Agri-Business Africa Feb 2015

In this Issue: fara director general interview on agricultural research

p o l i c y & t e c h n o l o g y f o r a f r i c a ’ s c r o p, a n i m a l & h o r t i c u l t u r e i n d u s t r y

CAN AFRICA FIGHT THE pesticide residues MENACE? Moisture Management in cereals mastitis control in dairy greenhouse selection tips country focus: malawi

a foodworld media publication

Volume 1 ISSUE 1, No. i • ISSN 2409-1235

www.agribusinessafrica.net

2015

Towards Inclusive Growth: A Vision for Africa’s

015 C ARCH- KI2NSH 22-25GM ASA, DR RAND HOTEL PULLMAN

• • • • •

Register today for the largest pan-African Agribusiness Forum on African soil.

450 decision makers, entrepreneurs & financiers from around the world Expert discussions on Africa’s inclusive agriculture, R&D and private sector’s role Platform for South-South & North-South agric trade cooperation Investment proposals in Africa’s agri-food sector Opportunity to present the DRC agro-industrial parks and invite partners

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION please contact info@emrc.be | For speaking and partnership opportunities please contact Suzana Rosenberg at sr@emrc.be or visit www.emrc.be Hosted by the DRC Government :

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picture of the month

A farmer transports manure on his ox-drawn cart on the Murang’a - Kenol road in Kenya. The use of animals to transportation of farm produce and other activities is a common occurence in Africa.

horticulture 16 17

Critical Parameters in Greenhouse Selection Post harvest management of fruits and vegetables

livestock 18

Mastitis management in dairy animals

cover story 20

Pesticide residues - Is Africa moving towards solving this menace?

country focus 25 Malawi

The Interview 26

Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa [FARA]

crop 27

Post harvest management of cereals

Regulars 2 3

Editorial Calendar of Events

agribusinessafrica.net

4 News 28 Supplier News

In the

Next issue

April 2015

Industry Focus - Milk industry in Kenya – production, challenges, market trends, future prospects Special Feature - GMOs – Why Is Africa Standing By? Country Focus – Democratic Republic of Congo Plus Regular articles on Animal health and nutrition; Horticlture and Crop Management

quote of the month The discovery of agriculture was the first big step toward a civilized life...

Arthur Keith february 2015 | agri-Business africa

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editorial

Why Agri-Business Africa magazine?

A

frica is projected to have a population of about 2.7 billion by 2060, from the current 1.1 billion people, providing policymakers and Governments with a tough, herculean task: feeding a population that will nearly triple in 50 years, and which has been struggling to produce enough to feed its population.

Low agricultural productivity, hunger, malnutrition and food wastage are some of the challenges that confront the continent.

It is fair to say that Africa as a continent is not uniform in these measures. From highly industrialised South Africa, to the Arab North, Africa has mixed levels of performance in its quest to feed itself. While countries like South Africa have a highly sophisticated farming and agro-processing industries, a majority of African countries struggle to feed their populations due to low skills and technological capacity.

Ours is a noble aim: to produce a premium magazine that blends policy, technology and husbandry of Africa’s produce and which will also provide information on value addition, agro-processing and marketing.

The continent also lacks adequate capability to add value to its produce, exporting most of this in raw form, only to export it back at much higher prices.

African countries are required to boost agricultural productivity and enhance value addition of their produce to achieve economic and social stability. It is sad that a majority of these countries are grappling with how to achieve these goals.

But in the midst of these grim facts, it is increasingly getting to the realisation of many observers that a number of African countries, from Nigeria to the west, to Tanzania to the east to Zambia to the south are beginning to turn the tide and are beginning to produce enough food for their

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populations, with the possibility of exports starting to appear in the horizon.

At FoodWorld Media, we have felt the need to shine our lens on the agriculture value chain, so that we can provide the necessary support as Africa begins to unravel its agribusiness potential. Agri-Business Africa magazine joins our highly acclaimed Food Business Africa magazine – Africa’s food and beverage processing industry magazine, which is now in its second year.

Ours is a noble aim: to produce a premium magazine that blends policy, technology and husbandry of Africa’s produce and which will also provide information on value addition, agroprocessing and marketing.

Agribusiness Africa magazine is the premier bi-monthly magazine with a focus on agricultural production, value addition and marketing of Africa’s animal, crop and horticultural produce.

The magazine exists to spur Africa’s own Green Revolution and the creation of an industrialised Africa, driven by its agricultural resources.

Agribusiness Africa magazine focuses on providing well-researched editorials and reports that will eventually enable the Africa’s central, state and county Governments, NGOs, farmers, traders and distributors, processors and marketers to take advantage of the abundance in Africa’s soil to improve the continent’s fortune.

The magazine is unique in that it focuses on the policy issues that are important in improving productivity and increasing incomes derived from the agribusiness industry. It also covers the entire value chain from farming, post-harvest handling, processing and marketing like no other magazine in the region.

The magazine is focused on the African continent, providing a 360 degree view of the continent, so as to enable adoption of good practices across the continent.

We are excited that you have joined us on this journey.

We wish you a good read Editor

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

www.agribusinessafrica.net Volume 1 issue 1, No.1 • ISSN 2409-1235 Publishers: Foodworld Media Editor: TJ Kwach Design & Production: Centrepress Media Advertising & Subscription: Selina Wangusi

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SUBSCRIPTION Contact: info@foodworldmedia.net Annual Subscription: Kenya: KSh 2900 (VAT inclusive); Africa: US$ 70; Rest of World: US$ 90 (including postage) Two Years: Kenya: KSh 5600 (VAT inclusive); Africa: US$ 130; Rest of World: US$ 170 (including postage) Agri-Business Africa (ISSN 2307-3535) is published 6 times a year by FoodWorld Media Ltd. Special event issues may also be published. The magazine is distributed to agriculture supply chain companies in Africa. The publishers reserve a right to determine the number of free copies to any company. The magazine is available through subscription for the other stakeholders in the agro chain, including suppliers to the sector.

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events CALENDAR February 4-6: Fruit Logistica, Berlin, Germany Fruit Logistica covers every single sector of the fresh produce business and provides a complete picture of the latest innovations, products and services at every link in the international supply chain. www.fruitlogistica.de

Region’s inaugural Food Safety conference and exhibition announced

February 10-12: World Ag Expo, Tulare, California USA World Ag Expo brings the latest agricultural technology together in a place where serious buyers and sellers from around the world can do business. www.worldagexpo.com February 25-27: Myplant & Garden - Milan, Italy The international B2B exhibition for the flower industry www.myplantgarden.com March 1-8: Philadelphia International Flower Show, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA The world’s longest-running and largest indoor Flower Show, now in its 186th year. www.theflowershow.com March 4-7: Eldoret National ASK Show, Eldoret, Kenya The national agricultural show held in Eldoret, North Rift, Kenya www.ask.co.ke March 9-10: Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA), Abu Dhabi, UAE The world’s sustainable agriculture event. www.innovationsinagriculture.com March 17-19: Horti Asia, Bangkok, Thailand An international trade exhibition focusing on bringing the latest technologies and innovations of both pre-harvesting and post-harvesting for horticultural produce in Asia www.hortiasia.net March 22-25: Agribusiness Forum 2015, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) The AgriBusiness Forum is an international platform created to strengthen the agri-food sector in Africa, by encouraging partnerships, exchanging best practices and attracting investment www.emrc.be/en/events/agribusiness-2015 March 25-27: Hortiflora Expo - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Ethiopia’s flower industry exhibition www.hppexhibitions.com/floriculture/2015/hortiflora April 17-18: Agri-Tech Expo Zambia, Gart Research Centre, Chisamba, Zambia Agri-Tech Expo is the first and only outdoor agricultural trade expo in Zambia www.agritech-expo.com/ April 28-30: Agrofood Nigeria , Lagos, Nigeria 1st international trade show on agriculture & livestock, food, beverage & packaging technology and food, beverages & hospitality www.agrofood-nigeria.com/ May 14-15: Food Safety Summit Africa Conference & Expo, Nairobi Kenya The Summit brings together Government regulatory agencies and the food, feed and agro industries in Africa to discuss policy, regulation and consumer concerns on food safety. www.FoodSafetySummitAfrica.com

Have an Event you would like to see here?

Contact us on info@foodworldmedia.net

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T

may 14 -15 2015, Nairobi kenya

he inaugural regional Food Safety Summit Africa Conference & Expo, due to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, in May 2015, has been announced.

According to the organizers of the first ever food safety summit targeting sub-Sahara African countries, FoodWorld Media, publishers of leading trade publications Food Business Africa and Agri-Business Africa, food safety remains one of the industry’s biggest draw-backs as the industry evolves in the Continent.

“Poor quality due to lack of knowledge and patchy enforcement of the law continues to plague African countries as they struggle to meet stringent quality requirements by their key trading partners in Europe and the US market”, note the organizers.

The recent case of the European Union warning several African countries including Kenya about their products failing to meet new EU regulations on pesticide residues comes to mind.

“The lack of a food safety culture in the industry and the region has affected Africa’s ability to trade with itself, with its key export markets and even more critically, the health of its own population, due to lack of systems to enforce the quality of locally consumed food and agro produce”, add the organizers.

The Food Safety Summit Africa Conference & Expo is a pioneer industry event that will bring international and regional service and product providers together with policy makers, regulatory agencies, entrepreneurs, managers and professionals in the food, feed and agro industries from across Africa.

The two-day conference will focus on current and emerging food safety issues in Africa. It is slated for May 14-15 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The forum will take the farm-to-table approach - covering the entire value chain from production, handling and storage, processing, retail and distribution of food, beverages and agricultural produce.

Some of the key topics slated for discussion include chemical and pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, GMOs, sanitation and cleaning, food safety systems, standards development and harmonization, aflatoxins management among many other topics.

More information is avialble on the events website: www.

FoodSafetySummitAfrica.com

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business News

Business, technology, investments

EU makes changes to GMO regulation law

EU/GMOs - The European Parliament has passed a new law that will allow each of the 28 EU member states to restrict or ban the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops on their own territory, even if this is allowed at EU level.

The changes, done to break over four years of deadlock, with some countries for and some against GM crops cultivation and GM foods, will also help remove

trade tensions with the US, a critical trade partner with the EU. The new legislation will come into force mid- 2015.

