West African Resources’ Post

How do you make a country-wide difference? By helping Tiyeni go national!     SAVE THE DATE for 18 to 25 April when we will once again be taking part in the Big Give’s Green Match Fund. The Big Give will DOUBLE your donations to Tiyeni so that you can help farmers DOUBLE their crop yields. This year, we’re taking our programme to the next level: we will be training Agriculture Officers across Malawi, who in turn can go out and train more farmers in our Deep Bed Farming techniques. These techniques are simple to learn and don’t require specialist tools. They will mean that land is better prepared for climate change, more crops are grown, and communities see better food security and health. #malawi #sustainableagriculture #smallholderfarmers #regenerativeagriculture

Sunny, SCZ's Senior Programme Manager gave us his reflections this week on the drought which is currently crippling Zambia "Sinazongwe district is one of the districts situated in the valley of Southern Province. The district receives average and below average rainfall in each given rain season. The 2023-2024 season was different as farmers experienced unprecedentedly low rainfall. This has been called the worst drought in living memory. During the season under review, not a single farmer managed to harvest anything from the fields despite planting a lot of crops. Most of the farmers had planted maize, millet and sorghum. To the people of Sinazongwe district, this was a double challenge to fight with after recovering from an outbreak of Anthrax which claimed lots of livestock from farmers. Due to this background, the drought in Sinazongwe has led to an unprecedented hunger situation to both humans and the livestock that have already just survived an outbreak of Anthrax. Moreover, in a district where most of the people that live along lake Kariba and Zambezi River depend on fishing as a source of income, the low water levels in the lake have led to the depletion of fish, hence making it hard for fishermen and women to make ends meet. Those that live on the far side of the lake and are engaging in crop farming and did not harvest anything, selling livestock in order to buy food is the only alternative that they have. Does everyone have animals to sell? No." Can you help us to provide young people and farmers with the knowledge and tools to adapt and mitigate the impacts of the ongoing #climatecrisis? We are still fundraising for the new Skills for Life and Climate Justice Centre where every donation will go such a long way in helping us to establish a centre which will be the first of its kind in Sinazongwe. The first part of this project will involve establishing the tailoring centre and climate smart agriculture demonstration garden, housing drought resistant but highly nutritious crops. The communities we work with do not want handouts or to live each year on the whim of the rains. Can you help us to upskill them with knowledge of climate smart agriculture which we have already seen from past projects can reduce extreme poverty by over 20% https://lght.ly/0i7em6e A huge thank you to everyone who has already shown their support during this difficult time

In agriculture, there’s a strong sense family — and it’s not only about generations, which is important, but also as a community and as an industry. Supporting one another during times of trouble – isn’t that what makes up a true family? That is the mission of FARMERHOOD charity initiative, helping small Ukrainian farmers whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Farmers and staff have been called to the armed forces. A lot of them are volunteering at the front lines. Precious Ukrainian farmland (“tchonozem” – black soils), farm facilities and machinery are being lost to artillery, mines and confiscation from Russian soldiers. Lifelong created businesses are being devastated. Thanks to donors, FARMERHOOD charity is supporting small-scale Ukrainian farmers affected by war with the principle of “Farmers Helping Farmers”. Our farmer-to-farmer platform facilitates a global network of support for Ukrainian farmers, with international farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural businesses providing both financial and moral support for their counterparts in Ukraine. Wherever you are and whatever business you are from, you can help. And your help will make a difference for the farmers struggling to continue their lives, as well as farming activities though the ongoing war. HELP Ukrainian small-scale farmers from 10 to 500 hectares (25 to 1,200 acres ca.) whose farms were in the war-torn areas or are located within 50 km (31 miles) from the current front-line, to rebuild, to support agricultural production and workers. YOU CAN HELP any farm from the list registered at the platform just now! Just click that link below, choose the farm story and donate https://lnkd.in/ek5yrB6Y The map on the site will guide you through Ukraine indicating the farm location. YOUR HELP will make a difference! Stand with Ukraine and stand with Ukrainian farmers! Any donation helps Ukrainian farmers to keep faith in the goodness and brotherhood of farmers and makes them feel they are not alone in their trouble. Farmerhood – from farmers to farmers #fromfarmerstofarmers #supportForFarmers #farmerhood #agrocharity #HelpToFarmers   *Read about @Farmerhood at American Chamber of Commerce: The American Chamber of Commerce is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and he largest AmCham Office in Europe. It delivers the shared voice of U.S., international and Ukrainian companies and are committed to this country https://lnkd.in/dtPSnBnJ

