LEST YOU FORGET, WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES Edition (XI) 2024
AGROREF UGANDA
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO
KNOW; WEEKLY AGRICULTURE –COOPERATIVES (AGRICO) NEWS UPDATES
LEST YOU FORGET;
EDITION-(XI) 19th
May, 2024
About
AgroRef Uganda
Agriculture
Reform (AgroRef) Uganda is a Non-Governmental and Not-for-Profit Organization
focusing on advancing agricultural policy reforms, budget advocacy; and
supporting the building of systems, fostering values of equity, accountability,
transparency, and sustainability of organisations, especially smallholder
farmer organizations including but not limited to agricultural cooperatives
using a Human Rights Based Approach.
AgroRef
Uganda compiles news from different media houses and outlets that have been
published during the week and shares them with our key stakeholders. The
purpose is to keep farmers updated and informed of the operating environment in
the country.
BUSOGA KINGDOM, NARO SIGN AGREEMENT SUPPORTING AGRICULTURE
Busoga Kingdom has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) to popularize transformational agricultural practices among communities in Busoga sub-region. Seen as a strategic alliance, the partnership is aimed at enhancing the dissemination and adoption of technologies, innovations and management practices generated by NARO to improve the livelihoods of the people of Busoga. Friday's MoU signing event took place inside the Busoga Lukiiko hall at the kingdom headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City. Busoga Kingdom’s constitutional affairs minister, Alex Luganda, represented the monarchy's prime minister, Dr Joseph Muvawala, who was away at State House on official duties. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/busoga-kingdom-naro-sign-agreement-supporting-NV_188227#google_vignette
Illegal fishing methods including the use of unacceptable fishing gear such as nets and boats moreover in breeding zones had almost ruined fish stocks in Lake Edward. The dwindling stocks led to low catches of fish hence threatening the way of life for the people dwelling around the lake. To that effect, the Government put in place the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU)to regulate the day-to-day running of activities on the lake for purposes of conserving it. This, according to fishers, has produced great results. Fishermen around the different landing sites on Lake Edward on Thursday, May 16, 2024, recounted to FPU commander Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa how they are enjoying the fruits of abiding by the strategies put in place to ensure good fishing practices are employed to conserve the lake's fish stocks. This was at Rwenshama in Rukungiri district as the FPU commander visited the landing site during her western region tour to monitor the progress of FPU activities. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/lake-edward-fishing-communities-enjoy-conserv-NV_188206
UGANDAN WOMEN AGRIBUSINESSES SHINE AT CANADA FOOD EXHIBITION
Nine women food exhibitors under their umbrella body, the African Woman Agribusiness Network (AWAN) have excited showgoers from across the globe with African foods at the annual SIAL Canada food exhibition in Montreal, Canada. The SIAL Canada food innovation trade show is one of the largest in the world, which attracts thousands of exhibitors and show goers. The show this year attracted over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries. The Ugandan team, led by the AWAN chief executive officer Joice Atuhaire Onegwa included nine women exhibitors with modern food products sold on the international market. They included Eva & Nico who exhibited coffee from Uganda, highly favoured for its aroma, Rabboni from Athari Ventures Ltd who exhibited dried fruits including pineapples, jackfruits, mangoes and apples. The company is famous for exporting solar dried, organically produced high nutritious fruits and vegetables. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/business/ugandan-women-agribusinesses-shine-at-canada-NV_188171
Kikuube district chairperson Peter Banura says they do not have funds to support the over 300 families whose gardens and homes were devastated by heavy hailstorm last month. Banura, who was on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, reacting to residents who expressed dismay over the district leadership's failure to intervene into their misery, said the district has no budget to help those hit by disaster. Heavy downpour, coupled with hailstorms, hit seven villages of Kyangwali sub-county in April and left several hectares of food crops devastated. The catastrophe affected the villages, include Mandwiga, Wairaganza, Nyafunjo, Rwemiseke and Kasungwa. Now, residents fear that hunger is going strike the area since all food crops including maize, beans, sorghum and Banana they had planted were destroyed. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/we-dont-have-funds-to-support-disaster-affect-NV_188169