The law will allow individual EU states to ban the planting of GM crops but at the same time it will also allow member nations that favour GM technology to gain approval from the EU to grow such crops. Previously, only the EU could approve or block any GM crop cul-

tivation in the block “This agreement will ensure more flexibility for member states who wish to restrict the cultivation of the GMOs,” Frederique Ries, a Belgian EU parliament member who steered the measures through the EU Parliament, was quoted

by Bloomberg.

The political deadlock over the safety of GM foods that has existed between member countries has led to complaints from the US and other countries who would want to see an expanded global market for biotech crops, valued at US$16 billion in 2013.

While the law has been applauded by anti-GM campaigners as a means to limit GM cultivation in Europe, the biotech industry has bashed the new rules, noting that the rule will allow hardliners to stop the use of biotechnology in Europe.

“This is a stop sign for innovation in Europe”, said Jeff Rowe, Chairman of the industry association EuropaBio, commenting on the vote by the European Parliament on genetically modified (GM) crops.

“Member States will receive a license to ban safe products which have been approved at European level, and they will be allowed to base these bans on non-scientific grounds.” he said.

Soil degradation taking heavy toll on African farmers AFRICA/SOIL QUALITY - Soil degradation holds back African farmers, costing them $68 billion annually and threatening to stall vital food production, a leading agriculture expert has said.

“Poor farmers don’t have the money, time or labour to prevent degradation or improve their soils,” Sir Gordon Conway, director of the group Agriculture for Impact and a professor at Imperial College London, said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Climate change, the depletion of mineral nutrients, desertification, improper use of fertilizer and a lack of infrastructure are compounding the problem.

An estimated 180 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are affected by land degradation, according to the report “No Ordinary Matter: Conserving, restoring and enhancing Africa’s Soils” launched 4

by Conway and other experts before the first ever World Soils Day, celebrated on December 5, 2014 The report calls for better monitoring of African soil conditions through remote sensing systems, creating incentives for securing land rights for small farmers, strengthening collaboration between soil research centers in Africa and Europe, and increasing financial support for sustainable development.

Financing new irrigation systems and other infrastructure, leveraged first by Thailand, could double African food pro-

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

“Poor farmers don’t have the money, time or labour to prevent degradation or improve their soils”

duction within 10 years, Conway said.

The average African farmer produces about 1 ton of maize per hectare of land, compared with 2.5 tons in India and 11 tons in the U.S. corn-belt, Conway said.

If soils are better maintained in Africa, and farmers have the fertilizers and infrastructure they need, he believes each hectare of land could eventually produce 6 to 8 tons of maize.

Experts said better soil management to increase food production is vital to avert starvation and strife in sub- Saharan Africa, where the population is expected to surge from 896 million in 2010 to more than two billion by 2050 Thomson Reuters Foundation For the latest agriculture industry news in Africa go to www.agribusinessafrica.net agribusinessafrica.net

business

Global importance of urban agriculture ‘underestimated’

Aflatoxins testing laboratory launched KENYA/TESTING - A well-equipped modern laboratory to conduct research on aflatoxins has been launched by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).

The new laboratory and the ground breaking for the construction a modular, small-scale plant to manufacture Aflasafe KE01 - a biopesticide to control aflatoxin at KALRO’s center in Katumani, Machakos County, Kenya will boost efforts to reduce mycotoxin contamination in staple crops in the region.

Speaking at the event, Felix K. Koskei, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development, noted that mycotoxins and especially aflatoxins, one of the most prevalent mycotoxins in the region, were a major barrier to Kenya’s efforts to secure food for its people and to regional and international trade. He hailed aflasafe KE01 as a sustainable technology which had demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing aflatoxin contamination by up to 98%, and the modular facility.

The modular plant is the first of its kind in Africa and the second for manufacturing Aflasafe after the one at IITA-Ibadan in Nigeria.

The construction of the regional mycotoxins laboratory was supported by the World Bank and other partners, with total investments in the laboratory amounting to US$170,000.

The Aflasafe KE01 modular plant will cost $800,000 and which will produce the biopesticide for the region, and is expected to be ready in late 2015.

Honey Care Africa wins Nestlé’s prize

KENYA/AWARD - Honey Care Africa, an East African fair trade honey company is the overall winner of the company’s Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value Prize.

The prize, an investment of CHF 500,000, shared between the winner and runners-up, rewards innovative businesses that create value for their communities by addressing issues of nutrition, water or rural development. agribusinessafrica.net

business News

Business, technology, investments

The award is for the company’s work in South Sudan, where the company intends to use the money to support its work to help 35’000 farmers in the country to become commercial beekeepers by 2017.

Madison Ayer, of Honey Care Africa, which seeks to help farmers become commercial beekeepers, said he was delighted with the win.

FARMING - Urban agriculture is playing an increasingly important role in global food security, a study has suggested, reports the BBC. Researchers, using satellite data, found that agricultural activities within 20km of urban areas occupy an area equivalent to the 28-nation European Union.

“This is the first study to document the global scale of food production in and around urban settings,” explained co-author Pay Drechsel, a researcher for the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

“There were people talking about urban agriculture but we never knew details. How did it compare with other farming systems? This assessment showed us that it was much larger than we expected.”

Dr Drechsel said that when urban farming was compared with rural farming systems, the results were surprising.

For example, the total maize production in sub-Saharan Africa was not as large as the area under cultivation in urban areas around the world.

UN data shows that more than 50% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, which could explain the changing landscape of global agriculture.

“We could say that the table is moving closer to the farm,” observed Dr Drechsel.

“The total maize production in sub-Saharan Africa was not as large as the area under cultivation in urban areas around the world” The international team of scientists says the results should challenge the focus on rural areas of agricultural research and development work. The team acknowledged that the study could actually be conservative, as it focused on urban areas with populations of 50,000 or greater.

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

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CROPS News

Cereals, tubers, coffee, tea, cocoa, tobacco, nuts

AGRA partners African Development Bank to grow seed industry

University team decodes African Rice genome

AFRICA/MOU - The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable the Bank to finance technical assistance to support the work of African seed companies which are supported by AGRA’s Program for Africa’s Seed Systems (PASS).

The $1 million technical assistance project will help beneficiary seed companies increase their production of quality seeds for rural farmers.

In the new initiative, 54 seed companies in 11 countries, will benefit from the assistance in the form of business development services, field visits, secondment of leading seed industry experts, in-service training and technical knowledge sharing

US/RESEARCH - An international team of researchers led by the University of Arizona has sequenced the complete genome of African rice.

The genetic information will enhance scientists’ and agriculturalists’ understanding of the growing patterns of African rice, as well as enable the development of new rice varieties that are better able to cope with increasing environmental stress to help solve global hunger challenges, according to the university.

“Rice feeds half the world, making it the most important food crop,” said Rod A. Wing, director of the Arizona Genomics Institute and the leader of the project. “Rice will play a key role in helping to solve what we call the 9 billion-people question.”

The 9 billion-people question refers to predictions that the world’s population will increase to more than 9 billion people by the year 2050 - majority of whom will live in food scarce areas.

With this breakthrough, scientists can now search for ways to cross Asian and African species to develop new varieties of rice with the high-yield traits of Asian rice and the hardiness of African rice.

African rice is hardier and more resistant to environmental stress in West African environments than Asian varieties. African rice already has been crossed with Asian rice to produce new varieties under a group known as NERICA, which stands for New Rice for Africa.

Nigeria targets value addition to grab more from global cocoa market

Growing demand for GM seeds drives global seed market

NIGERIA/VALUE ADDITION - The Nigerian government is intensifying the implementation of expansion projects for cocoa processing and manufacturing in order to claim a greater share of the annual $200bn global market for finished goods made from cocoa.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said with the repositioning, Nigeria would extract immense value out of the cocoa industry.

“The total global value of exporting raw cocoa is approximately $10 billion a year; the total value from chocolates alone is over $100 billion a year, while the total value of all finished goods made from cocoa is estimated to be as high as $200 billion a year, all drawing from the same $10 billion raw cocoa beans produced”, Mr Aganga said “With the situation today, about 76 per cent of total cocoa produced is from Africa, but less than five per cent of the wealth in the value chain is retained here. After many decades of dominating cocoa production, it is worrying that we still remain price takers, and capture so little value. This is not right, and this is what we have set out to change”, he added The partnership brings together the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; and the Organised Private sector in the Nigerian Cocoa industry, according to This Day

WORLD/SEED - The global market for seeds is forecast to exceed $112 billion by 2020, driven by an expanding population base, rising focus on food security and robust demand for genetically modified (GM) seeds in developing countries, according to a report titled “Seeds: A Global Strategic Business Report” published by Global Industry Analysts Inc. Traditional seeds continue to account for a major share of the market, while GM seed constitutes the fastest growing market segment, reports AgroNews.

Major factors driving market growth for GM seed include the need for increased productivity against the backdrop of decreasing arable land and growing numbers of people to feed.

The report notes that future growth in the market will also come from the “rising adoption of seed biotechnology across the world, and growing land reclamation for the purpose of agriculture.”

The Asia-Pacific region represents the largest and the fastest growing market with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6%. Grain seeds and horticulture seeds together dominate global seed sales.

Corn represents the most important market segment supported by increasing demand for the crop in ethanol production.

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february 2015 | agri-Business africa

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CROPS News

Cereals, tubers, coffee, tea, cocoa, tobacco, nuts

Project initiated to add value to beans EAST AFRICA/PROJECT - A new US$2.5 million project has been unveiled to capitalise on the potential of beans as a source of food and improve its value. The project, targeting Kenya and Uganda, will develop affordable, tasty and long lasting precooked bean products, over a period of two and a half years.

It is supported under the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund set up by Canada’s International Development Research Centre and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

Eliud Birachi, market specialist from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture says: “If we want to increase the consumption of beans in order to boost nutrition levels and provide markets for smallholder farmers, we must have the consumer in mind.”

The projects research lead partners include National Agricultural Research Organisation in Uganda, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, and CIAT, under the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance and in collaboration with the private sector

Zambia to remain net maize exporter for next 10 years ZAMBIA/TRADE – Zambia is expected to remain a net exporter of maize over the next 10 years with an average export of around 480,000 tonnes annually.

This is according to a forecast by the Regional Network of Agricultural Research Institutes (ReNAPRI).

The forecast, unveiled during the first-ever Regional Network of Agricultural Research Institutes Annual Agricultural Outlook Symposium held in Lusaka, showed that maize output in the country was also likely to reach 4.3 million tonnes by 2023, from 3.4 million tonnes this year.