Livelihood diversification is vital in pastoral and agropastoral areas as it greatly reduces vulnerability to climate change, economic shocks, and resource scarcity. While the recent past #FAOSomalia has focused on improving Animal Health delivery and enhancing fodder value to support primary livelihoods, it is equally important to explore alternative income sources. The #FAO's #FNS-#REPRO project in poultry distribution has demonstrated successful adaptation and contribution to food security and nutrition in these communities. Here are the lessons learned: 1. The existence of strengthened producer groups fostered strong cooperation among members, who were eager to advance their livelihoods and hence, requested poultry distribution, leading to the community's enthusiastic reception and care for the poultry. 2. Community contribution- Poultry house construction was a community contribution, with all participants building their houses in advance. 3. Poultry Speceis - The Plymouth Rock chicken, the species delivered, demonstrated exceptional adaptation to the local environment, with a minimal loss rate of less than 5% and high productivity, laying one egg per day even in free-range conditions. 4. Providing feed as part of the process was crucial, as this ensured farmers had the necessary resources for the first month while the poultry adapted. 5. Training households in poultry management was also vital, as poultry management skills were low among the target community.   The distributed poultry now contributes to the daily income and nutritional needs of households in the #FNS-REPRO target areas of Sool and Sanaag regions. This experience underscores the importance of integrating diversified livelihood strategies to enhance resilience and improve the overall well-being of Rural communities. @photo captured in Wadamagoo village, Caynabo district

Access to income and protein in rural Gambia grows Sare Birom, a remote community in Niumi North Bank Region, practices rainfed crop farming. Like other hard-to-reach rural communities, Sare Birom is also bereft of basic but essential services making it difficult for the inhabitants to have improved living conditions during the dry season. However, in search of means of livelihoods to sustain themselves during this period, the village women mobilised themselves and started a garden with the hope of generating income for a better life. https://lnkd.in/dpzfS6ND

At Pullus Africa, the impact we make on the lives of small-scale poultry farmers truly sets us apart. Stanley's testimony is a testament to our commitment. Many farmers struggle with the challenge of off-taking their birds, often resorting to selling on credit and facing uncertain payments. At Pullus Africa, we address this issue by purchasing birds directly from farmers and ensuring they are credited within 24 hours. This timely payment provides farmers with the capital they need to start a new batch and even expand their production immediately. Testimonials like Stanley's inspire us and strengthen our resolve to do even more. #PullusAfrica #PoultryFarming #Impact #Productivity #Profitability #FarmersSupport #AgricultureInnovation #TestimonialTuesday #SmallScaleFarming #Empowerment

East Africa is on the brink of a famine, after three years of failed rains, conflict and soaring food prices.   Ethiopia was once an agricultural hub with rich farmland, but it has been destroyed by drought. Over a billion dollars worth of livestock wiped out.   Tearfund is committed to assisting farmers in learning new techniques to adapt to the climate challenges, like introducing drought-resistant beans and pea seeds for more resilient crops.   Tearfund CEO Ian McInnes says, “Once those crops are growing in the ground, they can begin eating and selling those. Then they can afford to buy some goats. When they reproduce enough goats, they can afford to restock with cattle."   This is the long-term recovery plan, but Ethiopia is also in urgent need of emergency relief. The storage warehouse in the Borena District where our partner works, is completely empty. Six months ago it was full of aid, but since then donations have dried up.   Bereket, executive director for TDA, has one simple message to Kiwis. "Bring food to this empty store."   Act against hunger because #EveryoneDeservesFood - tearfund.org.nz   Watch below the latest report from Newshub’s Europe Correspondent Lisette Reymer.

In Tanzania, Brooder Units have discovered that raising dual-purpose poultry (DPP) is not only more profitable but also easier to market to small-scale farmers than other breeds, leading to stronger business outcomes throughout the value chain. Tanzanian Brooder Unit, Dorothi Wisiko from Iringa explains, “Previously I raised broilers. Now I am brooding Dual-Purpose chickens (DPP), I have reduced my input and management costs. I have a more reliable market selling brooded DPP to local farmers. I don’t sell all my chickens, to sell cockerels later for a higher price and keep hens for eggs.  I transport my eggs to Ruaha National Park and sell them to lodges for a great price.”  Profitability at every level of the value chain is key to ensuring long-term sustainability.  With donor funding and direct WPF support now concluded in Tanzania, profitability at every level of the value chain is essential to sustain the benefits of DPP for years to come. Silverlands Tanzania Limited Learn more about how the APMI program’s value chain creates lasting impact: https://lnkd.in/efbp6NzU

In Tanzania, Brooder Units have discovered that raising dual-purpose poultry (DPP) is not only more profitable but also easier to market to small-scale farmers than other breeds, leading to stronger business outcomes throughout the value chain. Tanzanian Brooder Unit, Dorothi Wisiko from Iringa explains, “Previously I raised broilers. Now I am brooding Dual-Purpose chickens (DPP), I have reduced my input and management costs. I have a more reliable market selling brooded DPP to local farmers. I don’t sell all my chickens, to sell cockerels later for a higher price and keep hens for eggs. I transport my eggs to Ruaha National Park and sell them to lodges for a great price.” Profitability at every level of the value chain is key to ensuring long-term sustainability.  With donor funding and direct WPF support now concluded in Tanzania, profitability at every level of the value chain is essential to sustain the benefits of DPP for years to come. Silverlands Tanzania Limited Learn more about how the APMI program’s value chain creates lasting impact: https://lnkd.in/efbp6NzU