http://www.new-ag.info The New Agriculturist - New Agriculturist online provides an update on the latest news and developments in tropical agriculture for a global audience.en-gb Mon, 14 May 2012 17:23:13 +0100 Mon, 14 May 2012 17:23:13 +0100 Copyright: (C) WRENmedia, http://www.wrenmedia.co.uk post@wrenmedia.co.uk (WRENmedia) pat@green-shoots.org (New Agriculturist webmaster - Green Shoots Productions) http://www.new-ag.info/assets/image/structure/new-ag-rss.jpg http://www.new-ag.info 144 144 New Agriculturist RSS feed Do you want to be a part of a movement which is revolutionising agriculture in Mexico, improving rural livelihoods, increasing the country's agricultural competitiveness, and providing an example for other countries to follow? CIMMYT is seeking to fill four key positions immediately. 14/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2638&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/04/brief.php-2638-14/05/12 Mon, 14 May 2012 12:37:52 +0100 Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, the Executive Director of The Smallholders Foundation in Nigeria, promotes the 'Climate Change on Air' project: a farmer-produced radio broadcast that provides relevant information about climate change to smallholders. 14/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2626&s=r My perspective... a personal viewpoint http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/perspective.php-2626-14/05/12 Thu, 03 May 2012 10:16:03 +0100 In this edition, we focus on a number of climate sustainable practices that increase agricultural productivity and income, strengthen resilience to climate variability and reduce agriculture's contribution to climate change whilst positive developments for the youth in agriculture are also highlighted. 11/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2628&s=r Editorial http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/index.php-2628-11/05/12 Wed, 09 May 2012 16:58:59 +0100 Heavy rains in Kenya have destroyed large areas of rice, maize, sorghum, ground nut and horticultural crops. 11/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2637&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/04/brief.php-2637-11/05/12 Fri, 11 May 2012 11:53:32 +0100 Early in 2011, the Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change took up the challenge of proposing specific policy responses to the global prospect of feeding a world confronted by climate change, population growth, poverty, food price spikes and degraded ecosystems.The Commissioners released their final report in March 2012. 09/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2600&s=r Research and innovation http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/-2600-09/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 17:39:41 +0100 Lagging agricultural productivity in Ecuador's highlands has led to incursions into highland areas and farming on steep slopes. Farmers are also concerned that rainfall is becoming increasingly irregular and water sources are not being recharged quickly enough. To help identify and introduce environmentally friendly farming practices to the area, a research partnership was formed. 09/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2601&s=r Research and innovation http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/-2601-09/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 17:42:02 +0100 Although Kenyan youths make up over 75 percent of the country's population, farming is not considered an attractive option. However, the tide is beginning to turn. The lure of profitable farming is prompting even urbanites to ditch white collar jobs and trade their designer suits and shoes for overalls and gumboots. 09/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2582&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/develop/dev2.php-2582-09/05/12 Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:22:42 +0100 Virtual water describes how water is used in unimaginable quantities to grow, process, package and transport all that we consume. Weaving many strands of cause and effect with humour and compassion, Tony Allen draws lessons from the past and suggests steps to the future. This is a 'must read' book. 09/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2530&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/books.php-2530-09/05/12 Thu, 03 May 2012 10:37:13 +0100 To increase the resilience of rural communities in Peru to extreme weather events, Practical Action, has helped 600 families to strengthen their livelihoods by adopting several agricultural adaptation strategies. 09/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2632&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/focuson/focuson5.php-2632-09/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 14:47:58 +0100 In Zambia, Ethiopia and Malawi, Self Help Africa has been working to develop effective community seed production systems that allow farmers to produce and distribute certified, high quality seed varieties that are more robust and can better cope with a changing climate. 09/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2630&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/focuson/focuson7.php-2630-09/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 14:41:51 +0100 Interest in cocoa farming among the youth in parts of Ghana is growing following an initiative by the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership to involve them in helping farmers raise yields and incomes by accessing improved seeds the youth raise in nurseries. 09/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2634&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2634-09/05/12 Wed, 09 May 2012 11:34:13 +0100 Across most of the tropics, agriculture is facing enormous challenges from changing weather patterns. In this edition, GFAR highlights work underway to draw attention to policy implications and enable smallscale farmers to adapt to and mitigate climate change. 08/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2623&s=r Research and innovation http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/-2623-08/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 17:43:53 +0100 Researchers from the International Food Policy Research Institute are working in Ghana, Mozambique, Morocco and Vietnam to assess the contribution that small farmers can make to carbon markets and ways to link them to these markets. 08/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2602&s=r Research and innovation http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/-2602-08/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 17:34:02 +0100 Policymakers are looking for alternatives to broad national estimates of the costs of adapting to climate change. A new approach starts at the most local level, asking farmers to calculate the costs and benefits of possible strategies. 