But the government planned to increase annual maize production to four million tonnes next year after increasing the number of farmers receiving subsidised fertiliser.

The regional body said the forecast showed a steady rise in the area planted, from 1.2 million hectares in the 2014/2015 production season to 2.3 million hectares in 2023, which would drive the increase in yields.

Zambia recorded the biggest maize harvest in its history in the 2013/14 production season, amounting to 3.4 million tonnes against the annual national requirement of about three million tonnes. The bumper maize harvest has seen prices of the country’s staple fall this year.

“The nominal domestic maize price is however expected to recover from the current low in 2015, rising steadily to reach K2,300 (US$268 per tonne) by 2023.” - The Post

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CROPS News

Cereals, tubers, coffee, tea, cocoa, tobacco, nuts

Northern Uganda becoming leading coffee producer

UGANDA/COFFEE - The Uganda Coffee Development Authority has said Uganda’s best coffee now comes from Lira District and the region is beginning to

exhibit potential to become the leading producer of coffee in Uganda.

Speaking at the 54th Inter Africa Coffee Organisation Conference last week, Mr Edmund Kananura Kyerere, the quality and regulatory manager Uganda Coffee Development Authority, said volumes in the traditional coffee growing areas of Kasese, Mt. Elgon and Sebei, have stagnated in a long time because of the limited area to cultivate the crop.

He, however, said last year’s harvest

Nigeria targets 51 million tonnes of cassava by 2017 NIGERIA/PRODUCTION – The Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akinwunmi Adeshina has disclosed that the federal government targets 51 million tonnes of cassava production in 2017 up from the 38 million tonnes of cassava produced currently.

“Our target is to increase cassava production by 2017 to 51 million tonne, presently we are between 38 million and 40 million tonnes.” the minister was quoted by his Technical Adviser on Cassava Value Change, Mrs. Toyin Adetunji.

“Our target for 2017 is to reduce the

cost of production and this varies with locations within Nigeria. We want to reduce cost by giving out improved varieties to farmers which we have been doing in the last three years.”

On support and upgrade of equipment for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), he said the federal government had bulk sum of about N3.4bn deposited with the Bank of Industry that is disbursing the fund to target people that included the Master Bakers and SMEs producing the high quality cassava flour.

This Day

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february 2015 | agri-Business africa

in Lira District produced the best quality and quantity of coffee in the country.

“We have limited land to grow Arabica coffee but the results we are getting from Northern Uganda are interesting.

Last year, Lira produced the best coffee in the north and the north is becoming the coffee basket for Uganda,” he said.

Coffee remains Uganda’s major agricultural export fetching an average of $500 million per annum in foreign exchange.

Orthodox teas the way forward to boost incomes - KTDA KENYA/DIVERSIFICATION - Kenya plans to diversify its international tea market products by introducing the production of orthodox teas, according to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).

The measure has been introduced to mitigate factors that lower tea prices and to widen the market share in global tea markets. The move comes as a result of the realisation that the global supply of tea and consumption are rising, but not at the same rate as that of production.

KTDA chairman Peter Kanyago attributes the fluctuation of tea prices to the over-supply of black CTC (crush, tear, curl) tea. “The near term is that if we don’t diversify our production of black CTC teas, the prices will continue to decline.

However, if, for example, we decrease the current supply by five per cent, the tea prices could increase to $3.4 (Sh305). If we increase production by the same margin, the prices will decline to even lower margins than they currently are,” said Mr Kanyago.

Kenya’s tea manufacturing is done through the CTC process, where all the leaves, buds and stems are crushed to equal sizes, mostly dust and fanning, yielding stronger, thicker and brighter teas and ensuring a higher number of cups of tea per unit measure.

The tea agency said it is doing this since there is a ready market for such tea in Russia, Iran and several other European countries like Germany and France.

Business Daily agribusinessafrica.net

CROPS News

Cereals, tubers, coffee, tea, cocoa, tobacco, nuts

briefs briefs Africa Crops

Rwanda, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has launched a project to increase the output of root and tuber crops (cassava, yams and sweet potatoes) and link farmers to markets.

Kenya Seed Company receives a Sh400 million grant from the Government to maintain the cost of maize seeds and cushion farmers from high seed prices The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) releases new rules restricting marketing of tobacco in the 2014/15 season to registered growers only to control and regulate the market.

Zimbabwean seed company Agriseeds is set for a 80% takeover by South African Klein Karoo Saad Bemarking seed company.

Algerian wheat imports exceeded $2 billion in the first ten months of 2014, up 10% compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the Algerian Customs Kenyan maize farmers in the maize growing regions finally got a reprieve from the Government when the National Cereals & Produce Board was granted KSh 2.7 billion to buy maize from the farmers.

The Zimbabwe Farmers Union has partnered with the financial services provider Barclays to create a revolving fund to assist young farmers in rural areas to grow their agricultural businesses Acting Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB) Director General Gabriel Mwalo has announced that a grand cotton revival plan is underway aimed at enhancing productivity levels of the cash crop Nigeria may miss its cocoa output target of 500,000 metric tons in the 2014-15 season, after an outbreak of fungal blackpod disease devastated farms following heavy rains Kenya’s coffee production is set to increase 22% to 60,000 metric tonnes in the next two years, according to a government official Zimbabwe lost $6 billion through the selling of unprocessed tobacco to external markets last year alone, a policy analyst has said Zambia has recorded an increase in wheat production in the 2013/14 season to 338,000 tonnes due to less stress on the crop, Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) says

For the latest agriculture industry news in Africa go to www.agribusinessafrica.net agribusinessafrica.net

Commodity Prices FAO food price index records drop continued drop in 2014 According to the January release of FAO’s monthly report, the food price index declined in December 2014 after three months of stability. Continued large supplies and record stocks combined with a stronger U.S. dollar and falling oil prices contributed to the decline.

For the whole of 2014, the Food Price Index averaged 202 points, down 3.7 percent from 2013, marking the third consecutive annual decline, according to FAO. Four of the commodity indices fell in 2014 and are at, or close to, their lowest levels in five years. However, meat prices rose 8.1% above 2013 Cereals Cereals dropped 12.5 percent from the previous year, buoyed by forecasts of record production and ample inventories.

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 183.9 points in December, up 0.4 percent from November as wheat prices rose on the back of worries that Russia may restrict exports.

Vegetable Oil The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index declined by 2.4% to a fiveyear low of 161 points in December, due mainly to depressed demand for palm oil as a biodiesel feedstock, itself linked to falling global oil prices.

Dairy products The FAO Dairy Price Index declined by 2.3% to 174 points, its lowest level since late 2009, as slowing imports by China and Russia left abundant export supplies for international markets. Price declines were greatest for milk powders, butter and cheese.

Meat products The FAO Meat Price Index also declined in December, down 1.9% from the previous month, as a stronger U.S. dollar curbed price quotations for beef and mutton from Oceania and pork from Europe. However, at 204 points, this index is near its monthly all-time highs, and on a full-year basis rose 8.1 percent in 2014 from 2013, the only commodity group to post higher average prices over the year.

Sugar The FAO Sugar Price Index dropped 4.8% to 219 points in December, largely because of ample supplies in major producing countries such as Brazil. Falling crude oil prices which reduce demand for sugar crops to be converted into ethanol, also weighed on international sugar quotations in December. Sugar prices were mostly under downward pressure over 2014, averaging 9.6 points, or 3.8 percent, lower than in 2013.

Coffee Coffee prices continued to slide downwards in December 2014, with the monthly average of the ICO composite indicator at its lowest level since February. Recent estimates have suggested that production in Brazil in crop year 2015/16 might recover relatively quickly. World production in crop year 2014/15 is provisionally estimated at 141.4 million bags, 3.6% less than the 146.8 million bags produced in 2013/14, which has also been revised upwards. – International Coffee Organization february 2015 | agri-Business africa

9

HORTICULTURE News

Flowers, vegetables and fruits

Huge relief as Kenya resumes duty free exports to EU

KENYA/EXPORTS – The horticulture industry in Kenya has resumed duty free access to the important European Union (EU) market after a three month hiatus following the region’s failure to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU on time.

Kenyan exporters of freshly cut flowers and fruits and vegetables had been subjected to the payment of taxes of between 5%

and 8.5% since October 2014, with a tax bill of KSh1 billion having been paid by exporters during this period, a figure the Kenya Flower Council insists has to be compensated by the Government of Kenya.

The country has since successfully returned to the quota-free and duty-free export regime for European markets for fresh produce, after the EU Parliament voted to allow the country to trade using its former status.

“I am very happy to confirm that, as of Christmas Day, Kenyan goods – cut flowers, fresh produce and much more - will once again enter the European Union market without tariffs or quota limits,” the EU Ambassador to Kenya Lodewijk Briët said on the announcement of the removal of the taxes “This means the Sh200billion of Kenya exports that are sold in Europe will remain competitive, and Europe will remain Kenya’s largest export market,” he said.

“This will eventually benefit both Kenyans and the European Union because exporters could save the money that would otherwise be used to pay taxes to improve the quality of produce back here,” the envoy noted.

“This decision is a relief for Kenya’s floriculture sector and for all operators and businesses involved in the floriculture trade in Kenya in view of the approaching peak sale season — Valentine’s Day,” Kenya Flower Council chief executive Jane Ngige and Union Fleurs (an international flower trade association) secretary general Sylvie Mamias said in a joint statement.

Japan’s tech firms rush into agribusiness

Indian state targets pesticide-free vegetables

JAPAN/TECHNOLOGY - A growing number of Japanese information and communications technology firms and manufacturers have entered the agribusiness sector, looking to use their technologies to gain new commercial opportunities at a time when Japan is aiming to make its farming industry more efficient, competitive and profitable.

The introduction of information and communications technology (ICT) is increasingly necessary in the face of the country’s declining agricultural workforce due to the aging of farmers without successors, increases in the area of abandoned cultivated land, and the effects of climate change.

Another catalyst is the government’s policy of turning agriculture into a growth industry if the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact is eventually realized, which would likely boost competition.

“Farmers face challenges in terms of the quality and shipment of products, while municipalities are aiming to revitalize local economies with agriculture at the core,” said Takeshi Sudo, a senior official at major electronics maker Fujitsu Ltd., which launched a cloud-based agricultural data management service called Akisai in 2012.

