Resources of the Climate IV workshop
Can Africa Feed Itself – Su Kahumbu – Green Dreams Ltd
sabine schenk notes – swiss agency for development and cooperation
Toward Sustainable Food Production – Juerg Zaugg
presentation IUCN land grabing
COMPELLING STORIES Patrick Luganda
Quotes collected by Keya Acharya.
From the Field:
At International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Mbita, Kisumu-Kenya. On the Push-Pull method of agriculture:
From Dr. Zeyaur Khan, Principal Scientist, Push-Pull project at ICIPE.Quotes
- “ The control of the Striga weed and the stem-borer pest will ensure enough food for Africa”.
- In reply to a query on the ‘pesticide lobby’ working against natural methods of agriculture:
“ We publish scientific evidence in respected journals to show the efficiency and economics of the push-pull method. This is our voice.”
- “ We don’t need much money, we need appropriate technology”.
—–
“ This technology has helped me educate my children[ by ensuring enough income]”. Madame Agnes Mbuvi. Ebukanga, 45 years. Ebukanga village, near Mbita.
“ I ate ugali once a week; now I eat it everyday”. Abner Kodhek, a member of the Push Pull Farmers’ Field School at Ebukanga village.
At the Ocimum Fields surrounding the Kakamega Forests, Kenya.
*My daughter did her Form IV through this plant only”. Marita Elawa Lumiti, 50 years.
Climate and Food Security: How will Africa feed her children ? Media 21 Journalist Workshop. April 12-16, 2010.
*Agriculture contributes 32% of world greenhouse gases. So we need a fundamental shift ; business as usual is not an option”. Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren,President, Millenium Institute, Washington DC. Past director of ICIPE.
*We need $1.5 billion hectares transformed to organic, and we need investments for this transition.” Hans Herren.
*You can create a whole economy in the country”[ through value additions to farm produce]. Hans Herren
*” What we need is an Ecological Evolution in agriculture. I don’t want to hear the phrase ‘green revolution’again.” Hans Herren.
*”It is totally wrong that countries buy land here, bring their own people and then export the stuff”.
On the ‘Land-Grab’ Issue:
*“The ‘land grab’ issue is affecting the wealth of the African continent. I say if Africa’s resources could be valued we would probably not be ranked where we are now.” Paul Matiku. Nature Kenya, Nairobi.
* “The issue is not that much about the ownership of land, but is about who benefits from the land. It is a question of fairness.” Paul Matiku.
*” Some of the uses that land is being put to (under foreign direct investment) do not show long-term sustainable development.” John Mutunga, Kenyan National Federation of Agricultural Producers.
On Climate Change through meteorological observations:
- “ Africa is very severely hit by climate change in terms of temperature and precipitation, and also increase in the variability of the weather.” Michael Jarraud. Secretary general, World Meteorological Organisation.
- “ This meeting ( first conference of Ministers responsible for meteorology in Africa, Nairobi. 15-16 April, 2010) provides an avenue for action.” Ms. Tumuslime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission.
On Trade, Local Resources and Local Communities in Africa;
- “ The African farmer is subsidizing the middleman in Europe and the US.” { on local African resources being used in international trade and products}. Dr. Onesmo ole-MoiYoi. Aga Khan University & Chair, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi.
