Month: November 2016

Rainy seasons show how developing countries struggle with preserving food

Posted on by

While rainfall can easily be associated with high agricultural production, in many African countries abundant rains also come with enormous damage to food that has already been produced. At least 30% of food in Africa is said to be lost before it is consumed. Too much rainfall accounts for a significant proportion of such post-harvest Read more about Rainy seasons show how developing countries struggle with preserving food[…]

Overcoming misconceptions about involving users in creating knowledge

Posted on by eMKambo

One of the most enduring misconceptions in developing countries is the notion that if farmers and rural people are not involved in creating knowledge they will not adopt what comes from outside. As a result, billions of US dollars have gone into diverse versions of participatory development approaches. Unfortunately, as soon as donor funding dries Read more about Overcoming misconceptions about involving users in creating knowledge[…]

Lessons from how informal markets keep agricultural knowledge fresh

Posted on by

Just as agriculture markets prefer fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and other commodities, knowledge on all these commodities should also be kept fresh. It is through regular visits to the market that farmers are able to keep their knowledge fresh.  Farmers who extend loans to traders in the form of commodities also extend knowledge about Read more about Lessons from how informal markets keep agricultural knowledge fresh[…]

Some of the reasons why small grains continue to resist winner take all commercialization

Posted on by

From Mali to Zimbabwe and South Africa to Southern Sudan, small grains remain an integral part of mainstream local food systems.  There are many reasons why small grains continue to pack a huge socio-economic punch in many countries.  To revisit and stimulate a frank discussion on the power of small grains, eMKambo has just completed Read more about Some of the reasons why small grains continue to resist winner take all commercialization[…]