NEC Corp., another Japanese electronics giant, provides its own cloud-based service for farmers who grow crops in greenhouses, jointly with Nepon Inc., a manufacturer of greenhouse heating equipment.

INDIA/FOOD SAFETY – The Indian state of Kerala is upping its efforts to ensure that only pesticide-free vegetables are imported into the state with the state government planning to form an authority headed by the Food Safety Commissioner to co-ordinate activities in this regard with neighbouring states.

The states Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who convened a high-level meet on the issue has warned that selling pesticide-laden vegetables can attract tough penalties including prosecution The new authority will have as its members top officials from the departments of health, agriculture, animal husbandry and sales tax and the Kerala Agricultural University and the Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporatio).

The meeting also decided to ask the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to convene a meeting of the Food Safety Commissioners and health secretaries of the southern states.

The Food safety Commissionerate is planning to step up inspections for pesticide residues in vegetables, Food Safety Commissioner T V Anupama said.

“We have already written to Food Safety Commissioners of other states. We are looking at whether combined inspections can be conducted,” Anupama said, adding that action can be taken against the original source of pesticide-laden vegetables as well as retailers who sell them. - The New Indian Express

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february 2015 | agri-Business africa

agribusinessafrica.net

HORTICULTURE News

Flowers, vegetables and fruits

Shalimar Flowers invests in Rwandan farm RWANDA/INVESTMENT - Rwanda’s Cabinet has approved a partnership deal between the government and a Kenyan-based company, Shalimar Flowers, to develop the country’s cut flower industry.

The joint venture will see Shalimar invest an estimated Rwf2.7 billion into the venture with Bella Flowers, George William Kayonga, the National Agriculture Export Board (NAEB) boss, said. The government will own 75 per cent shares.

“The investor has been in the flower industry for decades and understands the market very well. We believe he will play a critical role in rejuvenating and expanding the sector,” said a source.

The 35-hectare project at the Gishari Flower Park in Rwamagana District that was being developed by government was earlier expected to start production of cut flowers by mid-last year.

Rwanda currently grows summer flowers on a small-scale mostly by co-operatives and individual farmers, which it sells locally and in Europe. This has meant the country imports roses among others to meet the local demand.

Floriculture was identified by the government as a ‘quick

win’ sector that could enhance the country’s foreign exchange receipts in a short time, earning $220 million per year by the year 2017.

Rwanda’s flower industry is developing at a rate of 4.4 per cent in terms of increased areas under flower production, the report adds.

The country produces 1.4 million stems of summer flowers per year, but with extension of area under flowers, improvement of cultural practices and introduction of other high value flowers can achieve a production of more than 54 million stems per year and earn a foreign exchange of 8 million euros (about Rwf7.2 billion) per year by 2015, according to last year’s Rwanda Floriculture Development Annual report.

“However, only 50 per cent of the flowers harvested get to the local market due to poor production and post-harvest handling techniques, requiring training of flower farmers and stakeholders to minimise the losses,” it adds.

Rwanda mainly produces white arums, Tuberose agapanthus gladiolus, Alstromelia Carnation (summer flowers) and other minor varieties. - New Times

Ethiopia to earn $371m from horticulture exports flower export while the balance was earned from vegetables, fruits and herbs,” he explained. This year’s figures are up 13% from last year’s.

“Eighty percent of the country’s horticultural products are exported mainly to European countries, mainly to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Norway and France,” he noted.

Other countries include Japan, U.S., Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates, he said.

More than 120 foreign and domestic companies are currently engaged in horticulture development efforts in Ethiopia - World Bulletin News

briefs ETHIOPIA/EXPORTS - Ethiopia is planning to increase its revenue from the export of horticulture products to $371 million during the 2014-15 fiscal year compared to $245 million in the previous year, an Ethiopian official has said.

“Efforts are underway to export high-quality products during the reported period as part of the overall activities to increase the [country’s] revenue,” Mekonnen Hailu, Senior Communication Expert with the Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency, told Anadolu Agency.

“Utilization of modern technology, in particular chemical-free pest control mechanism, is being applied to make the products free of chemicals because chemical-free products have great market demand,” Hailu said.

Plans to boost import of horticulture varieties are also being considered as part of efforts to improve the quality and increase the quantity of the products, he said.

“The country has already earned $56 million from export of over 130 million cut flowers and more than 41,000 tons of vegetables, fruits and herbs during the first quarter of the current budget year,” he added.

“Around $44 million of the stated sum is secured from cut agribusinessafrica.net

horticulture

Horti Fair one of the biggest flower exhibitions in Holland has discontinued operation Oserian Development Company has been awarded the most Innovative African Producer for 2014 in recognition of their sustainable developments by Sainsbury’s Rwanda’s National Agriculture Export Board (NAEB) plans to set up a modern horticulture centre at Mulindi Gasabo District to help small scale farmers acquire skills and market information Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of a third B777200LR freighter, part of a strategic fleet expansion to support African exports of perishable cargo The World Bank Group, United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and Nigeria’s Dangote Farms have commenced a hybrid tomatoes production in project in Kano, northern Nigeria february 2015 | agri-Business africa

11

animals News

Cattle, poultry, aquaculture and other animals

Bird flu outbreak reaches Nigeria NIGERIA/DISEASE - A widespread outbreak of bird flu, which has appeared sporadically in Europe and China, has finally been reported in African soil after the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development informed the public of confirmed cases in the country. This was confirmed after unusually high death rates were reported in two poultry farms and live bird markets in Kano and Lagos states.

Samples that were drawn and taken for analysis at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom tested positive for H5 Strain of Avian Influenza virus. Confirmatory samples were then sent to the International Reference Laboratory in Padova, Italy for further char-

acterisation.

“The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and Inter African Bureau for Animal Resource (AU-IBAR) and Development Partners have been appropriately notified in compliance with our statutory international obligations”, the minister was quoted.

The disease has since been confirmed. By the time we went to press, the country’s agriculture minister had been quoted as saying that the outbreak had so far reached 21 commercial farms in seven states and affected over 140,000 birds.

Nigeria has the largest poultry production in Africa.

Raw milk production increases ZAMBIA/PRODUCTION - Raw milk production in Zambia has increased significantly this year compared to last year as most farmers intensified operations while new ones joined the industry.

Figures released by the Dairy Farmers Association show that 65 million litres of raw milk were produced for the 2013/2014 season, up from 55 million litres in the 2012/2013 season.

Zambia’s 2015 milk output is expected to reach 75 million litres, although the figure still falls far short of the national demand of 455 million litres per annum.

According to Ministry of Agriculture data, per capita milk consumption is presently estimated at 35 litres, up from

19.5 litres in 2012.

Milk production plummeted over the last decade due to high production costs sparked by frequent disease outbreaks, high input costs and high lending rates.

DAZ, however, said the dairy sector had seen some improvements in the recent past.

But DAZ said despite these positive trends, the dairy sector was still facing numerous challenges that need urgent attention by the government.

“These include outbreak of diseases such as mastitis and lumpy skin, poor supply of breeding stocks, high costs of financing and fuel, and shortages of bran for feed,” DAZ chairman Mirrian Mbazima stated in report to review the year.

Mbazima stated that the government should seriously consider addressing these challenges to improve the productivity of the sector. Daily News

Flour Mills commissions N5bn feed mill NIGERIA/INVESTMENTS - Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) has announced the opening of what it described as the biggest single automated animal feed mill built in Africa by one of its subsidiary, Easter Feed Mills Limited.

The new mill is located in Calabar, Cross River State.

The feed mill, with an installed capacity of 370,000metric tons per year, was built at a cost of about N5 billion would help to meet the projected sales growth of its animal feed brand, Top Feed, within the next five to seven years in the Eastern and Southern parts of Nigeria.

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february 2015 | agri-Business africa

FMN said it remains confident that its new investment would help to drive economic growth and industrial development of Nigeria and Cross River State in particular.

The factory is expected to improve the welfare of farmers, since raw materials would be sourced, not only from FMN group farms but through outgrowers and the open market.

The new plant complements the existing automated 300, 000 metric tons per year animal feed factory commissioned in Ibadan in 2010, by a member of FMN Group Company, Premier Feed Mills Limited. – This Day agribusinessafrica.net

Animals News

Cattle, poultry, aquaculture and other animals

British MPs urge action on milk price cuts UK/ MILK PRICES - The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has said more needs to be done to protect dairy farmers from falls in milk prices.

They have called for new powers to fine supermarkets over price disputes to stop farmers being forced out of business by factors beyond their control, reports the BBC. However, the government said it was doing all it could to help farmers cope with the “volatility of the global market”.

Milk prices have come under pressure from a combination of rising supply and falling demand, particularly as a result of lower-than-expected demand from China and Russia’s ban on food imports.

Moscow’s decision to ban EU dairy products, taken in response to sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, had led to 2.5 billion litres of milk not being sold in Russia, the MPs said.

“Intense competition among supermarkets is also having an effect,” Anne McIntosh MP said. “In several supermarkets you can now buy four pints of milk for just 89p.”

Farmers have held protests, urging supermarkets to pay more for their milk.

The report said farmers had been leaving the industry “in significant numbers in recent years”. The National Farmers Union said in December that the number of dairy farmers had dipped below 10,000 for the first time - a 50% fall since 2001.

The committee said there was no “single solution” but that it was incumbent on the government to “promote UK dairy produce domestically and in growing export markets”.

And it told the government to “urgently” consider extending the role of the Groceries Code Adjudicator to include dairy farmers in the scheme.

The adjudicator was set up to investigate complaints and ensure suppliers to the 10 largest supermarkets are treated “lawfully and fairly” based on an established code of practice.

But because it investigates only complaints relating to the retailers’ direct suppliers, the “vast majority” of dairy farmers are not covered, the report

“The National Farmers Union said in December that the number of dairy farmers had dipped below 10,000 for the first time - a 50% fall since 2001”.

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said. The adjudicator also does not get involved with pricing disputes under its current remit.

The MPs said there should be an EUwide review of milk prices and clearer “country of origin” labelling of products.

They said more dairy farmers could be helped by forming “producer organisations” to increase their market presence.

briefs

animals news

Brookside aims to recruit 10,000 farmers from Eastern, Central, Rift Valley, Western and Coast regions of Kenya as it seeks to source more milk to process in its new dairy plant Tanzania Tanners Association (TTA) has urged the government to ban exportation of raw hides and skin saying it denies local factories raw materials Kenyan dairy, New KCC has a new Managing Director. Mr Nixon Sigey joins the dairy giant in place of Dr Langat, who has been with the dairy for nearly 4 years The Government of Zambia is investigating the source of the influx of imported beef, which has flooded the market and frozen out local farmers The County government of Kakamega together with a private investor plans to construct two milk processing plants in the county Nyala Dairy Multipurpose Cooperative Society, a Nyandarua, Kenya-based cooperative society has diversified into animal feed production to cushion its members from the high feeds to members.

The Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) reports that the poultry industry in 2014 recorded a 15% increase in production to register 100,000 tonnes due to rise in demand Uganda inaugurates a new poultry farm and processing facility, Yo Kuku, that intends to make the country self-reliant in chicken processing.

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

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15

HORTICULTURE TECHNOLOGY

CRITICAL PARAMETERS IN GREENHOUSE SELECTION where a greenhouse structure is fully covered with a polythene material without adequate ventilation, yet the area is very hot so the farmer ends up with very high temperatures in the greenhouse which severely affects the growth and yield of the crop. The type and complexity of the structure should take into consideration the climatic condition of the area.

The wind and rain direction - It is not surprising to see greenhouses blown away by wind and heavy rains. In some instances, the technicians do not bother to check the direction of the wind in that particular area so during heavy storms, the farmers end up losing the whole structure plus the crops inside. Wind and rain direction will determine greenhouse orientation, location of vents and fans.

Greenhouses have the benefits of better efficiency of pesticides and fertilizers, lowering transpiration and evaporation

C

oncerns have been raised by many adopters of greenhouse technology in Africa as to the benefit of putting up greenhouse structures, especially by small scale farmers. While many such farmers have appreciated the technology and invested in them, the number of abandoned structures or those whose owners have had to contend with lower yields than promised and disease outbreaks that ruin their crops continues to rise. What could be going wrong, and how can this scenario be reversed?

Greenhouses have the benefits of better efficiency of pesticides and fertilizers, lowering transpiration and evaporation in hot or semi arid areas “oasis effect”, water conservation by efficient irrigation and collection of rainwater, possibility of soilless culture and planned production for market deadlines.

But why do companies encourage the use of greenhouse in East Africa where almost has of the land is basically considered to be generally dry/semi arid?

One thing is clear that most of the farmers do not ask the hard questions before putting their hard earned cash in purchasing these expensive materials. The Technical Sales representatives employed by the companies supplying the greenhouse kits are also not advising the farmers accordingly on a number of issues.

What farmers are normally presented with are the well calculated gross margin analysis which shows how much good money a farmer stands to make from investing in a greenhouse.

So before you make that decision to buy a greenhouse kit, consider the following factors: The climatic condition of the area - We have seen several cases 16

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

Water electricity supply - Water is very critical when you aim at achieving optimum production and returns on your investments.

So before you put up that structure, consider if you have adequate water supply in your farm. Green house crops requires good amount of water supply throughout their growing period. In some instances where a farmer is using borehole water, he/she should ensure there is electricity or some source of power to pump the water.

Availability of skilled labor - Not so many farmers ask themselves if they are well trained on greenhouse managemenent or if their workers have the requisite technical skills like scouting, water application, plant nutrition etc. Granted, most companies will give you a few tips on crop husbandry but they will not be at your farm throughout the production period to assist you, unless you are willing to pay for that extra cost. This is one thing every farmer investing in a greenhouse MUST not ignore.

Shading effects from tall trees and buildings - This will have an effect on the relative humidity and temperature in the greenhouse.

Either extremes will be detrimental to the growth and yields. For areas with very high wind velocities, availability of natural or artificial windbreak structures is an important consideration.

Topography – The topography of the land affects the quality of the green house. Steep areas should be avoided. The area should have a slight slope of about 0.5 – 1% to drain water.

Availability of soil with adequate drainage provision – Soil quality is an important parameter in crop farming. It is important to know the quality of the soil and its drainage characteristics.

Greenhouse crop production has the potential to bring good income and change the way we do farming but before invest your hard earned cash, ask the hard questions on the risks associated with it with respect to your locality.

A key determinant of whether a farmer will succeed in green house farming is the choice of supplier. The right supplier, whose interest is the well-being of the farmer will provide valuable advice to then farmer and be willing to walk the long path to success with the farmer agribusinessafrica.net

HORTICULTURE post harvest

T

POST-HARVEST HANDLING OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES

hat approximately 40% of agricultural produce is lost due to post harvest mishandling is not in doubt. So how can the farmers and traders minimize if not eliminate these post harvest losses completely? Let’s look at some of the simple ways that can be adopted to help reduce these losses.

Trimming -Trimming of some fruit stalks to desired length, removing of outer leaves, when not done in a hygienic way can be a source of contamination of produce. Farmers and traders should ensure trimming is done using clean and sterilized equipments.

Cleaning/Washing - Remove any remaining dirt and other contaminants before marketing. This may involve washing, dry brushing combined with vacuum air cleaning. Some products should never come into contact with water, e.g. garlic, onion and strawberries thus choose the appropriate way of cleaning them. Use clean water to avoid contamination by disease causing pathogens e.g. Salmonella and amoeba. Drying after washing may be necessary before packing.

This can be done through draining using driers or sponge covered rollers.

Curing - This is treatment used to prolong the shelf life of onions, garlic and potatoesetc. This involves drying of superficial leaves of bulbs and the skin of potatoes to protect them from infection by micro – organisms. This can be done in the field or by artififcial drying.

Surface coating - Wax and other surface coatings and materials may be applied to improve product appearance, to act as a carrier of fungicide or to reduce rate of water loss. Waxes are often used to enhance the sheen and appearance of the produce. Waxes are applied using specialized equipment by spray, dip or foam. The incorrect application of wax or use of unsuitable wax formulation can reduce the product quality. Some fruits and vegetables are coated with wax to

agribusinessafrica.net

minimize water loss during transport and storage. A wax formulation should be easy to apply. A thin film can be used as a carrier for other post harvest treatments e.g. fungicides. Foaming is a satisfactory way of applying wax as it leaves a thin coat. The use of plastic films to wrap packs of produce or individual produce can help reduce water loss and extend storage life. Some plastic films have selective permeability allowing differential exchange of the gases, carbon dioxide, oxygen and water vapor.

Packaging - Packaging is important not only in providing physical protection but also in conservation of the produce.

The primary function of a package include:• Contain-enable required quantity to be handled as one unit • To protect-from hazards of transportation and storage • Communicate-as a way of sales promotion for the product • The package should be smooth, cushion the produce from hazards, suitable for palletizing, delivered flat in case of cartons and easy to dispose.

• Pre-packs can also be used as they add value to the produce.

Pre-packs have several advantages: • The produce is ready for use • Reduces mechanical damage due to over handling • Reduces moisture loss • Can control the atmosphere around the produce • Promotes sale of large volumes • The available types of pre-packs are film wraps, punnets, trays with film wraps, film bags and paper bags and nets february 2015 | agri-Business africa

17

livestock animal health

M

astitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland and udder tissue, and is a major endemic disease of dairy cattle. It usually occurs as an immune response to bacterial invasion of the teat canal by variety of bacterial sources present on the farm, and can also occur as a result of chemical, mechanical, or thermal injury to the cow’s udder.

Mastitis prevention and control Mastitis is a very costly and complicated problem for the dairy farmer. No simple solutions are available for its prevention.

Some aspects are well understood while others are controversial.

Opinions are often presented as facts.

However, from the dairy farm perspective, two simple product mandates are required – simplicity in use and cost.

More than 100 different microorganisms can cause mastitis, yet the route by which they reach the cow varies greatly.

When the udders of cows become infected, a host of expenses and losses occur: Milk must be discarded and production potential is reduced.

18

MASTITIS IN DAIRY COWS Animals sometimes must be culled.

Potential superior genetics are lost.

Profitability is reduced through treatment.

Reproductive performance can be reduced.

Extra labor must be expended, and an immeasurable level of stress on management personnel occurs. These costs are quite high Without mastitis, the lives of all dairy producers, and the lives of cows, would be much easier. Since there is mastitis, producers must know how to manage it to remain profitable and stay in business.

Mastitis occurs when the udder becomes inflamed because leukocytes, or somatic cells, are released into the mammary gland in response to invasion of the teat canal,

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

Without mastitis, the lives of all dairy producers, and the lives of cows, would be much easier. Since there is mastitis, producers must know how to manage it to remain profitable and stay in business.

usually by bacteria.

These bacteria multiply and produce toxins that cause injury to milk-secreting tissue and various ducts throughout the mammary gland.

Elevated leukocytes, or somatic cells, cause a reduction in milk production and alter milk composition. These changes, in turn, adversely affect quality and quantity of dairy products.

To manage mastitis, dairy producers must be willing to change old habits or ineffective and incorrect practices that may be causing or permitting new intramammary infections (IMIs) to occur.

A prime objective of all dairy farms should be determining which practices might cause mastitis and low-quality milk and then making the changes necessary to prevent the occurrence of those situations.

The milking parlor is the traffic circle of the dairy farm. It is a traffic junction, an obligatory passage, moving smoothly if well managed.

Adapted to the cows, the milking parlor is a tool to optimize milk production.

Adapted to people, the parlor is an easy place to manage and can be a productive place for workers. agribusinessafrica.net

livestock animal health

Mastitis prevention is based on the following principles: 1. Create a clean, stress-free environment for cows. For optimal milk production, oxytocin is best stimulated under a stressfree environment for cows. Starting with a clean stall and parlor will decrease the presence of mastitis-causing bacteria.

2. Remove all solids and clean teats.

Cleaning the teats before attaching the milking machine is a very important step in preventing bacteria from getting into the teat canal during the milking process.

Environmental organisms such as Streptococcus and the coliforms (E. coli) are in the soil and manure, which get onto teats. These contaminants must be cleaned off and the bacteria killed before attaching the milking unit.

If they are not, there is always a strong possibility that bacteria could be forced into the teat during the milking process, resulting in a new IMI. Water is an excellent vehicle for transferring or transporting bacteria, so use water to wash only the heavily soiled teats and lower udder sidewalls. When water must be used, minimize the amount used and have the water pressure level set low.

Be sure the water hoses are flushed out before each milking so that stale water in the hoses that might contain bacteria is removed and not sprayed onto teats.

If teats are consistently dirty, correct the causes (poorly maintained bedding in stalls, not cleaning alleys often enough, not enough stalls for the herd size, poorly maintained walkways to pastures or exercise lots, etc.).

