WHY AFRICA NEEDS TO EMBRACE DIGITAL MARKETING FOR AGRIBUSINESS

The world is experiencing major dynamics with rapid urbanization and rising human population in the midst of stressed environmental and natural resources, thus, emphasizing the need to evaluate our approach towards achieving food and nutrition security. Some of these approaches include:

• ·   Strengthening systems for research and innovations and dissemination of findings on improved and sustainable agricultural practices;
• ·      Protection of environmental and natural resources;
• ·      Adopting efficient methods for distributing and redistributing food;
• · Creating opportunities across the agricultural value-chain in the form of agribusiness ventures that never existed or were taken for granted before now;
• ·    Taking advantage of the digital space (digital marketing) and so much more.

Narrowing the lens to digital marketing, the internet has over time become an effective and efficient marketing tool that gives marketers the opportunity to generate leads and sales by reaching out to millions of customers from across different parts of the globe per time. Digital marketing is an efficient approach to distributing and re-distributing agricultural produce especially amongst smart modern-day farmers and small-holder farmers with the help of computer literate intermediaries.

Although not fully harnessed in Nigeria and parts of sub-Saharan Africa, an overview of agribusiness activities on the internet reveals a clear deviation from what was in the recent past (say 3 to 4 years ago). This is because quite a number of agribusiness companies now have an online presence, providing different forms of agricultural services to interested persons, and I must confess that this is quite encouraging. Whether these companies were established by Nigerian youths who were arm-twisted to start up something for themselves considering the looming unemployment rate in the country or young adults who are passionate and committed to the growth of agriculture, agribusiness activities on social media sure create a feel like there is a shift in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. More like a movement that seeks to ensure relevance for a sector that has been neglected for too long.

Services advertised and marketed by these companies range from production and supply of locally produced agricultural commodities such as palm oil, yams, vegetables, poultry and dairy products, fruits (in dried, powdered and fresh forms); linking farmers with investors; supply of agricultural equipment, recycling/upcycling of agricultural wastes; import and export of a wide range of agricultural commodities, consultancy services; extension services (depending on the demographics of farmers involved), packaging, branding and so much more.

We have come to see that the benefits from taking advantage of the digital space are endless as it gives fast-rising service providers the platform to reach out to millions of people around the globe through quality and fascinating pictures, videos and short captions. It also gives people the opportunity to support farmers in rural areas through companies who stand in the gap for them on the digital space; it gives modern-day (smart) farmers and consumers the opportunity to buy and sell agricultural produces without stepping into traditional markets (interesting times are here I must confess) etc. In a nutshell, the digital space provides agribusinesses with the opportunity to offer business to business, business to government and business to consumer services all in one click.

Digital marketing is the way to go seeing as it ensures relevance in the midst of shifting industry trends (agriculture really cannot be left behind though); by taking advantage of and creating useful marketable contents on social media channels, establishing business websites as well as taking advantage of paid advertising with the goal of making profit and achieving zero hunger on a wider scale through well-thought-out, meaningful posts that meet the needs of different persons in different parts of the world.

Author:

Ogbole Esther 

''My strategy is to bring to the fore various challenges faced by the Nigeria agricultural sector vis-a-vis efforts made the Federal Government so far and how these similar scenarios were managed in other countries''.

AGRICULTURE IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.

Written by Lilian Umeakunne

Youths growing Africa's agriculture.

Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa has been a source of livelihoods for centuries, from cocoa, tea, spices and known staples to other cash crops and vegetables sold locally and internationally. For a population that depends mostly on farming, the impacts of climate change will be hard-hitting on food production and the environment throughout the region.

Most of the farming models used in parts of sub-Saharan Africa are designed with less attention to soil health, sustainable farm practices, heavy or zero reliance on fertilizers and pesticides which makes the region even more susceptible to climate impacts in the coming years. The continuous production of food in Africa is vital to feeding the ever-growing population which according to the 2019 revision of the World Population Prospects, was 1,038,627,178 in 2018. The current growth rate is 2.3% with most of its population, young people.

How the change in climate is affecting crop and animal agriculture

There has been a record of decrease in rainfall amount over the past few years with visible on-set of droughts in certain areas within the region. The change in precipitation patterns will likely intensify over the next few years with periods of heavy rains and periods of drought. This changing circumstance is affecting agriculture as it becomes even more difficult for farmers to predict the onset of the rains and seasons.

