WEMA Achi eves Major Milestone in African Agriculture

The WEMA project has developed conventional drought-resistant maize hybrids, which are sold under the brand name DroughtTEGO, as well as genetically modified (GM) varieties

By Winnie Nanteza

The Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project has concluded its first decade of research, achieving significant advances that are benefitting small-holder maize farmers in sub-Saharan nations.

Some 300 million Africans depend on maize as their main food source, but the crop is frequently destroyed by drought and insect pests, leading to hunger, poverty and human suffering. Hybrids developed under the WEMA project can help farmers better respond to droughts, and the associated loss in productivity, caused by climate change.

“It’s been a thrilling journey and a lot has been accomplished,” said Lawrence Kent of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which was joined by USAID and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in funding WEMA. The public-private partnership is led by the nonprofit African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). Other partners are the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Monsanto and the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) from the participating nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia and Mozambique.

Read more ...

Greedy Traders, Rich Farmers Fight for Control of NCPB Billions

Money is sweet. Money obtained corruptly seems even sweeter. But it is not. Like wearing a stolen jacket, one keeps looking over the shoulder fearing that the owner might spot it and embarrass him, but keeps hoping it won’t happen.

Wealth obtained through corruption is stolen property. And like all stolen property, culpability falls on both the thief and the beneficiaries. Ever heard of a crime called handling stolen property? That is what children, spouses, relatives and friends of corrupt individuals are guilty of whenever they drive cars, sleep in houses and even eat food bought with money stolen from the public through corrupt means.

So the next time you sell that towel at Sh100,000, remember that you are making your child, wife, husband and mother an accomplice of theft. And soon, you are going to get caught. And all your beneficiaries will be exposed for who they are - beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime!

You see, that whole system of corruption is about to fall apart. The house of cards is about to start crumbling, and the hidden cogs will be exposed.

Read more ...

Rice Farming

With a population of 40 million, an annual population growth rate of 2.7% and recent rainfall deficits threatening its food security, Kenya needs to engage in crop diversification at the national level, with a focus on targeting production of staples such as rice in suitable agro-ecological systems. Such enhanced production could play a key role in ensuring that food production gaps are sealed and improving overall national food security.

Rice consumption in Kenya is increasing at a rate of 12% annually, as compared with 4% for wheat and 1% for maize. The annual consumption stands at about 300,000t against a production of 80,000t. Despite the increased consumption, there has been little growth in rice production despite the huge potential that exists in the country.

The Ministry of Agriculture developed a comprehensive National Rice Development Strategy for the period 2008-2018, with the aim of doubling current production. The Rice Promotion Unit, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), conducted a questionnaire survey in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga District, to determine whether this target was achievable by identifying some key challenges that must be solved to meet the goal. Inefficient water management methods and water-rationing programs, crop damage caused by Quelea quelea and weaver birds, and expensive inputs were identified as key bottlenecks. Almost all production activities are done manually, resulting in health hazards and higher costs of production. The rice seed industry is informal, often with poor quality seeds that result in poor crop establishment and yield.

Read more ...

Clodigan 240 EC: Puts Grass to Rest Gives Wheat the Best

It was pomp and dance as cereal growers in Nairage Enkare, Narok County welcomed the entry of a first class grass herbicide in their spray programs. The entry came with an almost audio recorded oratory of Robert Wachira, Country Head, Adama East Africa not previously heard in the area.

In a more theatrical way, Mr. Wachira said, “In today’s growing environment- with constantly shifting social, economical, environmental and market priorities, every grower would vote for a product which ensures high yield, cost benefit per Ha is achieved, minimal environmental impact, crop tolerance and High Compatibility. In addition it should lead to more vigorous, healthier and higher yielding crops”.

Clodigan is an innovative systemic post - emergence wheat herbicide for the control of annual grasses like love grass (setaria spp), wild finger (Eleusine spp),wild oat (Avena spp),wilmann love grass (Eragrostis spp) & rye grass (Lolium spp). This was said by Mr. Robert Wachira while addressing farmers during the one day seminar. Mr. Wachira told farmers that Clodigan 240EC is readily absorbed through the leaf surface and stems, translocated to meristems and inhibits ACC enzymes which are essential for lipids synthesis. The product has minimal Root uptake and degrades rapidly in soil so there is no effective residual weed control.

Read more ...