021, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube noted that Government support to the dairy sector over the years has triggered a positive response towards development of the dairy industry. This comes as investment across the value chain amounted to US$20 million. The country’s monthly raw milk production picked to 7,09 million litres in August 2021, up 11 percent compared with the same period last year as dairy farmers continued to ramp up production despite the high cost of stock feed. July’s milk production came in at 6.73 million litres up from 6.52 million litres previously.

In June, milk production was up 6 percent to 6.58 million litres from 6.2 million litres in the same month last year. Raw milk output showed some signs of recovery in May as it rose 6.48% to 6.5 million litres from 6.11 million litres last year. For April, milk output fell 2.57% to 5.86 million litres from 6.01 million litres in the comparative period. February output stood at 5.42 million litres, an 11% decline on last year’s corresponding period. In March milk output suffered a 6.05% decline to 5.93 million litres from 6.32 million litres in the same month last year. January output, which usually ranked highest, was down 5% to 6.46 million litres from 6.83 million litres in the same month last year. The Agriculture’s dairy services department figures show that milk intake by processors was up 4% to 72.66 million litres compared to 69.56 million litres in 2020. The average milk producer price is only 23% of the final consumer price of US$1.60 per litre. Such a scenario seems to imply that vertically integrated processors get a larger share of the profit margins compared to milk producers. Retailed milk by producers stood at 6.93 million litres in 2021, down 3% from 7.12 million litres recorded in 2020.

January - February 2022 | 5

NEWS

Kenya launches agricultural training programme in Kwale County

Boga said the county has the potential to grow a variety of food crops and feed its people if better farming skills and scientifically approved seeds are put in use. Currently, the use of inferior farming methods and infertile planting seeds among farmers have brought the county’s agricultural productivity down to its knees.

he government of Kenya has rolled out an agricultural training programme for farmers in Kwale. The project which is partnership of Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate will see at least over 60 farming groups trained on the best farming techniques for better livelihood and agribusiness opportunities. It is estimated that more than 50% of the Kwale people’s income is lost in food expenses, according to the Principal Secretary for Agriculture Hamadi Boga. Speaking during the farmers’ field day, Boga said the farmers will be equipped with improved farming tools and certified seeds to enable them move from domestic to commercial farming. The farmers will be picked from the county’s 20 wards and assisted to steady crop growth, food and nutrition security. “We will train three groups in each ward and will be furnished with proper green grams, tomatoes, spinach, sukumawiki, beehive equipment, fertilizers and the rest of the things,” he said.

Back in the 1960s, Kwale was recognised as the best producer of Mangoes, coconuts, cashew nuts, oranges, cotton, maize, cassava and many other food crops. However, due to new crop diseases, pesticides and outdated crop species, the industry has continued to suffer.

The training will be done at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation headquarters in Matuga. The first two agricultural projects on modern farming were piloted at Dzombo and Ukunda by KEPHIS and proved to be effective.

Boga said promoting innovation and technology in agriculture and trade is one way of reviving the agricultural sector and improving the economy and standards of living of citizens in the region. “There is no shortcut, active farming is our breakthrough because agriculture is the backbone of the economy,” he said.

Thiba Dam project in Kenya nears completion

onstruction of Thiba Dam in Kenya is nearing completion. According to the project, Engineer Stephen Mutinda the development which is expected to secure a yearround water supply for the regions’ agriculture is now at 91% complete. The 40-meter tall and 1 km long dam creates a reservoir that will allow a twice per year every year Mwea rice irrigation scheme and the surrounding cultivable area. Engineer Stephen Mutinda said that the remaining nine percent work includes connection to the existing road network as well as facilities for water draw-off and safe floodwater drainage. The project is also set for flooding come the rainy season beginning March this year. “We would have started flooding the facility but the water volume is very low, if we attempt to do so at this time, it will adversely affect the water flow to other areas including the very Mwea irrigation scheme which requires water for the rice,” Mutinda said. “We intend to have the gate valve to be in place in the next two weeks in readiness for the flooding in case the rains come early enough.

6 | January - February 2022

The Project Manager James Karanja, said the dam at completion would hold 15 million cubic meters of water, which will be supplied to the farmers within the Mutithi section where the existing scheme is being expanded by 10,000 acres. Currently, the Mwea Irrigation Scheme has 25,000 acres under rice cultivation but upon expansion will add up to 35,000 acres, which will translate to double production of paddy rice. “We expect to fill the dam in only one month if we receive the normal rains expected in this region,” he added. The dam Mutinda said would store the water that will later be released to the farmers to enable them to undertake two crops per year since they will no longer depend on rainfed agriculture. He said the project would have been ready even before December last year were it not for the delay in the approval of the master list, which took nine months translating to slow mobilization by the contractor, and in the payment of duties, taxes, and levies. The inadequate budget allocation by the National Treasury at one time led to the suspension of works, which lasted for about three months from 1 October 2019 to 7 January 2020.

“As from this year, rice production in Mwea will double from the current 120,000 metric tons to about 250,000 due to the double cropping,” said Karanja. The National Irrigation Authority is overseeing the construction of the Dam with the Consultant being a joint venture of Nippon Koei and Gibb Africa and contractor Straback International GmbH (Germany). Once the dam is completed, an additional 10,000 acres will be put under irrigation in Mwea Irrigation Scheme as well as provide sufficient water for double cropping of the entire 35,000 acres of the scheme per year.

NEWS

Bahamas couple moves to Rwanda to concentrate on yellow pepper farming agriculture made a lot of sense. We love being outdoors, we love working when the birds are singing.” Before relocating to Rwanda the farming couple used to work in the medical field in the US, where they met, before moving to the Bahamas. Wayne said they were concentrating on yellow pepper and the farm manager, who studied crop production in Israel, was working on finding market for the crop. “It is a win/win situation and we are working on a market plan. Yellow pepper is a fairly new crop in Rwanda. We have two greenhouses and constructing two more for the crop. We are looking for different buyers. However, we have been more on the production side, building structures.” By Lawrence Paganga

couple from the Bahamas moved to Rwanda in 2020 and has now settled concentrating on its farming business, mainly focusing on horticulture, especially yellow pepper. Felecia and Wayne Belazia are now farming in the Masaka district in the capital, Kigali, where they grow vegetables, including cabbage, onions, yellow pepper, papaya, spinach, Chinese cabbage, tomatoes, and cauliflower. Papayas are only grown in tropical climates. However, yellow pepper, which is fairly new in Rwanda, is the

crop they are mostly focusing on at the farm. “I discovered Rwanda after I came for a visit. I was invited by someone who already lived here, and was amazed by the beauty of the city (Kigali),” Wayne said. “Rwanda is a beautiful country. It’s a peaceful country. That is why we decided we are going to make a move here.” After staying briefly in Kigali, the couple relocated to Masaka. “We then came to Masaka and love the place. We wanted to run a business and

Wayne also urged potential farmers in the US or Europe not to hesitate if they want to relocate and resettle in Africa. “If you want to move to Africa, do it, don’t hesitate. Do it! But there is a need for a plan unless you are retired. It makes sense to start a business when you have relocated because you are contributing to the country, and providing jobs for young professionals. Besides horticulture, the couple wants to diverse into rabbit and pig production and structures for rearing the animals have already been constructed.

African Plant Nutrition Research Fund (APNRF) Opens Call for 2022 Round of Preliminary Concept Proposals

he African Plant Nutrition Research Fund (APNRF) has opened its call for preliminary, small, yet strategically targeted proposals to be considered for the 2022 round of funding. To be eligible, the lead applicant (Principal Investigator) must be from an African National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) institution or African university. Students are not eligible for this award. The proposed work must be primarily performed in Africa and all the work must be relevant to African agriculture. Funding can be requested for targeted topical research, new trials, or to

three research themes. Proposals that leverage other funding sources are strongly encouraged. Partnerships with other African or international organizations will be viewed favorably. Preliminary concept proposals, written in English or French, must be received prior to the posted deadline of April 30, 2022. leverage expansion or additional data collection for existing trials. Other topics related to socioeconomics or data science also qualify for funding as long as they directly support at least one of the

Applications are received through the website: https://apni.net/research-fund. Additional details are available at this site.

January - February 2022 | 7

NEWS

Rwanda starts rationing fertiliser as global prices rise sharply By Lawrence Paganga

ith the global prices of fertilisers rising steeply, the Rwandan government is rationing stocks to farmers while working on new guidelines on selling and distributing the product. With over 80 percent of Rwanda’s population being farmers, the increase in fertilisers will affect a majority of the citizens and the country’s food security. The Rwanda Agriculture Ministry confirmed the country would ration supplies to farmers, as it worked on setting new guidelines. “In a bid to respond to rising prices for industrial fertilisers on the international market, Ministry of Agriculture is finalising new guidelines for sell of industrial fertilizers,” Rwanda Agriculture Ministry said. Rwandan farmers use a variety of fertilisers such as diammonium phosphate (DAP), nitrogen fertilisers including NPK (17-17-17), and Urea for staple crops and NPK (25-5-5) and NPK (20-1010) for planting cash crops. Fertilisers costs have on the rise since 2020 while demand for the product also increases as more citizens venture into farming.

