CropLife Africa and the Middle East focuses on developing crop protection products that boost productivity while safeguarding farmers’ health and the environment. Speaking at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress 2025 held in Nairobi, Kenya, in mid-October, Margaux Rundstadler, director of public affairs and communication at CropLife Africa and the Middle East, said the company represents a network of 23 national associations spread across the region. She added that the regional association represents the leading global manufacturers of crop protection products, seed, and biotechnology products. In her address, Rundstadler noted that Africa holds 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable…
Author: Newsdesk
At the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress 2025, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 18 October, one of the panel discussions focused on how quality seed can uplift farmers and societies in East Africa. In her opening remarks, panel moderator Airah Cadiogan, communications manager at the International Seed Federation (ISF), outlined how counterfeit seeds and fertilisers are proliferating, threatening the agriculture sector’s growth and farmers’ long-term sustainability. She explained that in recent years, there has been an increase in illegal seed practices that include the selling of counterfeit seeds. According to a study by the Alliance for a Green…
Niger Government has called for stronger global commitment and coordinated action to address the escalating climate challenges threatening economies and communities across the world. Mr Yakubu Garba, the Deputy Governor of Niger, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday. Garba stated that climate action in Niger is not only a local necessity but also a critical contribution to Africa’s global climate commitments. “Investing in Niger means investing in the resilience of over six million people, in food security, and in the protection of critical ecosystems that sustain Nigeria’s environmental balance,” Garba said. He…
Germany has pledged 1.15 billion dollars in support for Brazil’s new rainforest protection funds, providing fresh impetus to the global fight against deforestation and channelling resources towards Indigenous and traditional communities. Brazil will receive this fund over the course of the next decade until 2035. The announcement was made by the Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva on Wednesday at the UN Climate Change Conference in Belem. After the announcement, German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan said in a statement, “This is about protecting the tropical rainforests, the lungs of our planet.” The South American nation…
The Niger State Government has called for stronger global commitment and coordinated action to tackle escalating climate challenges threatening economies and communities worldwide. Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba made the appeal in an interview with journalists on Thursday. Garba said climate action in Niger State is not only a local priority but also a vital contribution to Africa’s broader climate commitments. “Investing in Niger means investing in the resilience of over six million people, in food security, and in the protection of critical ecosystems that sustain Nigeria’s environmental balance,” he said. Describing Niger State as a land endowed with rich natural…
The Director-General of the Pan-African Organization for Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI), Dr. Henry Emejuo, has affirmed that cassava remains vital to Africa’s food security and industrial development. Speaking at the sidelines of the recently concluded three-day Africa Cassava Conference in Abuja, Emejuo described the crop as both an economic commodity and a staple food across the continent. He highlighted cassava’s versatility, noting that “there is hardly a day a Nigerian or African household does not consume a cassava-based product such as garri or tapioca.” Emejuo also emphasized the crop’s industrial significance, pointing out its use in producing ethanol, high-quality…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the Kogi State Government, has intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs allegedly worth millions of naira. The Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Lokoja. Fanwo said the breakthrough followed a coordinated operation conducted by the state government and the NDLEA based on credible intelligence. He explained that the illicit drugs, which were neatly concealed in a truck, were being transported through the state to an unknown destination. According to him, the identity of the drug kingpin and the final destination of the…
The Hadejia–Jam’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) has pledged stronger collaboration with security agencies to enhance food security across its operational areas. The Managing Director of the authority, Mr. Rabiu Bichi, made the commitment while receiving the Commander of MOPOL 9 Kano, ACP Mu’awiya Abubakar, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to its headquarters. Bichi said the partnership aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which mandates River Basin Authorities to provide adequate irrigation facilities and promote modern farming techniques to boost national food production. He noted that security support was critical to ensuring uninterrupted farming activities…
Organizers of the Climate Equity Project have urged stronger collaboration among governments, civil society organizations (CSOs) and community actors to address the growing impacts of climate change across Nigeria. This call was made during the Climate Equity Validation Session held on Wednesday in Ibadan. The project, implemented by NETHOPE, the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YARN), and Ushahidi, aims to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities in Oyo, Osun, and Ondo States. Implementation Manager at Ushahidi, Ms. Rhoda Omenya, said the participation of government officials at the validation meeting was a positive indication that the findings would inform climate…
The Oyo State Government has launched a crackdown on unauthorized private estate developers operating in violation of state regulations. The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Akin-Funmilayo Williams, led an enforcement team on Wednesday to several estates along the Akinyele–Iseyin Road in Ibadan. Williams expressed concern over the rising number of developers undertaking site clearing and construction without the requisite approvals from the ministry. He warned that such illegal developments pose serious risks to orderly urban growth, environmental safety, and the effective implementation of the state’s physical development policies. According to him, many of the defaulting developers are…