Category: eMKambo

Headaches and pathways of translating infrastructure into better lives

Posted on by eMKambo

While infrastructure like road highways and irrigation systems continue to receive much attention, funding and media coverage, it has taken long for most intended beneficiaries to benefit directly from such investments. After investing infrastructure, most development organizations do not think about the sustainability model. The utilization of resources is more critical than just investing in Read more about Headaches and pathways of translating infrastructure into better lives[…]

How African territorial markets are quietly rewriting socio-economic rules

Posted on by eMKambo

Being self-organized for decades has enabled most African territorial markets to write their own socio-economic rules in ways that are contrary to formal systems that African governments borrowed from colonialism without questioning. For instance, whereas formal business often at 8am and close at 5pm, most African territorial markets operate 24/7 with restocking happening throughout the Read more about How African territorial markets are quietly rewriting socio-economic rules[…]

Transporters as unique knowledge brokers in African markets and food systems

Posted on by eMKambo

The process of moving food commodities from production areas to markets is rich with unique knowledge which you may not hear from farmers or traders but from transporters. In most value chain studies, transporters are often overlooked as key informants yet they get information from diverse actors and sources such as farmers, traders, other transporters, Read more about Transporters as unique knowledge brokers in African markets and food systems[…]

How colonialists used their language to undermine indigenous food systems

Posted on by eMKambo

In many African countries, colonialists did not just take the best land for producing their own food and raw materials for their own industries. They went further and used their own language to stigmatize indigenous food so that the young generation of Africans would completely delink themselves from food that is an integral part of Read more about How colonialists used their language to undermine indigenous food systems[…]

Domesticating wild animals and plants can strengthen African food systems

Posted on by eMKambo

For African countries that are preserving their biodiversity, domesticating wild animals and plants can be a promising avenue for strengthening food systems and creating totally new value chains. That will also liberate African communities from depending on corporate hybrids that are causing several health challenges to many populations. What prevents African countries from producing diverse Read more about Domesticating wild animals and plants can strengthen African food systems[…]

What would inclusive urban planning look like for an agriculture-driven economy

Posted on by eMKambo

Urban planning in most African cities has not only remained colonial but largely focuses on attracting foreign investors and tourists at the expense of meeting the needs of local citizens. The way commodities move from production areas to urban centres should be an integral component of urban planning. That will enable local authorities to answer Read more about What would inclusive urban planning look like for an agriculture-driven economy[…]

How African territorial markets are redefining post-colonial consumption

Posted on by eMKambo

Although colonial legacies continue to shape the way Africans produce and consume food, African territorial markets are quietly re-defining post-colonial consumption patterns by positioning agroecology and indigenous food systems. This process is also providing alternatives for heathy-conscious citizens keen to de-link local food systems from Western five course meals. Against all odds such as rapid Read more about How African territorial markets are redefining post-colonial consumption[…]

The underrated value of knowing your customer and knowing your market

Posted on by eMKambo

There are times when the market is more important than inputs like seed, fertilizer and capital but very few farmers invest in understanding the market and knowing their customers. The situation is worse in African territorial markets where customers are as diverse as the commodities such that knowing your customer may not mean keeping that Read more about The underrated value of knowing your customer and knowing your market[…]

The invisible costs of fragmented data in African agriculture and food systems

Posted on by eMKambo

While the importance of agricultural and food systems data is no longer questionable, unless concrete examples are provided, many decision makers will take a casual approach to data. Without data on quantities of agricultural commodities harvested (not just hectares planted) in a particular community, government can assume there is enough food to last a whole Read more about The invisible costs of fragmented data in African agriculture and food systems[…]

How evidence and knowledge influence the quality of commodities and incomes

Posted on by eMKambo

The quality of agricultural commodities and income is influenced by the quality of evidence and knowledge accessible to value chain actors, thanks to evidence from African mass food markets. More importantly, the survival of any business depends on the trust, relationships and networks built with existing and potential suppliers and buyers. Many African countries produce Read more about How evidence and knowledge influence the quality of commodities and incomes[…]