The New Agriculturist

Iran

Thu, 08 May 2008 17:33:08 GMT

Agriculture in Iran has a long history, but problems of water scarcity, soil salinity, crop diseases and a lack of investment mean farmers face myriad challenges in the years ahead. 08/05/08

Babagana Ahmadu of the African Union Commission

Thu, 08 May 2008 17:23:46 GMT

Babagana Ahmadu of the African Union Commission shares his thoughts on how Africa's smallscale livestock producers can capitalise on the global food price hikes and ways to improve trade and animal health on the continent. 08/05/08

Livestock and livelihoods in Burkina Faso

Thu, 08 May 2008 17:16:54 GMT

An insight into how reforms of trade and animal health regulations are helping livestock keepers, processors and the general public in Burkina Faso. 08/05/08

News brief

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:51:41 GMT

Myanmar's looming humanitarian crisis in the wake of Cyclobe Nargis, the ongoing world food price rises, the UK government's pledge to development research and fears of a water crisis in the Middle East and North Africa all feature in this edition's News. 08/05/08

Neglected crops

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:50:30 GMT

Underutilised crops can provide a valuable source of income and nutrition for those living in marginal areas. They can even help to provide food security in the face of climate change. So why aren't more of them grown? We ask the experts about why these plants have become neglected and what can be done to raise their profile. 08/05/08

The pressing case for moringa

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:47:30 GMT

Cultivation of the moringa tree is gaining in popularity in Kenya. Moringa seed oil is exported to Europe, North America and China for use in the cosmetic industry. 08/05/08

In this issue...

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:46:00 GMT

As the world continues to be gripped by rising food prices, in this edition of New Agriculturist, we report on efforts to bring underutilised crops into production. 08/05/08

Searching for a new approach: pro-poor livestock and institutional change

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:33:36 GMT

Launched in 2001, with funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the FAO's Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative (PPLPI) has focused on pro-poor policies and institutional change, drawing from the experience that technology-oriented livestock projects had failed to deliver significant improvements in the livelihoods. At a meeting convened by PPLPI, William Easterly, guest speaker, author of The White Man's burden and critic of the impact of development aid, acknowledged that the initiative appears to have found a more constructive way to facilitate pro-poor policy and institutional change. 08/05/08

Uncovering Africa's agribusiness potential

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:31:33 GMT

Agriculture and agro-industry form the backbone of the African economy in terms of GDP, employment, food security and trade. In 2007, growth was over six per cent (6.1%) and is expected to rise yet further in 2008. And, in the context of a generally favourable business environment, African producers, processors and traders are increasingly making their way into sustainable business development. At the forthcoming AgriBusiness Forum 2008, African business leaders will have an opportunity to catch the world's attention by highlighting the latest trends, technologies and best practices that are transforming Africa's agribusiness sectors. 08/05/08

More than just popcorn

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:27:40 GMT

The Matayos Self-Help Youth Group from Busia in western Kenya has developed a machine to 'pop' a range of grains, including sorghum, rice and millet. These are now being marketed as healthy snacks. 08/05/08

Nature's choice: utilising wild plants in the Philippines

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:12:09 GMT

Home to many tribal groups, the Cordillera region in the northern Philippines is known for its rich diversity of indigenous plant species. Many are harvested from the wild and are valued as food plants and for their medicinal properties. But degradation of the forests and watershed in the Cordillera region is leading to valuable biodiversity being lost. And, as the diet of the population begins to change and communities are growing more exotic vegetables, this rich genetic diversity of indigenous vegetables is at risk. Recognising the value of many of these species, researchers are working on ways to conserve and multiply these plants before they disappear. 08/05/08

Australian acacias for Africa

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:40:29 GMT

Building on work over the last two decades and the rehabilitation of millions of hectares of farmland in Niger, the Maradi Integrated Development Project has developed the Farmer Managed Agroforesty Farming System, an alley cropping, agro-pastoral forestry system that incorporates farmer managed natural regeneration of trees along with edible, high seed and wood-producing Australian acacias. 08/05/08

Maya nut: a forgotten treasure

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:32:27 GMT

The Maya nut is one of the largest trees in the forests of Central America and its seeds were once used as a staple food of the Mayan people. However, since 2001 over 8000 women from villages in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico have been trained by The Equilibrium Fund, an international NGO which works to raise awareness of the potential of Maya nut. Communities are encouraged to conserve the tree, to establish community nurseries and reforest areas and are taught the nutritional value of the nut. 08/05/08

