Way to go!!! This was the start…

The Profiling Project – The Launch – and what it’s all about

On the 3^rd of July the Youth Development Department of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union launched the Young Farmers Profiling Project. A project designed to showcase the success of young Zimbabwean farmers, with the overall goal to integrate Youths into the economy through agriculture for sustainable livelihoods and rural development. Breaking it down to how the project tackles this task: through highlighting successes of young farmers more young people shall be stimulated to venture into farming

How to tackle this task?

We found four successful young Zimbabwean Farmers, visited their farms and captured their stories and thoughts on tape. Going through a critical editing process we came up with 7 to 9 minutes of excitement. Excitement in the form of unique stories told by inspiring young people and made easily accessible to the broader audience. With this being the start of the project we are yet to find four more farmer-life-stories to tell. But we couldn’t wait to let the public know about this…

The launch of this project at the Zimbabwe German Society (ZGS) in Harare was designed to tell as many people as possible about the fascinating work of these young farmers. But more than that is was made to bring together different players in the agricultural sector. With round about 120 people from widely different sectors the event can be described as a full success. Representatives from the Ministries, NGO’s, the private sector and the media followed our invitation and got truly inspired!!!

So follow their example and get some motiviation by these stories:

There is Francis Chirimuuta, farming in Chitowa, Murehwa. With the age of 27 he manages a 70 hectares farm with 30 hectares under irrigation, used for horticultural production. The rest is for his herd of 35 beautiful cattle which he nourishes carefully and keeps in perfect shape. His great passion though is the Mbambaira, the sweet potato. He puts all possible efforts in improving his knowledge about the crop and possible new developments. With this he manages to transfer knowledge to his farm workers and builds up the capacity in their communities. But also other young farmers benefit from his skills and research. By forming Young Farmers Clubs in the area he ensures that the new generation of farmers can profit from his research and experiences. This approach leads to his success as a farmer and his contribution to the development of the rural community he lives in.

Please get ready to meet Francis…

 

Living in Marondera, 29-year old ZFU young farmer Ruramiso Mashumba manages to produce sweet peas for the export market. Her studies in the UK made her especially realize the differences, but also the similarities between European and Zimbabwean farming. With this knowledge Ruramiso is always keen on new approaches, ideas and technologies. She manages to find interesting new ways of improving farming and is happy to share them with other farmers in Zimbabwe. Together with other young farmers she shares her skills and knowledge by forming ZFU Young Farmers Clubs, but also increasingly the social media. Via WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook the rapid distribution of problems also lead to instant solutions of them. Her ambitions of enhancing not only her skills but also her employee’s and her colleague’s show how responsible-minded this young generation of farmers is.

Don’t miss out on listening to Ruramiso!!!

 

Munyaradzi Shamuyarira is a shining example of a self-made man. By using the opportunities and resources he was given he shows that you don’t have to wait for opportunities, you have to seek them and take the action. Being based in Marlborough, Harare he saw the vast potential farming offers to young people, even in urban areas. Starting to farm in his mother’s garden he used the money he earned by doing another job to improve his skills and possibilities. The result is overwhelming: he built a greenhouse where he produces tomatoes and English cucumber. Besides that his production of cauliflower and broccoli is quiet impressive. Therefore if you go to your next supermarket don’t forget to get some really good vegetables!

Be prepared for some debates about urban farming with Munya!

 

And last but not least Bright Nezomba. Bright’s story is something to remember. Losing his parents at a very young age he was raised by his grandmother in the Honde Valley, Manicaland. Although being interested in farming, Bright went to the mines when they discovered diamonds in the area. But soon he realized that farming is a better and more rewarding business to be in. Therefore he left the mines and came back to farm on his grandmother’s land.To date this remarkable 25 years old young farmer has a plot of 1.5 hectares under production. Producing bananas on 0.7 hectares on a contract basis he is able to produce maize on the rest of the land. He managed to gather other young farmers and start to work in a producer group with them and make use of the advantages of group schemes in agricultural production.

So be excited to meet Bright!

 

What is the way forward?

These stories are unique in a way, but as we manage to find these four people we are confident that there are others out there. And we are keen to fulfill our task to find these and bring them all together to create a melting pot of knowledge, skills, ideas and inspiration. With this we want to reach out to all the young Zimbabweans out there who are capable of venturing into a viable and rewarding business: Farming!!!

 

You are able to recreate the event of the launch for yourself. Therefore visit our YouTube channel and watch the ZFU Young Farmers Profiles. Simply follow the link:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIV_TNo6W4Rez9Ak6mP17nX31z2FV2gLG

 

And don’t forget to let us know what you think about it! Either here or on our Facebook page: Young Farmers Clubs!

 

It’s getting exciting!!!