8 | January - February 2022

Meanwhile, the government has since put in place plans to establish bulk blending fertiliser and a storage plant at Bugesera Industrial Park to stabilise costs and availability to farmers. The project is a joint venture partnership reached between Rwanda Fertiliser Company and OCP Africa (OCP), a subsidiary of the Moroccan public-private company OCP Group, and one of the leading phosphates producers in Africa. The plant is also set to switch from generic to tailor-made fertilisers as part of the effort to reduce the cost of fertilisers, as well as boost agricultural output and farmers’ income. The government also wants farmers to use fertilisers from the current 46kg to 75kg.Charles Bucagu, deputy director-general of the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), said construction of a local fertiliser plant was strategic. “It is also going to solve the issue of accessibility. In most cases, our farmers delay starting the season because they lack fertilisers,” he said. According to Bucagu, Rwanda has made significant improvements in agriculture production mainly because of the hybrid seed and also fertiliser application.

“In addition to that, it would contribute to our food security but also expand the export base. Rwanda doesn’t directly get the fertilisers from the source, this puts us in a less competitive position,” he said. Bucagu was supported by Evariste Safari, the Head of Rwanda Agriculture Inputs Dealers Association (RAIDA). “There is a logistical challenge, and affordability which I think would be solved. “For the farmers, there is a big challenge of affordability,” Safari said, adding Rwanda was importing fertilisers products to meet growing land under cultivation. However, prices of the commodity had increased globally. “The issue remains to strategically subsidise or find financial mechanisms for the affordability of the farmers. Incentives will be needed.” Data from the Agriculture Ministry shows that the use of fertilisers in 2021 increased from 29 917 tonnes to 43 757 tonnes, a 46 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020. The uptake of fertilisers is expected to grow to 60 kilogrammes in 2021/22, 65 kilogrammes in 2022/23 and 75 kilogrammes in 2024.

REPORT

Tanzanian bean breeder working with US scientist on dry-bean, project set to benefit 10 African nations released for use in Africa. According to Urrea, they also looked at experiments on heat and drought. He showed Mamo laboratory equipment used in bean cooking tests and for the development of slowdarkening pinto lines. Urrea explained the extension component, which involves activities such as field days, multi-state collaboration, and publications and websites that share data and new information with the public.

Urrea (left) and Mamo, Urrea’s research plots in Scottsbluff. By Lawrence Paganga

Tanzanian bean breeder is working with a US dry-bean breeder based in Nebraska in a new connection that might open a channel of international collaboration to improve dry edible beans and help improve nutrition and food security in Eastern and Central Africa. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research and Extension Centre at Scottsbluff. Carlos Urrea is the dry bean breeding specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research and Extension Centre. His work is on breeding better bean varieties for Nebraska, one of the US’s leading bean-producing states. Teshale A. Mamo, based in Arusha, Tanzania, is a bean breeder by profession, and also a coordinator of the bean research network for East and Central Africa for the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. The international non-profit organisation’s missions include reducing hunger, improving nutrition, and improving agricultural ecoefficiency. Mamo coordinates dry-bean research activities in 10 African countries namely: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, South Sudan, Uganda, and Sudan. The two men met recently for the first time in the

US at Urrea’s office at the Panhandle Centre. While in the US, Mamo has also travelled to North Dakota State University to meet with bean breeder Juan Osorno. Osorno is a frequent collaborator of Urrea’s in joint research projects and regional nurseries where bean cultivars are tested in plots around the US. Urrea’s programme also has an extensive reach, with winter bean breeding nurseries in Puerto Rico and New Zealand. In addition, he travels to Colombia annually, his country of origin, to visit CIAT (based in Colombia) and select dry bean lines to bring back and use in his efforts to breed for drought and heat resistance. He also collaborates with bean researchers in Uganda, Zambia, and Mozambique. Through his connections Mamo learned of Urrea’s programme, including heat and drought tolerance. “I am really excited by his (Urrea) work, and I asked to visit his breeding programme, and that is why I travelled 10 hours,” Mamo said. The two men also visited executive director Lynn Reuter at the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission office. Urrea showed Mamo some of the results of his programme, such as bean lines with resistance to root rot and common bacterial blight, and a pinto bean cultivar that has been

Mamo said he was interested in talking about breeding tolerance to drought and heat, resistance to diseases, and other traits that farmers prefer and consumers demand. In Africa, the most popular market classes of beans are red mottled, yellow beans, small red, sugar beans, navy beans, and pintos. The breeding programme in Pan-Africa Breeding Bean Research Alliance/CIAT has focused on those grain types by looking at consumers’ preferred traits, including good flavor, fast cooking time, and low flatulence, Mamo said. In most African countries, beans are a staple food used in various ways. They are often served in soups, snacks, stews and porridge and ground into flour to make doughnuts. According to Mamo, per-capita consumption in countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda reaches 50-65 kilograms, and in Tanzania, consumption is 20 kilograms per person per year. After the meeting, Mamo and Urrea said they were working on bringing several young bean-breeding students from Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and other African countries to the Panhandle Centre for several months for hands-on experience and learning. Rwanda is a large consumer of dry beans, Mamo said, and Tanzania is the No. 1 bean-producing nation in Africa, and seventh in the world, in terms of acreage and tonnage. The two men said the breeding plots in Scottsbluff have several promising cultivars for Africa. Mamo said the 10 countries, he works with needed assistance, including technical support and project proposal writing.

January - February 2022 | 9

INSIGHT

Agriculture Providing a Livelihood Buffer During COVID-19

OVID-19 has not been as widespread in Africa as in many other countries, but it has felt the economic impact of the pandemic on a wide scale. For example, many of Africa’s trading partners experienced lockdowns that prevented international trade. Africans have also faced job loss and rising costs for food as demand outweighs supply across the continent. In response to these overwhelming challenges, many individuals have turned to agriculture to provide a livelihood buffer during COVID-19. Challenges for African Farmers The African continent contains 60% of the world’s arable land, but reliance on supportive weather patterns and political challenges means much of the land’s potential remains untapped. For example, the recent locust problem in East Africa meant some farmers lost everything. International trade in the African agriculture industry typically exports about $35 billion per

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year. However, around 65% of Africans are subsistence farmers. Many of these families live below the poverty line and are hit especially hard by natural or socioeconomic changes, such as droughts or political conflict. Before the pandemic, around 650-670 million people in Africa were already facing food insecurity. According to an analysis by McKinsey and Co., about 400-460 million Africans are facing a loss of income. As many as 150 million Africans could lose their jobs due to the pandemic. Many Africans are turning to agriculture to support themselves and their families in response to these challenges. COVID-19 is drastically changing the African agricultural landscape, affecting trade within the continent and influencing millions of people to find innovative ways to make ends meet. Changing Agricultural Trends Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of African households that rely on farming

for their livelihood has increased across the continent. According to a study by the World Bank, 76% of Nigerian households were raising crops or livestock before the pandemic. However, this number has increased to 84% over the last two years. Participation in agriculture is measured by comparing the number of Africans entering the industry with those exiting. According to the same survey, more urban than rural households have started farming during the pandemic, demonstrating the growing need for city dwellers to find additional resources for their livelihood. Crop and livestock farming can be expensive, and reports show that rural areas are increasingly turning to crops as the most affordable option. However, city dwellers are understandably choosing livestock as a better fit for their resources. Even before the pandemic started to interfere with trade and farmers’ access to agricultural

resources, many Africans were concerned about how the changing climate impacted the future of raising crops on their land. The solutions Africans are finding during the pandemic may equip them for continued agricultural success in the future. The Future of African Agriculture Although COVID-19 has negatively impacted millions of African lives, it has also brought clarity to the future of the continent’s agriculture. For one thing, it has demonstrated the essential role farming will play in the future economic growth of African nations. Investments in farmers will benefit everyone on the continent. The pandemic has also emphasized the current weaknesses in Africa’s agricultural sector. Until the pandemic, dependence on foreign farm machinery and fertilizer wasn’t a huge problem. Now, reduced supply, rising costs and trade restrictions are hurting farmers in many African nations, slowing production and reducing their resources for the coming season. Since the economic crash of 2008, African governments have been coordinating with farmers in an attempt to ease the financial burden of farming and invest in the future of agriculture for their nations. Although these programs have helped farmers survive times of crisis, government inputs are not ultimately reaping long-term benefits equal to the expense they’ve invested. Instead of scaling input efforts up, a focus on agroecology is needed to support farmers and develop sustainable practices that will lead to healthy yields for years to come. Governments can best help the increasing number of African farmers by promoting natural fertilizers, spreading local knowledge through digital devices and building strong farming communities. Resilience in Response to Challenge COVID-19 has been incredibly challenging for high-poverty and middle-class populations across the African continent. Reduced resources, job loss and trade restrictions have wreaked havoc on the economic health of the continent, impacting millions of families. An increasingly large number of Africans are turning to agriculture as a livelihood buffer in response to the pandemic and rising food insecurity. During these times of crisis, smallscale farmers are demonstrating resilience and courage by feeding their families while also investing in the economic future of their nations. Jane is an agriculture and environmental journalist and the founder and editorin-chief of Environment.co, where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.

