At the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – the United Nations’ agency focused on rural development – they believe there can be no green economy without “green” agriculture.
Monthly Archives: May 2012
Green value chains transform vulnerable farmers into entrepreneurs
CA can reduce food imports by 80% – Swazi Minister of Agriculture, Clement Dlamini
EMBRACING conservation agriculture could help reduce Africa’s food imports by 80%, says Minister of Agriculture Clement Dlamini.
He said this was revealed during a summit where various countries, including Swaziland were represented.
“This will enhance investment in agriculture and many sectors which are the main drivers of the economies of African countries,” said Dlamini.
Technology vital to food security: Swaminathan
Inaugurating the Perumatty Agro Service Centre in Chittur, Kerala, Dr. M.S.Swaminathan said modern agriculture practices, such as precision farming, would help convert his concept of “evergreen agriculture revolution” into a reality.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Produces More Food Sustainably
Soil conservation and the efficient use of water are very important in countries affected by climate change. Nuclear and isotopic techniques can help develop climate-smart soil and water management practices
French farmer ‘looks forward’ with conservation farming
Farms that have been in no-till for decades can be the best indicator of whether or not tilling improves soil health and farm production.
Sarah Singla is an agronomic engineer and a farmer in the south of France where she manages her grandfather’s farm. The farm has been in no-till since 1980, she said.
Evergreen Agriculture for the Great Green Wall of Africa
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May 22, 2012
In a recent BBC interview, World Agroforestry Centre scientists agree that the Sahara Desert is expanding and they are committed to support efforts to stop it.
Some experts have in the past suggested fuelwood as the driver of the desertification. Others say changing rainfall patterns and intensive land-use practises are responsible for the expansion.
Distinguished Board Research Fellow of the World Agroforestry Centre, Dennis Garrity as well as other Centre scientists are continuing their support for an African Union initiative called the Great Green Wall of Africa in an effort to stop the expansion of the Sahara desert. In his opinion, what is needed is Evergreen Agriculture. Dennis says “Evergreen agriculture improves overall soil health which contributes to slowing the Sahara expansion.”
The Great Green Wall which will extend from the Senegalese coast to the Djibouti coast upon completion, can be achieved when practises such as Evergreen Agriculture are used. According to Dennis, Evergreen Agriculture offers one of the best defences against desertification because its affordable, sustainable and accessible farming methods benefit both rural smallholder farmers as well as the environment.