The Androy region, in southern Madagascar, is known as a semi-arid climate region, with high variability in rainfall and regularly suffers from droughts. As noted above, environmental issues (droughts, rainfall) drive several disturbances, affecting frequently the production systems in the region and livestock activities.   In response to climate vulnerability, there is...

This report, co-developed by Biovision, IPES-Food and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), zooms in on the all-important financial flows in food system research to sub-Saharan Africa, with a view to understanding more about the limitations in current trends to unlock sustainable transitions and where the opportunities lie for sparking agroecological transition. From the Green...

This technology describes the cultivation of drought-tolerant maize varieties in the central cattle corridor of Uganda, a region particularly exposed to dry spells. The benefits and constraints compared to local varieties are shown in a cost-benefit analysis.

This practice describes compost production and its application in planting pits (zai) by farmers on fields near their homes. It also raises issues regarding land use and provides detailed remarks on its application.

This technology describes the testing of multi-stress tolerant bean varieties in the central cattle corridor of Uganda, a region particularly exposed to dry spells. The benefits and constraints compared to local varieties are shown in a cost-benefit analysis.

Trash lines of organic material, composed of weeds and crops, laid in bands across the slope of annual crop fields, constitute a traditional land husbandry practice in south-west Uganda. These trash lines incorporate organic matter into the soil after decomposition and help to maintain soil fertility and control runoff. The...

The traditional way of suspending meat for drying by hanging strips over tree branches, wire or rope is not recommended; This is because meat pieces remain in contact with these supporting devices or may touch each other, and thus not dry properly in these contact areas. The following description is...

We follow the trend set in April and May, and offer you another special edition of the SSF Update. This time we take you to Sub-Saharan Africa and give you some insights into regional initiatives to implement the SSF Guidelines there.

Une réponse au besoin d’améliorer les opérations de séchage et de fumage de poisson à petite échelle, le FTT‑Thiaroye (la technique de traitement FAO‑Thiaroye) fait en sorte que les opérations de traitement de fumage et de séchage du poisson Thiaroye respectent les exigences en matière de sécurité des denrées alimentaires...

Meat drying is a complex process with many important steps. It involves animal slaughtering, carcass trimming, raw material selection, meat cutting, pieces pre-treatment, meat drying and proper arrangement of drying facilities. In addition, weather conditions must also be considered to avoid quality problems or production losses. The following technology describes...

The following provides features of improved stores facilities for grains. It also details the advantages and disadvantages of this practice? which include labour saving, livelihood resilience strengthening, livelihood diversification, skills, equipment, cost, and risk.

The following technology provides some examples of the utilisation of animal power as an energy source for post-harvest operations. It details features of draught animal-driven equipment, motorized grain milling (plate, roller and hammer mills), motorized oil extraction (screw-auger press, cage press, and centrifugal cracker for palm oil), motorized cassava processing,...

Tsetse flies live in 36 countries and a total area of between 9 and 10 million square kilometres in Africa. Throughout this area the disease transmitted by the tsetse fly, Trypanosomiasis (or Trypanosomosis), has a significant effect on large numbers of livestock. About 50 million cattle and tens of millions of...

Drying meat under natural temperatures, humidity and circulation of the air, including the direct influence of sun rays, is the oldest method of meat preservation. It consists of gradual dehydration of pieces of meat cut to a specific uniform shape that permits the equal and simultaneous drying of whole batches...

Half of the 1.5 billion people globally who rely on forest landscapes for subsistence and cash income are women. Many see the benefits of participating in various forest and farm producer organisations (FFPOs). These include both general community, smallholder farmer and indigenous people’s organisations and more specific women-only groups –...

Extending over 624 million hectares (ha), covering 20.6 percent of the continent’s land area and representing 15.6 percent of the world’s forest cover, Africa’s forests have a unique role in contributing to the attainment of the aspirations of the Agenda 2063, the Africa We Want. This is a picture of...

The following provides some basic technical explanations for the correct utilisation of animal power including harnessing and implements. The advantages and disadvantages of this practice are also explained, which include labour saving, livelihood diversification, livelihood resilience strengthening, equipment, costs, skills, and risks. Description Cattle, particularly oxen are by far the most common...

The following explains the methodology behind the utilisation of the agricultural tools of Draught Animal Power (DAP) planters and weeders. Traditional methods and the specific DAP planter and weed features are highlighted. The advantages and disadvantages are additionally specified which include labour saving, livelihood resilience strengthening, equipment, skills, cost and...

Co-convened by the FAO Director-General and the Chair of the AU Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment,moderated by the AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, the meeting will discuss food security and nutrition implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, young entrepreneurs in agrifood systems in sub-Saharan Africa were already facing a number of challenges. The main challenges include limited access to natural resources, finance, technology, knowledge and information, and insufficient participation in policy dialogues and other decision-making processes. The COVID-19 pandemic and its disruptions to...