Botswana High Court grants hemp farmer permission to start production

By Lawrence Paganga

he Gaborone High Court in Botswana has granted Daniel de Beer, the director of Fresh Standard, permission to grow hemp for medicinal and industrial purposes. The Gaborone High Court judge, Justice Chris Gabanagae ruled last Friday that the revocation of exemption letter de Beer was granted in October 2018 was illegal. The farmer then engaged in a legal battle with the government arguing he had invested millions of pula into the project based on an exemption granted by former agriculture minister, Patrick Ralotsia. After being granted permission by the minister, de Beer was shocked after the police raided his farm and uproot his plants saying they were cannabis. However, the judge said the agriculture permanent secretary (PS) had no right to revoke the exemption letter, adding that only the minister could take such action. “The PS does not have the power or authority to withdraw the exemption,” Gananagae ruled. ”The letter of March 29, 2019 purporting to withdraw the exemption could not and is not a valid withdrawal of the exemption.” Justice Gabanagae said the permanent secretary did not have the authority to withdraw the exemption letter, and he also did not engaged de Beer prior to issuing the letter. The farmer was also never accorded a hearing, and, therefore, withdrawal of exemption letter was “improper and unlawful”. “The right to a fair hearing cannot be avoided or dispensed with because it is felt that the person otherwise entitled to it would have little or nothing

to urge in his favour or that it would not affect the decision anyway,” the judge said. “The evidence shows clearly and indisputably that the minister granted the exemption to the farmer in respect of the cultivation and processing of hemp and its products along the entire value chain,” he said. In October 2018, de Beer received an exemption to grow, process and produce products from cannabis sativa and hemp dominant strands for medical and industrial purposes in Botswana. Following the granting of the exemption, he spent millions of pula in establishing the business, but his farm was on or about May 7, 2019 raided by officers of the Narcotics Squad of the Botswana Police Service. De Beer told the court, the raid forced him to make an urgent enquiry as his company was operating lawfully. He added the decision was unreasonable and made without affording him any form of hearing despite the serious effect the decision had on his business. For centuries, industrial hemp (plant species Cannabis sativa) has been a source of fibre and oilseed used worldwide to produce a variety of industrial and consumer products. More than 30 nations grow industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity, which is sold on the world market. In the United States, however, production is strictly controlled under existing drug enforcement laws. Currently there is no large-scale commercial production in the United States, and the U.S. market depends on imports.

January - February 2022 | 11

TECHNOLOGY

InteliGro takes the guesswork out of crop solutions Success in agriculture increasingly depends on informed and accurate decision making. From which crop and cultivar to plant in a specific field, to the correct plant nutrition and crop protection measures to apply at the right time. Growers simply cannot afford sub-optimal decisions.

gricultural research bodies in South Africa have lost much of their capacity in recent years. As a result, practical research from a neutral point of view has sadly suffered. Exceptions are institutions such as the Western Cape Department of Agriculture that continues to deliver good work on cereals and canola. There are also other institutes that still deliver high quality research work and we are very grateful for this! “We have a grave shortage of independent, credible data on which of the many crop protection and plant nutrition options deliver the best results in a specific set of circumstances,” says Dirk van Eeden, technical marketing specialist at InteliGro. InteliGro has access to a wide variety of highquality products from multinational and selected generic companies alike. Drawing on this product arsenal, the most appropriate technical solutions are assembled for clients. “The challenge, however, is to validate the decisions taken around a specific solution with relevant data,” says van Eeden. Against this backdrop, InteliGro launched the Intelekt Solutions project four years ago to generate its own credible scientific data with which help improve clients’ decision making. InteliGro studies conducted under the Intelekt Solutions banner supplement the research done by universities and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The company furthermore ensures that growers get access to the information by hosting demonstration and information days. “We see ourselves as a leader in die development and transfer of valuable, accurate information,” explains van Eeden. “Our existence is rooted in the objective to recommend to growers the best technical solutions out of all the available products and, in doing so, to add value on the farm – where it all starts.” The Intelekt Solutions value chain Every year, InteliGro identifies specific questions to answer, eg, how do certain seed treatments and plant nutrition options influence yield, or what is the effect of biological products that are applied in the furrow at planting. InteliGro’s technical

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specialists, such as van Eeden, design the trial protocols and assist with selecting the trial plots. Thereafter, however, the process is handed over to independent, external researchers to plant the trials, apply products, do evaluations, analyse data and draw statistics. “The information must enjoy the highest possible level of credibility,” says van Eeden. “Everybody who works with it in future, must be able to trust the data.” These trails have been conducted on wheat in the Swartland for the past four years, and for three years on barley in the Southern Cape and on soybeans and maize in the summer row crops production areas in the northern regions of South Africa. More recently, the research was extended to wheat and canola in the Southern Cape. “On wheat and barley, we have mainly been looking at fungicides to determine how different programmes react on different cultivars in different areas,” explains van Eeden. On maize the focus is the impact of bio-stimulants on return on investment, while the control of the harmful fungal disease Sclerotinia head rot is being studied on sunflowers.. Research into soil-borne diseases, specifically Fusarium ear rot, is a new dimension that was added in the Southern Cape this year. Dr Sandra Lampbrechts of the ARC, who is a soil-borne diseases specialist, has already agreed to be involved in the trial evaluations. Another first this year, were trails aimed at optimising application efficacy. In cooperation with ProCrop, InteliGro did a study to determine the role that water volume, spray speed and different nozzles play in the effective application of products on cereals. “Preparations are currently underway to expand the Intelekt Solutions programme to other crop segments,” says van Eeden. “The objective is to build a meaningful database that will enable our clients and us to make better and more informed decisions. InteliGro will also use the information to technically optimise our strategies and recommendations.”

He stresses that the research is a longterm approach, given that new products are continuously being developed and that nature is dynamic and organisms endlessly adaptable. Protecting existing chemical products against the development of resistance, which is one of agriculture’s greatest challenges, is specifically addressed in the Intelekt Solutions research. “InteliGro is here to give growers the best possible support to be sustainable in all sense of the word,” says van Eeden. “Data is indispensable for informed and effective decision making. There is never just one answer to all questions. Intelekt Solutions enables us to tailor make solutions with data that supports our recommendations.” Judging by comments from growers such as Jean van Niekerk who farms near Caledon, the Intelekt Solutions approach hits the mark: “Too many variables come into play when one wants to test, for example, fungicides in large-scale fields,” he says. “With the Intelekt Solutions trials we get to see everything in one place. It makes choosing a fungal-control programme much easier, and certainly adds value to my wheat, barley and canola production.” Boeta Wessels from Bredasdorp subscribes to seeing is believing. “The trials and the demonstration and information days help the grower to choose the right control strategies, and confirm the importance of, for instance, fungal control.” Jacques Bester from Riebeeck area in the Swartland appreciates how thoroughly fungicides are tested under different conditions. “The Intelekt Solutions platform provides me with the necessary information to make the right cultivar decisions.” Marnus Kotze from Moorreesburg area in the Swartland gives thanks to the pioneering work done annually by Inteligro Intelekt Solutions. “It sets a new standard in the industry by helping farmers to be at the forefront of best farming practices. In today’s challenging market the research reports, provided by InteliGro Intelekt Solutions, are important for every farm in the country.”

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Muddy agricultural surfaces and land? Here are the perfect BKT tires Traction, grip, resistance and safety are just some of the many challenges that arise when driving on muddy and wet terrain.BKT has developed ranges of tires that “bite” the mud.

KT’s philosophy is always the same, there is a perfect tire for every situation. Also, for muddy terrain.

This is why the tires which face the challenge of mud have been specifically designed for that end. Their design is in fact aimed at overcoming various challenges regarding traction on “sagging” soil, where the grip is not uniform, where the tire must self-clean quickly. It must also be resistant to tears and offer maximum safety and control when driving. The tread design of these tires is more aggressive, for greater grip and to drive through mud, thanks to higher and better spaced blocks. These allow the tire to dig deep, facilitating grip, while the wider spacing helps with self-cleaning, an extremely important feature when working on muddy surfaces and terrain. There are various agricultural machines – from tractors to sprinkler systems, passing through telehandlers – which have to work on slippery soil and for them BKT has developed specific ranges. Starting from AGRIMAX ELOS, designed for tractors operating on wet and boggy terrain. This tire has been designed to ensure excellent traction even in the most complex working conditions, such as rice fields, as well as excellent self-cleaning thanks to the extra-deep tread.

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The sides of this tire are also equipped with sidewall protectors for maximum safety and protection against any impact or damage. It is available in eight different sizes. Also pivot sprinkler systems often work in mud and for them BKT has developed AGRIMAX RI 818. In addition to working at low pressures to reduce soil compaction and preserve crops, this tire ensures excellent traction which is essential when operating in fields in wet and humid conditions, typically related to this application. The tread pattern also offers exceptional selfcleaning capabilities and greater stability on hillside applications thanks to its directional design. It is available in two sizes: 280/85 R 24 and 320/85 R 38. The latter has a deeper block, if compared with the traditional diagonal irrigation tires, for better grip. Same characteristics also for the TR 117, a bias tire which is specific for irrigation applications with a central pivot, available in four sizes: 11.2 – 24, 13.6 – 24, 14.9 – 24 and 11.2 – 38. The TR 177 also features a special tread pattern which increases grip and allows for excellent selfcleaning. The two other machines which often face wet and humid terrain are multifunctional telehandlers and spider excavators which are used to clean and

maintain agricultural trenches which are prone to yield. For these two applications BKT proposes CON STAR, which guarantees great performance under any conditions thanks to the firm grip, due to the large lugs which increase the contact area with the ground below. The cut-and-chip resistant compound also guarantees resistance and durability, while the diagonal design avoids lateral slippage, even when fully loaded - a fundamental element for these applications. CON STAR has a load index of 168 in the 440/80 - 24 size, which means that it can handle loads of up to 5,600 kg without losing stability. This tire is available in 11 different sizes. It is not only tractors that do the “dirty” work, but there are many different machines that must do their best even on the most difficult terrains, such as mud. BKT tires are designed to meet all the needs of agricultural businesses and are created on the basis of direct feedback from farmers, to help them overcome their everyday challenges. This is BKT’s philosophy.