Karat Gold - the life-saving banana of Pohnpei

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:29:59 GMT

Eating local food, such as the provitamin A-rich 'Karat' banana, could help reverse an alarming trend of micronutrient deficiency and chronic illness in Micronesia. 08/05/08

Turning over a new leaf in La Amistad Park

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:12:52 GMT

Indigenous subsistence farmers in La Amistad International Park on the border of Panama and Costa Rica are receiving help in growing organic cocoa through traditional polyculture techniques, which provides income while contributing to the protection of biodiversity and watersheds. 08/05/08

Book reviews

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:00:51 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications related to agriculture and rural development. The lead review this month is 'Common Wealth' by Jeffrey Sachs. 08/05/08

Neglected species

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:57:45 GMT

Around the world there are over 7,000 plant species that are cultivated or harvested from the wild for food. But increasingly, global food security has become dependent on a shrinking basket of a select number of crops. Only 150 crops are grown commercially and traded globally, and three main staples, rice, wheat and maize provide over 50 per cent of all the protein and calories consumed worldwide. With food prices for these three commodities having recently doubled or even tripled, it is timely to re-focus on the neglected or underutilised crops that can provide food security and income generation, particularly for the poor. 08/05/08

African leafy vegetables come out of the shade

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:37:09 GMT

Despite being rich in nutrients, African leafy vegetables have been overlooked in favour of more exotic vegetables. But with increasing food prices at local markets, they may yet find their place on the plates of rural and urban households. 08/05/08

In this issue...

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:34:37 GMT

With global food reserves are at their lowest level for 30 years, food price hikes look set to continue. In this edition of New Agriculturist we report on recent efforts to bring degraded agricultural land back into production. 08/05/08

Farming revolution needed to feed the world's hungry

Thu, 08 May 2008 10:15:01 GMT

A UN-backed report has called for radical reform of agriculture in order to meet the challenges of food insecurity, climate change and environmental sustainability. 08/05/08

Zimbabwean agriculture on its knees

Wed, 07 May 2008 15:53:40 GMT

For many years hailed as southern Africa's bread basket, Zimbabwe's agriculture has been on a steady decline, shrinking by 50 per cent in seven years, triggering a wave of food shortages and pushing up the prices of food stuffs. Political and economic stability and security of land tenure are key to agricultural revival. 07/05/08

Developments

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:40:52 GMT

This editions developments articles are: Zimbabwean agriculture on its knees, Farming revolution needed to feed the world's hungry, Searching for a new approach: pro-poor livestock and institutional change, Turning over a new leaf in La Amistad Park, and Uncovering Africa's agribusiness potential 07/05/08

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Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:11:47 GMT

Download the larger sections (Focus on, developments, news brief and book reviews) from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 28/04/08

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:11:47 GMT

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist. 28/04/08

Rehabilitating degraded land

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:21:45 GMT

Deforestation, overgrazing, continuous farming and poor irrigation practices have affected almost 200 billion hectares of agricultural land worldwide, threatening the livelihoods of over one billion people. We take an in-depth look at ways to successfully rehabilitate degraded land. 12/03/08

Bioreclamation of degraded lands in the Sahel

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:48:11 GMT

A number of initiatives are helping transform degraded land in the Sahel, improving agriculture and food security in this vast, dry and sandy stretch of Africa. 11/03/08

A helping hand - tissue culture blooms in Kenya

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:30:26 GMT

Plant tissue cultures are proving popular in Kenya. The technique allows farmers to select and plant crops with desirable characteristics and helps minimise the risk of disease. Ann Muli of Mimea International talks about the growth of her own tissue culture business. 11/03/08

News brief

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:53:48 GMT

A summary of recent news including the opening of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, an update on the floods in southern Africa, the dawn of a 'second generation' of biofuels and a rise in deforestation in the Amazon 11/03/08

Developments

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:35:41 GMT

This editions developments articles are: Kenyan horticulture: weathering the political storm? Communicating the benefits of conservation energy in Uganda; A Helping hand - tissue culture blooms in Kenya; and Aerobic rice - guarding against cereal killers 10/03/08

Fibre of the gods - alpaca keeping in Peru

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:32:34 GMT

We visit the high Andes of Peru to see how the centuries-old tradition of alpaca keeping has survived - and how it is changing to suit modern times. 10/03/08