COMMIT MORE FUNDS TO AGROECOLOGY – CSOS IMPLORE GOVT
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) advocating for climate justice have implored the government and development partners to commit more funds to support agroecology if more Ugandans are to mitigate the effects of climate change. Agroecology simply means the use of nature-given solutions in advancing agriculture and improving yields, especially by positioning small-scale farmers where they can withstand the effects of climate change. CSOs argue that with agroecology, farmers can be supported to use basic irrigation that is accessible to them on top of homemade manure, to diversify their agriculture productions including animal husbandry and cultivation of crops on the scale of land they have. The call was made during the Climate Justice Symposium, one of the activities in the climate justice week, at Makerere University on Thursday. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/commit-more-funds-to-agroecology-csos-implore-NV_188155
Climate change activists converge in Uganda’s capital Kampala May 16 for a two-day national climate justice symposium to drum out solidarity against the escalating climate-related disasters. The event is expected to attract delegates from frontline communities, especially women and young people, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Climate Negotiators, Policymakers, Private sector and UN Agencies. Also invited are representatives from EAC, IGAD, Missions and Embassies in Uganda, Media, Academia, INGOS, NGOs, Civil Society Organizations, Women and young people-led Organizations, Refugee-led Organizations, and Religious organizations, among others. To be held at the Makerere University Auditorium and organised by ActionAid International, Uganda (AAIU) and partners, it is expected to mobilise and organise frontline communities, resources, and galvanise support for climate justice actions. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/climate-change-activists-converge-in-kampala-NV_188116
The minister of energy and mineral development, Ruth Nankabirwa, has said that government has set a target for clean cooking. "The National E-Cooking Strategy, working through the Modern Energy Cooking Services Program (MECS) sets our plan for promoting the adoption of Electric Cooking, from 1% today to 20% by 2030, " the minister said. Nankabirwa was on Tuesday May 15, 2024, representing Uganda at the Clean Cooking Summit organized by International Energy Authority in Paris, France. "I highlighted how policies and regulations have proven to be effective in advancing clean cooking and how these can be adapted to fit local contexts under the theme of “Making Clean Cooking an African Policy Priority.” At the Clean Cooking Summit, the British High Commission in Uganda announced £5m to Uganda through the ministry of energy for modern energy cooking services. "The £5million e-Cooking Programme in partnership with the UK Government, where we are establishing a Clean Cooking Unit under my Ministry to drive Uganda’s national clean cooking ambition. I thank the UK Government, which prior to this, had also supported Uganda to put in place, so, thank you again UK Government," Nankabirwa said. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/uganda-eyes-20-electric-cooking-target-by-203-NV_188100
EXPERTS TIP FARMERS MAINTAINING TEA QUALITY
Ugandan tea farmers are getting a taste of success thanks to East African Community (EAC) tea traders sharing their expertise. This isn't your average advice; the experts’ tips promise richer flavour, happier customers, and potentially more profit for Ugandan growers. So, what's the secret sauce? David Mutangana, a seasoned tea trader from Rwanda, during his recent visit brought with him a treasure trove of insights, as he shared tips on maintaining and elevating tea quality. Mutangana's first nugget of advice emphasized the importance of education, particularly in good husbandry practices for nurturing tea bushes.Stressing the significance of plucking within the optimal 14-day cycle, he highlighted the need for farmers to adhere to quality parameters for green leaf standards. His mantra of "2 leaves and a bud" resonated as a fundamental principle in maintaining fine plucking standards. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/experts-tip-farmers-maintaining-tea-quality-NV_188081
ILLEGAL FISHING GEAR WORTH SH31 MILLION DESTROYED IN SERERE
The continuous use of illegal fishing gear on lakes and rivers in Uganda has continued to persist despite several interventions deployed to mitigate it. On May 14, 2024, illegal fishing gear worth shillings 31 million was recovered by the Fisheries Protection Unit in the landing sites in Serere district that were used on Lake Kyoga. Captain Deogrious Kato, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) commandant in charge of the unit on Lake Kyoga, said that errant fishermen have continued to invade the security. “They use illegal landing sites for operating and they mostly go fishing at night,” Kato said. State minister for fisheries Hellen Adoa expressed disappointment with the fishing community for their continuous use of illegal fishing gear https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/illegal-fishing-gear-worth-sh31-million-destr-NV_187970