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PRODUCT

Bobcat T7X - World’s First All-Electric Compact Track Loader under one litre of eco-friendly coolant compared to around 216 litres of fluid in its diesel/hydraulic equivalent model. The all-electric platform enables instantaneous power and peak torque available at every operating speed. The operator no longer must wait for the standard hydraulic system to build up power. The T7X operates with zero emissions and reduced noise and vibration generated by the machine. It works quietly and efficiently in noise sensitive areas and indoors, which significantly lowers sound levels and improves the working environment. It can also significantly lower daily operating costs, when considering the reduction in annual maintenance costs and elimination of diesel, engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid and hydraulic parts. The Bobcat T7X is the world’s first all-electric compact track loader. This machine is fully battery-powered, ultra-powerful and emissions-free. oosan Bobcat unveiled its new, all-electric with electric actuation and propulsion, quieter Bobcat T7X compact track loader at with high-performance torque and more powerful CES® 2022, the world’s most influential than any diesel-fuelled track loader that has ever technology event, held this month in Las Vegas come before it – all while eliminating any carbon in the USA. The T7X is the first machine of its emissions. kind to be fully electric, offering the full benefits of eliminating hydraulic systems, components, “This machine is a technological feat for Bobcat emissions and vibrations – all while providing a and for the entire industry,” said Joel Honeyman, cleaner, quieter machine. Vice President of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “We challenged the status quo to deliver The Bobcat T7X was honoured with two 2022 a connected, all-electric machine designed CES Innovation Awards in the categories of for power and performance that previously Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation and Smart was not possible. We are excited to share this Cities. The CES Innovation Awards programme advancement with the world and proud of the recognizes recipients in a multitude of technology hard work that has gone into making this a reality.” product categories and distinguishes the highest rated in each. The Bobcat T7X was developed for Providing an EMEA Perspective the North American market initially, but internal Commenting on future plans for EMEA, Vijay testing and the gathering of customer feedback Nerva, Head of Innovation at Doosan Bobcat is planned for the Europe, Middle East and EMEA, said: “The T7X has been developed Africa (EMEA) region to identify its commercial for the North American market for now but it potential. addresses a global need and challenge. We plan to undergo internal testing and gather customer At the Forefront of Innovation feedback in various countries in the EMEA region Scott Park, President and CEO of Doosan this year to better understand customer needs in Bobcat, said: “Doosan Bobcat is at the forefront this market before taking commercial decisions.” of innovation, and we are proud to debut the allelectric technology of the T7X to help customers The Advanced Technology and maximize both sustainability and productivity. Design of the T7X Compact Track Our focus remains on providing solutions and Loader products that empower people to accomplish In the T7X, the traditional hydraulic work group more and build a better world.” The Bobcat T7X has been completely replaced with an electrical is the world’s first all-electric compact track drive system consisting of electric cylinders and loader. This machine is fully battery-powered, electric drive motors, which means virtually no built to be more productive from the ground up fluids. The new, all-electric Bobcat T7X uses just

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At the heart of the T7X is a powerful 62 kW lithiumion battery from technology partner, Green Machine Equipment, Inc. While applications vary, each charge can support common daily work operations and the use of intelligent work modes for up to four hours of continuous operation time and a full day of operation during intermittent use. The intelligence of the power management system is programmed to sense when loads are increasing, automatically backing off power when not needed to preserve the total energy use and extend the machine’s runtime. Sunbelt Rentals Announces Commitment to Bobcat Electric Equipment The T7X will initially be available only in the North American market but the company intends to expand this to other regions in the future. During the company’s CES Media Days news conference, Doosan Bobcat NA (North America) announced a strategic partnership with South Carolina-based Sunbelt Rentals, a leading rental equipment company in North America with more than 1025 locations, with a strong presence in Europe in the UK, Germany and France. Through this partnership, Sunbelt Rentals committed to a significant investment in a large fleet of Bobcat T7X all-electric compact track loaders and electric compact excavators in North America, which will be co-branded and made available in 2022 and beyond. Sunbelt Rentals will be the first national equipment rental company to adopt Bobcat’s battery-electric technology and make it available to customers, supporting the environmental, social and governance (ESG) focus for both companies.

We are looking for strategic partners

in Africa

INSIGHT

Storytelling event spotlights achievements in African agricultural research

The researchers shared their farmer testimonials and photos from the field

recent engaging storytelling event by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), saw four accomplished African researchers working on agriculture and food security share their personal journeys in agricultural research, and discuss how they are working to transform farming on the continent. The virtually-held event garnered an impressive turnout, attended by 123 participants from across Africa, Asia and Europe. Dorothy Mukhebi, AWARD’s Acting Director, explained that the event sought to spotlight research on African food systems and celebrate some of the outstanding researchers hailing from Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi and Senegal.

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Since 2008, AWARD has invested in building a pool of capable, confident, and influential African scientists to lead critical advances and innovations in the agricultural research and development sector. AWARD’s motivation is to accelerate the careers of Africa’s researchers and their capabilities, in order to lead the agricultural research and development agenda in the continent. AWARD’s unique career development programs foster mentoring partnerships, build science skills, enhance leadership capacity, and catalyze networks and research collaborations. To date, 641 Fellows from 25 countries have participated in various Fellowships offered by the organization.

Putting farmers at the center Describing what stimulated their interest in science and agricultural transformation, the four AWARD researchers outlined how from a very young age, the desire to make a difference was sparked. “My background inspired me to become an agricultural scientist to find solutions to improve rural family living conditions, especially for smallholder producers like my parents,” shared Dr Éveline Compaoré, an innovation systems expert and 2018 AWARD Fellow from Burkina Faso. As one of 10 children, Éveline has a deep respect and admiration for her mother, who worked hard

to support her family, but struggled with low yields and income. “There was no justice for what she was doing as a rural woman farmer; she couldn’t afford to buy what she needed,” Éveline continued.

Austin provides training in techniques such as intercropping and fertilizer and manure application to enhance crop production. Austin shares an anecdote from one particular farmer and his wife: “Mr Muari previously got six bags of sorghum grain per acre, but is now able to get 12 bags. His wife has also been able to improve her family’s nutrition by harvesting the green bean crop that would otherwise go unused. Any surplus is sold at the market to earn additional income to pay for household needs.”

Inspired to help other farmers – particularly women – overcome the kind of challenges her own family faced, Éveline now spends much of her time working alongside local communities. In doing so, she learns about their day-to-day farming practices, and works alongside them to help them enhance their activities and incomes. “When you use an inclusive approach in your research, the community is involved in the process. Now our project is working to involve everyone and give all voices a chance to be heard!” she enthused. Miriam Karwitha, a plant pathologist from Kenya, also comes from a farming family and is passionate about collaborating with and engaging farmers to develop their own solutions. “Rural women farmers – and men – are very knowledgeable. By working with them, we learn from them, and they are very open to ideas, they embrace change,” she stated. Improving farmer access to certified, uncontaminated, disease-free seeds for enhanced crop yields, and highlighting the importance of achieving this, significantly influenced Miriam’s own career path. Growing up on her family’s coffee farm, she saw her parents struggle with common diseases such as coffee rust – and a desire to support other farmers in finding disease control solutions motivated her to study science, with a focus on crop diseases, at university. Today, explained Miriam, part of her work includes supporting smallholders in forming community seed organisations, which enables them to identify which local farmers are producing certified seed. In turn, this allows them to buy affordable, ‘safe’ seeds at a lower price than from agro-dealers. “When farmers use these technologies, we see the change in their incomes, the change in their yields and we feel very happy because we have touched the lives of these farmers,” she shared.

Miriam Karwitha, a plant pathologist from Kenya

Aiming to discover a solution to this issue, Fatou’s work focuses on improving the productivity of key crops in Senegal, including groundnuts, cotton and fonio, by using sustainable and safe inputs. “By reducing chemical fertilizers and replacing them with organic fertilizers, the yields of these crops were equal or better. This exciting outcome provided an opportunity to train and sensitize rural farmers on these production techniques and improve their living conditions,” she enthused.

Austin Phiri, a soil scientist from Malawi

In Kenya’s Laikipia County, where Miriam has been training bean farmers to adopt climatesmart varieties and good agronomic practices, she noted that the farmers have recorded a fivefold (and higher) increase in production. Making ground with soil science “Whilst studying for my master’s degree, I realized that soil plays an important role in feeding people,” emphasizes Austin Phiri, a soil scientist and 2019 One Planate Laureate Candidate from Malawi. Working with sorghum farmers who struggle with frequent droughts and high temperatures,

Further highlighting the importance of soil to food security was Fatou Ndoye, a microbiologist from Senegal. Reflecting on the problem that first drew her to agriculture, she explained: “In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 70% of the rural population is active in agriculture. And yet, it does not feed the population… What happened to our agriculture? It is now known that growing one single crop, with excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, has completely destroyed our soils, which have become very poor.”