08/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2619&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/focuson/focuson3.php-2619-08/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 14:54:07 +0100 From water harvesting in Nicaragua and conservation farming in Zimbabwe to carbon trading in Kenya and Uganda, we focus on a number of agricultural practices that sustainably increase productivity and income, strengthen resilience to climate variability and reduce agriculture's contribution to climate change. 08/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2624&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/focuson.php-2624-08/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 15:03:26 +0100 Farming communities in seven districts of rural Uganda are countering the effects of climate change by planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide and restore the deforested environment. The scheme has nearly 2,000 farmers planting indigenous trees and getting paid for the amount of carbon their trees sequester from the atmosphere. 08/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2610&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/focuson/focuson1.php-2610-08/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:10 +0100 In Nicaragua, construction of earth dams has allowed farmers to extend their cultivation into the dry season, creating ideal conditions to grow cash crops such as rice, beans, maize and water melons. 08/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2604&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/focuson/focuson2.php-2604-08/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 14:58:06 +0100 Since 2007, Vi Agroforestry have been working to enable smallholder farmers in Western Kenya to adopt improved farming techniques, boost productivity, increase their resilience to climate change and earn carbon credits, through the use of sustainable land management practices. 08/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2611&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/focuson/focuson4.php-2611-08/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 14:50:29 +0100 In 2004, Concern Worldwide began to promote conservation farming in Zimbabwe and in eight years, farmers involved in the project have transformed from being beneficiaries of food aid to becoming the providers of food aid. 08/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2620&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/focuson/focuson6.php-2620-08/05/12 Tue, 08 May 2012 14:44:02 +0100 Agriculture is too often seen as an 'employment of last resort', avoided by young people. Yet millions of youth remain unemployed and governments appear incapable or unwilling to formulate policies that could provide young people with employment in the fast-changing agrifood sector. But what could make agriculture attractive to young job-seekers? 02/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2588&s=r Points of view http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/pov.php-2588-02/05/12 Tue, 01 May 2012 15:47:59 +0100 In southeast Bangladesh, rice production becomes impossible as rising levels of floodwater engulf the land swamping the rice fields in some areas. But a group of NGOs has enabled farmers to take up prawn cultivation during the wet season, improving food security and incomes. 02/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2613&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/develop/dev1.php-2613-02/05/12 Wed, 02 May 2012 10:16:24 +0100 A new report has called for the process behind large-scale land deals in developing countries to be opened up to break the culture of secrecy. 02/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2622&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2622-02/05/12 Wed, 02 May 2012 09:21:48 +0100 Once at the forefront of the 'Green Revolution', with hybrid maize yields breaking record charts in the 1960s, Zambia has vast agricultural potential. Yet despite a favourable climate, fertile land and 40 per cent of the water resources in the entire southern African region, that potential is yet to be fully tapped. 01/05/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2621&s=r Country profile http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/countryp.php-2621-01/05/12 Tue, 01 May 2012 09:06:53 +0100 This timely and comprehensive book reviews the state of agricultural climate change mitigation globally, with a focus on identifying the feasibility, opportunities and challenges for achieving mitigation among smallholder farmers. 27/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2612&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/books.php-2612-27/04/12 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:34:05 +0100 The Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food aims to recognise exemplary and promising contributions in order to improve food and agricultural systems sustainability as well as contribute to addressing food security and poverty reduction. 26/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2605&s=r GFAR updates http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/-2605-26/04/12 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:22:21 +0100 Sustainable intensification of agriculture, a more robust food system and mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations in land use planning are fundamental policy areas that need to be addressed, Dr Maurits van den Berg has stated in a recent lecture on the future of the land. 26/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2603&s=r GFAR updates http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/-2603-26/04/12 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:31:41 +0100 Green China brings together China's leading thinkers on sustainable development. Densely packed with information, opinion and discussion this book is a valuable and timely resource. 25/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2599&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/books.php-2599-25/04/12 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:29:48 +0100 The Farming First coalition has submitted its views to the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on what the focus and activities of a work programme for agriculture should be. 23/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2596&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2596-23/04/12 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:24:24 +0100 The potential of climate change to intensify droughts and floods could threaten rice production in Southeast Asia, leading climate specialists and agricultural scientists have warned. 