cluster 3 – DeSIRA-LIFT Community

WATDEV finalized baseline assessments in four African countries to boost sustainable agriculture

Manon Koningstein — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:59:28 +0000

In the framework of WATDEV, baseline studies have been finalized in the target countries as part of the feasibility studies to set the foundation for analyzing the impacts of technical solutions on soil and water management in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The objectives of the assessments were to: establish a baseline for WATDEV feasibility indicators, establish teams and credible data sources for monitoring the performance of agreed indicators, identify gaps and opportunities for improving the implementation of the WATDEV project for wider impact, and facilitate the assessment of climate change impact on water and agricultural development in North and East Africa.

For the full blog, please see here

WATDEV: The side event at COP16 UNCCD, co-organized by WATDEV, in Riyadh on December 10, 2024

Manon Koningstein — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:58:09 +0000

The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a critical event addressing the interconnected challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD). Scheduled from December 2 to 13, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, COP16 marks the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD and the first time this conference is hosted in the Middle East and North Africa. These regions are significantly affected by DLDD, highlighting the urgency for global action.

For the full blog, see here

Climate Smart Dairy Eritrea: Eritrea’s New National Animal Identification System

Manon Koningstein — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:50:18 +0000

Eritrea launches its first organized national animal identification and dairy herd performance recording systems with the help of the DeSIRA-CSARIDE project

Dairying is one of the most important activities of the livestock sector in Eritrea. It has immense potential to contribute to food security and poverty alleviation by increasing the income of smallholder dairy producers, creating employment and transforming the existing largely subsistence-level of milk production to a commercial level. Currently, over 90% of the nation’s cattle are owned by small-scale farmers contributing to about 95% of the total milk production. Therefore, the activities being implemented by the DeSIRA-CSARIDE project in ensuring planned and strategic interventions and investments in the dairy sector are crucial to the country’s food self-sufficiency and poverty alleviation.

For the full blog post, please see here

LIPS-ZIM adopts cost-effective technology to fight deadly ticks.

Manon Koningstein — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:22:21 +0000

Blog originally posted here

In Zimbabwe, tick-borne diseases are responsible for 60% of deaths in cattle herds and government is introducing innovative methods to stop this with the latest being Acaricide Footbaths, a cost-effective alternative to dip tanks, to control the spread of the deadly Amblyomma “bont” tick.

read full article:

IRFFS: FM Nyanti, EU Applaud DeSIRA’s IRFFS Project’s Sustainability Plan.

Manon Koningstein — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:20:15 +0000

Originally published in the Daily Observer

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Nona Deprez, has lauded the sustainability plan of the DeSIRA Integrated Rice-Fish Farming System (IRFFS) Project. The ambassador, who was part of Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti’s acquaintance mission to the government’s development partners’ project sites, told journalists that what she saw at the already-ended project site is a good example of sustainability, an element that the European Union embeds into their project.

“We have fish, we have rice. I think it is really a good example of a sustainable project. Sustainability is something that we build into each of our projects,” said the ambassador.

Foreign Minister Nyanti, led a delegation comprising government officials and members of the diplomatic community, toured a beneficiary’s farm of the IRFFS Project on Monday, August 12, 2024. The mission was to acquaint the Minister with international partners’ projects as part of their contribution to national development.

“Bringing ambassadors and my colleagues from other government ministries to see these projects firsthand was essential,” she told journalists. “It allows us to appreciate our progress and identify future challenges and opportunities.”

The mission also preceded the Twelfth EU-Liberia Partnership Dialogue Co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and the Head of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Nona Deprez. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address key mutual interests grounded in shared values.

The coordinator of the project, Dr. Inoussa Akintayo, welcomed the high-powered delegation to the project’s beneficiary farm. He led the tour at the farm, highlighting the innovation that the project has introduced along the rice and fish value chain in Liberia.

The DeSIRA Integrated Rice-Fish Farming System Project was launched in 2020 and ended in 2023. Throughout its lifespan, the project reported 53 hectares of cultivated and 35 metric tons of fish produced per year across five counties–Gbarpolu, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Margibi, and Maryland. Local fabricators were also trained to produce small-scale machinery to boost farmers’ productivity.

Africa Rice and World Fish implemented the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), and the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI).

ICSI-APL: Why feed strategies are crucial to building resilience in Agro-pastoralist communities.

Manon Koningstein — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:17:56 +0000

Blog originally published here

Feeding strategies are a sustainable solution to addressing the challenge of feed deficit, improving livestock productivity, and enhancing household income.

In Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), the livelihoods of agro-pastoralist communities fully rely on a consistent supply of animal feeds. These regions, covering nearly 90% of Kenya’s landmass and home to 30% of its population, face unique challenges including climate variability, which severely impacts feed availability and livestock productivity. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and well-structured initiatives to build resilience among pastoral communities.

For the entire blog, please read here

WE4F: Southern and Central Africa Hub Releases New Requests for Quotations

Manon Koningstein — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:15:24 +0000

Blog originally published here.

The Southern and Central Africa Hub of WE4F has released two new Requests for Quotations (RFQ). The hub is looking for consultants and/or companies that have can full fill the needed skill sets.

The first RFQ requires expertise in integrating payment platforms and loan management systems. The second RFQ seeks quotations from those who have expertise in attaining certification for organic fertilizers in Zambia.

Please submit questions about the RFQs by September 16th to the email address, WE4FAfricaBids@tetratech.com

Responses to the RFQs should be submitted by September 27th at 4pm CAT.

For more information, see here

WE4F: Water-Efficient Innovations for Food Production in Iraq and Egypt

Manon Koningstein — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:12:31 +0000

Blog originally published here

Approximately 85% of the water in the MENA region is used for irrigated agriculture. The World Bank projects that water scarcity could cause gross domestic product losses of up to 6% by 2050, especially in countries like Iraq and Egypt. To protect the region’s food supply and economy, it’s essential that farming becomes more water-efficient. This article explores innovative solutions from Egypt and Iraq, highlighting three companies that are leading the way in water-efficient agriculture.

Water-Efficient Hydroponic Systems

Agriculture in Iraq accounts for more than 80% of water usage, putting the population, especially children, base of the pyramid, and marginalized groups, at risk. These groups are particularly vulnerable because they often lack access to clean water and are highly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. Children are especially at risk from malnutrition and waterborne diseases due to limited water availability. Marginalized communities, including low-income households, are disproportionately affected by water scarcity as they rely on agriculture for both food and income, making them more susceptible to the adverse impacts of water shortages.

Due to the effects of climate change, Iraq has experienced drier rainfall seasons, which reduces the water flow in its rivers and directly affects irrigation, crop cultivation, and livestock watering. Pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, and untreated sewage also heavily contributes to growing water scarcity in Iraq, making freshwater toxic and unsuitable for agricultural use.

To mitigate these challenges, LORK developed an affordable, small-scale hydroponic system for growing barley without soil. The system is manually operated and comes in three models, priced between $600 and $1,000, depending on functionality and size. It produces fully grown barley in about one week, yielding 36-48 kg per week for the smaller model and 50-70 kg for the larger designs. This method uses significantly less water and space compared to traditional open-field cultivation. So far, approximately 50 farmers have adopted LORK’s system, benefiting from reduced feed costs and more efficient water usage, even in dry regions.

In Egypt, the water situation is just as dire. If nothing is changed, the country could run out of fresh water by as early as 2025 because of droughts, heatwaves, and pollution. The Nile is essential to all of Egypt’s freshwater needs, yet pollution, mismanagement and inefficient use of resources make the future of the river uncertain. Faced with such a crisis, Egypt needs sustainable solutions and efficient irrigation techniques now more than ever.

One of these potential solutions is Plug’n’Grow’s hydroponic system which does not use soil, instead mixing nutrients into the water. This method saves up to 90% of the water used in traditional farming. Additionally, farmers who use the Plug’n’Grow system have reported an increase of up to 30% in their crop production. By conserving water and increasing crop yields, Plug’n’Grow helps farmers boost their income.

Innovative Fish Farming Techniques

Within Iraq’s agricultural water usage, open-field fish farming – a conventional practice in Iraq – also results in significant waste and water pollution, as the water is not typically reused or subjected to proper treatment. To improve fish farming, Al Rakae’z Al Handasiyah has introduced a closed-loop system that recycles water, reducing freshwater usage by nearly 50%, when compared to conventional practices. This method conserves water, improves fish quality, and doubles production. By using Internet of Things technology, like devices with sensors and other devices that can collect and exchange data within their system, Al Raka’ez maintains optimal farming conditions while reducing waste (e.g., unused feed). To further enhance their sustainable practices the innovator plans on transitioning to solar energy.

Supporting Communities at all Levels with Sustainable Solutions

These innovations have a particularly big impact on the base-of-the-pyramid farmers and other end-users, by making advanced agricultural technology accessible and affordable. For instance, Plug’n’Grow developed Grow Cell, a small-scale hydroponics unit designed for small areas or home usage, making it easier for small-scale farmers to adopt. LORK and Al Raka’ez Al Handasiyah also provide tools and systems that reduce costs, conserve resources, and improve crop yields. These affordable solutions help small-scale farmers and low-income communities increase their productivity and income, directly benefiting the most vulnerable groups in the region.

