CABI study brief explores effectiveness of farmer groups in promoting safe food production standards
A new CABI study brief has been published which delves into important aspects regarding the effectiveness of farmer groups in advocating for and adopting safe food production standards using experiences from Ghana and Kenya. The study brief, written by CABI scientists Maureen Njenga, Walter Hevi, Suzanne Neave, Lucy Karanja, Dr Naphis Bitange and Dr Monica…
Study highlights how joint clinics can help Kenyan farmers address ‘One Health’ issues
In sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth from agriculture is 11 times more effective at reducing extreme poverty compared with any other sector. In Kenya, 71% of the rural population work in the agriculture sector, accounting for nearly 70% of export earnings.
Antibiotics use in Kenyan livestock studied
The use of antibiotics for livestock has formed part of a study in Kenya aimed at investigating technological challenges in development and food security.
Perceptions of genetically modified crops under the microscope in Kenyan study
The perceptions of Genetically Modified (GM) crops has come under the microscope as part of a study in Kenya aimed at investigating technological challenges in development and food security.
Woody weeds are harming biodiversity, but we can stop them – here’s how
On 22nd May, we mark the International Day for Biological Diversity. Biodiversity is critical for life on Earth. We cannot live in isolation of our environment. But human activity is damaging essential habitats. In this article, CABI’s Global Director for Invasive Species Dr Hariet Hinz looks at how invasive woody weeds are harming biodiversity in…
Carbon sequestration in Africa at the expense of livelihoods and biodiversity
By Dr Arne Witt, CABI Africa According to the World Resources Centre, Africa accounts for only 2–3 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions from energy and industrial sources. In fact, Africa’s per capita emissions of carbon dioxide in the year 2000 were 0.8 metric tons per person, compared with a global figure of 3.9…
Digital extension and advisory services for farmers amid COVID-19 come under the microscope
The challenges of using digital tools as part of extension and advisory services to help empower small and family farmers amid the COVID-19 pandemic have come under the microscope in a joint webinar hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Agrilink.
Sentimentality stifling youths’ agricultural future
I know from personal experience it’s difficult for parents to let go of things they’ve cherished for years – for my dad, it’s broken antique chairs that he insists he’ll fix when he ‘has a spare moment’… i.e. never. ‘What’s the link between clutching on to family objects and youth engagement in agriculture,’ I hear…
One Health working will improve health and well-being of us all: plant, animal, human and ecosystem!
For One Health Day November 3, 2016, CABI editor Wendie Norris blogs about "One Health beyond early detection and control of zoonoses" an RSTMH 2016 talk by CABI author Esther Schellling (Swiss Tropical Public Health). Describing research projects on nomadic pastoralists in Chad and Rift Valley Fever (RVF) control in Kenya, Esther drew attention to the need for interdisciplinary studies to include an evaluation of One Health working, involvement of social scientists, engagement of key stakeholders. Tellingly she provided a cost-benefit analysis to society of controlling zoonoses when the disease is in its animal host before it infects human beings.
Recent developments in the world of biofuels
Opinions on the use of crops for biofuel and bioenergy continue to be polarized – are they a ‘good thing’ or not? When are they a ‘good thing’? Who benefits? How do you measure the impacts and their interactions at a local, national and international level on food security, land resources, water, greenhouse gas emissions,…