A solution to India's sodic soils?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:31:05 GMT

Continuous agriculture and irrigation has left the soils in Uttar Pradesh, India, suffering from sodicity. Regenerating abandoned sodic plots has become an important step in the fight to improve livelihoods in the state. 10/03/08

Harnessing the healing power of nature - natural regeneration in India

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:30:12 GMT

Community projects to restore land degraded by deforestation and overgrazing has had dramatic results in Rajasthan, enabling some of the region's poorest people to earn a living from the land once again. 10/03/08

Aerobic rice - guarding against cereal killers

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:28:33 GMT

Aerobic rice could help protect farmers against the devastating affects of droughts. The breeds require much less water than lowland, or 'flood-irrigated' rice, offering a grain of hope for water-scarce China. 10/03/08

Brighter future for farmers in Uzbekistan

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:24:09 GMT

Liquorice grows wild in many parts of Uzbekistan, but scientists have only recently discovered the plant's remarkable power to restore degraded soil in the region, paving the way for a new era of cotton and wheat production. 10/03/08

Benin

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:19:17 GMT

Rich in natural resources, Benin has been slow to unlock its agricultural potential. With over half of Beninese engaged in subsistence farming, what lies ahead for one of West Africa's strongest democracies? 10/03/08

The Loess Plateau: from China's sorrow to Earth's hope

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:37:51 GMT

Once a rich, fertile area of mixed forest and grassland, the Loess Plateau is now one of the most degraded ecosystems in the world. It is characterised by deep eroded gullies where, each year, 1 billion tonnes of sediment is washed down into the Yellow River. Following generations of a vicious cycle of unsustainable agricultural practices, the last ten years has seen a large-scale rehabilitation. The lessons learnt in the Loess Plateau provide hope for other regions of the world - that given the right policies and investment, ecological rebirth is possible. 10/03/08

Mahlati Moyo of the Mongu District Farmers' Association, Zambia

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:37:17 GMT

From the Mongu District Farmers Association in the Western Province of Zambia, Mahlati Moyo shares his views on getting the voices of smallscale farmers heard. As Chairman of the Association, he feels strongly that farmers should be consulted every step of the way when it comes to changing or making agricultural policy - and the media should be used as a lobbying tool. 10/03/08

Communicating the benefits of conservation energy in Uganda

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:36:14 GMT

Wood and charcoal are primary source of fuel in Africa. Finding sufficient wood fuel is time-consuming but charcoal is expensive, encourages deforestation and production processes are generally inefficient. Millions of women and children are estimated to die as a result of respiratory illnesses from inhaling wood smoke However, establishing woodlots and a scheme to build conservation stoves is part of a two-pronged approach being promoted in several pilot villages to provide village communities with a sustainable alternative for their fuel and cooking needs. 10/03/08

Booming biofuels - who will benefit?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:34:45 GMT

In developing countries, although biofuel production could provide some benefits for the agricultural sector, the impact on poverty and food security is less clear. In this edition of Points of view, we provide a variety of opinions from academics, researchers and scientists - several of whom comment on the rise of one particular fuel crop, jatropha. 10/03/08

Book reviews

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:22:16 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications related to agriculture and rural development. The lead review this month is 'The future control of food'. 10/03/08

Kenyan horticulture: weathering the political storm?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:12:11 GMT

During 2007, with poor summer weather in Europe, horticultural and cut flower exports provided well over US$1billion to Kenya's economy. But substantial losses have been incurred during the recent period of political instability and the violent clashes that ensued. In rural areas, particularly the Rift Valley and Western provinces, many have lost homes and jobs and thousands of people remain displaced. For the majority, food prices are now much higher. 10/03/08

Livelihoods in Nepal - No longer an uphill struggle

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:47:07 GMT

Leasing plots of degraded forest in the highlands of Nepal is proving effective in the fight against environmental damage and helping landless families earn a living from the land. 06/03/08

Matap Embaku on coffee growers in Papua New Guinea

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:42:31 GMT

Matap Embaku gives his perspective on the coffee growers of Papua New Guinea. As Chairman of Mainland Holdings he represents his own business group in the Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea. Mainland Holdings Ltd. is owned by rural co-operatives consisting mainly of coffee growers. 06/03/08

News brief

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:38:19 GMT

A range of brief news items including developments in biofuels, desertification, drought in southern Africa, livestock disease, including the spread of African Swine Fever and Avian Flu, the launch of a new DFID research into use programme and consultation process, and the appointment of Kofi Annan to chair the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). 06/03/08