Dr Éveline Compaoré, an innovation systems expert and 2018 AWARD Fellow from Burkina Faso.

Fatou also promotes the production of neglected and underused plant species (such as pigeon pea, which is nutritious and can enhance soil fertility) to a group of rural women farmers to support the food security of their families and local community. In doing so, she has been awed by their courage, determination and willingness to try something different. “These brave women learned how to cultivate this plant in the nursery and then in the field, and were made aware of the prospects for its development.” A hopeful future for agricultural production on the continent Noting some of her achievements, Fatou smiled: “I have studied plants that have value to contribute to food and income security in Senegal, and develop agriculture in the country. I am very proud of this!” Éveline ended the event with a poignant message for young women researchers in the audience. “A shout out to young women wanting to get into higher education – I did it despite my background. We can do it and we are the ones who must make the change – others cannot do it for us.” She asserted that, whilst balancing family demands with a competitive career in science is hard, it is not impossible – as she has proven!

January - February 2022 | 19

INSIGHT

GMO cowpea Akara tastes so delicious, says Nigerian farmer’s group chief and reducing the price of the popular food for consumers. AFAN, which comprises all 56 recognized commodity associations in Nigeria, projects that about eight million Nigerian farmers and their families will benefit directly from cultivating the pod borer resistant cowpea variety. Ghana has also developed its own varieties of GM cowpea, and the government is currently deciding whether it should be made available to farmers. OFAB Nigeria is keen to ensure that the country maximizes the full economic and environmental benefits embedded in the adoption of GM crops. Speaking at the inaugural EIB event, Dr Gidado stressed the importance of building consumer acceptance of the product, which has the same good taste and cooking characteristics as conventional cowpea.

ow that genetically modified (GMO) cowpea is on the market in Nigeria, consumers are having their chance to sample favorite foods made from beans. Chairman of the All Farmers Association Of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Otunba Oke Babafemi is full of praises for GM cowpea, which he sampled at a recent event held to raise GMO awareness in the West African country. “I’ve tasted the akara GMO,” Babafemi exclaimed at the inaugural Eating is Believing event held recently in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. “It is nice, sweet and so delicious!” The “Eating is Believing” campaign is an initiative of Nigeria’s National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The initiative seeks to increase consumption and boost the demand of GM cowpea, which uses Bt technology to provide natural protection against the destructive pod borer pest. “The Lagos event was the first of its kind. We intend to do more to disabuse the minds of people thinking negatively as well as to disarm the anti-GM groups,” Dr Rose Gidado, the Deputy Director NABDA and Country Coordinator, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, Nigeria Chapter, said. So delighted was Babafemi after tasting the akara made with GMO cowpea that he now wants to serve this meal to Nigerian farmers at all their future conventions, ensuring that as many palates

20 | January - February 2022

as possible partake in the savor. As an African proverb says, one who eats alone cannot discuss the taste of the food with others. “Whatever the time we are having a meeting, we should always prepare that cowpea akara, at least for everybody to enjoy it,” he said, while exuding confidence that there will be greater acceptance and adoption of the cowpea among the country’s farmers. The crop is already finding great acceptance among farmers, with demand for the seeds quickly outstripping supply. Farmers say they can make more money from the crop because they get better yields and use much less pesticide. “We are going to plant it more in our states,” he said. Akara is a popular dish in Nigeria and various other parts of West Africa, and its main ingredients are ground black-eyed peas or beans, pepper and onions. It is a common feature in many breakfast tables. Nigeria officially released the GM cowpea in June 2021 under the PBR Cowpea Project, making this the first genetically modified food crop adopted in Africa outside of South Africa. The pod borer resistant cowpea variety, known as SAMPEA20-T, is engineered to protect itself from the insect pest Maruca vitrata, which causes up to 80 percent yield losses. GM cowpea is expected to boost Nigeria’s food security while increasing farmers’ incomes

“Imagine if the farmers that have adopted the crops have no buyers? They will end up being discouraged, despite the fact that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has certified that the crop is safe for human/animal health and to the environment too,” she explained. So far, however, market acceptance of the crop has been good in Nigeria, with sellers reminding buyers that it is grown with little or no pesticides. Also affirming the safety of the PBR cowpea, AFAN President Arc Kabir Ibrahim called on all the farmers to start farming the biotech beans. The President went on to share his personal testimonies in both planting and cooking the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea. “The PBR cowpea is a game changer. When it was launched in Kano State earlier this year, I also bought some quantity for myself and family to eat and to plant. When I planted, I observed that unlike the local cowpea varieties, this particular cowpea variety was not in any way infested by Maruca vitrata, the insect that destroys beans on the farm. In addition to the fact that I had no need to spray my farm with chemical spray that causes environmental pollution, the yield is fantastic”. The AFAN President added that with the new variety, which is both insect-resistant and highyielding, Nigeria would be able to make up for the short fall of 500,000 metric tons that is otherwise imported at the cost of 16 billion Naira annually. This way, Nigeria will conserve the much-needed foreign exchange, the President noted.

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INSIGHT

Promoting gender equality in agriculture on the African continent

griculture remains one of the most productive sectors across Africa, employing 70% of the continent’s population and contributing about 23% to GDP. Women make up a sizable portion of this workforce but face structural constraints that hinder their development within this critical sector of the African economy. The United Nations states that if women in rural areas had the same access to land, technology, financial services, education and markets as men, agricultural production could be increased and the number of hungry people reduced by 100-150 million. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating extreme poverty on the continent and extreme weather events resulting in a loss of agricultural productivity, it is critical to explore ways of improving work opportunities for women in agriculture. One such way is to enable access to relevant solutions that support their development within the sector and lessen disruption to their livelihoods.

22 | January - February 2022

“To limit the impact of climate change on farming operations and help farmers stay afloat, it is crucial that farmers leverage smart farming technologies. Digital farming methods can empower farmers to farm more efficiently and make more informed decisions. For example, insightful data on crop health and weather patterns can help enhance their yield,” explains Nico Groenewald, Head of Agriculture at Standard Bank.

funding, expertise, and skills needed to grow their businesses,” adds Groenewald.

Technology has completely transformed agriculture over the last few decades. These days, farmers are integrating everything from drones and satellite sensing to genetic modification and, more recently, artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations to reduce costs and improve production.

Although much more needs to be done to minimise this divide, positive progress is being made on the continent, and there are increasingly more examples of women in Africa who are starting to fill the gap in agriculture. Their resilience and determination to succeed in a gendered sector serves as an inspiration to other female farmers who wish to do the same.

“Smart farms and modern technology will empower more women to run farms and take on leadership positions in this industry. However, African women, especially those working in rural areas and on smallholder farms, have limited access to reliable banking services. This requires interventions to ensure equitable access to the

To remedy this, Standard Bank has partnered with various organisations to implement several agriculture initiatives that focus on women and democratising access to data, finance, skills, and mentorship. These efforts are helping to close the gender gap in agriculture.

Over the years, Standard Bank has played a key role in uplifting women in agriculture through various initiatives, including the UN Women Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) programme. The collaboration equips female farmers in Nigeria, Uganda, Malawi, and South Africa

with the necessary skills and resources for business growth and success. In addition to providing support through financial literacy, the bank provided US$3 million in funding to the programme. The project is closely aligned with Standard Bank’s purpose statement: ‘Africa is our home, we drive her growth’. In South Africa specifically, the bank also sponsors African Farming – a local TV show that celebrates agriculture excellence by spotlighting successful black and female farmers to inspire up-and-comers in the industry. For example, award-winning farmer and entrepreneur Mbali Nwoko, CEO of Green Terrace Farm, where she produces high-value vegetable crops for leading retailers and markets in South Africa. Nwoko applies her previously acquired business skills to her hydroponic farm, and by leveraging innovation and maximising land space, she has been able to establish more efficient farming methods. She shares her expert insights in podcasts and articles to empower aspiring farmers to better navigate the journey to agriculture success. Now, Nwoko has set

her sights on targeting the export and franchise markets. Similarly, internationally recognised farmer and mentor Pinky Hlabedi has a passion for mentoring young females and passing on her valuable skills. She has faced numerous challenges, including stock theft and having an entire herd of cows test positive for brucellosis after acquiring her farm. Despite these difficulties, she continued to pursue her dream. “I have overcome my challenges by focusing on my objectives. With the volatility that is prevalent in agriculture, it is important to have agricultural insurance and plan your cash flows sufficiently so that you can stay afloat when challenges arise,” explains Hlabedi. Emphasising the importance of having insurance for your business, the World Bank’s Groundswell report, released in September 2021, projects that Africa will be hit the hardest by climate change. Increasing temperatures and sea levels, extreme weather, and drought all pose a significant risk to our agricultural sector. As such, sustainable farming methods have never been more imperative.

