The processing of food from crop production to end users’ products is a chain that should be encouraged in Africa to provide necessary jobs in the agricultural sector. 

Agro processing in other continents have encouraged the formation of Cooperatives that have, in turn, proven to provide an estimated 100 million jobs around the world. In South Africa, the government has had plans to progressively establish Agri-Parks in all 53 District Municipalities. In these plans priority was given to 27 poorest District Municipalities which were expected to be fully fledged agro-hubs and would offer all services along the various commodities value chains.

The processing of food from crop production to end users’ products is a chain that should be encouraged in Africa to provide necessary jobs in the agricultural sector. Agro processing in other continents have encouraged the formation of Cooperatives that have, in turn, proven to provide an estimated 100 million jobs around the world. In South Africa, the government has had plans to progressively establish Agri-Parks in all 53 District Municipalities. In these plans priority was given to 27 poorest District Municipalities which were expected to be fully fledged agro-hubs and would offer all services along the various commodities value chains.

A programme that talks about agriculture and its development in Africa.

Agro Africa

Food Processing- a job earner

For time immemorial, Africans have farmed on communal land. Communal farming is one of the oldest farming systems and is predominantly practiced by rural households. Communal farming uses one piece of land and its resources to farm. This farming includes grazing, harvesting plants, and raising livestock.

The 17 United Nations’ global sustainable development goals (SDGs) however, aim to improve the world by 2030. Goal number 2 talks about ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.

But is Communal Farming the way to go, if Africa’s goal is to feed itself?

In the program this week we look at one of the initiatives in the continent to achieve some of those goals- crowd farming; what it is and how it is going to benefit African farmers. We speak to experts who will talk to the issues involved, its advantages and disadvantages. We hear how other organisations want to use it as a springboard to achieve the goals of attaining Goal Number 2.

For time immemorial, Africans have farmed on communal land. Communal farming is one of the oldest farming systems and is predominantly practiced by rural households. Communal farming uses one piece of land and its resources to farm. This farming includes grazing, harvesting plants, and raising livestock.
The 17 United Nations&rsquo; global sustainable development goals (SDGs) however, aim to improve the world by 2030. Goal number 2 talks about ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.
But is Communal Farming the way to go, if Africa&rsquo;s goal is to feed itself?
In the program this week we look at one of the initiatives in the continent to achieve some of those goals- crowd farming; what it is and how it is going to benefit African farmers. We speak to experts who will talk to the issues involved, its advantages and disadvantages. We hear how other organisations want to use it as a springboard to achieve the goals of attaining Goal Number 2.

Communal Farming in Africa

In the program this week, we discuss communities around forest areas that have the potential to join the global economic benefits from forests, through organised groupings that could eventually change the lives of many people in the continent economically.

Gums and resins trade is in the hands of a few people in Africa so observes a recent Research by the African Forest Forum, an organisation that brings together interest groups in the management of forests in Africa.

As interest and demand rises in the non- timber forest products such as gums and resins, there is need to customise such to communities whose livelihoods could benefit from getting involved in the value chains of the trade.

In the programme this week Dr. Ben Chikamai, Executive Secretary at the Network of Gums and Resins in Africa (NGARA) talks about how communities around forests and other interested parties, can join the lucrative trade in gums and resins in the continent.

In the program this week, we discuss communities around forest areas that have the potential to join the global economic benefits from forests, through organised groupings that could eventually change the lives of many people in the continent economically.
Gums and resins trade is in the hands of a few people in Africa so observes a recent Research by the African Forest Forum, an organisation that brings together interest groups in the management of forests in Africa.
As interest and demand rises in the non- timber forest products such as gums and resins, there is need to customise such to communities whose livelihoods could benefit from getting involved in the value chains of the trade.
In the programme this week Dr. Ben Chikamai, Executive Secretary at the Network of Gums and Resins in Africa (NGARA) talks about how communities around forests and other interested parties, can join the lucrative trade in gums and resins in the continent.

Beneficiation of the forests through gums and resins

Many opportunities exist in the non-timber forest products that can change the well- being of communities in Africa.

What is the nexus between agriculture and forestry? Is agriculture losing out to forestry or vice-versa.

As the world meets in Seoul, South Korea, for the 15th World Forestry Congress, Africa is represented by the African Forestry Forum, an organisation constituting individuals, who are committed to advancing the sustainable management, use and conservation of forests and tree resources of Africa.

Under the theme ‘Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future with Forests’, Africa however, brings along a side event themed: Strengthening Forest Management for Enhanced livelihoods and Resilience in a changing environment in Africa.

Channel Africa speaks to one of the delegates from the organisation to this conference. On a telephone line from Seoul, South Korea Ben Chikamai, speaks about tree resources that could change the livelihoods of communities in Africa.

Along with the world theme we speak about tree cover and its importance in the continent.

Tune in for more...

Many opportunities exist in the non-timber forest products that can change the well- being of communities in Africa.
What is the nexus between agriculture and forestry? Is agriculture losing out to forestry or vice-versa.
As the world meets in Seoul, South Korea, for the 15th World Forestry Congress, Africa is represented by the African Forestry Forum, an organisation constituting individuals, who are committed to advancing the sustainable management, use and conservation of forests and tree resources of Africa.
Under the theme &lsquo;Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future with Forests&rsquo;, Africa however, brings along a side event themed: Strengthening Forest Management for Enhanced livelihoods and Resilience in a changing environment in Africa.
Channel Africa speaks to one of the delegates from the organisation to this conference. On a telephone line from Seoul, South Korea Ben Chikamai, speaks about tree resources that could change the livelihoods of communities in Africa.
Along with the world theme we speak about tree cover and its importance in the continent.
Tune in for more...

Food Processing- a job earner

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Agro Africa

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