3. Examine the udder. Look for chapped, cracked and bleeding teats. Examine and score teat ends. Do not use chapped, cracked or bleeding teats or teat ends. These teats are susceptible to new IMIs and should not be milked.

4. Use proven, effective pre-milking teat dips. Teat dips reduce the number of bacteria on teats and thereby help lower the number of new IMIs. Germicidal teat dips have been proven in numerous research trials to be effective at killing bacteria on the teat surface and reducing the incidence of new udder infections. All dairy producers should routinely use them. Pre-dips should be left on the teats at least 20 seconds before wiping off.

We recommend that a proven, effective germicide be dipped onto the teats rather than sprayed, due to the likelihood that dips will be used more properly and provide better coverage than sprays. agribusinessafrica.net

Dip containers must be kept clean in order for the germicide to be effective.

Dip cups should be cleaned between each milking or more often, if needed, depending on herd size and cow cleanliness, so they do not become “bacterial contamination cups” and spread mastitis to and between cows.

Dips remaining in the dip cups should be disposed of after each dipping session to further prevent the spread of mastitiscausing bacteria. There are many different brands and formulations of teat germicidal products on the market. Use only products that have been proven effective at killing bacteria on teats.

5. Use paper towels or reusable cloth towels to clean and dry teats. One paper or cloth towel should be used for each cow to wipe the teats clean and dry before the milking unit is attached.

Be sure teat ends are cleaned thoroughly so any solids on or around the teat opening are removed. Milking equipment needs a dry teat in order to have the best suction.

If teats are not sufficiently dry, chapping, pinching or bleeding may occur, leaving the cow further susceptible to mastitis-causing bacteria.

6. Fore-strip milk from each quarter.

This practice should be done before attaching the milking unit to check for clinical infection. Fore-stripping stimulates oxytocin, which encourages milk let-down and increases milk flow rate.

Fore-stripping may be done before the teat dip is applied, and the teats are wiped clean and dry or after the teat dip is applied.

Both ways work equally well in realizing the

benefits of fore-stripping.

Fore-stripping has the potential in many dairy operations to improve milk quality and teat end health, reduce the rate of new IMIs and improve parlor performance.

7. Double dip with pre-dip. For even better results, double dipping is a good practice to add to your milking protocol and reduce somatic cell counts.

8. Use milking equipment properly. All personnel who use the milking equipment should be trained on how to properly attach, adjust and remove (if required) the milking unit.

Preventing air admission during the attachment process and adjusting the unit so as it hangs properly under the cow are important in preventing or reducing new IMIs and realizing complete, even and rapid milk-out.

Whether cows are milked from the side or between the rear legs, proper unit adjustment is required and needs to be observed closely. Quarters that do not get milked out completely should be left alone until the next milking.

Seldom should that procedure result in a clinical mastitis case. Reattaching the unit could do more potential harm. The practice of removing the inflation from one or perhaps two quarters that milk out fast prior to removing the entire milking unit from the cow should be avoided.

Removal of the milking unit from one or more of the quarters before milking is finished may cause air to leak into the claw, impacting the other attached quarters by teat-end impact.

When teat-end impacts occur, bacteria in the milk may be forced into the teat canals of the still-attached quarters and may result in a new IMI. 9. Monitor the milking process. Using milking machines properly is an important part of a milking parlor or milking barn routine, plus an important component of a mastitis management program.

Ensuring that staff is using machines properly and following protocol is important for healthy cows and a well-maintained farm.

Mastitis control and prevention is clearly attainable but requires diligence and the adoption of best practices

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special report horticulture

CAN AFRICA FIGHT THE

MRLs MENACE?

The importance of horticulture sub - sector to our Kenya’s, and increasingly other African economies, cannot be over-emphasized. The horticulture industry contributes towards employment creation, nutrition provision, food security enhancement, wealth creation and as source of raw materials for a section of the agro-based industries.

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february 2015 | agri-Business africa

agribusinessafrica.net

special report CROPS

H

orticulture, or the cultivation of garden crops including fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts, is an important contributor to the foreign exchange earnings of several African countries, especially to the European Union (EU) market. Familiar horticulture crops from Africa include chillies, green beans, mangoes, cut flowers, citrus fruits and cashew nuts. These export earnings are of critical importance to Africa’s economic well-being and growth, coming in after tourism and other agricultural commodities like coffee and tea in many countries.

Egypt, Kenya, Ivory Coast, South Africa and Zambia are some of the well-known countries that have exported horticultural produce to the EU for a long time.

Kenya earned KSh95 billion (US$ 1 billion) in foreign exchange from horticulture (Economic Survey 2013) of which 90% was from the EU market. Kenya is not alone. Tanzania expects to earn US$414 million from exports of horticulture in 2014, Ethiopia earned US$ 245 million in 2013/4 season, Uganda received US$35 million (UGX95 billion) in 2013, while Rwanda’s horticulture industry, though small, earns about US$3 million per year.

Kenya exports the world renowned Kenyan beans (commonly known as French beans) , mangetout (snow peas), baby carrots, baby corn, baby spinach, Asian vegetables, fruits like mangoes and cut flowers such as roses, Eryngium and Gypsophylla to mention just a few to this key market.

Threats continue to rise It must be said that both the public and private sector players in this crucial sector in Africa have endeavoured to nurture and protect this market. However, in the recent past, the horticulture sub - sector has faced some challenges.

And Kenya has not been alone in this. In October, Uganda was threatened with a ban due to the presence of live insects on pepper, flowers and chillies. South Africa, one of the most advanced economies in the continent, also faced challenges with their citrus fruit exports to the EU, with the Union threatening a ban on SA exports in 2014 due to an alleged presence of fungal infection citrus black spot.

It is worth noting that this issue of MRLs is not restricted to Kenya alone. Countries such as Nigeria, Thailand and Egypt are having their products sampled at 50%, 20% respectively.

MRLs come to the fore in Kenya For Kenya and other African countries, the key challenges are changes in EU legislations on food safety that has made it difficult for exported produce to meet the requirements of pesticides Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for this key market.

This coupled with the fact that consumers in the EU region are becoming more and more careful about what they buy from the fresh produce outlets like the supermarkets, where most of our produce are sold, has thrown the whole sector into a panic.

The MRLs for pesticides mostly used by farmers in Kenya like Dimethoates and Chlorpyrifors were lowered due to consumer

horticulture News

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US$ 1 billion Kenya earned KSh95 billion (US$ 1 billion) in foreign exchange from horticulture (Economic Survey 2013) of which 90% was from the EU market. agribusinessafrica.net

Contacts us on: Tel: +254 20 8155022; Cell: +254 725 343932 Email: info@foodworldmedia.net february 2015 | agri-Business africa

21

special report horticulture preferences. Through the EU’s monitoring programme, they realised some exceedance of MRLs on these products and presence of harmful organisms especially in mangoes, Gypsophylla, Eryngium, Basil and Karella.

Similarly, in January 2013, the EU decided to sample these exports at a frequency of 10% in order to verify compliance. However, 90% of the beans and peas in pods still enters the market without being subjected to the testing. Through this pre-entry testing program and inspection in the EU some consignments have been found to be noncompliant, and resulted in notification and interception due exceedance of the MRL’s and presence of harmful organisms.

An analysis of the situation provides the following as the reasons for the challenges faced by farmers concerning MRLs: • Inappropriate use of pesticides leading to higher levels of residues on the produce.

The presence of counterfeit pesticides has aggravated this problem due to their unproven performance in controlling pests and diseases on crops.

• Interception of produce due to harmful organisms (pests) such as fruit flies, leaf miners, and thrips which must be effectively controlled before the produce leaves the farm.

• Collection of produce from unknown sources that has resulted in increasing the notifications due to exceedance of MRLs since the exporter in this case would have no control in the management of the produce for export.

Some exporters are actually involved in produce poaching.

According to the export companies and the food handling organizations, the blame squarely lies with the Produce Marketing Agents or the so called brokers/middlemen whom they claim are buying produce from the small-scale farmers and selling to some “briefcase” exporters who do not adhere to the Good Agricultural Practices.

90% of the beans and peas in pods still enters the market without being subjected to the testing.

According to Ms. Pauline Wairimu, Agronomist at Sian Exports Limited, the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) should stop registering the brokers with immediate effect. Her views are shared by 22

Finlays Horticulture Technical Manager Mr. Dickson Kimathi who says that apart from de-registering all the licensed brokers PCPB should also vet all the agro-chemical dealers and the agro vets.

He adds that PCPB is to blame for the sale of counterfeit and expired products being used by farmers in the country. He goes further to say that HCD should thoroughly monitor the horticultural production schemes and farms to ensure compliance saying that during the second half of the year when it increased surveillance, cases of notification and interceptions was almost zero.

Dickson’s sentiments are shared by Mr. Lloyd Wahome, the company agronomist at Sunripe (1977) Ltd who was even more categorical that as a country, “we must lock out these briefcase companies and brokers who have no operational overheads and who only spring to life during the peak season and start buying produce from any source, failure in following the chemical spray programme not withstanding”.

PCPB and agrochemical companies to blame It appears that Pests Control & Poisons Board (PCPB) has its work cut out for them because some exporters put the blame squarely at the door step of PCPB whom they accuse of sleeping on the job by allowing sale of unregistered agro chemical products in the country.

The Pest Control Products Board is a statutory organization of Kenya Government established under the Pest Control Products Act, Cap 346, Laws of Kenya of 1982 to regulate the importation and exportation, manufacture, distribution and use of pest control products in the country.

According to a Technical Manager at one the leading export companies who did not want to be mentioned, PCPB does not seem to know exactly which products are being sold by the agro dealers. He cites a product called Couragen; an insecticide which is being grossly misused by farmers in Mt Kenya region.

According to Mr. James Nyoro, Mt. Kenya Region Manager, Syngenta East Africa, the problem is more complex than is thought and only a concerted effort by all the relevant stakeholders can help sort it out. He says the problem is in the field and not in the pack house. He cites poor quality products from the Asian countries which are considered cheap by the farmers and lack of strong supervision by the PCPB. He goes ahead and recommends that PCPB should actually be engaging farmers at the farm

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

agribusinessafrica.net

special report horticulture level and not sitting pretty at their offices.