Non Timber Forest Products

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:31:52 GMT

Timber extraction, clearance of forests and over-harvesting of non-timber forest products has resulted in a loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation in many forested regions. And yet, in conjunction with the promotion of sustainable forest management policies and the right institutional support, forest communities in affected areas are learning to maximise their use of forest resources. 06/03/08

Reaping the fruits of labour

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:25:59 GMT

Only two years ago, Gulu was at the heart of violent conflict in northern Uganda. But the Food for Thought programme which operates in two other districts of the country, is teaching vital skills for improved agriculture in schools to sustain and ensure food security. And the programme is having other psychological benefits too. 06/03/08

Learning not to burn - transforming land and livelihoods in Central America

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:00:20 GMT

Farmers in Central America are restoring lands degraded by slash-and-burn by using affordable, sustainable techniques 04/03/08

Download

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:25:10 GMT

Download the larger sections (Focus on, developments, news brief and book reviews) from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 03/03/08

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:25:10 GMT

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist. 03/03/08

Book reviews

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:12:46 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications related to agriculture and rural development. The lead review this month is the documentary DVD 'Black Gold', revealing the impact of consumers choices on the coffee industry.

21/01/08

Book reviews

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:32:52 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications, books and journals related to agriculture and rural development. The lead book this month is "Biofuels for transport" by the Worldwatch Institute. 16/01/08

From the ground up: regenerating land and livelihoods in Rajasthan, India

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:07:45 GMT

Years of poor land management have taken their toll on the soils of Rajasthan. But new joint management plans between communities and the state are improving lands and livelihoods in the northern state.

15/01/08

Livestock feed and fodder systems

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:05:34 GMT

Access to quality fodder remains an important constraint for livestock producers. In this edition, we look at some of the technologies and approaches being developed to address fodder scarcity and improve nutritional quality of fodder in different regions.

15/01/08

Agricultural research and development - which way now?

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:04:57 GMT

Farmers and farming systems are changing and there is an urgent need for changes in approach if more effective agricultural development is to be achieved. But how best to go about it?

15/01/08

In this issue...

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:34:16 GMT

11/01/08

Kazakhstan

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:40:43 GMT

Although Kazakhstan is enjoying an economic boom fuelled by its reserves of oil and natural gas, agriculture has failed to rebound after the fall of communism. 11/01/08

Jim Godfrey: developing a taste for potatoes

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:36:19 GMT

Jim Godfrey of the CGIAR and International Potato Centre shares his passion for potatoes and his hopes for 2008, designated the International Year of the Potato 11/01/08

News brief

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:55:34 GMT

A summary of recent news events including the outcomes of the Bali Climate Change conference, locust swarms in Kenya, ongoing problems of drought in China, biofuels in Mexicon, avian flu in Saudia Arabia, and a "cool" new innovation from India - the "zero-energy" fridge. 11/01/08

In this issue...

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:51:06 GMT

Poverty reduction is closely linked to agricultural production. In this edition of New Agriculturist we look at ways in which agriculture has helped rehabilitate formerly war-torn countries, as well as the importance of good farming practices in combatting HIV/AIDS, and other projects to improve the livelihoods of rural farmers in developing countries. In This Issue provides an overview of the current edition. 10/01/08

Developments

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:27:29 GMT

08/01/08

Download

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:04:37 GMT

Download the larger sections (Focus on, developments, news brief and book reviews) from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 19/12/07

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:04:37 GMT

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist. 19/12/07

News brief

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 13:58:36 GMT

news 22/11/07

Agriculture and HIV/AIDS

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 13:54:51 GMT

In the global fight against HIV/AIDS, good agricultural practice can lead to better soils, higher quality food and better nutrition, which in turn can contribute to a healthier immune system. In advance of World AIDS Day in December, New Agriculturist asked experts about the important interface between agriculture and HIV/AIDS. 22/11/07

Agriculture after conflict

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:31:41 GMT

The legacy of war continues long after opposing factions have laid down their arms. Devastated infrastructure, displaced communities and the often volatile post-war security situation, are just some of the relics of conflict. The aftermath of war is a reality faced by millions of rural poor around the world, and re-establishing agricultural production, for both subsistence and trade, is an essential part of the rehabilitation process. In this edition of New Agriculturist - from the landmines still thwarting development in Cambodia, to the efforts to kick-start Angloa's coffee industry - we look at some of the ways in which formerly war-torn countries have emerged from the shadows of conflict and embarked upon the rocky road to recovery. 07/11/07

Megan Rowling, journalist for Reuters AlertNet.