FAO CONCERNED ABOUT INCREASING USE OF PESTICIDES
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Botswana expressed concern that the extensive use of pesticides to manage pests, weeds, and diseases may increase the risk of harming species essential to ecosystem health. Speaking at the commemoration of the International Day of Plant Health in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, on Monday, Lesedi Modo-Mmopelwa, assistant FAO representative, said up to 40 percent of food crops are lost every year due to pests, weeds, and diseases. "This not only affects the economy but also seriously impacts the country's food and nutrition security, especially for vulnerable groups in rural communities who are mostly dependent on agriculture." https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/fao-concerned-about-increasing-use-of-pestici-NV_187967
AFSH24 SUMMIT ENDORSES NAIROBI DECLARATION ON FERTILIZER AND SOIL HEALTH
The Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit 2024 recently closed in Nairobi Kenya witnessed African Heads of State and Government endorsing the Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health, underscoring the crucial commitments to revive the nutritional balance of the continent's exhausted soils. The Nairobi Declaration sums up the key discussions among African leaders, with a focus on fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships and investments to drive policies, finance, research and development, markets, and capacity building for fertilizer and sustainable soil health management across Africa. The host president William Ruto, President of Kenya, in his address, described the summit as timeliness, coinciding with the launch of his government's new framework for sustainable soil management, which will guide investments and efforts to improve the health and resilience of the country's soil. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/business/afsh24-summit-endorses-nairobi-declaration-on-NV_187952
IBANDA
- The prosecution has closed its case in the trial of the former chief
administrative officer (CAO) and natural resource officer of Ibanda district,
who are accused of illegally exchanging forest reserve land with private land.
Senior state attorneys Gertrude Apio and Safina Bireke from the Office of the
Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) closed their case after 10 witnesses
testified in a case involving former Ibanda CAO Abert Matsiko Mutungwire and
natural officer Tom Nuwagira. They are facing charges of abuse of office under Section 11 of the Anti-Corruption
Act of 2009 in relation to the exchange of Ibanda Forest Reserve with Rukokoma
Farmers’ Co-operative Society land. On May 9, 2024, the prosecution informed the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption
Court in Kampala, presided over by Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, that they would
not call more witnesses to testify.
Justice Okuo subsequently directed both the prosecution and defence lawyers to
file submissions within two weeks regarding whether the accused had a case to
answer. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/state-closes-case-in-ibanda-forest-reserve-ca-NV_187862
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, has rallied African countries to pay attention to soil health. "We have to rehabilitate our soils and make them more productive. As farming countries of Africa, we will discuss common approaches to handling the issue of our soil health. Every African country is seeking to achieve food security for its people, animal feed security, and nutrition and environmental security," Tumwebaze said. He added: "The question is - how do we balance our food, our feed, our environment and at the same time produce nutritious food? To achieve that balance, we have to pay attention to our soil health, it is the starting point for all other interventions." Tumwebaze who is also the Chair of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment made the remarks at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit (AFSH) in Nairobi, Kenya. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/minister-tumwebaze-urges-african-countries-on-NV_187639
AGRICULTURE MINISTRY TAKES OVER TOURISM LAND FOR NAMAYINGO OIL PALM PROJECT