Another critical issue raised by Mr. Nyoro is the misuse of chemicals and cites an example of Methomyl, a product recommended for the control of thrips in rose flowers but with three quarters of this product being sold in Mt. Kenya region, an area which has no rose flowers! It ends up being used in French beans, of course.

Another critical thing about the chemicals which most users ignore is the chemical’s carrier material. Apart from the active ingredient, some of the products have very poor quality carrier materials which do not decompose or breakdown easily leading to detection during tests on produce, Mr. Nyoro adds.

As the blame game goes on, it is becoming clear that the production and export of produce that meets the EU export requirements is the responsibility of producers and exporting companies. They must adhere to the requirements.

Actions being taken by players To mitigate against the above challenges which is threatening this critical sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, State department of Agriculture and the Horticulture Competent Authority Structure (HCAS) comprising Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) are implementing the following strategies to ensure compliance with market requirements: • Continuous training of small holder farmers in areas where high number of notifications and interceptions have been found. Most notorious areas being Meru, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua counties.

• Regular monitoring of pesticides residues and inspection of produce at both farm level and points of exit • Withdrawal of phyto-sanitary (plant health export certification) services for exporters who have received 5 notifications in the withdrawal of the export licence.

• Vetting and registration of exporters against contractual farming and all the requirements as provided by the Horticultural Crops Development order 190 of 2011. The exporters found not to comply with these requirements to be suspended until they meet the requirements.

• Registration, licensing and labelling of pest control products as per the legal agribusinessafrica.net

requirements of Pest Control Products Act CAP 346.

• Develop spray regime combinations with timings based on growth stage of the crop and recommend the best regime to the farmers to control pests and diseases leaving minimum pesticide residues.

In spite of the above measures being put in place to address the challenge of MRLs compliance, some export companies and food handling organizations still use dubious means to circumvent the rules.

Some of the methods used by these companies include • Produce rejected by the HCAs is still exported through an alternative ‘partner’.

• Export companies whose licenses have been withdrawn are using other registered companies to export the same produce.

• Some exporting companies have exported without the necessary documentation • Exporters have continued to source produce from un-authorized sources, from the roadsides and other unknown places of collection.

Application of pesticides without observing the PHI is also rampant especially in small scale farms. The PHI is the period of time that a farmer must wait before harvesting of the produce. Further, some exporters have not enforced the disease and pest management monitoring on their production schemes and farms.

Behaviour change critical As a way of enforcing compliance, the Government has prepared legal amendments in a Gazette notice to the restriction to using Dimethoate, Omothoate and Chlorpyriphos and destruction of non-compliant produce.

In order to maintain and preserve the country’s image and continue accessing this lucrative market, there must be behaviour change in doing business for both the producers and exporters. Some of these behavorial changes include but not limited to: • Exporters should desist from sourcing produce from un-authorized sources and adopt ethical production practices.

Those who do not adhere to the above to be de-licensed • Ensure that all exports are accompanied with a phyto-sanitary certificate • Exporters should have technically competent staff who manage their production systems

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special report horticulture Ministries, to ensure good hygiene in their packing yards, and arrange for cold trucks for transportation of the produce.

“The exporters should also call agronomists and inspectors to their farms and packing yards to ensure that the produce meant for export meets the required phytosanitary standards,” he was quoted by the EastAfrican.

Mr Opolot said chilli for export will no longer be inspected at the airport but at the exporter’s packing yard and later verified at the country’s exit points.

• Producers and exporters should only use approved pesticides and follow the instructions on the label, especially the observation of PHIs. Government action But one question remains. Is it that the relevant government agencies charged with regulating the industry have left the industry to regulate itself thus allowing some unscrupulous exporters to cause this mess the country has found itself in? Is it because the technical personnel at these government agencies are too thin on the ground to effectively monitor the goings on both at production and inspections at exit points?

According to a source at KEPHIS, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Felix Kosgey, has given the organization the green light to recruit more technical staff to help ease the workload and improve efficiency of inspections at the points of exits especially at JKIA.

To reduce incidences where produce are being intercepted at points of entry and destroyed at the exporter’s expense, KEPHIS have also constructed ultramodern laboratories for chemical residue analysis though it’s yet to be commissioned.

Non-conforming crops manual to be used by inspectors is also being prepared by KEPHIS, according to the Kenya Flower Council. It also adds that awareness courses on counterfeiting shall be held for the suppliers of pesticides.

So far the measures being put in place are beginning to bear fruit if data from KEPHIS is anything to go by because the interceptions have reduced significantly during the months of September and October where only three and one interceptions were received respectively.

In Uganda, Okaasai Opolot, director for crop resources at the Ministry of Agriculture has said that exporters are now required to register with both the Agriculture and Trade

Private players join the fight To improve on the analytical side of the MRL fight, and to save exporters hefty analysis charges in the EU, the SGS Kenya Ltd in September 2014 launched a new MRLs testing laboratory. The laboratory based in Mombasa can test over 451 actives in fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion In this article we deduce that the overriding factor is the need for the private sector (agrochemical companies, exporters, testing and consultancy), Government agencies and farmers to work in tandem in Africa to meet and exceed the stringent new requirements from the EU and other export markets. Selfregulation and enforcement of the law where appropriate will be required if Africa intends to grow its export volumes of horticultural produce to these key markets

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WHAT ARE MRLs? According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) are the upper legal levels of a concentration for pesticide residues in or on food or feed based on good agricultural practices and to ensure the lowest possible consumer exposure.

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 establishes the MRLs of pesticides permitted in products of plant or animal origin intended for human or animal consumption.

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february 2015 | agri-Business africa

A risk assessment demonstrating consumer safety is done as a precondition for setting MRLs. Since September 2008, Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 repealed legislation and replaced all national MRLs with harmonised EU MRLs for all foodstuffs, so as to reduce trade disruption and legal uncertainties.

EFSA’s Pesticides Unit is responsible for the risk assessment of MRLs in accordance with the legislation.

agribusinessafrica.net

COUNTRY FOCUS MALAWI

Country Focus:

Malawi T

he Central African country of Malawi is remembered a lot more recently for the country’s fertilizer subsidy programme that lifted the country up on the list of Africa’s agricultural success stories.

The programme, Farm Input Subsidy Programme, launched by the country’s second President Bingu wa Mutharika who came to power in 2004, increased farm subsidies through seeds and fertilizer so that “smallholders (could) buy a small amount of fertilizer and seed so that they could replenish the soil nutrients, take advantage of improved seed varieties and at least achieve a livable crop from their tiny farms,” says Africa Confidential.

Although the subsidy programme could not continue after a few years as it relied more on donor funding, Mutharika’s action provided Africa with an opportunity to learn that a targeted subsidy programme that is well implemented could be one way to increase input uptake and improve agricultural productivity.

As a result of this programme, agricultural productivity improved significantly, with maize production nearly tripling – from 1.2 million tonnes in 2005 to 3.2 million tonnes by 2007 – with the country becoming one of the countries to export maize into the region during this time.

Malawi however grows more than maize. The country is also a producer of tobacco, tea, cotton, groundnuts, sugar and coffee.

Tobacco has become increasingly predominant in the last few decades (12th largest producer), with the country being the world’s leading producer of burley leaf tobacco. Tea and groundnuts have increased in relative importance while cotton has declined in production. The country also grows a number of staples: cassava, sweet potatoes, sorghum, bananas, rice, and Irish potatoes. Cattle, sheep and goats are also reared in the country.

Malawi is home to Lake Malawi - Africa’s third-largest freshwater lake - but less than 3 per cent of the land is irrigated, with most farmers reliant on rain-fed agriculture.

Production The country’s sub-tropical climate produces a number of agricultural commodities. According to Knoema the country’s production of key crops are as below: sugarcane: 2.9 million tonnes (2013); maize: 3.6 million (2013); cassava: 4.8 million tonnes; potatoes: 4.5 million tonnes; tobacco: 151,500 tonnes (2012); tea: 53,500 tons (2012); Coffee: 4,000 tonnes (2011) and milk: 50,000 tonnes (2011).

Malawi has a number of processing companies for sugar cane (Africa’s largest producer Illovo is present in the country), tea, tobacco, maize, milk and groundnuts. Great opportunities exist in adding more value to a number of products including milk, oilseeds and cereals in the country agribusinessafrica.net

MALAWI AT A GLANCE BACKGROUND: Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the scourge of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi.

Geography Location: Southern Africa, east of Zambia, west and north of Mozambique. Landlocked Area: Total: 118,484 sq km; land: 94,080 sq km, water: 24,404 sq km Climate: sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November) Land use: Arable land: 30.38%; permanent crops: 1.1%; other: 68.52% (2011) Irrigated land: 735 sq km (2006) Geography - note: Landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country’s most prominent physical feature; it contains more fish species than any other lake on earth ECONOMY Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world’s most densely populated and least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural with about 80% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture, which has benefited from fertilizer subsidies since 2006, accounts for one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues. The performance of the tobacco sector is key to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for more than half of exports.

GDP (2013 figures): Purchasing power parity: $15.02 billion; real growth rate: 5%; per capita (PPP): $900; composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 29.4%; industry: 18.9%; services: 51.7% Agriculture - products: tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (manioc, tapioca), sorghum, pulses, groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats Industries: tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods Exports: $1.427 billion (2013 est.); tobacco 53%, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee, peanuts, wood products, apparel Imports: $2.42 billion (2013 est.); food, petroleum products, semi-manufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment Source: CIA World Factbook february 2015 | agri-Business africa

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the interview Director General fara

Africa must invest in Agricultural Research We have challenges in the agricultural sector, the chief of which is the lack of institutional capacities and know how. We know what the challenges are, but what are trying to do is to take advantage of the economies of scale. In other words, if we something good happening in Kenya, how can we make good use of it in Central Africa? If we identify a common challenge on the continent, how can we draw on the strength of partnerships, how can we draw on the strength of the political leaders to have them on our side and to put the political clout behind our science?

Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa [FARA] What is the role of FARA in food security?

FARA is the apex body in the continent charged with the coordination of agricultural research in the continent of Africa. FARA occupies a unique niche with the role to make the African farmer a competitive player in the agricultural sector.

What is the role of FARA? FARA has the mandate and the authority to convene global and continental positions that affect Africa. This includes issues that affect Africa in terms of food policy, research orientation and implementation. We set the agenda, tone and direction of agricultural research in the continent.

How does FARA achieve its goals?

