Periodic surveys like crop and livestock assessments have become a common feature in most African agriculture-driven economies. These surveys are often conducted during and after the planting season. While surveys like vulnerability assessments are important, in a changing climate characterized by mid-season droughts and disruptions in market supplies, periodic surveys should be supplemented with continuous Read more about Beyond traditional surveys – the value of continuous listening to the market[…]

Contrary to beliefs by most policy makers in African countries, in the history of mankind, no country has built an inclusive society using external food and foreign knowledge systems. That is why developing countries should make sure foreign forces do not accelerate loss of local food and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS). Progressive actions in this Read more about Creating a level playing field for local food and Indigenous Knowledge Systems[…]

Irrigation schemes should promote local food systems While irrigation is touted as a solution to food and nutrition security under a changing climate, it may not be helpful if irrigation schemes set up in African dry regions focus on producing exotic or external commodities. In dry regions where small grains and small livestock grow naturally, Read more about Irrigation schemes should promote local food systems[…]

Pathways for stimulating economic development in local communities While it makes sense for African policy makers to move decision making closer to communities who are often impacted by shocks like climate change and economic collapse, most countries still struggle to embed socio-economic literacy and national policies into grassroots communities.  One of the main challenges is Read more about Pathways for stimulating economic development in local communities[…]

Why invest in production when there is no market for surplus commodities? Post-harvest losses remain very high in most African countries due to lack of solid plans on handling surplus commodities. This enduring problem is not only at farmer or community level but extends to national policy level where the quality of grain in national Read more about Why invest in production when there is no market for surplus commodities?[…]

Why African politics should stop undermining socio-economic development It is now widely known that politics sets the tone and context within which countries can convert natural resources such as land and minerals into better lives for citizens. However, the brand of politics in most African countries has continued to undermine socio-economic development in several ways. Read more about Why African politics should stop undermining socio-economic development[…]

Narrow extension models are no longer suitable for holistic food systems Besides being instruction-oriented, conventional extension models were designed to promote a narrow range of hybrid crops and livestock. This has rendered extension services in many African countries unfit for purpose given that African food systems are too broad and includes wild life that co-exist Read more about Narrow extension models are no longer suitable for holistic food systems[…]