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:50:11 GMT

Journalist Megan Rowling reflects that the media's role in relaying information about environmental crises from scientists to the general public is vital. But for journalists, particularly in developing countries, this can be a major challenge. More help is needed to communicate the realities behind the headlines. 06/11/07

A shepherd's life in Kyrgyzstan

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:49:36 GMT

Landlocked Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, is one of the most mountainous countries in the world and agriculture is vital to its economy. In this edition's picture gallery, we take a glimpse at the lives of smallscale farmers and the age-old traditions they follow.

06/11/07

Brazil

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:49:13 GMT

Brazil is an agricultural superpower and world leader in the production of coffee, sugarcane, cassava, bananas and sisal. But despite its wealth of natural resources, extreme poverty and rural hardship are endemic. 06/11/07

Book reviews

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:35:11 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications, books and journals related to tropical agriculture and rural development. The lead book this month is "The Earth Only Endures" by Jules Pretty. 16/10/07

Developments

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:18:26 GMT

12/10/07

Download

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:16:22 GMT

Download the larger sections (Focus on, developments, news brief and book reviews) from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 12/10/07

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:16:22 GMT

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist. 12/10/07

Making soil matter

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:59:41 GMT

Good soil is one of the cornerstones of life. Without this precious, dynamic resource the world we know would cease to exist - crops would not grow; forests would vanish; humanity itself would disappear. We invite scientists and policymakers to give their opinions on the state of our soils and the challenges ahead. 13/09/07

Learning peace in Uganda

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:43:24 GMT

In northern Uganda, the best opportunity for peace has presented itself after 20 years of civil war. While the stability of the region is still uncertain, those returning home after a lifetime in refugee camps are beginning to learn how to cope after the trauma of war. 13/09/07

In this issue...

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:06:54 GMT

The predicted boom in world population is already exerting unprecedented pressure on agricultural land. As farmland is swallowed up by sprawling towns, cities and villages, there are fewer resources to feed ever more people. But there are ways of managing the land that can be sustainable while at the same time improving productivity and livelihoods. In this issue of New Agriculturist we look at schemes to regulate non-timber forest products, while addressing the growing issue of soil degradation, as well as new scientific developments aimed at benefiting farmers in the tropics. 13/09/07

News brief

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:08:32 GMT

A range of brief news items including the impact of recent natural disasters and extreme weather events, livestock disease, and rising wheat prices, as well as the latest developments in crop research and concerns over declining animal genetic diversity. 06/09/07

Zyta Soomar managing member of Longmore Flower Estates, Thornhill, South Africa

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 09:56:35 GMT

Zyta Soomar, of Longmore Flower Estates in South Africa, shares her experience of taking over a failed state-run flower company and turning it into a profitable enterprise. 06/09/07

Haiti

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 09:54:30 GMT

Haiti has undergone years of violent political struggles, environmental mismanagement and external economic shocks which have left it the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Around 70 per cent of the workforce is unemployed, with over half of the country's 8.7 million people living in abject poverty. 06/09/07

The power of flowers

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:34:24 GMT

The global cut flower business is growing by an astonishing 20 per cent a year, with increasing demand for wild flowers, especially from the tip of southern Africa. It is the smallest floral kingdom on earth but the most diverse with more than 9000 plant species, known collectively as fynbos. Several hundred of them have increasing commercial value to farmers, who cut, pack and ship them around the world. 29/08/07

Download

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:59:35 GMT

Download the larger sections (Focus on, developments, news brief and book reviews) from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 24/08/07

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:59:35 GMT

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist. 24/08/07

Developments

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:35:58 GMT

24/08/07

Transforming agriculture in Africa

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:52:25 GMT

Over the last few decades, growth of agricultural production in Africa has been - for the most part - minimal and any value gained from cash crops is reaped in importing countries and not in the country of origin. And yet agriculture remains the backbone of the African economy. If Africa is to meet the Millennium Development Goals of 2015, what then is required to transform agriculture in Africa? At the General Assembly for the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) held in Johannesburg during June 2007, over 600 representatives gathered to discuss the ways in which African agriculture can be made more productive and competitive in a global economy. New Agriculturist provides a selection of their viewpoints. 03/08/07

In this issue...

