Africa-wide monitoring tool aims to boost food security
African policymakers and farmers stand to benefit from an innovative tool to provide integrated data on agriculture, ecosystems and human well-being.
View ArticleNigeria to combat vitamin A deficiency with hybrid maize
Nigeria's fight against vitamin A deficiency received a boost last month, with the launch of two vitamin-enriched maize hybrids.
View ArticleDrought-resistant tea highlighted in natural product research
Drought-resistant tea is on an agenda for natural product development and capacity building in Malawi and other southern African nations.
View ArticleAfrican farmers could soon grow virus-resistant cassava
The transfer of a new virus-resistant cassava strain from Swiss to African labs could transform agriculture in cassava-dependent regions.
View ArticleTree intercropping 'could save Africa's soils'
A review of agroforestry for food crops finds the benefits for raising soil quality and food yields to be substantial and well documented.
View ArticleTrust 'a major challenge' to agricultural biotechnology
Fears in Africa surrounding agri-biotech, resulting in its underutilisation, can be tackled by building trust and openness, says a study.
View ArticleScientists torn over Kenya's recent GM food ban
In the aftermath of Kenya's banning of genetically modified organisms, some scientists say the directive threatens national food security.
View ArticleEast African cassava research gets major funding boost
Research into two deadly cassava diseases affecting crops in East Africa has received US$10.6 million to help develop resistant strains.
View ArticleClimate data 'has helped African farmers boost production'
A knowledge-exchange programme has helped to protect African people from extreme weather and increase harvests, an initiative has found.
View ArticleHorn of Africa 'should grow more climate-hardy cassava'
New varieties of cassava may dramatically increase harvests of the drought-resistant root crop in the Horn of Africa, show Ethiopian tests.
View ArticleCameroon settles on new bean varieties
Researchers in Cameroon have opted for seven hardier bean varieties — from a pool of many — to help meet demands for a staple food.
View ArticleSelenium deficiency 'endemic' in Malawi
Researchers confirm that selenium deficiency is endemic in Malawi, and suggest enriching fertiliser with the nutrient to tackle the problem.
View ArticleMaps reveal 'hidden hunger' that stifles development
Researchers have mapped childhood lack of vital micronutrients — 'hidden hunger'— finding links with lost productivity.
View ArticleChild hunger takes heavy toll on Africa's GDP
Undernourished children are sicker and less educated, hitting national productivity later in life, reveal reports.
View ArticleBiofortified pearl millet 'can combat iron deficiency'
Scientists unlock the potential of specially bred millet to fight malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa and India.
View ArticleStudy eases fears that iron supplements fuel malaria
Using supplements to treat anaemia in children does not boost cases of the disease, a Ghanaian study shows.
View ArticleInvesting in people and evidence for sustainable farming
Evaluation of farming systems, new ideas and learning with practitioners should be part of a transformed agriculture.
View ArticleWill a scientific trial show the value of cash donations?
A charity is awaiting a verdict on its practice of sending money directly to poor Kenyans, reports Kath Nightingale.
View ArticleEnsuring food security: Key resources
From nutrition to gender issues, Michael Hoevel scans the best online resources relating to food security.
View ArticleAfrica and EU team up on food and farming research
African and European officials have agreed to intercontinental collaboration on nutrition and agricultural research.
View Article