Let me give an example. FARA in collaboration with the African Union and NEPAD co-ordinating agency in South Africa have come up with, for the first time, an African led, African driven science agenda for agriculture in Africa. This means that we have a framework that will systematically drive us in the direction of food secure nations.

How do you overcome the challenges that still abound in the continent?

ABOUT FARA 26

How do we make use of these connections to excel in the continent?

A bird does not fly with one wing. That is a Nigerian proverb for you. Science without policy amounts to zero, and policy without science also amounts to zero. Let me explain. I have over 30 years’ experience in this field, 20 years of which I did full time research scientist job and the other 10 years I have been on the policy environment, so I understand the connection between policy and development.

Are we seeing progress from this collaboration?

The whole idea of getting science into the politics and the politics into the science is alive and well in Africa now. Today we have a pipeline in Africa’s agricultural agenda. We have had CAADP 10th Partnership platform meeting in Durban in March this year, in April we had the Ministerial conference and after that we went to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) This is what I mean by science and policy emerging. The partnerships are starting to work and that is very encouraging.

Are these partnerships starting to show that long-term success in Africa is possible?

Well, it has worked in countries that have succeeded in their war against food

insecurity, and Africa will be no exception.

Why are we getting hand-outs from Europe?

Why are we receiving aid? Why is it that when we are short of food America has to send us soybeans, maize, milk etc. Why? Don’t we have enough maize? How much of that maize is contaminated by aflatoxins?

How much of that maize did not make it to the market, while on the other side of the world half of the food on the table ends up in the dust bin? You see the oxymoron we are in?

We have challenges but they are not insurmountable. But we do not have the right mix of the science and the politics. The countries that have got the right political and scientific mix well have put the problem of food security behind them.

The degree of investment in agriculture is directly proportional to what we will see in terms being independent of donor and international aid.

Let us now look at the research funding component The amount of funding in agricultural research in Africa is appalling. We are still asking Governments to invest 10 per cent of public revenues in agriculture and they are not doing it. We have been asking them to do so, but we are not there yet. Until this is achieved without cajoling countries, and maybe we see some of the countries putting in 13 per cent or more, then we shall be sure we can achieve our goals of feeding the continent. At that point we shall know that the governments are putting their money where their mouths are.

If we continue to ask for G8 or America to pay for our research bill, it is like hoping to raise your family from your neighbour’s kitchen. As we say in the science agenda, agricultural research on the continent is way too important to outsource to development partners. It is time to put our money where our mouths are. Let us increase investment in agriculture, in capacity building, and in infrastructure so that we can have a prosperous Africa

Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex organization charged with the strategic role of coordinating agricultural research and development in Africa. FARA weaves together key networks and stakeholders on the continent and globally to reinforce the capacity of Africa to improve its agricultural science and innovation for food security and poverty reduction. FARA was established as an independent organization in 2002. It is based in Accra, Ghana. (www.faraafrica.org)

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

agribusinessafrica.net

crop post harvest

Importance of moisture management in cereals

M

oisture (water) is an important part of cereals composition, as cereals are basically living organisms, requiring the water within them to remain viable and to retain the ability to sprout and grow. To retain viability, and to retain shelf life of the grain, it is vital that the residual water in a grain or cereal like maize, rice, wheat, barley and other grains does not fall above a particular level.

Moisture content is one of the most critical indicators of product quality and is also one of the most measured attributes of food.

Moisture content also tends to be the most widely quoted parameter in the trading of grains because it is easy to measure, is well understood by the majority of those involved in the trade, and is often an indicator of the general quality of the cereal.

While it is possible to sort out, say, the problems of dust in the cereal and still have a fairly good quality product, excess moisture tends to affect the product quality more adversely, that might require costly interventions or even result in total loss of the grain if left unchecked.

Water content is critically important for any cereal grain for a number of reasons: Quality - Water takes part in many metabolic activities in the grain, including germination. Water also impacts the texture, taste, appearance and stability of grain products.

Legal and labelling requirements Water is an important indicator of suitability of the grain for trade purposes, impacting its fitness of purpose. It has to be said that international trade in grain and any other commodity is based on a minimum standard that the product has to conform to. Water content is one of the most important legal requirements Economy – Being an inexpensive ingredient, water is a critical contributor to cost of grains. Water impacts the weight of the produce and hence the amount of money

agribusinessafrica.net

made from the sale of the produce. Another critical parameter is water loss in storage, which can reduce the income of the farmer or the processor quite significantly if not checked properly. Moisture content of grain can in fact dictate if the miller makes money or not from the venture Shelf life and safety - Water content impacts the ability of the grain to resist pest and microbial attack, including the occurrence of aflatoxins Processing operations – The water content of grains is critical in how the grain will handle processing conditions including mixing, drying and flow during transport,

Moisture content tends to be the most widely quoted parameter in the trading of grains

conveyance or packaging It is important to note that most metabolic activities are greatly reduced when moisture content gets below 14%, with all metabolic activities stopped completely below 8%. It is therefore important to dry the grain to below 14%. However, excessive drying, while improving shelf life, impacts negatively on weight of the grain (an economic loss) and reduces the grain’s viability to germinate and its utilisation (qualitative loss).

According to the East African Community (EAC) standard for grains, 13.5% has been set as the maximum moisture content for the most widely traded grain, maize. Most national and regional standards have also adopted comparative figures, depending on local climatic conditions, the type of grain and duration of transport and storage

From farm to fork It is imperative that the control of moisture is built into the whole supply chain of the grain, to ensure that the final product has the desired moisture content. Failure to do so has a great impact on the suitability, quality and safety of the maize at the end of the chain.

Food companies should build supply chains that can, to a great degree, deliver for them grains that meet their standards on moisture and other quality parameters, for it is possible that the end product may meet moisture content standards but fail on aflatoxin content or any other parameter, from previous contamination.

At the farm, the farmers should ensure that the grain is harvested at the right time, transported and handled in the right conditions, dried to the right moisture content, using the right method, and stored in the right storage bins During transport from the farm

into grain collection centres or to food companies, the right conditions should be maintained so as not to reverse the gains from good handling at the farm Once the produce arrives at the collection centres or at the milling company, it should be stored in the right bins or silos and processed in ideal conditions that will not interfere with the grain quality. This will also include the right conditions during transport to the markets and at the retail level Probably, the most critical lesson from this article is that everyone has a role to play to ensure the final product that lands at the consumer’s table is not only safe but also of the right quality. The milling company has a huge responsibility to ensure that the product that they have packed and branded doesn’t affect the final consumer; hence the need to ensure the whole supply chain is right.

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SUPPLIER News

Bayer to concentrate on Life Science businesses GERMANY/BUSINESS – Bayer, one of the world’s diversified businesses, intends in the future to focus entirely on the Life Science businesses – HealthCare and CropScience – and float MaterialScience on the stock market as a separate company by 2016.

The floatation of the MaterialScience business will “positioning Bayer as a world-leading company in the field of human, animal and plant health”, according to the company.

“Our intention is to create two top global corporations: Bayer as a worldclass innovation company in the Life Science businesses, and MaterialScience as a leading player in polymers,” Bayer CEO Dr. Marijn Dekkers announced.

Bayer's focus has greatly shifted toward its Life Science activities in the last few years.

Business, technology, investments

Koppert is building an international R&D centre NETHERLANDS/RESEARCH - Koppert Biological Systems has begun work on the construction of a new international Research & Development (R&D) centre in the Netherlands, Koppert's construction of this 3,600-m² centre marks the next step in the centralization of the company's various business divisions: the new R&D centre will also provide accommodation for the entomology laboratory, which is currently housed in another building.

The new centre will be equipped with a large number of modern climate-controlled chambers for research into natural enemies under a range of climatic conditions.

Valley Irrigation develops technology for farm management US/TECHNOLOGY - Valley Irrigation has recently developed a way to share precision irrigation data that facilitates data-driven decisions and simplifies irrigation management.

Dubbed Irrigation Exchange, it is a cutting-edge technology that provides for the seamless transfer of precision data to other agricultural companies from BaseStation3, the new Valley remote irrigation management product.

“Valley is working with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of agriculture equipment, seed and fertilizer companies, and leading agronomy service companies to design

and develop the next level of integrated farm management,” said Craig Malsam, vice president of global engineering and strategic technical development.

“OEMs are invited to create application programing interfaces (API) that link into BaseStation3 to synchronize irrigation with other critical and interdependent farm operations.”

Irrigation Exchange allows for data retrieval, data-based decision-making and implementation through mechanized irrigation during the most critical phase the growing season, Malsam said. It also gives growers complete control over their data and who has access to it.

Chrysal bought by Nordian from R12 Kapital Nordian Capital Partners (previously Rabo Capital) have announced that they have acquired Chrysal from R12 Kapital, a Swedish investment company, and other minority shareholders, for an undisclosed sum.

Chrysal is the market leader in care for cut flowers and pot-plants, with extensive, worldwide knowledge of both the horticultural chain as well as the different channels-to-market.

The acquisition by Nordian “will help Chrysal to further strengthen its market position by geographical expansion and the development of new innovative products and concepts”, according to a statement released to the media.

Chrysal has its headquarters in Naarden, the Netherlands with its operations in the UK, USA, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Japan, France, Sweden, Germany and Russia. It employs 220 staff.

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Arysta LifeScience acquired by Platform Specialty Products ACQUISITION - Arysta LifeScience has announced that it is to be taken over by Platform Specialty Products, a deal which will create the 10th largest agricultural chemicals company.

The deal, worth about $3.51 billion is subject to regulatory approval and is due to close in the first quarter of 2015.

Platform Specialty Products will combine Arysta LifeScience with previously acquired companies Agriphar and Chemtura Crop Solutions, with the combined entity becoming a vertically integrated agricultural chemicals company with sales of approximately US$2.1 billion, the 10th largest in the industry.

“Bringing Arysta LifeScience under the Platform umbrella will create a broad agrochemicals offering that is uniquely positioned to provide farmers, globally, with a fulsome suite of products to address their product and geography specific needs,” said Daniel H. Leever, Platform’s Chief Executive Officer.

The current CEO of Arysta LifeScience, Wayne Hewett, will lead the new group.

“There are immediate benefits to joining forces with Agriphar and Chemtura,” said Hewett. “We will be able to offer customers a full complement of biosolutions, crop protection, and seed treatment products. We also will strengthen our global footprint in key geographic areas such as Western Europe and North America.”

february 2015 | agri-Business africa

agribusinessafrica.net

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