Why the elite should stop imposing their expectations on smallholder farmers

Posted on by eMKambo

Bankers expect smallholder farmers to repay loans at a particular interest. For economists, African smallholder farmers are supposed to master return on investment. Nutritionists expect smallholder farmers to be food scientists just as agronomists and livestock specialists expect smallholder farmers to think and act like scientists. NGOs promoting farmer field schools see farmers as learners Read more about Why the elite should stop imposing their expectations on smallholder farmers[…]

How to move from ordinary to best agricultural practices

Posted on by eMKambo

‘Best practice’ is not even a mouthful but what it means in practice remains unclear to many people who use the phrase. In African agriculture, it takes a lot for a farmer or trader to become a best practitioner.  Most value chain actors face challenges in identifying sufficient quality evidence that can be translated into Read more about How to move from ordinary to best agricultural practices[…]

How African mass markets are protecting indigenous food and culture

Posted on by eMKambo

How  African mass markets are protecting indigenous food and culture As globalization, religion and industrial food systems jostle for space in African societies, African mass markets are responding by protecting indigenous food and culture from further infiltration. Besides preserving African culture, tradition, food and identity, mass markets are sustaining indigenous food science, most of which Read more about How African mass markets are protecting indigenous food and culture[…]

How technologies are reshaping the expectations of farmers and consumers

Posted on by eMKambo

How technologies are reshaping the expectations of farmers and consumers If drones can count the number of trees in a forest and assess the quality of soil and water, why are there no similar technologies that can automatically show nutrients in indigenous fruits and other foods? The medical field and the aviation industry have advanced Read more about How technologies are reshaping the expectations of farmers and consumers[…]

When costs of marketing exceed the costs of inputs and what do about it

Posted on by eMKambo

Mastering production is a good thing but it should not be at the expense of understanding the whole food chain including post-harvesting handling and marketing processes. When that happens many farmers and policy makers are surprised to see the cost of accessing viable markets exceeding the cost of production inputs. Agronomists and extension officers who Read more about When costs of marketing exceed the costs of inputs and what do about it[…]

Every African community can turn its food basket into an investment guide

Posted on by eMKambo

One way African communities can build their own resilient food systems with minimum external support, especially under a changing climate, is pulling together information about their local food basket into an investment guide. Any investment from outside should be based on the community investment guide and not be imposed from the top. The process of Read more about Every African community can turn its food basket into an investment guide[…]

The role of intercultural marriages in sustaining African food systems

Posted on by eMKambo

African women who grew up growing specific crops and preparing meals in particular ways often take these practices to communities where they are married. These undocumented cultural practices   contribute immensely to building a healthy population in their new communities. Likewise, some African men often express pride in obtaining certain crop varieties, tubers and livestock breeds Read more about The role of intercultural marriages in sustaining African food systems[…]

Making healthy diets more affordable through mass markets

Posted on by eMKambo

Across the globe, ensuring healthy diets are available to the majority is not receiving the attention it deserves. This challenge has been acknowledged by UN agencies like the FAO, WFP, IFAD, WHO and UNICEF in a recent report. “A healthy diet supports childhood growth, protects long-term health and well-being, and fosters productive and resilient communities. Read more about Making healthy diets more affordable through mass markets[…]

Fragmented and inaccessible data is undermining home grown innovation

Posted on by eMKambo

In most African countries, fragmented and inaccessible data continue to limit home-grown innovation while enabling external exploitation. Many government departments, local authorities, financial institutions and development organizations collect vast amounts of information for compliance but lack the internal capability to turn that data into road maps for strategic growth. For instance, a lot of data Read more about Fragmented and inaccessible data is undermining home grown innovation[…]

Mass markets separate farmers by calling from farmers by opportunity

Posted on by eMKambo

Across Africa, there is no shortage of training courses and capacity building programs for farmers, women, youths, SMEs and economic actors. While all these activities and strategies are necessary, nothing trumps calling and natural gifts. Farmers by calling do not need a cheering crowd. They do not feel entitled to receive awards for their farming Read more about Mass markets separate farmers by calling from farmers by opportunity[…]

Undocumented job descriptions and skills that drive African food systems

Posted on by eMKambo

Many African countries have not invested in understanding the skill-base comprising traits, talents and passion that drive food systems. Unless existing skills and knowledge are mapped, it will be difficult for value chain actors to match changes in demand and consumption patterns or unlock the full value from abundant natural resources. Such mapping can start Read more about Undocumented job descriptions and skills that drive African food systems[…]

Mass markets build farmer confidence and transform behaviour

Posted on by eMKambo

Once farmers start participating in the market, they no longer remain the same. By talking to other farmers and listening to experiences from other parts of the country, they stop being passive price-takers. They become active co-creators of the marketing experience. Through the mass market, farmers find their voices by exchanging phone numbers and sharing Read more about Mass markets build farmer confidence and transform behaviour[…]