Change in temperature patterns

Maize farm showing weeds resistant to sprays.

Recently, there have been records of more extreme heat during the raining season and the dry season, crops and animals suffer heat stress which can be a major setback in overall growth and development.

The emergence of new pests, weeds and pathogens

Just as farmers are advised to adopt new practices, new viable seeds and prolific animal breeds, they will also need to worry about new pests and diseases, emerging weeds and problems associated with the adoption of new farming methods.

Changes in crop viability

As crops are suited for a specific location as a result of the prevailing climatic conditions and other demographic factors, as these conditions change, there may be a need for farmers to find new crop varieties to adapt to the new conditions.

Changes in animal viability

Like crops, animals are found in areas where they have been domesticated for thousands of years, suited for the climate, they have thrived. Farmers may need to find new livestock breeds in other to adapt to the change in the climate.

Flooding of farm and grazing lands

One of the impacts of climate change is flooding which drastically washes off nutrients from the soil, pollutes water bodies, and causes erosion. The recorded rise in Sea levels is fuelling flooding of farmlands within the coast and riverbanks across the region.

What we can do.

Ignoring the existence of climate change and denying the visible impacts of the changing climate will not solve the problem it poses to agriculture and our planet. Collaborative efforts to devise sustainable adaptation strategies for our communities is pivotal as a problem does not go away by a simple denial of its existence.

Re-thinking our agroecosystems

An example of agroforestry. Source: Montpellier.inra.fr.

Reports from previous researches show several benefits of agroforestry as against monocropping. The combination of trees, shrubs and food crops on the same land area is beneficial to both our environment and the crops as it maintains soil health and reduces reliance on fertilizers.

Appropriate use of Ecology Funds

It is very likely that climate impacts will strike, but when it does, timely support to affected areas/farms is necessary to limit further losses as this is the idea behind the establishment of the Ecology Funds in most of the countries within the region.

Development of new crop varieties and animal breeds

The Agriculture Ministries in countries within the region should invest in research and development to develop new crop varieties and breeds of animal that will be resistant to climate impacts.

Soil Health

Practices that preserve soil health should be adopted through practices such as planting deep-rooted perennial crops and cover crops. The impact of climate change on food production in sub-Saharan Africa will most probably not end in a day but cumulated efforts towards building a more sustainable food future will save our tomorrow.

References

Climate Change and Agriculture | Union of Concerned Scientists [WWW Document], n.d. URL https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/climate-change-and-agriculture (accessed 1.25.20).

US EPA, O., n.d. Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply [WWW Document]. URL /climate-impacts/climate-impacts-agriculture-and-food-supply (accessed 1.25.20).

Author details:


Lilian Umeakunne is a Food security and livelihoods specialist devoted to making a change in African Agriculture. 
Follow her on social media to share your thoughts and contribute your ideas to solving Africa's greatest problem - hunger and poverty.

Handles
LinkedIn: Lilian Umeakunne
Twitter: @Lily_Umeh
Facebook: Lilian Umeakunne.

International Climate Protection Fellowship for young climate experts from developing countries 2020.

Deadline: 1 March 2020

Submit an application, if you

• are a future leader from a non-European transition or developing country (see list of countries)
• are active in any of the following areas: scientific, engineering-based, legal, economic, health-related or social aspects of climate change
• are interested in spending a year working with a host of your choice in Germany on a research-based project you have developed yourself in the field of climate protection and climate-related resource conservation

We offer you

• a monthly fellowship of between €2,170 and €2,670, depending on your qualifications
• individual mentoring during your stay in Germany
• additional financial support for items such as family members accompanying you, travel expenses or a German language course
• a three-week introductory phase, during which you will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany
• extensive alumni sponsorship, particularly to help you sustain contact with collaborative partners in Germany during your entire professional career

Please see the Programme information (PDF | HTML) for details of the application requirements and fellowship specifications.

The closing date for applications is 1 March 2020. 20 fellowships can be granted.

Click here to apply.

The World Food Programme (WFP) PD summer internship opportunity for young Nigerians (Duty Station - Abuja) Stipend $300 per month).

