Mahima A Jain is a journalist based in London, UK.

Will the New Farm Laws Lead to More Greenhouse Gas Emissions From India’s Farms?

30 Sept 2020  |  science.thewire.in  |  English  |  Environmental Impact

The new farm laws in India, including the Farmer (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, aim to reform the agricultural market but may lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions due to intensive farming practices. Experts express concerns that contract farming, promoted by these laws, could degrade soil quality and increase the carbon footprint. India, already a significant emitter of GHGs from agriculture, faces challenges in balancing increased food production with environmental sustainability. The laws are seen as a missed opportunity to address environmental impacts, with calls for sustainable practices and policy interventions to mitigate emissions.

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International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre International Livestock Research Institute Jatan Trust University of Cambridge UN Food and Agriculture Organisation

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Busani Bafana is a journalist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Capacity Building Is Key to Africa’s Digital Sequencing Success Story

22 Oct 2024  |  www.ipsnews.net  |  English  |  Agriculture

The article highlights the transformative potential of digital sequencing information (DSI) in Africa's agriculture, emphasizing the need for capacity building to harness local genetic resources. Christian Tiambo, a livestock scientist, underscores the importance of genomics in breeding resilient livestock, while the Africa BioGenome Project aims to strengthen local capacity for DSI use. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and upcoming COP16 discussions are pivotal in establishing fair benefit-sharing mechanisms. The World Resources Institute calls for increased financial support to protect biodiversity, stressing the need for both public and private sector involvement.

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World Resources Institute National Agricultural Research Systems International Livestock Research Institute Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources National Biosafety Authority Africa BioGenome Project UN Convention on Biological Diversity

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Jewel Fraser is a freelance journalist who writes for Inter Press Service on climate change issues; she formerly wrote for the International New York Times on architecture and real estate; and for the Miami Herald on current affairs. She is also a freelance copyeditor and copywriter.

She holds ...

Pandemic’s Silver Lining—Africa Uses COVID-19 Technology for Agriculture

03 Sept 2024  |  www.ipsnews.net  |  English  |  Food Security

The article discusses how Africa is leveraging technology developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance agricultural practices, focusing on indigenous crops to improve food self-sufficiency. Dr. Jean-Baka Entfellner from the International Livestock Research Institute emphasizes the potential of local crop varieties in addressing food insecurity, which affects nearly 30% of the global population, with Africa being disproportionately impacted. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on imported foods and promote sustainable agriculture across the continent.

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International Livestock Research Institute FAO

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Andualem Sisay Gessesse (Mr.) launched **** in November 2009. He is an Award-winning Ethiopian journalist with over fifteen years of experience in journalism, communications consultancy and research. Currently he is working as Managing Director of BEHAK Multimedia PLC, and Managing Editor of ****. 
...

Flies and fungi: Climate change could make food less safe, experts warn

01 Oct 2023  |  Hindustan Times  |  English  |  Public Health

Food safety is a significant global concern, with climate change and the globalization of food production posing new challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that unsafe food causes millions of illnesses and deaths annually. Rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions are expected to increase food contamination and food-borne diseases. Experts warn that fly populations and mycotoxins, which are harmful compounds produced by fungi, will become more prevalent, exacerbating food safety issues. The global food system, responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, needs to adapt to ensure safe and nutritious food. Advanced plant breeding technologies could help produce more resilient crop varieties.

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International Livestock Research Institute World Health Organization African Union Loyola Marymount University

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Anthony Langat is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.He specializes in reporting on human rights issues, governance, security and climate change

CGIAR launches initiative to build food security policy in 6 countries

17 May 2022  |  www.devex.com  |  English  |  International Aid

CGIAR has initiated the National Policies and Strategies for Food, Land and Water Systems Transformation Initiative (NPS) to enhance food security and resilience in Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, India, Laos, and Colombia. The initiative, launched in Kenya, aims to support research and develop coherent policies to better respond to crises like drought. It is part of the One CGIAR strategy, which focuses on improving food security and poverty reduction. The initiative will work with various local and international partners, including government ministries and research institutions, to provide analytical tools and policy options to decision-makers.

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International Fund for Agricultural Development Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives (Kenya) International Food Policy Research Institute CGIAR World Food Programme European Union Council of County Governors (Kenya) Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa

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Joan Letting is a result-driven professional with a progressive, with over 6 years of experience. I have contributed to daily content in National and International media. I have worked with The Standard Media Group and Kenya Television Network in Turkana, Nakuru, Baringo, Kericho, Bomet, and Narok. ...