The agriculture ministry has unveiled a multibillion project to grow oil palm on Lolwe islands in Namayingo district. This is part of the plan also covering Bugiri and Mayuge districts identified by government for growing oil palm because of their proximity to Lake Victoria. The districts are to benefit from the sh154 billion investment which includes harvesting. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF ) assured the beneficiary districts of using its road equipment to open roads in the project areas. Ronald Sanya, the Namayingo district chairperson said they have already secured 50 out of the 100-acre piece of land allocated for palm nurseries and processing factories. As Fredrick Bwino Kyakulaga the state minister of agriculture launched the project on Wednesday, some local authorities expressed fear that the project will be jeopardized since the land allocated belongs to the ministry of tourism https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/agriculture-ministry-takes-over-tourism-land-NV_187619
NUTRITIOUS MEALS STILL ELUDE UGANDANS DESPITE RICH AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE
Accessing nutritious meals continues to be a major challenge for Ugandans due to the costs involved. Experts say that the price of a nutritious meal, comprising fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, often surpasses the financial means of a considerable number of households. Dr Christiane Rudert, UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern AfricaRegional Nutrition Advisor says that despite the importance of maintaining a balanced diet for overall health and well-being, a substantial number of Ugandans struggle to afford meals that meet their nutritional needs. “A nutritious meal costs not lower than 10,000 Shillings. Many individuals in Uganda are practically unable to afford a healthy diet for improved nutrition. 10,000 Shillings is prohibitive for millions of Ugandans,” Rudert said. https://www.independent.co.ug/nutritious-meals-still-elude-ugandans-despite-rich-agricultural-landscape/
ABIM RESIDENTS ABANDON GARDENS OVER STRAY ELEPHANTS
Residents of Abim district have abandoned their gardens following the invasion of stray elephants. According to farmers, they have long been investing resources in the farms, hoping to get good harvests but it all ends in losses as the elephants continue destroying their crops. The most affected Sub counties include Alerek Town Council, Atunga, Abim, Maga Maga, and Chamkok. The invasion of wild animals has not only destroyed crops but also threatened the lives of people. Last week, a cyclist died on the spot and a passenger sustained injuries after knocking an elephant in the middle of the road between Otalabar and Alerek town council along Abim-Kotido road. The deceased was identified as Denis Ngorok aged 23, a resident of Kawang Central Cell, and the injured Godfrey Okello, aged 23 years old and a resident of Akal Cell. https://www.independent.co.ug/abim-residents-abandon-gardens-over-stray-elephants/
URA IMPOUNDS SMUGGLED COOKING OIL IN KAMPALA
More than 1,000 jerrycans containing cooking oil have been recovered allegedly being smuggled into the country. Uganda Revenue Authority says that the jerrycans were retrieved from a truck registration number UBE591X/UAR571C, in Nalukolngo, Rubaga Division in Kampala. The truck and the cargo were declared at customs points as destined for the Democratic Republic of the Congo but illegally diverted to Nalukolongo in disguise of parking, according to URA. This is contrary to Section 104(b) of the East African Community Customs Management Act. The revenue body used the incident to describe the commonest forms of smuggling widely known as importation or exportation of goods through unauthorized channels to defraud customs revenue. It takes on many forms, including under-declaration, where the importer declares less quantity than the actual goods being imported; round-tripping, where goods are taken to a neighboring country and returned through porous borders; misclassification, where goods are declared under a different class of imports, particularly to attract lower rates of tax with the intent to reduce the tax liability; among others. https://www.independent.co.ug/ura-impounds-smuggled-cooking-oil-in-kampala/
UGANDA LAUNCHES MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PLATFORM TO BOOST CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE
Ugandan agriculture is taking a critical step towards resilience with the launch of the Uganda Climate-Smart Agriculture Multi-Stakeholder Platform (UG-CSA MSP). This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) in collaboration with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) through its Climate Resilient Agribusiness for Tomorrow (CRAFT) project, aims to unify stakeholders and revolutionize the way agriculture tackles climate change. According to the World Bank 2022 report, agriculture accounts for 24% of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs 73% of its 18.2 million workforce. However, agricultural yields only range from 20% to 30% of their potential. Production challenges, including climate change, worsen the situation. The lack of coordinated efforts has resulted in inefficiencies and reduced the effectiveness of substantial resource investments. https://www.independent.co.ug/uganda-launches-multi-stakeholder-platform-to-boost-climate-smart-agriculture/