Dineo Mokgoshi, the winner of the Department of Agriculture’s Best Farmer Award in 2014, experienced operational disruptions caused by extreme weather first-hand. After leaving her successful business to pursue her passion for farming, severe hailstorms killed her chickens and livestock. She remained tenacious and invested in chicken houses to protect her business from the possibility of a similar event happening in the future. In light of this, it’s crucial to understand the risks that a farming business could be exposed to and have a risk mitigation strategy in place. More so, the relationship between a farmer and their bank cannot be overemphasised. The banker must understand the farmer’s plans for the business, whether to expand or diversify markets, and the risk mitigation products needed. “Standard Bank has a team of agricultural experts who visit each client to understand their unique operations and can advise accordingly. From working capital to crop insurance, we provide a full range of specialised banking solutions for farmers,” concludes Groenewald.

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REPORT

United Nations rural poverty agency IFAD set to boost its ethical investments

n a significant move to strengthen its commitment to ethical investments, the Executive Board of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) agreed on a policy to further shift the Fund’s treasury investments to green bonds and other Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investments, in addition to IFAD’s already established socially responsible investment strategy, which mirrors UN Global Compact principles. The policy was approved through a vote by correspondence. With the adoption of the 2022 Investment Policy Statement, IFAD will also publish the list of industries excluded from its investments, strengthening its position as a responsible investor. At the end of September 2021, IFAD had US$1.35 billion invested in financial instruments. This amount is derived from replenishments (contributions from Member States), borrowed funds and loan repayments, which are then committed to developing countries under IFAD’s regular programme of loans and grants. “IFAD has always been a responsible investor

24 | January - February 2022

with human rights, environmental, social and anticorruption principles strongly entrenched in our DNA. Today’s landmark decision is an ambitious step to further translate our principles into reality,” said Alvaro Lario, IFAD Associate Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer and Controller.

they are required to finance IFAD’s operations in developing countries. Subject to these two parameters, together with the reinforced overlay of ESG criteria, IFAD seeks to prudently optimize the returns on its investments.

Going forward, IFAD will proactively increase its investments in green bonds and other ESG securities, including supranational, sovereign, agency and corporate bonds, and asset-backed securities in the impact bond market. IFAD’s ESG investments on financial markets have so far remained limited.

The Investment Policy Statement explicitly states that IFAD will systematically exclude from its investments securities issued by entities involved with unethical products or services, including, but not limited to, weapons and ammunitions, coal extraction, coal-fired power generation, tobacco, alcohol and gambling – among others. While IFAD’s long time adherence and compliance with The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact has ensured no such investments were made in the past, the publication of the list of excluded industries will strengthen transparency and further consolidate IFAD’s commitment to ESG objectives. IFAD has now joined other pioneering UN agencies and international financial institutions, which publish such a list.

“Increasing our investments in ESG bonds is not only further proof of our commitment to strong ESG standards but it is also a long-term strategy to strengthen IFAD’s portfolio and align it to sustainable financial market practices,” added Lario. IFAD’s primary investment objectives are to preserve the value of the assets invested and to ensure that resources are available when

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COVER STORY

Grain handling, storing and milling systems

Reliable Storage, High Grain Value Having successfully serviced the needs of clients in other regions worldwide, CESCO EPC GmbH is taking its solutions to sub-Saharan Africa where there has been an increase in unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change.

Konstanz Office By Eric Peters

ommercial grain farmers or organisations involved in grain handling, storing and milling in Africa should invest in reliable and robust grain storage and handling systems to safeguard their invaluable asset. This is in view of the effects of climate change, which have undermined traditional means of grain drying and storage. Currently, due to erratic weather conditions, farmers cannot rely on sunlight to dry their grain, in addition storage facilities cannot withstand water from heavy rain and flooding. Drought conditions and grain scarcity Environmentalists have warned that the current drought conditions will worsen. Ideally, with the ensuing grain scarcity, which is driving up prices, producers should be making more revenue. Thus, it is worthwhile for them to utilise modern grain storage, handling and milling equipment. Martino Celeghini, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CESCO EPC GmbH, assures grain producers and distributors in Africa that CESCO has

26 | January - February 2022

Luca Celeghini relevant solutions to meet contemporary grain handling, storage and processing needs specific to African conditions. CESCO EPC GmbH, until recently known as PETKUS Engineering GmbH, is Germany-based globally focused company based in Wutha-Farnroda and Konstanz. It designs and supplies industrial plants for grain logistics and deep processing with handling, storing and milling systems. Perfectly positioned Celeghini affirms that CESCO is eager to replicate the success in meeting clientele requirements registered in other regions in sub-Saharan Africa. He asserts that the following attributes have made the company to perfectly positioned to handle clientele’s unique needs: broad business speciality, wide range of relevant products and services portfolio, client-centred value proposition and dynamic, access to financial assistance and experienced human resources. Small wonder, it has been consistently building an enviable portfolio of successfully executed projects worldwide.

1. Broad business specialty CESCO has tailored its business offering to cover a broad spectrum of clientele’s specific needs, mainly in the following niche areas: Domestic grain terminals, Inland grain storage terminals, Grain Port Terminals and Dry Milling Plants for Deep Processing. Wide range of relevant products and services portfolio The company has a wide range of relevant product and services range in different categories. The objective of having a diverse product range is to cater for the needs of clients in the grain processing value chain. currently, the following are the range of products: • Conveyors, namely chain and belt conveyors, bucket elevators; • Silos, namely cylindrical, and prismatic, flat and hopper bottom up to very large capacity silos, with all accessories; • Process equipment, namely pre-cleaners and filters, dryers, and MMW milling equipment;

•

Steel structures for process dedicated buildings and structures for industrial plants in general, such as machinery towers, bridges, walkways.

Value proposition - Smart Concept, Easy Operation CESCO is an acronym which stands for CEleghini Smart COncepts. Celeghini as a trade name clearly refers to the extensive knowledge and experience in the design and realisation of grain plants of the co-investor and the long-time CEO of PETKUS Technologie and PETKUS Engineering, Luca Celeghini. In decades of activity, Luca Celeghini has created a strong team that has gradually collected a vast experience, now transferred to CESCO. “As far as Smart Concepts are concerned, throughout the years of operation in the business we have realised that the key for the successful operation of the plant lies in understanding clients’ needs at the very beginning of a project and in creating in close cooperation with the client a tailored, smart concept of the plant. That is also why our motto states: “Smart Concept, Easy Operation,” Celeghini expounds. CESCO is able to offer personalised turnkey solutions to suit specific needs of clients, which span designing and engineering, manufacturing, assembly, commissioning and maintenance. For instance, the company can make some special provisions for the client in areas such as efficiency of operation and energy saving, internal basic and fine engineering including static design of steel structure, and Industrial design of manufacturing process, just to mention a few.

Martino Celeghin guidance of CESCO President, Luca Celeghini, who are committed to excellence. This makes us adaptable, a professional partner for realising advanced grain plant solutions around the world,” stresses Martino Celeghini. Project portfolio Thanks to its committed team and the ability to deliver relevant solutions, CESCO has built a reputation as the supplier of first resort in grain storage, milling and processing technology.

True to form, if potential clientele in Africa needs further assurance of CESCO’s credibility, they only have to look at the diverse portfolio of projects. CESCO is currently developing global projects and facilities in more than 15 countries. Worth mentioning, it is active in Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Middle East and North Africa. So far, to its name, CESCO has supplied 34 grain terminals with 1.831.000 mt of storage capacity worldwide since 2010 and 3 Deep processing plants. Currently, CESCO is working on a project in Egypt and is looking forward to expanding in sub-Saharan Africa. “We consider sub-Saharan Africa as a key region for expansion. We see an invaluable opportunity to add value to clientele needs in grain handling, storage and dry milling in the region,” states Celeghini.

“The mix of our team makes us a dynamic entity - young people with fresh ideas, drawing on the depth of experience of veterans under the

“We are currently completing two strategic projects in Sweden and Denmark and are in charge of several projects in Europe, Middle East and Africa, among which a new Barilla investment in Russia, a plant in partnership with GEA in Russia for deep processing of yellow peas and a large milling plant in partnership with Bühler in Africa for various grains.”

3. Access to financial assistance CESCO is aware that for some of the clientele in Africa, the main obstacle could be raising the necessary finance to procurement equipment. What should certainly be of interest to clients, Celeghini points out, is that, where there is need for finance, CESCO is able to facilitate access to special funds and export guarantees. Financing arrangement is underwritten by the Government of Germany. Perfect blend of youth and experience What makes CESCO a robust and relevant outfit able to tackle a project of any magnitude in the grain storage, handling and milling is a perfect blend of youth and experience.

Reliable partner With extensive international experience in large project management, as well as a wide portfolio of high-profile projects worldwide, there should be no doubt that CESCO is a reliable partner for investors. “What we guarantee is delivering the best possible German engineering, and adapting it to conditions in Africa,” pronounces Celeghini.

Sufficiently supported

rom its headquarters in Germany, CESCO EPC GmbH leverages on the certainty of supply of components from its subsidiaries spread across different countries in Europe to ensure that a project is delivered on time, within budget and to the exact specifications. With the engineering done to high standards in Germany, the company is supported by: • It sources Nord electric motors and gearboxes in Germany • The silo storage equipment is manufactured by its half affiliate company, Silos Metalicos Zaragoza (SIMEZA), in Spain; • Key procurement decisions and mechanical components are made in Italy; • Siemens PLC components used in equipment control are assembled and the software is programmed in its affiliate company PPC in Serbia; and • MMW Milling equipment is assembled in a partner company in Hungary

January - February 2022 | 27

FEATURE

Load Cells for Silo, Tank and Hopper Weight Management

Accurate weighing, Increased Revenue The use of high accuracy load cells in weighing tasks ensures prudent usage, and reduction of wastage of products such as feed to livestock and poultry, and fertiliser. Ultimately, accurate weight translates into move revenue for a farming business.