18/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2597&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2597-18/04/12 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:55:15 +0100 In 2011, the number of agricultural producers certified by the Rainforest Alliance grew by over 200 per cent to over 250,000, while two new crops - rooibos tea from South Africa and vanilla from Madagascar - began carrying the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal. 16/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2598&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2598-16/04/12 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:58:46 +0100 Fuel wood extraction, agriculture, mining and oil extraction, expansion of biofuels and logging are the five primary drivers of deforestation in the Congo Basin, which has doubled since 1990, a new study has revealed. 12/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2591&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2591-12/04/12 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:08:25 +0100 From carbon markets to organic farming, Vital signs 2012 documents 24 trends in the environment, energy, transportation, food and agriculture, population and the global economy. 11/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2592&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/books.php-2592-11/04/12 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:24:15 +0100 Low rainfall, poor harvests, high food prices and a lack of pasture mean that 13 million people are at risk of serious food shortages across the Sahel region. To help those worst affected by the crisis, Oxfam is running a number of programmes to provide income, water and animal healthcare. 10/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2556&s=r In pictures http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/picture.php-2556-10/04/12 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:36:47 +0100 The Karrayyu are one of the last remaining Oromo pastoralist groups in Ethiopia. Although they are strong and resourceful with a rich cultural heritage, their future is threatened due to changing economic, social and climatic conditions. 10/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2498&s=r In pictures http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/picture.php-2498-10/04/12 Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:42:50 +0000 Field trials of genetically modified (GM) wheat, which produces an aphid alarm pheromone, (E)-β-farnesene, to repel aphids and attract their enemies, have begun at Rothamsted Research. 04/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2586&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2586-04/04/12 Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:22:42 +0100 A new strain of foot-and-mouth disease, known as SAT2, is spreading rapidly through Egypt, threatening farmers' livelihoods in the region. 03/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2585&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2585-03/04/12 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:44:12 +0100 With a special emphasis on women, IFAD's Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme is working to improve the food security and incomes of poor rural households in Ghana by enhancing production of roots and tubers through improved technologies and by developing skills in processing and marketing. 03/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2584&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/develop/dev3.php-2584-03/04/12 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:43:56 +0100 The Philippines, one of the largest island-groups in the world with over 7,100 islands and a wealth of natural resources, is prone to seismic and volcanic activity. The mountainous island archipelago is of volcanic origin, forming part of the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', and has a tropical climate with high annual temperatures, humidity and rainfall. 02/04/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2551&s=r Country profile http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/countryp.php-2551-02/04/12 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:16:46 +0100 Hydroelectric dams and irrigation schemes on Ethiopia's Omo River will cause hydrological change that threatens the ecosystem and biodiversity of the Omo itself and Kenya's Lake Turkana, as well as the livelihoods of the people that depend on these resources, environmentalists are warning. 30/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2569&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2569-30/03/12 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:47:33 +0100 How soil carbon and its multiple benefits can be retained for future generations is one of the focuses of this annual report from the United National Environment Programme (UNEP), which examines emerging environmental issues while providing an overview of the latest environmental trends. 30/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2550&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/books.php-2550-30/03/12 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:55:17 +0100 Scientific leaders from 13 countries have released a report detailing recommendations on how to achieve food security in a world confronted by climate change, population growth, poverty, food price spikes and degraded ecosystems. 28/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2547&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2547-28/03/12 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:20:47 +0100 A new handbook has been launched to help farmers understand the need to promote practices that support some of the most overlooked contributors to global food security: pollinators. 26/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2545&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2545-26/03/12 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:47:18 +0100 Over 750 participants from 50 countries have gathered in Delhi to call for collective action and investment to put the needs of women farmers at the centre of agricultural thinking and practice. 26/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2542&s=r GFAR updates http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/-2542-26/03/12 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:25:40 +0100 From dairy cooperatives, text messaging and grain storage to improved credit, transport and trade initiatives, Towards priority actions for market development for African farmers presents a number of what it calls 'high-payoff, low-cost' solutions to Africa's underdeveloped agricultural markets and chronic food insecurity. 