Say the words “green revolution,” and people take sides. For opponents, the phrase conjures visions of monocrop fields fertilized with chemicals and sprayed with more chemicals. For proponents, it evokes the tremendous efficiencies that have helped us feed our burgeoning population. For Joe DeVries, a plant scientist, “it’s a …
The Zambian government has called for commercialisation of traditional food in the country to cope with the current demand on the local and international markets. Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Greyford Monde said there was need to promote traditional products. Read …
Cassava, Uganda’s major staple after matooke, feeds over half a billion people in the world with Africa contributing to about 50% of the global production. But the crop is threatened, and it appears that only the only solution rests with advanced biotechnology to create virus resistant transgenic varieties. Read …
Ugandan government has embarked on an ambitious project to distribute 300 million coffee free in a move aimed at doubling the current coffee production to over 7 million bags annually. The initiative which is part of the government renewed effort in revolutionarizing agriculture through the programme dubbed Operation Wealth …
A group of farmers in Gatanga have found a way to produce local fertilizer that is delivering a much cheaper and more effective alternative to synthetic fertliser and a new business opportunity at grassroots level. The liquid fertiliser is made from a plant that grows wild in rural areas of …
The international banana industry only has itself to blame for its vulnerability to panama disease, and faces annihilation if the fungus continues to spread, according to an expert on global banana production.The banana industry is a monoculture, focussing primarily on the growth and trade of the Cavendish banana. Read …
Bean breeders have discovered 30 types of ‘heat beater beans’ that could keep production from crashing in large swaths of bean-dependent Latin America and Africa, in the wake of fears that global warming could zap a vital source of protein that has sustained humans for centuries. Read …
According to the UN conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2010 report, Africa’s capacity to provide food has declined by one-fifth over the past 40 years. This has been proposed as a reason why the continent should adopt genetically engineered crops. Read …
The President of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, John Awuku said that farmers, especially small holder farmers, have recognized the important role that improved seeds and fertilizers play in increasing yield and income. He noted that Ghana needs a vigorous education campaign on GMO, plant breeding …
This week, B4FA’s Scientific Advisor, Prof. Chris Leaver was interviewed by East African Business Week‘s Kenan Kalagho – read excerpts below to hear Prof. Leaver’s views on food security, plant genetics and GM crops…
What is Bioscience for farming in Africa?
This is a programme specifically designed to encourage informed discussion about …
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