Application Deadline: 12 February 2020.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. We are currently seeking to fill for candidates to participate in the PD Summer Internship Programme 2020 in the Policy and Programme Department (PD).

The position will be based in Programme Unit, in WFP Nigeria Office. The internship will be typically for the period of at least 3 months during May/June to August/ September 2020.

Brief description of WFP resilience activities, in the Programme Unit, Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic. It is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. Nigeria has over 500 ethnic groups. The crisis-induced by non-state armed groups remains the principal driving factor of instability in northeast Nigeria. Since 2010, they have increasingly expanded their operational capabilities. In May 2013 a state of emergency was declared by the Government in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

There are 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) reported to be in Nigeria (IOM/DTM Round 27), of which the majority are in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. The June 2019 Cadre Harmonisé (CH) reports nearly 3 million people in need of food assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. WFP operations are focused on crisis response to prevent deterioration of food and nutrition security, reduce malnutrition and minimize gender inequalities. WFP activities are concentrated in rural areas of north-eastern Nigeria that are more vulnerable and food insecure.

 

General Information

• Title of Post: PD Summer Intern
• Unit: Programme Unit
• Supervisor: Head of Programme
• Duration: At least 3 months (May/June to August/September 2020)

 

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the PD Summer Intern will perform the following duties:

• Analyse and synthesize data for Programme activity reporting
• Assist in standardizing the Programme unit’s internal periodic reporting package
• Assist in designing standard background narrative for each planned activity under the Nigeria Country Strategy Plan that informs donor proposals and/or activity reporting
• Support the reporting and improvement of Programme information storage and dissemination
• Perform any other duty as required

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled in a master’s degree programme OR a recent graduate of a master’s degree (graduated within the last 6 months)
• Excellent English verbal and writing skills
• Proficiency in graphic design and the ability to present information clearly and concisely through visual data analysis
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent IT skill with knowledge of report writing software such as Microsoft Publisher or Tableau required
• Proactive, motivated, innovative and adaptable individual, who is capable to take initiative
• Ability to function comfortably in a cross-cultural team environment, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines

Working Languages

Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) is required.

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the incumbent will be provided with close mentoring, guidance and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews, as well as learning and development discussions, will be an elemental part of the supervision. The Deputy Country Director will be the second-level supervisor. With the support of a comprehensive induction package and assignment of a buddy/mentor, the intern will rapidly become a productive member of the team.

Training components

Throughout their assignment WFP interns have access to an industry-leading learning platform, we learn. Depending on opportunities and availability of funds, he/she may participate in WFP workshops or seminars, as appropriate.

Learning Elements

At the end of the assignment, the Intern should have:

• General understanding of WFP’s work in the Nigeria Office, as well as at the corporate level, on commitments to supporting programme activities to achieve Zero Hunger
• Very good understanding of each Programmatic activity under the Nigeria Country Strategy Plan, programmatic analysis and the knowledge management for activities of the Nigeria Office
• A deeper knowledge of the Programme unit’s role in implementing activities under the WFP Nigeria Country Strategy Plan informed by a PowerPoint Presentation
• Development of good information and knowledge management skills

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in Abuja, Nigeria

With over 182 million people, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and the seventh-largest in the world. The annual growth rate of the population is approximately 2.7 per cent, and more than half the population are under 30 years of age. The road network in Abuja (FCT) is very good and almost all roads are motorable during the entire year. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is accessible to and from all other airports in the country.

Criminality is a major factor that negatively affects the security situation in the Abuja (FCT). There are no identifiable criminal gangs in Abuja, though criminality has become a norm in the city and its environs partly due to social-economic factors and the lack of the capacity of the Security Forces to deal with the situation. Protests in Abuja by labour unions, religious-affiliated groups such as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and other identifiable civil society groups are likely. Although major terrorist activities/attacks have not been recorded in Abuja (FCT) since 2015, Terrorism is still a lingering factor of insecurity.

There are UN approved hospitals and pharmacies available within the city and details are available at the WFP Office in Abuja.

 

Terms and Conditions:

• The PD intern will be paid a monthly stipend of approximately USD 360 per month as a contribution towards basic subsistence costs.
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
• WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognised institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
• Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.