To all of you Young Farmers out there: It’s getting exciting!!!

This week we can announce to you three inspring matters are coming up:

1st: Our own YouTube channel is now up and running. Therefore check out all new videos and activities, captured for you in one place:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsqluqHcCLeWq1HnUfiANqg/feed

Find the first video there today!!!

2nd: The Young Farmers Profiling Project!

The aim of the Young Farmers Profiling Project is the integration of youths into the mainstreaming economy through agriculture for sustainable livelihoods and rural development.

We want to show the success, but also the fun part of farming through individual success-stories of Young Zimbabwean Farmers.

On Thursday we will launch the project and make some noise about Young Farmers to everyone out there in the agricultural sector.

So watch the preview of the project on our YouTube channel and let us know what you think… But this is just the beginning, next week you can watch the full profiles and the documentation about the launch on this channel – therefore stay tuned and don’t miss out on this!!!

3rd: A small sneak into what is going to come up during the next weeks: It’s called “Agritalks – discussions with Young Farmers”.

You wanna know what that is? Then stay tuned and follow us here, on Facebook and YouTube and you will soon find out!!!

Thumbs up for farming, thumbs up for youths, thumbs up for Young Farmers!!!

 

Lumpy Skin Disease

 

Image: http://www.qia.go.kr

 

Definition
Lumpy Skin Disease (LPD) is an infectious, eruptive, occasionally fatal disease of cattle characterised by nodules on the skin and other parts of the body. Secondary bacterial infection often aggravates the condition.
Traditionally Lumpy Skin Disease (LPD) is found in southern and eastern Africa, but in the 1970s it extended northwest through the continent into sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2000, it has spread to several countries of the Middle East and in 2013 was confirmed in Turkey. (www.merckmanuals.com)

History of Lumpy Skin Disease
The clinical syndrome of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) was first described in 1929. Initially, it was considered to be the result either of poisoning or a hypersensitivity to insect bites. Between 1943 and 1945, cases occured in Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The infectious nature of the disease was recognised at this time. A panzootic in South Africa, which lasted until 1949, affected some eight million cattle and consequently incurred enormous economic losses (Thomas & Mare, 1945; von Backstrom, 1945; Diesel, 1949).
LSD was first identified in East Africa in Kenya in 1957 & the Sudan in 1972, and in West Africa in 1974, spreading into Somalia in 1983. From 1929 to 1986 the disease was restricted to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, although its potential to extend beyond this range had been suggested (Davies, 1981).
In May 1988, LSD was recognised clinically in the Suez Governorate of Egypt, where it was thought to have arrived at the local quarantine station with cattle imported from Africa. The disease spread locally in the summer of 1988 and apparently overwintered with little or no manifestation of clinical disease. It reappeared in the summer of 1989 and, in a period of five to six months, spread to 22 of the 26 governorates of Egypt. A rapid reaction to the problem led to the vaccination of nearly two million cattle with a sheep pox vaccine. Morbidity in this epizootic was low, being 2 percent of the whole cattle population. Approximately 1449 animals died.
In 1989, a focus of LSD was indentified in Israel and subsequently eliminated by the slaughter of all infected cattle as well as contacts. Ring vaccination was carried out around the focus area and no further clinical cases have occurred.
In sub-Saharan Africa, LSD is now enzootic in all the countries in which it has occurred and has proved impossible to eradicate. Restrictions on cattle movements have not prevented its spread within countries and today LSD is liable to extend its range eastward from northeastern Africa and Egypt into the highly receptive Tigris-Euphrates delta. Further extension westward from Egypt into North Africa is possible and creates a danger of the coexistence of LSD with the screwworm infestation. This is of considerable significance as LSD creates multiple necrotic foci in the skin, which are suitable for oviposition by Cochliomyia hominivorax. (www.fao.org)

Here  in Zimbabwe there have been significant outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease.

In the paper below by Philemon Buruzi, he explains the signs and symptoms, effects, vaccination and treatment.

Lumpy Skin Disease-Philemon Buruzi-24 March 2014 (PDF file)

Philemon Buruzi (philemonburuzi@gmail.com), 24 March 2014, http://www.agriuniverse.co.zw

2014 World Food Prize Laureate

 

Image: http://www.worldfoodprize.org

The 2014 World Food Prize Laureate has been announced, Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram.

What is the World Food Prize?

The World Food Prize is the foremost international award recognizing — without regard to race, religion, nationality, or political beliefs — the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world.

The Prize recognizes contributions in any field involved in the world food supply — food and agriculture science and technology, manufacturing, marketing, nutrition, economics, poverty alleviation, political leadership and the social sciences.

The World Food Prize emphasizes the importance of a nutritious and sustainable food supply for all people. By honoring those who have worked successfully toward this goal, The Prize calls attention to what has been done to improve global food security and to what can be accomplished in the future.

Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work in world agriculture, envisioned a prize that would honor those who have made significant and measurable contributions to improving the world’s food supply. Beyond recognizing these people for their personal accomplishments, Borlaug saw The Prize as a means of establishing role models who would inspire others. His vision was realized when The World Food Prize was created in 1986.

Since then, The World Food Prize has honored outstanding individuals who have made vital contributions to improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food throughout the world. Laureates have been recognized from countries around the world, including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Cuba, Denmark, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United Nations and the United States.

The World Food Prize is sponsored by businessman and philanthropist John Ruan and is located in Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Ruan stepped forward to endow The Prize in 1990 when its first sponsor withdrew. Without Mr. Ruan’s generosity, The Prize and Dr. Borlaug’s vision could not have continued. Today John Ruan’s son, Mr. John Ruan III, has succeeded his father as chairman of the World Food Prize. The Foundation’s president is Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn. A Council of Advisors provides guidance and support.

The World Food Prize Youth Institute was established in 1994 by The World Food Prize Foundation. The primary goal of the Institute is to increase awareness of The World Food Prize mission among Iowa youth. Through the application process, students and their mentor teachers (one student/teacher team per high school) are selected to attend the annual three-day Youth Institute in October. These schools represent a cross-section throughout the state, including large and small, urban and rural communities.

Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram

 

Image: Dr. Sanjaya Rajaram http://www.newsbharati.com

Honoured for his scientific research that led to a prodigious increase in world wheat production – by more than 200 million tons – building upon the successes of the Green Revolution.

His breakthrough breeding technologies have had a far-reaching and significant impact in providing more nutritious food around the globe and alleviating world hunger. Dr. Rajaram succeeded Dr. Norman Borlaug in leading CIMMYT’s wheat breeding program, and developed an astounding 480 wheat varieties that have been released in 51 countries on six continents and have been widely adopted by small- and large-scale farmers alike.

(http://www.worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm?nodeID=74183&audienceID=1)

Protecting Tomatoes from Frost

Image: http://www.mnn.com

Winter is upon us.

Apart from keeping ourselves warm, we have to remember to protect our crops from the inevitable frost that is a result of this season.

Cold temperatures can literally wipe out your tender crops!!

Tomatoes are part of the tender crops such as peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, eggplants etc, that find it difficult to tolerate frost.

In the article below, Gilbert Mhazo of Agriuniverse explains how we as farmers can protect our tomatoes from the deadly effects of frost.

Some of the tips are to “plant in higher areas that face the sun” (Low-lying areas, where cold air settles, are more susceptible to frost) and “covering plants with plastic or grass during the night and remove to allow sun heat during the day”.

Read on protecting_tomatoes_from_frost (PDF file)

You can contact Gilbert Mhazo: gilbertmhazo@gmail.com or on http://www.agriuniverse.co.zw/ info@agriuniverse.co.zw. Don’t forget to check out Agriuniverse on Facebook and Twitter!!

Keep Farming!!!

 

Broiler Production

Image: capetown.olx.co.za

With high production costs and a challenging economy, is it viable to keep producing poultry?

In the article below, Philemon Buruzi of Agriuniverse explains that “Production efficiency is key” to broiler production”.

broiler_production_viability_in_zimbabwe_production_efficiency_is_key_-_attachment(1) (PDF file)

Contact Philemon:- philemonburuzi@gmail.com or Agriuniverse on Facebook and Twitter

 

 

The battle for Africa’s food future

Meet, Tanzania’s Janet Moro, Kenya’s Professor Mary Abukutsa-Onyango, South Africa’s Mariam Mayet who are “teaching the health benefits of Africa’s own indigenous plants, promoting the advantages of organic agriculture, and fighting the incursions of multinationals into Africa.”

Oromian Economist

The scale of foreign agribusiness on African soil could soon change how what we eat is grown, but also what we eat. The livelihoods of small-scale farmers hang in the balance. But a counter movement is forming. Meet three warrior queens battling for Africa’s food future.

Tanzania’s Janet Maro, who is teaching people the principles of chemical-free growing, intercropping and more. Photo © Peter Lüthi, Biovision

Africa is at a tipping point – soon the scale of foreign agribusiness on African soil could change who owns vast tracts of land, how food is grown there and what the average person will consume. The livelihoods of small-scale farmers who work family farms, which still make up 80 per cent of Africa’s farms, hang in the balance.

The major actors in this drama are unsurprising: Monsanto, Unilever, Diageo, Cargill and their peers. All have identified sub-Saharan African, with its fertile lands…

View original post 1,566 more words

Plantwise in Mozambique launching today

Interesting…plant wise Mozambique!!