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:58:58 GMT

In many developing countries, urban agriculture continues to be illegal and many local authorities have been slow to recognise its value. In this issue, we focus on the political, social and health aspects of cultivating land and rearing livestock in a city environment. Policy, education, infrastructure and recognition of farmer innovation are just some of the strategies for increasing agricultural productivity and competitiveness, as suggested by participants at a recent conference for the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and summarised in Points of View. Identifying new products and markets is another key strategy, reflected in articles on African plum and bamboo - and In pictures, which highlights the expanding trade in native flowers from South Africa. This colourful business, and the increasing involvement of smallholder farmers, is also featured in our podcast, along with highlights from the recent South Africa Day held at the Irene Campus of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). 06/07/07

Urban agriculture: balancing risks and benefits

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:53:38 GMT

Farmers are often evicted, dismissed, ignored and even condemned for promoting waste, pollution and illness within the city. But beyond its value as a survival strategy among the urban poor, there is growing evidence that urban farming increases the availability of fresh food, provides green spaces to combat pollution, and supports agritourism initiatives. 06/07/07

Download

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:53:38 GMT

Download the larger sections (Focus on, developments, news brief and book reviews) from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 06/07/07

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:53:38 GMT

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist. 06/07/07

Book reviews

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:53:38 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications, books and journals related to tropical agriculture and rural development. The lead book this month is "Feeding people is easy" by Colin Tudge. 06/07/07

Myanmar (Burma)

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:53:38 GMT

The largest nation in mainland Southeast Asia, Myanmar - also known as Burma - is home to more than 100 ethnic groups. A quarter of the population live below the poverty line. The country is ruled by a military junta which is accused of gross human rights abuse against its ethnic minorities and for reaping the benefits of illicit trade in timber, primarily teak, and opium poppy cultivation. Most of the population live in the Irawaddy basin, one of the world's greatest rice-growing regions. Sugar, cotton, palm oil and pulses are other major agricultural commodities. 06/07/07

Developments

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:53:38 GMT

Developments includes articles on the Enabling Rural Innovation approach, a way of helping communities plan their own development; the strenthening of the market for safou (African plum); a traceability system for livestock that is proving suitable for small-scale farmers in South Africa and Kenya; and efforts by the World Agroforesty Centre to expand bamboo cultivation in parts of Africa. 06/07/07

Alternative livelihoods

Tue, 22 May 2007 16:34:15 GMT

Whilst Alternative Livelihood Programme is frequently the name given to strategies developed to replace the illicit cultivation of crops, such as opium or coca, with alternative, legal crops for income generation, in this edition of New Agriculturist we focus on a range of activities, which provide more sustainable livelihood options to rural people. Economic alternatives to opium in Afghanistan, coca in Peru, tobacco in Bangladesh, cotton in Mali and logging in Indonesia and the Amazon, are featured along with cultivating mushrooms in drought-afflicted areas in Tanzania and promoting environmental conservation by raising silk worms in Kenya. 22/05/07

Animal health provision for poor livestock keepers

Tue, 22 May 2007 16:33:40 GMT

In Africa, livestock diseases such as East Coast fever, Newcastle disease and Rift Valley fever have a devastating impact on smallholder livelihoods. Unfortunately, provision of animal health care to poor livestock keepers has been in decline. In response, the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines is managing a ten-year programme which aims to tackle livestock disease by partnering with private and public sector organisations. Participants at the recent launch of GALVmed, gave their points of view to New Agriculturist on the current state of veterinary services, the challenges ahead, and the possibilities for improving livestock health provision for poor livestock keepers. 22/05/07

Ethiopia

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:40:15 GMT

While Ethiopia may be synonymous with famine and drought, recent investment by President Zenawi's government has encouraged market-oriented agriculture and the country has seen an improvement in GDP and exports. But with exports - including coffee, livestock and flowers - to the value of US$1 billion against imports of up to US$5 billion, reducing this gap in a competitive international market is a tall order. 08/05/07

Father Godfrey Nzamujo, founder of the Songhai Centre, Porto Novo, Benin

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:33:46 GMT

Rice consumption in Africa is increasing at a massive rate, but most of this rice is imported. However the development of the New Rice for Africa varieties could transform rice production across the continent, with implications for the wider industry. Father Godfrey Nzamujo, pioneering founder of the Songhai Centre in Benin, explains why he believes the NERICA varieties could contribute to a revolution in African rice production. 08/05/07

In this issue...