By Eric Peters

hereas there are many definitions of load cell, the basic one would be an electromechanical sensor (transducers) used to measure force or weight which is calibrated in grams, kilograms and tonnes. Wherever there is agricultural production, load cells are an essential tool to enable weighing of accurate amounts of products (irrespective of their nature) in vessels

28 | January - February 2022

such as silos, tanks and hoppers. In the current environment, increasing cost of production is a clarion call for farming businesses to be more prudent in the management of resources, and one of the sure-fire ways readily available is use of robust and reliable load cells. At the disposal of businesses is a wide range of load cells, mainly platform (single-cell), bending beam, shear beam compression and force load

cells depending on the application. It is all up to end-users to make an informed decision on the appropriate product that best suits the geometry of their vessel and the specific application. From engaging ten suppliers to the African market for information on the state of the load cells market in the contemporary environment, Farmers Review Africa has been able to get a clear picture of prominent trends in the following

areas: applications, product preferences, innovations and opportunities, and benefits. To avoid vouching for products and the companies behind them, names have been deliberately left out. Applications Most, agriculture-specific load cells are installed mainly in platform scales. They are used in diverse applications including but not isolated to mixing and preparation of fertilisers, accurate measurements of tracking crop yields, managing livestock and their feed, and managing feed ingredients. Product preferences Just as in other products used in agricultural production, relating to the procurement of load cells, there is more preference for the following features: low cost, higher accuracy, ease of installation and calibration, user friendliness, resistance against abrasion and corrosion, high

temperature tolerance in harsh environments, above and beyond being applied to any type of tank, silo or hopper, either vertical or horizontal. In addition, hyygiene and safety specifications are standard in every load cell. Also, noteworthy is the common usage of bending and shear beam load cells in the agricultural sector, where there is need to weigh small and medium-sized weighing systems such as vessels and hopper scales. Generally, these kinds of load cells are highly respected for versatility, accuracy, low costs and user-friendliness. New innovations, more opportunities Manufacturers are not resting on their laurels, embarking on research and development initiatives to improve their load cells. Technological advances are opening up more opportunities for the application of load cells in the agricultural sector. The adoption of programmable electronics in weighing is addressing the limitations of quality,

reliability and functionality inherent in analogue technologies. Interestingly, some manufacturers have designed and developed load cells that incorporate industry 4.0. Some products have successfully passed the trial stage and will be launched in due course. Informed decisions, high performance The significance of making informed decisions – conducting thorough research on the veracity of claims by manufacturers on the performance of their products does not need to be overstressed. This is because of cell in agricultural production, The use of high accuracy load cells in weighing ensures prudent usage of products like feed to livestock and poultry and fertiliser minimise wastage - with respect to grains, accurate weight translates into move revenue for a farming business.

Bending beams and shear beams:

indispensable in weighing technology By Markus Heidl, Dr.-Ing., Product Management “Phew, I’ve not gained anything!”: Aren’t you relieved when your bathroom scales show that? Probably – but actually your bathroom scales don’t measure your weight directly. Instead, the load cell built into it converts the weight force into a path. In many industrial applications, bending beams and shear beams are often used for such measurements. Background: How is weight measured? Whether your bathroom scales, a finely calibrated laboratory balance or the gravimetric level monitor of a silo: In all cases, these are measuring instruments that determine a mass. As a rule, they measure the weight force occurring. But unlike, for example, a beam balance or a spring balance, the load cells used for this determine the weight force indirectly. For this purpose, these force transducers convert the weight force into a path. The principle: In the load cell, the weight force deforms a built-in spring or a bending beam. The intensity of this deformation then gives information about your weight, for example (more precisely about your weight force). And with that, it also answers the question of whether you can still order a dessert or just start thinking about a diet.

January - February 2022 | 29

FEATURE

The “core” of bending beams and shear beams How can you determine how far the measuring bodies of a bending beam or shear beam load cell deform? At this point special strain gauges or thin-film sensors come into play. These are attached to or mounted in the measuring bodies. In the measurement process, they act as a mechanical intermediate stage. As an alternative to these glued foil strain gauges, there are force transducers with welded-in thin-film sensors: a

30 | January - February 2022

technology that the WIKA Group excels in and with which, in the field of force measurement, it is the only supplier on the market. The thin-film technology offers a consistently high quality, an exact measurement directly in the force flow, very good temperature characteristics and a high long-term stability. With bending beams and shear beams, the standardised sensor is welded into the measuring element using a laser, which enables automated series production.

Application fields for bending beams and shear beams Bending beams and shear beams are used in weighing technology to determine the weight of small and medium-sized vessels and are also frequently used in force measurement. In agricultural engineering, for example, such load cells are frequently encountered: for example, when weighing livestock, dosing animal feedstuff, in gravimetric level monitoring of vessels and silos or for weighing straw or hay bales directly in the baling press.

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ll the continents, and especially Africa, should take on a challenge for the future :

To feed more and more populations under increasingly difficult soil and climatic conditions. Despite significant progress, productivity in the African continent is still below the other regions in the world and remains a primary concern. At present, one person in four on the continent still suffers from chronic malnutrition. The situation will get worse over the next decades, considering that demographic growth in Africa, forecast at 1.3 billion additional inhabitants by 2050, will further increase the challenge to the African food system. This is compounded by intensifying climatic changes which will put crops and animal rearing in peril and heighten food safety issues. Without adaptation strategies, the production of corn, which is a basic food in Africa, could fall by 40% between now and 2050. Although the extension of cultivated land has considerably increased agricultural production in the past, it has been to the detriment of the environment.

> An increase in yield Located in the middle of Europe, the geographic position of their production sites gives FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux direct access to natural raw materials for the agro-industry and microbiology. Through their patented know-how in soil life biostimulation technologies, FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux enable farmers to take the initiative towards a naturally fertile agriculture by following four principles : Enriching soil fertility Significantly reducing the carbon effect in comparison to standard fertilisers Increasing the effectiveness of inputs Decreasing the environmental impact

What are the solutions ? The solutions for eco-friendly fertilisation provided by FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux stabilise the soil by including nutrients and nourishing the microorganisms that are naturally present. Through a symbiotic relationship with plants, these microorganisms shape plant health in two ways : By helping to fight off diseases or pests By reinforcing the resistance to biotic and abiotic stress

> Sustainable strengthening of soil and plant health > Perpetuation of the biological, physical and chemical fertility of the soil FCA Fertilisants and Fertilux are dedicated to the preservation of relations with farmers and devotedly carry out tests each year directly on "pilot" farms in order to continuously evaluate the pertinence of their solutions and optimise their recommendations and fertilisation programmes. We invite you to follow the results of these tests and partnerships in the next issues of Farmers Review of Africa...

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FEATURE

How animal welfare can boost productivity and enhance good health

ccording to World Animal Protection, animal welfare refers to the quality of life experienced by an animal and encompasses how well the animal is coping with his or her current situation and surroundings.

Sufficient food and possibly supplements to meet nutritional requirements, Clean, disease free living conditions including paddocks and shelters, essential grooming including hoof care and shearing Room to exercise safely.

known as ‘welfare indicators’. Welfare is complex, so it is usually important to assess more than one indicator to reveal the extent to which welfare is good or bad, rather than assessing just one aspect of the animal’s biology or environment.

The need to care about animal welfare arises from the belief that nonhuman animals are sentient and that consideration should be given to their well-being or suffering, especially when they are under the care of humans. A sentient being is one who perceives and responds to sensations of whatever kind—sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell.

In simple terms, farmers should check if their animals get good Nutrition live in a good environment and with good health. It is also important that animals are in good behaviour and mental state.

There are three main sources of welfare indicators: 1. The animal in its current situation, e.g. frequencies or durations of abnormal behaviour, concentrations of hormones, or body condition; 2. The animal in a decision-making test, e.g. preference tests (reviewed in 3) and cognitive bias tests and 3. The animal’s environment or situation, e.g. quality and quantity of the diet, presence of a hiding place, exposure to weather, or details of husbandry routines.