Agribusiness and Communication Competition for Youth in Africa

Agribusiness and Communication Competition for Youth in Africa

Enactus, an international NGO, and Syngenta, one of the world’s leading companies in the agricultural sector, launched an Africa Agribusiness Competition that encourages youth in Africa to generate creative business ideas to improve the agricultural productivity of certain crop value chains.

Through the online platform http://www.agribiz4africa.com, youth between 18-30 years from Sub Saharan Africa are invited to submit a 500 word business ideas essay that will be judged by leading agribusiness academia from East and West Africa. The best 25 contestants will each receive a USD 1,000 grant to test the viability of their idea. The best three among them will then be competitively selected by a recognized panel of agribusiness leaders and invited to attend the important AGRF Forum on African agriculture to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in early September, where they will have a chance to mingle with some of Africa’s most influential thought leaders and receive due recognition reward for their effort and ideas.

In recognition of the need to position agriculture as an attractive occupation for young people, youth with talent in the creative arts have a special category in which to compete dubbed the “Agriculture Video Messaging Competition.” Through online submission on the same website, entrants are invited to create messages that depict agricultural activities from farm-to-fork as “COOL.” The entries will be judged by leading academia in the communication field from which the top 20 entries will be selected. From these finalists, a judging panel comprised of recognized leaders in the communication and advertisement industry will select the top 3, who will also travel to Addis Ababa for the award ceremony.

All entries have to be submitted by June 10, 2014. For more information please visit the website: http://www.agribiz4africa.com.

The objective of the Syngenta – Enactus (K) Agribusiness Competition is to raise awareness amongst the youth and key stakeholders in agriculture, of the enormous business opportunities within agricultural value chains across Africa, and to attract young people to actively engage in shaping this vital industry.

For more information please go to:
http://www.enactus.org/country/kenya/
http://www.syngenta.com

If you are a passionate young farmer between 18 and 30 visit the website http://www.agribiz4africa.com to get all necessary information about the competition and make sure to come up with a fresh, new idea to show that Zimbabwean Young Farmers have the potential to play a leading role in the green revolution in Africa!!!
If you need any help or assistance with your proposals, please feel free to send them in to the following Email addresses until the 4th of June or come by the office at ZFU Headquarters (102 Fife Avenue, Harare):
Newton Chari Garikayi (charin@zfu.org.zw)
Charlotte Duevel (cduevel@zfu.or.zw)

Let us take another step to break the barriers!!!

Why Africa Can Make it Big in Agriculture-Mark Ashurst and Stephen Mbithi

Take a look at this paper by Mark Ashurst and Stephen Mbithi

Published by Africa Research Institute

July 2010

Click on it below

Why-Africa-can-make-it-big-in-agriculture (PDF)

“A few extracts from the paper” below

“Self-sufficiency in food production is the new mantra of donors and policymakers in Africa. But farmers, large and small, can be much more ambitious. Agriculture is the continent’s most neglected- and important-potential competitive advantage. It is Africa’s best answer to globalisation. Until farming is commercially viable, there will always be hunger in Africa.”

Food is critical to Africa’s prospects and farming is the best hope for impoverished rural communities on which 70% of the country’s poor depend. With more ambition-commercial agriculture would transform Africa’s balance of trade.

Improvements in agriculture are vital to the continent and to the world. Worldwide, at least a billion people, one person in six are hungry. By 2050 the global population is forecast to rise by a third. Africa’s population is forecast to double. Meanwhile average cereal yields in Africa have shown no improvement since the 1960s. In contrast to steep rises in productivity through most of Asia. Over the same period, Africa has moved from being a net exporter to importing a quarter of its food.

The case for self-sufficiency:-

A constant refrain among policymakers is that smallholders must become self-sufficient.

It is time for Africa to produce its own food and attain self-sufficiency in food production”- Kofi Annan

Self-sufficiency is a reasonable goal, but as the key determinant of policy it is ambiguous and timid. About two thirds of Africans depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, including a majority of those living below the poverty line. Many smallholders, are like city dwellers-net purchasers of food.

The rhetoric of self-sufficiency exalts rural populations to grow more staple crops rather than pressing for hard-headed policies to claim a larger share of the global trade in food.

While the mantra of self-sufficiency is often misguided, the underlying rationale for helping smallholders is sound. Higher productivity means better harvests for farmers, better harvests should mean lower and less volatile prices.

Being competitive:-

Agriculture is Africa’s most neglected and important potential competitive advantage in the global economy. For as long as Asia is the engine of the world’s manufacturing and Western countries dominate the pharmaceutical industry, Africans will continue to import their pots and pans, medicines and cars. Yet Africa’s potential as a cost effective manufacturer of food for export remains untapped in spite of available land, proved technology and the low cost of labour.