Kenya is inching closer to a major agricultural milestone as scientists move toward releasing new potato varieties resistant to Late Blight — a devastating disease that has long haunted farmers and caused massive crop losses across the world. The breakthrough comes after more than two decades of painstaking research and collaboration between the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the International Potato Center (CIP), based in Lima, Peru, and Nairobi, Kenya. Known as the “3R” potatoes — short for three resistance genes — the new varieties were developed to withstand Phytophthora infestans, the notorious pathogen behind Late Blight…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
India has maintained its position as the world’s largest producer of turmeric, accounting for an overwhelming majority of global output in 2023, according to new data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The FAOSTAT 2023 Global Turmeric Production Report shows that India produced approximately 1.16 million tonnes of turmeric last year — far ahead of China, the second-largest producer, which recorded 95,000 tonnes. Myanmar ranked third with 48,000 tonnes, while Nigeria emerged as Africa’s leading producer and the fourth-largest globally, with 38,000 tonnes. Other key producers include Bangladesh (35,000 tonnes), Nepal (30,000 tonnes), Indonesia (27,000…
Over the last 10 years, Nigeria has experienced the largest surge in population worldwide, adding 50 million people, according to recent demographic data. This remarkable growth highlights Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most populous country and underscores challenges and opportunities facing its economy and infrastructure. Pakistan ranked second with a population increase of 38 million, followed closely by India at 35 million new residents. Indonesia and Ethiopia also registered significant population gains of 30 million and 25 million respectively, reflecting strong demographic growth across Asia and Africa. Other countries with notable population rises include Bangladesh (+20 million), Egypt (+18 million), the…
In 2023, India confirmed its status as the largest producer of chili peppers worldwide with an impressive output of 1.9 million tonnes, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) FAOSTAT data. This dominance underscores India’s robust agricultural capabilities and solidifies its influence in the global spice market. China closely follows as the second-largest producer with 1.75 million tonnes, reflecting its vast agricultural landscape and growing demand. Ethiopia and Thailand hold the third and fourth positions with 480,000 and 450,000 tonnes respectively, marking their rising roles in the global chili pepper supply chain. In Africa, Nigeria…
Avocado lovers in Norway may soon have a reason to celebrate — and it’s not just about brunch. For the first time ever, a Norwegian researcher has succeeded in growing the tropical fruit right here in Norway, defying the country’s cold climate. The breakthrough comes from the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), where a young researcher, Carolina Falcato Fialho Palma, decided to take on what many thought was impossible. Her small pilot project at NIBIO Særheim has now produced Norway’s very first homegrown avocados. “I’ve always had a passion for exotic fruit,” Palma said, smiling. “We wanted to see…
The President of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Mr. Shuichi Suzuki, has met with former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, as part of his week-long visit to Nigeria aimed at strengthening agricultural cooperation and food security efforts. The meeting, held on Monday in Abeokuta, was part of a series of engagements by Mr. Suzuki, who is on his first official mission to Nigeria since assuming leadership of SAA. His visit focuses on deepening the organization’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria and exploring new avenues to support smallholder farmers. Chief Obasanjo commended SAA for its consistent investment in Africa’s agricultural sector and its…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidance to help countries deal with the impact of sharp reductions in external health funding, which are disrupting essential health services in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The document, titled “Responding to the Health Financing Emergency: Immediate Measures and Longer-Term Shifts,” offers practical policy options to help governments sustain vital health services and strengthen domestic financing systems amid shrinking aid flows. Funding Cuts Hit Health Services Hard External health aid is projected to decline by 30–40% in 2025 compared to 2023. According to WHO’s March 2025 survey of 108 LMICs, funding…
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to helping African governments and institutions deliver on their agricultural transformation goals as the continent enters a decisive phase of food systems reform. The pledge came during the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme – Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP) held in Kigali, Rwanda. The event, co-organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and AUDA-NEPAD, brought together key stakeholders to align efforts toward advancing Africa’s food and agriculture agenda. Speaking at the forum, Jonathan Said, AGRA’s Vice President for Technical Expertise, emphasized the importance of shifting from broad commitments to…
Ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the adoption of a National Carbon Market Framework, operationalization of the Climate Change Fund, and the restoration of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) to the federal budget. The measures are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the global carbon market and unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade to support climate action and sustainable development. The approvals followed a presentation by the Director-General of the NCCC, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, during the Council’s…
Ethiopian farmers and exporters can now apply for, receive, and send phytosanitary certificates entirely online following the launch of the country’s fully operational Integrated Export and Import Certification System (IEICS), popularly known as the e-Phyto system. The digital transition from paper-based to online certification is expected to drastically reduce clearance times, lower administrative costs, and ease market access for agricultural products destined for regional and international markets. Fully integrated with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) e-Phyto hub, the system enables certificates to be transmitted directly to importing countries. This eliminates the need for physical document exchange, curbs fraud, and…