agricultural university

15 February 2019 . Devex.  Agriculture task force takes aim at EU investment plan for Africa  An expert group convened by the European Union to offer advice on how to create jobs in African agriculture will point to shortcomings in the EU’s flagship initiative for the African continent, the  External Investment Plan , or EIP. Created in February 2018 , the Task Force Rural Africa met  five times  last year,  charged  by the European Commission’s agriculture and development departments with accelerating “responsible EU private investment in support of African agriculture, agri-business and agroindustries.” They will publish their report on  March 7.  An overview of the task force’s  recommendations  was presented at a  meeting  of European and African officials in Vienna in December. Tom Arnold , the Irish agricultural economist who chaired the group of  11 experts  from Africa and Europe, explained that the...

IFAD and AGRA, both with operations on the ground in rural communities, will work closely with the fund manager to identify investment opportunities with promising SMEs. Image Credit: Twitter(@IFAD) 15 February 2019 .  European development commissioner Neven Mimica launched  the new  Agri-Business Capital Fund , or ABC Fund, a partnership between the EU and others who have so far committed around €55 million to support direct investments via small-scale loans for small- and medium-sized businesses and farmers' organizations, plus indirect investment in local financial institutions for on-lending. The EU has made €45 million available to the fund. On top of this, the Luxembourg Government and the Africa Green Revolution Alliance, an international NGO, are contributing €5 million and $5 million respectively. Launch of the Agri-Business Capital Fund (ABC Fund) Welcome remarks: Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD  Introductory statement: Mr Neven Mimica , Euro...

11-13 February 2019 . New Delhi, Delhi, India. World Sustainable Development Summit . This summit aimed to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). WSDS 2019 focused on the theme, 'Attaining the 2030 Agenda: Delivering on our Promise'. The “mega themes” to be addressed during the event are clean oceans, climate finance, energy transitions, mobility and sustainable agriculture. "There is a need to make use of the endless possibilities of biotechnology and  nanotechnology to develop a range of green products, including nano-fertilisers. We should move towards more efficient systems of irrigation with 'more crop per drop' as our mantra. Greater thrust has to be placed on organic farming and on the use of natural means of pest control. Sustainable development is inclusive development which includes sustainable agriculture, sustainable mob...

30th January to 1st February 2019. FARA Secretariat, Accra, Ghana The Long-term Europe-Africa Partnership for Food and Nutrition Security, and Sustainable Agriculture (LEAP4FNSSA) is a Coordination Support Action (CSA) funded by the Directorate General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) of the European Commission (EC), under Horizon 2020. It brings together 35 institutions from Africa and Europe which are ready to engage in collaborative research and innovation on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) roadmap signed in 2016, between the African Union and the European Union. From Left: Dr. Mawoko Philippe (Africa Union Commission), Agnieszka Romanowicz (European Commission), Madam Patricia Apiagyei (Hon. Deputy Minister of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation of Ghana), Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo (Executive Director, FARA) and Philippe Petithuguenin (CIRAD) A presentation to the  Honourable Deputy Minister The official Kick Off Meeting, which is t...

3 December 2018.  This was the forth event in the series ‘Frontiers in Development Policy’ and it  analyzed the importance of the link between both the rural and urban dimension . In particular the focus was on recognizing the role of small towns and enhancing rural-urban linkages in making food systems more effective and inclusive. You will find below the link to watch the video of the conference https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/news-and-events/strengthening-rural-urban-linkages-africa-achieve-food-security_en Firstly, the session explored the urban-rural dynamic in Africa and implication for food systems, presenting some cases of agro-food sector development in small-medium sized towns.  Finally, it discussed concrete approaches that build, transform or strengthen urban-rural linkages to achieve food security for all. Introduction:  Leonard Mizzi , Head of UNIT C – DG DEVCO Francesco Rampa, Head of Programme Sustainable Food Systems and Economic and Agricultural Tra...

30 November 2018. Brussels. DevCo Infopoint . Rice is becoming one of the most important food crops on the African continent. Steep population growth coupled with rapid urbanization and changing consumer behaviour are the main drivers behind the increasing demand for the cereal. You will find below the link to watch the video of the conference https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/news-and-events/developing-rice-value-chain-east-and-west-africa_en Despite increased rice production output over the years, the average yields across Africa still remain very low and meet just a fraction of what is actually demanded Challenges along the value chain are still high, but also the potential for significant growth, employment creation and poverty reduction in Africa. Introduction:  Mr Regis Meritan , Head of Sector - Agricultural Growth DEVCO C1 - Rural Development, Food Security, Nutrition Dr. Ulrich Sabel – Koschella, Head of Unit, Agricultural Value Chains, GIZ A4SD Mr Jean – Ber...

5 to 9 November 2018 . Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Seminar for Food and Nutrition Security Coordination of the EU Delegations in Eastern and Southern Africa (CODESA) “Capitalising on experiences and lessons learned and looking forward to the next programming cycle” . Extracts of the programme “Agriculture, food ad Jobs: the future of rural youth” Alexandre Kolev (HoU – Social Cohesion OECD  “Tracking Progress in the Implementation of AU’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda” Ernest Ruzindaza and SImplice Nouala. (AU)  “The transformative potential of the agrifood sector” Francesco Rampa (ECDPM)  “The contribution of the Agri-food Sector to Rural Transformation and sustainable growth” Khalid Bomba, (Agricultural Transformation Agency Ethiopia)  “Conditions to invests in agricultural value chains; an investor perspective” Tigist ARAYA (East Africa Gate)  “Applying science in development: Where do we stand with DESIRA?” Patrick Herlant (C1)  “Knowledge & In...