23/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2546&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/books.php-2546-23/03/12 Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:54:18 +0000 India is the world's largest dairy producer, but in recent years milk prices have increased dramatically as farmers struggle with rapid inflation in the cost of animal feed. In response, a coalition of national and international researchers is developing dual-purpose varieties of sorghum, millet, pigeonpea and groundnut that produce high quality fodder from their crop residues without reducing grain yields. 22/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2535&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/develop/dev4.php-2535-22/03/12 Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:53:03 +0000 Backed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a new campaign aims to raise awareness about water issues and improve water management. 22/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2544&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2544-22/03/12 Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:37:14 +0000 An international company that has rolled out tree planting ventures across African and Asian countries is helping over 50,000 farmers in eastern Kenya to participate in the carbon trading market. 21/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2543&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2543-21/03/12 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:13:08 +0000 As developing countries battle multiple threats to food security, agriculture experts gathering in New Delhi this week warn that efforts to boost food production and reduce malnutrition risk failure if they continue to ignore the important role of women farmers around the world. 15/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2538&s=r GFAR updates http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/-2538-15/03/12 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:00:40 +0000 The UK environmental farming charity, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), is calling on farmers, environmentalists, NGOs, and scientists to have their say in the future development of its LEAF Marque Global Standard. 15/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2537&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2537-15/03/12 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:36:27 +0000 Electricity prices in Kenya are among the highest in East Africa. Yet despite the high cost, power cuts and power rationing are all too frequent. No wonder then that the Government is prioritising the exploitation of more reliable sources of power. And with international finance available for renewable energy technologies, wind power is high on their list. 13/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2527&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/develop/dev5.php-2527-13/03/12 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:35:40 +0000 Seasonal patterns in poverty, hunger and disease in rural tropical areas have been recognised for decades but seasonality continues to be neglected in development policy. Seasonality, rural livelihoods and development is the first systematic study of seasonality for over 20 years which aims to revive policy interest in seasonality as a source of food insecurity and rural poverty. 12/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2531&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/books.php-2531-12/03/12 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:35:05 +0000 The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Federation for Animal Health are working to combat the black market in counterfeit drugs used to treat African Trypanosomosis commonly known as Nagana. 12/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2526&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2526-12/03/12 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:07:34 +0000 Policymakers are now in a better position to design and implement effective strategies, specifically tailor-made to empower woman farmers in developing countries, with the launch of the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index. 08/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2523&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2523-08/03/12 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:04:36 +0000 In Nepal, an international network for promotion of local innovation has identified and assessed more than 200 examples. The most promising are promoted through public meetings, while others are further developed through a joint experimentation process involving farmers, NGOs and government staff. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2502&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson/focuson5.php-2502-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:06:49 +0000 The UN Food and Agriculture Organization and Farming First have jointly launched an 'infographic' which explores the key role that rural women play in agriculture. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2521&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/03/brief.php-2521-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:15:54 +0000 Bridging the gap for the improvement of agricultural productivity in the smallholder sector is an underlying theme for this edition. Choosing the right strategies to generate and share information is vital, but with the widespread decline in extension services, new approaches are urgently needed. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2506&s=r Editorial http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/index.php-2506-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:39:51 +0000 From local language podcasting in Zimbabwe and plant clinics in Vietnam, to a 'Learning Alliance' approach in Ethiopia and the promotion of local innovations in Nepal, in this edition we focus on a number of new ways in which smallscale farmers are accessing information and training. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2514&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson.php-2514-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:17:40 +0000 In Mashonaland Central Province, northern Zimbabwe, 100,000 farmers are accessing advice from veterinary health and agricultural experts via mp3 players. More surprisingly, this is taking place in a remote and semi-arid area that has no grid electricity, a poor radio signal and no reliable mobile phone network. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2486&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson/focuson1.php-2486-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:17:38 +0000 The Jujumbo Farmer Field School might seem an unlikely partner for one of Africa's leading brewing companies. But after receiving support from FARM-Africa to grow high quality cassava, this well-organised group of 20 smallholders is among 2,000 South Sudanese farmers who will soon be selling their crop to Southern Sudan Beverages Ltd, part of the South Africa-based SABMiller drinks company. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2520&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson/focuson2.php-2520-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:17:35 +0000 Rice farmers in the Philippines can now receive fertiliser recommendations tailored to their fields through an automated mobile phone interface. With a set of recorded questions, the system collects information on their particular field conditions and returns recommendations based on a model of nutrient management maintained by the International Rice Research Institute. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2478&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson/focuson3.php-2478-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:17:33 +0000 A new Zambian initiative that links agricultural extension with market-orientated production is providing smallholder farmers with loans of the best varieties of certified seed, training and support throughout the agricultural cycle and, vitally, a link to valuable markets. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2475&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson/focuson4.php-2475-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:17:28 +0000 Working with CABI, a fruit research institute in southern Vietnam has built a system of plant health clinics, which provide diagnosis and advice services and gather data to monitor disease and pest trends. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2500&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson/focuson7.php-2500-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:00:09 +0000 With only one extension officer for every 950 farmers, agricultural advisory services in Kenya have been very stretched. In response, the government is changing its methods of delivery and working more closely with private sector agents. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2476&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson/focuson6.php-2476-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:06:46 +0000 To strengthen the business skills of Ethiopian farmers, Agri-ProFocus has used a 'Learning Alliance' approach to enable farmers' organisations to analyse their markets, develop relations with buyers, calculate profit margins and access services. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2499&s=r Focus on http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/focuson/focuson8.php-2499-06/03/12 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:51:43 +0000 The title sums up one of the major global challenges to be met in the next two to three decades: how to feed a world growing in both numbers and appetite - and how to do so without further damaging the production base for the future. 06/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2517&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/books.php-2517-06/03/12 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:50:15 +0000 In West Africa, ICRISAT has built on experiences gained by AfricaRice in developing a series of ten farmer-to-farmer videos. The ten films are now being widely shown to support rural learning on practical and affordable ways to control one of Africa's most serious weeds - striga. 05/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2513&s=r Research and innovation http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/-2513-05/03/12 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:16:51 +0000 Established in 1997 to address the rapid depletion of Kakamega Forest, the Muliru Farmers Conservation Group (MFCG), has worked to promote alternative income-generating activities that use Kakamega's resources sustainably. Initially, the group embarked on replenishing the forest with tree seedlings that were provided by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute. With assistance from the insect science research institute, icipe, and the University of Nairobi, the group then began to encourage farmers to commercially cultivate and add value to an indigenous traditional medicinal plant, Ocimum kilmandscharicum (OK). 05/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2479&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/develop/dev1.php-2479-05/03/12 Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:13:57 +0000 In this edition, GFAR highlights some alternative and innovative approaches to extension that have strengthened the capabilities of smallholder farmers in West Africa, the Caribbean and South Asia. 05/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2516&s=r Research and innovation http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/-2516-05/03/12 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:18:55 +0000 Small farmers dominate farming in the Caribbean, where state extension and advisory services are financially stretched. To help small farmers in the region, a team of researchers has made use of mobile 'smart' phones to improve the accessibility of relevant agricultural knowledge and information. 05/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2487&s=r Research and innovation http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/-2487-05/03/12 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:14:44 +0000 Varying environmental conditions and isolated farming communities scattered across Bhutan's valleys, ridges and slopes has made the provision of extension services a serious challenge. But the community of Salamjee has changed its farming landscape by introducing sustainable land management technologies. 05/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2503&s=r Research and innovation http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/-2503-05/03/12 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:11:54 +0000 The viral storm is the author's attempt to answer three questions: How do pandemics start? Why are we now plagued with so many pandemics? What can we do to prevent pandemics in the future? 02/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2433&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/books.php-2433-02/03/12 Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:17:32 +0000 Argentine scientists have developed a genetically modified potato, resistant to potato virus Y, which can reduce crop yields by 30 to 80 per cent in the most severe cases. 