GOVT CHALLENGERS FARMERS IN ACHOLI TO TAP INTO VEGETABLE OIL MARKET
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has encouraged farmers in the Acholi Sub-region to tap into the vegetable oil market as the country grapples to sustain edible oil production. The government is currently implementing the National Oil Seeds Project, a seven-year initiative rolled out in 2021 that aims to support smallholder farmers in oil seed production, value addition, and market linkages. Acholi Sub-region is among the 81 districts in the country benefiting from the US$160 Million (approximately 600 billion shillings) project co-funded by IFAD, Heifer International, and Kuehne Foundation. The Minister of State for Agriculture Rtd Maj. Fred Bwino said the country has for the past years been spending huge money in importing vegetable oil, yet it has the potential to boost its local production. In 2020 alone, the country imported 381,320 Metric tons of vegetable oils worth US$289.8 million of which palm oil accounted for 97% of the quantity imported. https://www.independent.co.ug/govt-challengers-farmers-in-acholi-to-tap-into-vegetable-oil-market/
POOR NUTRITION FUELS SILENT EPIDEMIC OF NCDS, EXPERTS WARN
In a stark warning, experts have highlighted the detrimental impact of poor nutrition on public health, as it fuels a silent epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda. Samalie Namukose, Assistant Commissioner, Nutrition Division at the Ministry of Health, said that the rise in NCDs is closely linked to dietary patterns characterized by excessive consumption of processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats while lacking in essential nutrients. Namukose added that dietary choices, compounded by sedentary lifestyles, contribute to a range of health problems, including obesity, hypertension, and metabolic disorders thus emphasizing an urgent need for concerted action to address the root causes of malnutrition and its far-reaching consequences. “Something has been done but more is needed to be done. In light of the compelling evidence linking dietary patterns and nutrition issues to the rise of non-communicable diseases, we must prioritize concerted action to address the root causes of malnutrition and its far-reaching consequences,” she noted. https://www.independent.co.ug/poor-nutrition-fuels-silent-epidemic-of-non-communicable-diseases-experts-warn/
A sum total of up to 5.5 billion shillings has been earmarked by the cabinet to construct gabions in selected areas along Lake Victoria to protect infrastructure like roads from the effects of the rising water levels from this lake. With up to 13.66 meters, Lake Victoria is experiencing the highest water levels ever recorded, arousing government concern. This revelation was made by the Minister for Water and Environment, Sam Cheptoris, while speaking to journalists ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, 2024. According to the minister, this was one of the intervention resolutions passed by the cabinet meeting on Monday, where he presented the status report about the rising water in various bodies around the country as Lake Victoria’s water levels rise. https://www.independent.co.ug/cabinets-approves-shs5-5-billion-for-water-related-disasters/
AGRICULTURE MINISTRY RELEASES 900,000 FMD DOSES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has taken significant steps to address the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak by releasing ninety thousand (90,000) doses of vaccines to twenty-three (23) highly affected districts. Ministers Frank Tumwebaze and Maj Bright Rwamirama oversaw the handover of the vaccines at the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NaGRC) – Entebbe on Monday afternoon, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combatting the disease. Funding for the “emergency response” program, totaling Shillings 35 billion out of the required 93 billion, was made possible through President Yoweri Museveni’s support. The procurement of vaccines, facilitated by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, includes a policy shift where the government will import vaccines, with farmers bearing the cost of inoculation starting June. https://www.independent.co.ug/agriculture-ministry-releases-900000-fmd-doses-for-emergency-response/
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SIGNS THREE BILLS INTO LAW
President
Yoweri Museveni has signed three Bills into law, including one that spells out
a seven-year jail sentence or fine of sh10 million or both for any veterinary
practitioner convicted under it. The three Bills that were recently passed by Parliament are the Veterinary
Practitioners’ Act of 2023, the National Records and Archives (Amendment) Act
of 2024, and the Animal Feeds Act, which is also of 2024.
“The President assented to the Bills today, Tuesday, May 14, 2024,” a brief
statement by the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) said.