 Click here to apply 

FAO/Hungarian Government Scholarship Programme 2020/2021 (Funded).

Deadline: 28 February 2020

Description of the programmes and application procedures

The following Master of Science degree courses are being offered in English for the 2020-21 Academic Year:

• MSc in Food Safety and Quality Engineering (Szent István University)
• MSc in Horticultural Engineering (Szent István University)
• MSc in Animal nutrition and feed safety (Kaposvár University)

Universities

The following universities and faculties are participating:

• Szent István University, Faculty of Food Science
• Szent István University, Faculty of Horticultural Science
• Kaposvár University, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Conditions

Courses will be offered provided the minimum number of students is reached.

The scholarship will cover:

• application and tuition fees throughout the study period with basic books and notes; 
• dormitory accommodation; 
• subsistence costs;
• health insurance.

All of the above-mentioned costs are financed by the Hungarian Government, according to the Agreement between FAO and Hungary in 2007.
The scholarship covers student costs only; family members are not supported within the frame of this programme.

List of eligible countries

Residents (who must be nationals) of the following countries are eligible to apply for the Scholarship Programme:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo*, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon,  Madagascar, Mali, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Palestine, the Philippines, Republic of Cabo Verde, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.

*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Application and selection process

The selection process as described below applies to scholarships beginning in September 2020.

Student selection will take place in two phases:

Phase 1: FAO will pre-screen candidates and submit applications to the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary that will send them to the corresponding University as chosen by the applicants. Students must submit only COMPLETE dossiers. Incomplete dossiers will not be considered. Files without names will not be processed.

Phase 2: Selected candidates may be asked to take a written or oral English examination as part of the admission procedure. The participating Universities will run a further selection process and inform each of the successful candidates. Student selection will be made by the Universities only, without any involvement on the part of FAO. Selected students will also be notified by the Ministry.

Candidates will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

• Citizenship and residency of one of the eligible countries 
• Excellent school achievements
• English language proficiency (for courses taught in English)
• Motivation
• Good health
• Age (candidates under 30 are preferred)

Application procedure

Interested applicants should prepare a dossier to be sent by E-MAIL (to REU-Scholarship@fao.org) consisting of:

• Application form duly completed
• A recent curriculum vitae
• A copy of high school/college diploma and transcript/report of study or copy of the diploma attachment
• A copy of a certificate of proficiency in English
• Copies of relevant pages of passport showing expiration date and passport number
• A letter of recommendation
• Statement of motivation
• Health Certificate issued by Medical Doctor
• Certificate of Good Conduct issued by a local police authority.

All submitted documents must be in ENGLISH. Documents submitted in any other language will not be accepted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that documents are duly translated and certified by a competent office; and that each document is saved with a name that identifies what it is.

Deadlines:
Applications will only be considered if those are sent by email and arrive between 

15 January 2020 and 28 February 2020

Important notes

As the number of scholarships is limited, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to E-MAIL their applications as soon as possible.

Applicants who were not selected in previous years may re-apply to the 2021-2022 Programme. These applicants will have to submit the complete dossier once again by E-MAIL ONLY.

Please note that the duration of the scholarship cannot be extended or postponed.

Please be informed that the master courses will only start if sufficient number of applications will be received.

A Scholarship Study Contract will be signed between the selected student and the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary (MoAH), which is the donor of the program, at the time of first-semester registration.

Applicants wishing to explore external funding opportunities to cover the travel costs may do so at their own initiative. However, in view of the length of the process, applicants wishing to apply for 2020 scholarships are strongly encouraged to E-MAIL their application while they endeavour to identify funds or pending confirmation that such funds will be granted.

All queries concerning the programme or the application process should be E-MAILED to FAO at:

REU-Scholarship@fao.org

For details, pls read the related documents

• Application form
• Course descriptions and summary of conditions

Would you have additional questions, pls contact 

REU-Scholarship@fao.org

CURBING FOOD WASTE FOR ZERO HUNGER – How you can help.