02/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2508&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/brief.php-2508-02/03/12 Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:15:14 +0000 In February 2012, the Economist Group held an inaugural Feeding the World summit in Geneva. One focus was the role of the private sector in building and strengthening the entire food production chain from field to fork, including support for the world's smallholder farmers. Participants were also invited to share their views with New Agriculturist. 01/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2504&s=r Points of view http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/pov.php-2504-01/03/12 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:40:49 +0000 Malawi, the 'Warm Heart of Africa', is best known for its friendly people and its lake, which covers 20 per cent of the country. A largely agricultural country, 84 per cent of Malawians live in rural areas where about 11 million are engaged in smallholder subsistence farming; but only one-third of the land is suitable for cultivation because of mountains, forests and rough pastures. Despite that, agriculture accounts for more than one-third of GDP and 90 per cent of exports. 01/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2488&s=r Country profile http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/countryp.php-2488-01/03/12 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:29:57 +0000 Dr. Michel Pimbert, principal researcher and team leader at IIED believes that for both urban and rural areas, 'circular' production systems are a sustainable alternative to our normal 'linear' models that deplete resources and create waste and pollution. 01/03/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2505&s=r My perspective... a personal viewpoint http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/perspective.php-2505-01/03/12 Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:13:55 +0000 Cassava will be able to cope with expected temperature rises of up to two degrees Celsius in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, and could even be more productive, according to new research from a team of climate scientists. 29/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2509&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/brief.php-2509-29/02/12 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:18:42 +0000 Using practical case studies, the book clearly and succinctly outlines what carbon credits are, where and how they are sold, the different steps involved in developing a carbon credit project, how to choose a certification standard and how to calculate expected revenue. 28/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2501&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/books.php-2501-28/02/12 Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:43:44 +0000 Forests and gender begins by exploring some of the main themes currently concerning forests and gender on the ground and in policy discussions on climate change and REDD+, before moving on to look at case studies which demonstrate the results of increased awareness and integration of gender issues within forestry work. 27/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2484&s=r Book reviews http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/books.php-2484-27/02/12 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:15:04 +0000 In March, hundreds of participants will gather in India for the first international conference to comprehensively address the gender gap in agriculture. 27/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2485&s=r GFAR updates http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/-2485-27/02/12 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:41:39 +0000 Artificial insemination and embryo transfer techniques are being used to boost beef production among South Africa's smallholder cattle farmers, who cannot break into the commercial market because of poor quality bulls and a low calving rate. 24/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2477&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/brief.php-2477-24/02/12 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:11:51 +0000 Send a Cow Rwanda's approach of providing families with quality livestock to supply milk, meat and manure has proved so successful that it has been adopted by the Rwandan Government. The aim of their 'One Cow Per Poor Family' policy is to provide good quality and suitable livestock to every poor family in the country by 2015. 23/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2482&s=r Developments http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/develop/dev2.php-2482-23/02/12 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:08:04 +0000 Farmers, who grapple with locusts that can wipe out entire crops on their farms, have been handed a lifeline after research showed that locusts do not thrive on plants fertilised with nitrogen. 21/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2473&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/brief.php-2473-21/02/12 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:04:56 +0000 The views from a GFAR-supported participant of last year's COP 17 meeting have been outlined in a short report, including details of the Agriculture and Rural Development Day and Forest Day events and a side event on climate-smart agriculture. 21/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2480&s=r GFAR updates http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/-2480-21/02/12 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:10 +0000 At present there is often little clarity on the source or use of funds for agriculture and rural development. Recognising this, the organisers of a technical workshop on tracking investments in agricultural research for develoipment have released a summary of the meeting and recommendations. 20/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2452&s=r GFAR updates http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/-2452-20/02/12 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:26:34 +0000 Unless governments and investors recognise the customary rights of millions of people in developing countries, large-scale land deals risk causing widespread civil unrest, new studies have revealed. 17/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2455&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/brief.php-2455-17/02/12 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:11:39 +0000 The number of people facing food insecurity in South Sudan has risen sharply in 2012 compared to last year and could rise in even further if conflict, abnormally high cereals prices and population displacements continue. 17/02/12 http://www.new-ag.info/doc.php?id=2474&s=r News brief http://www.new-ag.info/12/02/brief.php-2474-17/02/12 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:07:40 +0000