The Veterinary Practitioners’ Bill, which was enacted on August 30, 2023, says
veterinary practitioners whose licences are revoked, but continue to practice
and in the process cause death to animals or humans face a seven-year jail sentence,
or a fine of sh10, or both. https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/president-museveni-signs-three-bills-into-law-NV_188007
REGIONAL NEWS
The interest by Ethiopia and Uganda in importing goods through Lamu could be the lifeline that the largely moribund port needs even as it continues to register growth in business. Last week Ethiopia received the first shipment of 60,000 tonnes of fertiliser imported through the Port of Lamu from Morocco. And this week Uganda signalled an interest in using the Lamu port in a move that would see it expand trade with Somalia.Kenya’s Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen toured the port on Wednesday and said it is strategically positioned to be the port of call for goods destined for Northern Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. “That’s why we will do all in our power to facilitate the shipment of goods, including the 60,000-tonne fertiliser cargo destined for Ethiopia, in spite of a damaged section of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road due to floods.” https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/ethiopia-uganda-business-could-hand-lamu-port-a-lifeline-4627184
LEADERS LOBBY FOR AFFORDABLE FERTILISER AMID DYING AFRICA SOIL
African leaders are looking for new ways of boosting financing for the continent’s agriculture sector to improve affordability and accessibility of fertilisers as the reality of the increasingly degraded African arable land sets in. With studies showing that about 65 percent of African agricultural land is now degraded due to low fertiliser use, soil erosion and acidification, leaders are worried the very bedrock of the continent’s economies – agriculture – is facing an existential threat. Heads of State and government, as well as leaders attending the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi this week, think that more financing and intra-Africa trade in fertilisers will be crucial to keep agriculture alive on the continent. “Fertiliser access and affordability must be improved. Financing tools such as trade credit guarantees, working capital, and targeted subsidies must be consolidated to reduce market distortions, reduce costs and strengthen input supply chains,” said the leaders in the Nairobi Declaration published on May 9. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/leaders-lobby-for-affordable-fertiliser-amid-dying-africa-soil-4620122
ZAMBIA SUSPENDS TAX ON MAIZE IMPORTS
The Zambian cabinet has approved the suspension of tax on all imported maize to address shortage caused by drought, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said on Wednesday. The Ministry of Finance was instructed by the cabinet to immediately carry out the decision, he told a press briefing. While the government will be at the center of importing maize for strategic reserves, the private sector is also encouraged to seize the opportunity and engage in maize imports, Mweetwa said. Mweetwa, who is also minister of information and media, said the cabinet has instructed the Agriculture Ministry to start issuing permits to Zambians for maize imports. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/zambia-suspends-tax-on-maize-imports-4617702
USAID LAUNCHES $6M PROGRAM FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE EFFORTS IN KENYA
The United States Agency for International Development (USAid) last week launched a $6 million program to support small businesses and financial institutions in Northern Kenya that are looking to implement climate-smart practices and enhance their resilience to climate-related challenges. The region suffers from recurring droughts; when it does rain, it often floods and causes people to lose their livelihoods. Residents of 10 Northern Kenyan counties heavily depend on their livestock for food and income. Over the years, alternating periods of drought and floods have killed animals, pastures and crops, leaving millions in need of humanitarian assistance. USAid recently set aside $38 million in loans and investments to build resilience among small businesses in these arid and semi-arid regions. The $6 million investment is part of the larger program. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/science-health/usaid-launches-6m-for-climate-resilience-efforts-in-kenya-4615418
ETHIOPIA EARNS $835M FROM COFFEE EXPORT IN 9 MONTHS
Coffee exports have brought Ethiopia $835 million in revenue over the past nine months, an industry institution said Tuesday. The country exported 174,596 tons of coffee to the international market during the first nine months of the current Ethiopian 2023/24 fiscal year that started on July 8, the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) said. In addition to the traditional Ethiopian coffee importing countries, the Ethiopian government has been able to create new markets in recent years, state-run Ethiopian Press Agency quoted Shafi Oumer, ECTA deputy director-general, as saying. Data from ECTA show that China, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan are among the countries that are becoming top destinations of Ethiopian coffee. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business/ethiopia-earns-835m-from-coffee-export-in-9-months-4616462
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