By Ogbole Esther

Food waste in sub-Saharan Africa for me is personal because each day I live the experiences of massive waste in times of surplus (harvest months) and severe lack and hunger during the 'off' season. Over the years, I have come across very interesting quotes on food waste which has motivated me to take action, such as;

·        Don’t bite off more than you can chew! – Anonymous

·        Someone is dying for the food you’re throwing away! – Anonymous

·        You paid good money for that, why throw it away? – Anonymous

Of the many quotes I have come across, one that constantly comes to mind; reminding me of the effect of food wastage on the future generation is, “Today’s wastage is Tomorrow’s shortage”.

The state of Food Waste in sub-Saharan Africa

''A report published in 2013 estimated that up to 50 percent of the world’s food production ended up in the trash bin. In wealthy countries this food is often thrown away at the consumer and retail level due to excessive purchases and portions or ridiculous standards for food appearance and shape. In poor countries food ends up being lost before it even reaches the table due to lack of infrastructure, poor refrigeration, or unreliable transportation''. In fact, the FAO estimates that Africa as a whole loses enough food annually to feed 300 million, or nearly a third of all of Sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, over 200 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are today undernourished''.

Food waste along the value-chain

Although Paffit, Barthel and MacNaughton (2010)  suggested  that food waste may occur along different stages of the food supply chain, vis-a-vis harvesting, threshing, drying, storage, processing, product elevation, packaging, marketing and distribution, post-consumer and end of life; food wastage at post-consumer stage cuts across different individuals in the society irrespective of whether you are a producer, processor, distributor or consumer. Thus, Alexander, Gregson & Gille (2013) stated that food waste at this stage – post-consumer – has received the most attention over the years.

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation – food waste not only has social and economic effects but environmental effects as well; referring to food wastage as “a missed opportunity to improve global food security”. This is because it reduces food availability, depletes or wastes resources used in production, processing and distribution, negatively affects the efforts of farmers, whilst silently depleting the income of consumers and polluting the environment simultaneously. Summarily, food waste weakens the food system.

Beyond the numerous implications food waste has on a society, an important one is the deprivation of essential nutrients we may need tomorrow, which is why it is important to adopt simple measures in addition to structural changes such as recycling wastes, public sensitization, providing electricity for improved storage and formulating policies to checkmate food waste as well as support organizations that promote sustainable food systems.

Wondering how you can reduce your food waste and help achieve food security?

·     shopping smart (buy only what you can consume per time)

·    make a shopping list before each shopping, buy ugly fruits – whether they are crooked or have a protruding back – because they contain as much nutrients as the good-looking fruits

·      avoid over-feeding (eat just as much as you need)

·     check your fridge before shopping (this saves you buying what you already have) 

·        buy loose fruits and vegetables as against pre-packaged ones just to ensure you buy the exact quantity you need,

·   encourage the establishment of urban and school gardens to inspire kids to get involved in the production of the fruits and veg they love.

Engaging in these little habits in addition to government efforts will ensure we fulfill a moral obligation that involves ensuring that food is available for all by avoiding food wastage because “to throw food away means to throw people away” – Pope Francis.

My name is Ogbole Esther Ojonugwa, a graduate of General Agriculture with a major in Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Technology, Minna – Niger State, Nigeria; currently undergoing a Master’s Degree Programme in Agricultural Economics at the University of Abuja. 

References

FAO (2018): Food Loss and Waste and the Right to Adequate Food. Right to Food Discussion Paper

Alexander, C., Gregson, N. & Gille, Z. (2013). Food Waste. 10.13140/2.1.2239.2964.

Paffit J., Barthel M., and MacNaughton S.(2010): Food Waste Within Supply Chains: Quantification and Potential for Change to 2050. The Royal Society. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2010.0126

https://mongabay.org/programs/special-reporting-initiatives/sri-opportunities/sri-food-waste-spoilage-in-sub-saharan-africa/

Universities Fighting World Hunger 2020 Summit.

Are you working in food and Agriculture?

Then plan to attend the upcoming Universities Fighting World Hunger Summit 2020 at the University of Kentucky, USA.

“Universities Fighting World Hunger (UFWH) is a global higher education movement focused on educating, mobilizing and organizing students, faculty and administrators in the war against hunger. With a UFWH chapter at UK, we are honored to have accepted an invitation from Auburn University and the United Nations World Food Programme to host the 15th anniversary UFWH Summit at the University of Kentucky. Learn more about how you can take action and start a UFWH chapter at your college and how UFWH originated at Auburn University”.

Read more...