How push-pull technology may help Somali farmers

Somalia has had a poor agricultural performance since the 1960s. Over the 15 years ending in 1984 agricultural output grew at 0.4 percent and per capita food production declined by nearly three percent a year. The agricultural sector in Somalia had been heavily controlled by state agency. Farmers normally were using local traditional way to cultivate but last 20 years armed conflict changed every thing and farmers face strife and food insecurity, in local farmers mainly agro-pastoralists suffering prolonged drought, poor skill farming system and displacing, how new technologies can help such communities.

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Mohamed Hassan IRIN Radio

Improving access and sustainability of markets for food production from local farmers in Africa

Farmers on the continent need to be assisted to participate in higher value-added market chains than they can at present. Therefore, the role of African governments in this sector must be gotten more clarity to make enough changes empowering farmer’s institution to develop agriculture in Africa

To play a lead role in technology promotion, market organization and value addition. Yet majority farmer institutions in Africa are still characterized by low capacity to effectively perform their roles and to demand delivery of agricultural extension services as we have seen small farmers in Western Kenya. Many technologies based on traditional farming are underway such as push-pull method which really can help more small scale farmers.

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By Mohamed Hassan

AU commits to meteorological advancement

FOR the first time, more than 30 ministers in charge of meteorology in Africa met last week under the umbrella of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in partnership with the African Union.

The meeting was not only important, but also timely because while the continent is most vulnerable to climate change, Africa is least equipped to deal with its consequences.

The first conference of ministers responsible for meteorology in Africa, hosted by the government of Kenya in Nairobi from April 12 to 16, was aimed at recognising and strengthening the role of the national meteorological and hydrological services in Africa.

The meeting was timely because Africa is already affected by climate change and needs accurate meteorological information for better planning and decision-making.

Weak infrastructure for meteorological services in Africa makes it difficult for the authorities to plan and forecast, in the face of climate change when it’s absolutely critical to provide more accurate information for mitigation and adaptation.

Butchery in Kibera

This type of unhealthy place where is sold the meet is very dangerous. Flies fly from the litters to the meet, transfering bacterias who might cause many of the diarrheas cases in the biggest slum of Nairobi, Kibera (of course, bad condition of water is still the main factor).

Picure by Samuel Rodriguez

Gestion des informations météorologiques : L’INTERESSANTE EXPERIENCE MALIENNE

vendredi 16 avril 2010, par Bandé Moussa Sissoko

A Nairobi nos experts ont parlé notamment des avantages des services météorologiques, hydrologiques et climatologiques, notamment pour le monde rural.

Nairobi abrite depuis hier la première conférence des ministres responsables de la météorologie. En prélude à cette rencontre au niveau africain et mondial qui s’achève aujourd’hui, nombre d’experts de la météorologie se sont retrouvés du 12 au 14 avril au Centre de conférence international Jomo Kenyatta. Cette rencontre a discuté des menaces majeures que constituent la variabilité du climat et les changements climatiques. Ces menaces limitent les possibilités de développement durable, estiment les experts. Avec la multiplication des phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes dans le monde, davantage de personnes, en particulier en Afrique, seront exposées à des catastrophes récurrentes. Actuellement, les épisodes de sécheresse et les crues sont des problèmes courants qui touchent diverses parties de la région, avec des effets dévastateurs sur les personnes et l’environnement.

World Meteorological meet to agree action

Written by Daniel Nyirenda in Nairobi, Kenya

Thursday, 15 April 2010

World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Wednesday called on African governments to collaborate to ensure that there is adequate accurate information regarding weather and climate in the region.

WMO Secretary General Michel Jarraud and Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission Tumusiime made the appeal at a joint press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday ahead of the first ever meeting of cabinet ministers responsible for meteorology in Africa.

The ministerial meeting which starts Thursday is aimed at making recommendations towards solving various challenges affecting the gathering of accurate information about weather and climate in Africa.

Besides, the conference aims to encourage experts to brainstorm and come up with concrete recommendations to improve recognition of weather and climate services by African governments.