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:20:27 GMT

Agriculture remains critical to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 if poverty is to be halved. In this Issue we provide an overview of the articles featured in this edition of New Agriculturist including a Focus on alternative livelihoods, for rural people facing a range of different constraints, including drought, climate change, loss of natural resources, and falling market prices, as well as the risks involved in growing illicit crops. Ethiopia, a country facing recurring famine is the Country Profile and the Points of View features opinions on animal health provision to poor livestock keepers. Livestock diseases, climate change and the development of genetically modified (GM) crops in developing countries are also featured in this edition. 04/05/07

Nigeria's wetlands - talking their way out of trouble

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:20:27 GMT

Damming of the rivers upstream of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in northern Nigeria has upset the normal annual water flows to Lake Chad. This has led to an explosion of Typha grass which blocks channels and takes over crop and pasture land, threatening livelihoods and contributing to a ten-fold increase in poverty levels. Improved communication between wetlands communities and the water management authorities is, however, starting to bring more responsive and transparent water management, to the benefit of all. 04/05/07

Book reviews

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:20:27 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications, books and journals related to tropical agriculture and rural development. The lead book this month is "The gene revolution: GM crops and unequal development". 04/05/07

News brief

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:20:27 GMT

A range of brief news items including the recent ECOWAS agreement for biotechnology, the threat to Uganda's Mbara forest, new pigeon pea variety, the IAASTD report, new pharmaceutical crops, foot-and-mouth report, guidelines for growing artemisia, and the Zambian winner of the Goldman Environment Prize. 04/05/07

Developments

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:20:27 GMT

Development articles include reducing fertiliser use in Shanxii Province in China, the launch of GALVmed, an animal health initiative to provide veterinary products to poor livestock keepers, enabling organic certification of cocoa in Ghana, growing potato tubers using aeroponics, and adding value to the leather industry in Argentina. 04/05/07

Download

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:20:27 GMT

Download the larger sections (Focus on, developments, news brief and book reviews) from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 04/05/07

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:20:27 GMT

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist. 04/05/07

Contents page

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:33:36 GMT

Full listing of the contents of this edition of the New Agriculturist. 17/04/07

Download

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:00:46 GMT

Download the larger sections from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 17/04/07

Download

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:00:46 GMT

Download the larger sections from this edition of the New Agriculturist as Rich Text Format (rtf) documents. 17/04/07

Home page

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 15:30:34 GMT

15/03/07

Paper thin profits - supplying Cuba's cigar industry

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 15:01:21 GMT

Cigars are Cuba's third most important export, and are internationally recognised for their quality. The country produces over 150 million cigars per year, with 70 per cent of Cuban tobacco grown in the western province of Pinar del Rio. In the Viñales valley, farmers cultivate a wide range of crops, including tobacco, mostly using traditional agricultural practices. 08/03/07

Book reviews

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 09:08:34 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications, books and journals related to tropical agriculture and rural development. The lead book this month is the biography of Norman Borlaug, father of the 'Green Revolution'. 08/03/07

News brief

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:47:13 GMT

A range of brief news items including the spread of stem rust, updates on disease related issues such as Avian Influenza and Rift Valley Fever, and new varieties of maize. Some of the latest updates on climate change are also included. 07/03/07

The food miles debate

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:16:35 GMT

With rising concerns over climate change, consumers, environmentalists and politicians in the North are questioning the environmental sense of importing foodstuffs by long distance air freight. For the smallholder farmers in countries like Kenya who have worked hard to meet export standards, the danger of losing those markets is deeply worrying. Points of View presents the response of Kenyan farmers, exporters and horticultural advisors to some key issues in the food miles debate. 02/03/07

In this issue...