Therefore, animals should be provided with proper diet and this also include: Clean water in sufficient quantities daily (dairy cows for example need up to 150 litres each a day!),

32 | January - February 2022

Measuring animal welfare The Animal Welfare Foundation has outlined ways of measuring animal welfare. According to the foundation, animal welfare is assessed by observing or measuring physical or behavioural features of the animal or qualities of the animal’s environment. These signs of animal welfare are

Costs of Improving Farm Animal Welfare Improving animal welfare means ensuring that the experiences of the animal are as positive as they possibly can be, which often requires changes to infrastructure and practices by the people responsible for the care and handling of the animals. But there are costs associated with farm animal welfare, however. Some of the costs are one-time costs associated with changing infrastructure and switching practices, some are ongoing operational costs, and some are costs to which all businesses in an industry must contribute indirectly. All of these costs are likely important factors in the decision about which improvements should be made. One-time costs associated with improving farm animal welfare can be significant, especially if major changes to infrastructure are

required. Some interventions to improve farm animal welfare may require ongoing additional personnel, and there may be ongoing costs associated with supplies, such as the purchase of pain relief or enrichment materials, or additional veterinary expertise. These ongoing costs must all be incorporated into the cost of the product, and thus they must ultimately be financed by consumers. Benefits of farm animal welfare To the animal, the benefits will likely manifest in the physiological and behavioural functioning, although these may not always be obvious. Behavioural changes in the animal are the most readily assessed indicators of welfare, whether by direct observation or with the assistance of monitoring technologies. The most readily assessed benefits of improving farm animal welfare are the benefits to the business, which take the form of tangible gains

in productivity or of competitive advantage and market premiums. It is often taken for granted that improving farm animal welfare will improve productivity of the animals. There are numerous examples in the literature of positive correlations between farm animal welfare and various measures of productivity (e.g., weight gain and reproduction), but often the benefits of improving welfare are not expressed in economic terms. It is widely acknowledged that poor animal welfare often has implications for productivity metrics, such as fertility and body condition. This may be because the adaptive responses that animals use to cope with their environments can sometimes contribute to chronic stress and poor physiological and behavioural functioning. For example, it is known that prolonged or sustained stress can disrupt reproductive processes in female pigs.

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LAY-FLAT

HOSES M

andals lay-flat hoses have been the preferred solution in the global agricultural sector for decades. The durability and wear resistance provide long lasting hoses for such demanding use. Quick deployment and retrieval, combined with excellent flow rates and long life time, reduce operating cost. We offer hoses especially designed for use with umbilical drag hose systems. This ensures environmentally friendly and safe manure distribution, and also prevents hard-packing of the soil. Mandals Dragman is especially designed to withstand the extreme tensile stress, pulling forces and abrasion from umbilical slurry systems. Some diameters are available in 300-400 meter lengths.

Mandals Superman is a hose intended for large volume transfer under high pressure and is widely used as supply hoses for large agricultural systems.

UMBILICAL

DRAG HOSE SYSTEM

Mandals Flexitex Standard and Extra are intended for use as feeder hose for smaller irrigation and slurry units. This hose is a reinforced fluid transfer lay-flat hose for agricultural systems, but it may also serve as a drag hose in smaller umbilical systems, or for irrigation in the agricultural sector.

READ ARTICLE: The hose that makes farmers more productive

DRAGMAN

SUPERMAN

WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW DISTRIBUTORS

Mandals (a Michelin Group company) is a world leading manufacturer of premium lay-flat hoses. With over 245 years of experience in production and distribution of lay-flat hoses, you can trust us as your next business partner. Mandals has become a well-known brand though our worldwide sales and distribution strategy.

TPU DRAG LINE

JOIN OUR TEAM

TPU SUPPLY LINE

We can offer a solid base of products and solutions, in addition to in-house services that can help your business grow together with the Mandals brand.

FLEXITEX

RUBBER IRRIGATION

We are looking for new partners in various industries, such as agriculture/irrigation, oil and gas, mining and portable water. We are always open to explore new industries as well. If you would like to discuss your future partnership with us, please contact us at sales@mandals.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you would like to know more about our products, please have a look at our website www.mandals.com

INSIGHT

You are what your food eats If we pay more attention to what we feed our food, from the fertility in our soil to the nutrients in our plants, can we transform the quality of what ends up on our plates? By: James Wong, ethnobotanist and presenter of Follow the Food on BBC Future

e all know the adage, ‘you are what you eat’ - how healthy eating and nutritious food result in us being healthy, wellnourished humans. But, maintaining the nutrient quality of our food, throughout a complex food supply-chain, is far from a straightforward task. In the second episode of BBC World News and BBC.com series, Follow the Food, we see how many farmers and scientists have begun to look at the start of the chain to see if we can improve what and how we feed our food, and whether we can make healthier, nutrient rich ingredients that give us the nourishment we need. Soil Health Improving the quality of crops is something that all farmers strive for but trying to do that, at the

same time as being a responsible custodian for the wider environment, often involves a tradeoff. In Ohio, USA, corn and soy farmer Corey Atley, is trying to do both thanks to some clever innovation. Good, healthy soil contains billions of microorganisms, including things like bacteria and fungi, which can play a vital role in the nourishment of plants. However, some forms of intensive farming can degrade soil quality and kill these helpful organisms. By using a new innovation in farming known as biological inoculant, Corey Atley has found a way of using about 25% less synthetic fertiliser than is commonly used in modern farming. Biological inoculant is a mixture of microscopic, live bacteria and fungi that is added to a plant’s growth cycle

to help it access better nutrients from the soil as it grows. Explaining how it works, Atley said: “When you’re dealing with phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, the metal bond is so strong, the soil doesn’t want to release the nutrients to the root of that plant. When you put live organisms into soil, it’s actually going to break that bond and poop it back out, making it readily available to the plant. Effectively, what we are trying to do is break apart more of what is already in our soil, instead of constantly adding more to it.” Livestock Kenya is the largest cattle milk producer in Africa, producing over 3.5 billion litres of milk a year. However, whilst demand is growing,

January - February 2022 | 35

INSIGHT

climate change is threatening output. Kenya’s dairy industry is made up of over one million smallholder dairies, with 80% of them having fewer than five cows, and the grass variety that they’ve been traditionally fed with is susceptible to pests, diseases and drought. Dr Donald Njarui, principal research scientist at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) explained: “Most farms in Kenya keep Friesian cows, which are a high yielding animal, but the milk production here is still very low. It ranges from about eight to nine litres, per animal, per day, when Friesians are able to give up to 30, 40 or even 50 litres. The main problem has always been the feed. “The only grass in Kenya available in the quantity required for farming is Napier, but Napier is susceptible to pests and diseases, so we began looking at what other countries are doing and found that Brachiaria is one of the grasses that could solve that problem.”

and are delivering remarkable results. Farmers are seeing an increase in milk production of around 15%, as well as reporting higher body weight, butter fat and protein content. All good news for human health in the right quantities. Meat In Cornwall, UK, Rhys Morris and his family have been farming their 200-acre cattle farm for over three years. They’re not only focused on how much food ends up in the stomachs of their herd, but also how changing and managing the entire ecosystem the herd grazes from can improve the quality of the meat they’re producing. “There are a number of studies that show that nutrient density in foods has dropped significantly over the last 50 years. That drop is a result of lower organic matters in the soils, and it’s only now that we’re realising the negative impact that is having on our health, the animal’s health and the planet as a whole,” said Morris.

Dr Njauri and his team discovered that Bracharia grass was successfully being used in Brazil but its origins were surprisingly close to home. He continued: “We know that South America acquired Brachiaria grasses from Eastern Africa back in the 1940s and 1950s, but we have not exploited the potential of those grasses, as they are not cultivated here.”

A healthier soil produces more nutrient-rich plants for the herds to eat, improving the meat. This is enabled through a process of ‘mob grazing’. Explaining this process, Morris continued: “The idea behind mob grazing is that you give a relatively small area of acreage to the cattle at one given time, but you move them frequently. This means they’ve constantly got the ability to graze, but you’re not forcing them to over-graze.”

After repatriating Brachiaria to Kenya, and distributing it across its vast network of smallholders, the varieties have further developed

The make-up of Rhys Morris’s field sees a variety of plants, which is a result of an intentionally sewn mix of species known as an ‘herbal ley’. An herbal

ley is great for pollinators and improving soil structure, with each different species, such as chicory or clover, drawing up different nutrients, enriching the diet of the cows. Alongside the leys, Rhys is allowing his cattle to graze through woodland, which is an ancient practice known as Silvopasture. This provides the cattle with access to fruits, nuts, tree and leaf fodder, doubling the number of species they’re eating and resulting in the intake of a diversity of nutrients. Morris explains: “Animals that have been born and raised on the pasture-fed system here have seen a marked improvement in the quality of taste in our product, and our customers have relayed that back to us. “Before now, I would have quite happily eaten 500-600 gram steaks on my own. Now, with the cattle that have come through the system fully, a 600 gram steak will feed my wife, myself and our two children. By eating better quality meat, we reduce the amount of meat we’re eating and, if this nutrient density helps us do that, then that’s only going to be a benefit.” By embracing historic grazing practices, combined with our modern understanding of the ecosystem, Morris is hoping to create a biochemically rich, pastoral system that can produce a higher quality and nutritious product more sustainably. And, if we are what our food eats, that is a sensible ambition.

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Sustainability is in Our Sights. KSB has been providing pumps and valves for more than 50 years to the farming community and other industries in South Africa. Our pumps and valves help farmers to get the water where it is needed. Whatever the agricultural application, KSB has the answer. Irragtion pumps are used to pump water from a lower to a higher level from which the water then flows through channels to the fields requiring irrigation (lift operation) or to raise it to the required pressure head so that it can be sprayed on the fields via piping systems (sprinkling). The heads involved range from approximately 1 m for normal lift operation to 40 m for sprinkling. In special cases, heads exceeding 100 m may be required. KSB Pumps and Valves (Pty) Ltd www.ksbpumps.co.za tel: +27-11-876-5600

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Farmers Review Africa Jan/Feb 2022

Articles inside

GMO cowpea Akara tastes so delicious

Agriculture Providing a Livelihood Buffer During COVID-19

You are what your food eats