Innovations, like those offered by the previously mentioned companies, are essential for ensuring the region’s future. They serve as an example of how the private and public sectors can work together to scale sustainable solutions that reduce the economic and social impacts of water scarcity while improving water management.

To learn more about the types of support provided to innovators and the results achieved, read the Water and Energy for Food 2023 Annual Report.

Women Coffee Climate: Jimma Forum on Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation Strategies in Coffee Farming: A Resounding Success.

Manon Koningstein — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:09:06 +0000

Blog originally published here

The forum opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Solomon, the Dean of Jimma Agriculture, who set the tone for the event with his insightful remarks on the critical importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate adaptation strategies within the coffee farming sector. This was followed by an opening remark from Ato Sefissa Ababu, Director in charge of the Director General Office of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA), who underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Dr. Truphena, Executive Director of OSSREA, also delivered a powerful welcome address and keynote speech, emphasizing the necessity of gender-responsive approaches to climate adaptation in ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming. Her remarks were well-received and set a strong foundation for the discussions that followed.

The forum featured a series of compelling presentations and panel discussions that captivated the participants. Dr. Fekadu’s keynote presentation on the intersection of gender and climate change in coffee farming was well-received, sparking active engagement and discussion among the attendees. Dr. Tadesse’s presentation on “Climate Change and Coffee: Current Trends and Future Projections” was also well-received. The participants, demonstrating their deep interest and commitment, were highly active throughout the event, contributing to vibrant discussions that enriched the forum’s outcomes.

In addition to the presentations, panel discussions provided a platform for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and solutions related to gender-responsive climate adaptation in the coffee sector. The diversity of perspectives and the depth of knowledge shared during these sessions highlighted the critical importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.

The success of the Jimma Forum is a testament to the commitment and collaboration of all involved. The organizers would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the participants, presenters, and panelists for their invaluable contributions. The event has laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and action in developing gender-responsive strategies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of coffee farming in Ethiopia.

As the forum concluded, there was a unanimous agreement on the need for continued dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders to effectively address the intersection of gender and climate change in the coffee farming sector. The outcomes of this forum will undoubtedly contribute to shaping future policies and practices that are both inclusive and sustainable.

Jimma, Ethiopia – The recently concluded forum on Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation Strategies in Coffee Farming, held in Jimma, was hailed as a remarkable success. The event, co-organized by OSSREA and Jimma University, brought together over 55 participants, including key stakeholders from academia, research institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Women Coffee Climate: OSSREA Hosts Successful Feedback Workshop on Gender Equality Strategy Implementation Guideline

Manon Koningstein — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:07:23 +0000

Blog originally published here

The workshop aimed to gather valuable feedback from key stakeholders on the GES Implementation Guideline, which is designed to promote gender equality and empower women across Ethiopia’s coffee, tea, and spices sectors. The event provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and identify actionable recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the strategy.

Key Highlights of the Workshop:

Opening Remarks: The workshop commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Safissa Ababu, who emphasized the critical importance of gender equality in the agricultural sector and the role of the GES Implementation Guideline in achieving this goal.
Group Discussions: Participants were divided into four groups, each focusing on specific topics such as policy alignment, business cases for gender equality, advocacy and awareness, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The group discussions allowed for in-depth exploration of challenges and opportunities, fostering a collaborative approach to strategy implementation.
Plenary Session: Following the group discussions, a plenary session was held where each group presented their key findings and recommendations. The presentations highlighted the need for stronger policy enforcement, increased access to finance for women, and the importance of ongoing knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Actionable Recommendations: The workshop concluded with several actionable steps to be taken forward. These include enhancing the monitoring and evaluation framework, integrating gender-sensitive indicators into project designs, and strengthening partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society organizations.

Speaking at the closing of the event, Ms. Aurora Martin, project manager of the Women, Coffee and Climate DESIRA project, said that “This workshop marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to advance gender equality within the coffee sector. The feedback and insights shared today will be instrumental in refining our approach and ensuring that the GES Implementation Guideline effectively meets its objectives.”

The workshop underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving gender equality and set the stage for ongoing engagement and partnership among the various actors involved.

Addis Ababa, September 03, 2024 – The Organisation of Social Science Research in Eastern and Souther Africa (OSSREA) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) successfully hosted a Feedback Workshop on the Gender Equality Strategy (GES) Implementation Guideline at the Sapphire Addis Hotel. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), etc.