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 08:57:12 GMT

In this issue, highlights include the latest updates from Kenya on the spread of Rift Valley Fever, and insight into the growing GM trend in Argentina. We review the biography of the 'Father of the Green Revolution', briefly examine current issues, such as the latest IPCC report and climate change, and visit Kenya in our latest podcast. 02/03/07

Developments

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:00:52 GMT

New initiatives and updates on research projects include growing khat in Kenya, where farmers are using their initiative to grow the semi-legal crop. In Argentina, the growing GM trend is explored, and new rice developments continue in west africa. The impact of Rift Valley Fever in East Africa is also examined. 01/03/07

Horticulture in the city

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:01:50 GMT

In Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, wastewater irrigation supports crop and fodder production. In Lima, fresh, urban-grown vegetables are on display at weekly markets, while in Cuba, profits from urban horticulture are ploughed back into community enterprises. In this edition we focus on the rooftop gardens, backyard enterprises and peri-urban plots that supply fresh produce to the world's cities and provide a good income for urban growers as well. 01/03/07

Krishan Bir Chaudhary, India's farming crisis

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:55:25 GMT

Known for his anti-GM and anti-globalisation views, Krishan Bir Chaudhary, executive chairman of Bharat Krishak Samaj, criticises the rules of the multilateral global trading regime. He urges governments to focus on the well-being of small farmers, arguing that liberalisation has denied Indian farmers adequate remunerative prices, causing debt and often suicide. 01/03/07

Paraguay

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:41:15 GMT

Small, and with the least dense population in the region, Paraguay's economy revolves around agriculture. The commercialisation of agriculture, population growth and forest clearances have led to a dramatic increase in the number of landless families, increasing migration into urban areas and shanty towns. But Paraguay's produce, such as cocoa and sugarcane, contributes to some important niche markets. 27/02/07

CD-Resource

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 17:23:09 GMT

The latest edition of the New Agriculturist CD-Resource is now available free of charge. This CD contains all editions of the New Agriculturist from January 2000 to December 2006. 21/02/07

Listen in

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:05:42 GMT

The listen in section provides links to additional audio material that is related to the site, including radio interviews and the New Agriculturist podcast. 14/02/07

Contact us

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:49:57 GMT

All the details you need to contact the New Agriculturist team. 14/02/07

For the diary

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:32:09 GMT

Up-coming agriculture and development conferences. 14/02/07

In this issue...

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 12:42:50 GMT

New Agriculturist online provides an update on the latest news and developments in tropical agriculture for a global audience. Also a summary of conferences for agriculturists and recent publications, including Unbowed by Wangari Maathai. 08/01/07

Northern Uganda - settling for peace

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 12:05:24 GMT

'Northern Uganda - settling for peace' tells in pictures how internally displaced people, once dependent on food aid, are now returning to their abandoned villages to cultivate a new future. 08/01/07

Developments

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 12:10:47 GMT

03/01/07

Book reviews

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:54:13 GMT

Reviews of some of the latest publications and books in tropical agriculture, rural development, and related areas including Unbowed: A memoir by Wangari Maathai. 14/12/06

News brief

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:54:13 GMT

The International Coffee Organisation, ICO, prices, demand, Uganda, President Obasanjo, Nigeria, indigenous, knowledge, herbal medicines, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, KARI, avocados, ethylene hormone, prolong, shelf-life, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, boost, rice, production, International Rice Research Institute, IRRI, Conservation International, CI, ban, deep sea, bottom trawling, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, GM, banana, bacterial wilt, improved, maize, European Space Agency, ESA, TIGER, water, cottonseed, World Health Organisation, WHO, International Potato Centre, CIP, pesticide, Peru, foot-and-mouth, FMD, disease, India, livestock, Wellcome Trust, CGIAR, awards, bananas, leafy vegetables, cowpeas, pearl, millet, sorghum, CIMMYT 14/12/06

Health and Agriculture

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:44:42 GMT

Focus on Health and Agriculture goes beyond food security and livelihoods to look at the nutritional functions that farming could and should fulfil. 14/12/06

Points of view: Agricultural innovation

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:44:42 GMT

New Agriculturist: Points of view - Agricultural innovation. A selection of viewpoints on agricultural innovation systems and how they should be developed and enhanced, so as to increase the impact of formal agricultural research. 14/12/06

Burkina Faso

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:11:51 GMT

Despite significant mineral deposits, Burkina Faso remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy; more than three million people, mainly subsistence farmers, depend on cotton production for their income whilst a further three million are involved in the industry. Such is the value of cotton to the economy that the government has joined with other cotton producing countries to lobby for improved access to western markets. 13/12/06

a personal viewpoint

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:10:39 GMT

Katherine Sierra, vice president for Sustainable Development at the World Bank, outlines her vision for the CGIAR as tackling specific global agricultural issues, including climate change and diseases such as avian flu and the wheat rust UG99. She believes the role of the CGIAR is to husband the resources and provide research which extends the benefits to reducing poverty and improving poor people's livelihoods. 13/12/06