A chicken’s entire egg-laying cycle, from ovulation to shell formation, takes approximately 24 to 26 hours. Hens typically begin laying their first eggs around 18 to 24 weeks of age, though this varies by breed. After the first “pullet” eggs, size gradually increases, and peak production occurs during the first laying year, after which production declines. The egg-laying cycle (internal process) Ovulation: A yolk is released from the ovary and enters the oviduct. White formation: The albumen, or egg white, begins to form around the yolk. Shell membrane formation: The yolk and white are encased in a double membrane. Shell…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The 2025 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), held in Dakar, Senegal, have honoured ten outstanding women who are transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape through innovation, resilience, and leadership. This year’s finalists are driving solutions that directly respond to the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 report, which highlighted the urgent need to tackle food insecurity and climate change. Their enterprises span agri-tech, value addition, and sustainable farming—addressing challenges such as malnutrition, food waste, and climate shocks across the continent. To further scale their impact, the winners received a combined US$300,000 in grant funding from the ValueForHer programme, underscoring the…
Moringa is described as the tree of life. Moringa oleifera is a tree with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also known as the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree, people have used moringa for centuries due to its health benefits. What does it contain? 10 times more vitamin A than Carrots15 times more Potassium than Bananas4 times more Protein than Eggs25 times more iron than Spinach17 times more calcium than Milk0.75 more vitamin C than Oranges Moringa may have a range of health benefits, ranging from speeding up wound healing to managing blood glucose.…
Apple’s new hypertension alerts feature on the Apple Watch has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The update will roll out with watchOS 26 and will be available on Apple Watch Series 9 and newer, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later models. The feature uses the device’s optical heart sensor to track blood vessel responses with each heartbeat over 30 days. If it detects consistent signs of high blood pressure, it will notify the user. Apple, however, emphasizes that the feature is not a diagnostic tool. Users who receive alerts are advised to…
Burkina Faso has officially eliminated visa fees for all travellers from African countries, following a decision reached at a recent cabinet meeting chaired by junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana confirmed that African citizens wishing to visit Burkina Faso will no longer be required to pay visa fees. However, they must still complete an online application, which remains subject to approval. The move is part of Burkina Faso’s push to strengthen Pan-African solidarity and deepen regional integration. The country now joins a growing number of African nations — including Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya — that have recently…
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on Fulani herdsmen to embrace cattle ranching as a sustainable way of improving livestock production and addressing the recurring farmer-herder conflicts that have fueled insecurity across the state. The Governor made the appeal when he received representatives of various Fulani groups at the Government House, Minna. The delegation visited under the auspices of the Madako Foundation for Conflict Resolution and Empowerment. Governor Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” described ranching as the most effective and modern approach to livestock management, stressing that it offers better opportunities for value chain production and…
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reported a significant recovery of public funds totaling approximately ₦50.6 billion and $1.066 million from the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones of Nigeria between May 2023 and July 2025, reinforcing its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability in these regions. According to a detailed report presented at a media engagement attended by select journalists from the Northwest and the Northeast and held at the Bristol Hotel in Kano, the ICPC tracked a total of 1,440 public projects valued at about ₦271.054 billion, with 767 projects worth ₦112.737 billion…
The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Ltd., has extended its Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme to Northern Nigeria as part of efforts to boost food security, empower rural communities, and drive national development. The initiative, now in its second phase, is designed to equip farmers with modern agricultural techniques, including climate-smart practices, organic fertilization, post-harvest loss reduction, and strategies for improved market access. The first phase of the programme was held across the South-East, South-South, and South-West regions, where more than 4,000 farmers benefitted from training on innovative practices and market strategies. According to the foundation,…
The National President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, has cautioned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to reduce food prices by addressing transport costs could backfire if broader structural challenges confronting the agricultural sector are not simultaneously tackled. Reacting to the pronouncement by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Ibrahim described the situation as being “caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.” He explained that while lowering transport costs may provide temporary relief, other critical issues such as high input costs, energy supply, insecurity, and distribution bottlenecks…
In the heart of Niger’s sprawling rural landscapes, smallholder farmers form the backbone of the nation’s food security and economy. Yet, despite their vital role, many struggle with outdated, costly, and often inaccessible farming equipment. The advent of small-tech tools—advancements inspired by China’s innovative, affordable solutions—offers a beacon of hope, promising to transform how Niger’s farmers cultivate their land. The costly tractor trap Traditionally, large-scale tractors and heavy machinery symbolize modern farming. However, their price tags—sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars—are well beyond what smallholder farmers can afford. Besides the high upfront cost, maintenance, fuel, and repair expenses often…