Land, Livestock, and Livelihoods: Early Actions for Adaptation and Resilience-Building from Africa’s Rangelands and Drylands

15 Mar 2023  |  Drylands Learning and Capacity Building Initiative  |  English  |  Mental Health

At COP28, a side event titled 'Land, Livestock, and Livelihoods' highlighted the challenges faced by pastoralist communities in Africa's drylands. Facilitated by Jarso Mokku of the DLCI, the discussion focused on the mental health toll of droughts, political marginalisation, aid disparities, land rights, policy discrepancies, and the need for inclusive policy formulation. The event underscored the importance of integrating pastoralist perspectives into policies and recognising their role in managing fragile ecosystems. It called for a holistic approach to policymaking that considers pastoralists, land, and livestock as interconnected elements of the ecosystem. The event was co-organized by several organizations, including the Jameel Observatory and the International Livestock Research Institute.

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International Land Coalition International Livestock Research Institute Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action Mercy Corps SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Scovian Lillian is a freelancer writer and a Communications  professional with six years of experience in Journalism and a year of experience in Public Relations based in Nairobi Kenya. She is passionate about Science, Health and Agribusiness and environment. With experience in Journalism and ...

Some strides to include climate change in curricula

17 Sept 2023  |  www.universityworldnews.com  |  English  |  Sustainable Agriculture

African leaders, in the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change, called for a systemic response to the debt crisis to finance development and climate action. The Africa Climate Summit emphasized green growth and climate finance, with academia playing a crucial role. RUFORUM and AICCRA are promoting climate-smart agriculture and information across African universities. Universities like the University of Nairobi, Addis Ababa University, and Makerere University are integrating climate-smart courses and modules into their curricula. Efforts include capacity-building for staff and students, collaboration, and the introduction of new programs like a PhD in climate science. The initiatives aim to produce future climate leaders and champion sustainable development goals.

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International Livestock Research Institute Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture AICCRA CGIAR West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use University of Nairobi Addis Ababa University Makerere University

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Munyaradzi Makoni is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. His stories on agriculture, climate change, environment, higher education, politics, science and technology, science policy and religion have appeared in  SciDev.Net, Thompson Reuters Foundation, Africa Renewal, Research Africa, ...

Scottish livestock R&D partnership renewed

29 Nov 2023  |  www.researchprofessionalnews.com  |  English  |  International Collaboration

A Kenyan research institute has renewed its decades-long partnership with a Scottish university to advance collaboration in livestock systems research. The International Livestock Research Institute and the University of Edinburgh signed a memorandum of understanding at the ILRI’s Nairobi campus on 29 November, aiming to ensure sustainability in the rapidly growing agricultural sector.

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International Livestock Research Institute University of Edinburgh

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Hannah McNeish is a journalist based in Glasgow, U.K.

Wasting away in Burundi

21 Feb 2015  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Malnutrition

In northern Burundi, chronic malnutrition and hunger have forced many farmers like Avito Ndikumasabo to abandon their land and seek aid from the UN’s World Food Programme. The region suffers from severe poverty, overpopulation, and climatic disasters, leading to widespread malnutrition, especially among children. Efforts to combat hunger include land conservation and supplemented feeding programs, but the challenges are immense. Land disputes are common, and the population growth exacerbates the scarcity of arable land. The situation calls for better farming methods and resources to prevent further deterioration.

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Ngozi’s department of Agriculture and Livestock International Food Policy Research Institute UN’s World Food Programme

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CHI NGUYEN
Chi Nguyen is a freelance journalist based in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) Vietnam. She is also a TV journalist from National Television VTV
She is journalism and media studies lecture, journalism and media studies facilitator,
Interpreter and translator
Public Relation ...

Advancing One Health in Vietnam: an exchange of national and international experiences

16 Oct 2024  |  CGIAR  |  English  |  Climate Change

Vietnam is actively addressing health challenges such as zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance through the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Despite challenges in technical expertise and policy implementation, Vietnam remains committed to advancing One Health, as demonstrated by a recent conference in Hanoi organized by the One Health Partnership for Zoonoses and the International Livestock Research Institute. The conference, attended by over 150 participants from various sectors, emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration, fair funding, and policy advocacy. Key recommendations included enhancing research-to-policy translation, understanding social behaviors, and addressing climate change impacts. The discussions underscored the importance of public-private partnerships and a coordinated approach to improve community well-being and sustainable practices.

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International Livestock Research Institute One Health Partnership for Zoonoses Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development Ministry of Health Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment CGIAR

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I am a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. I specialize in science reporting in the areas of climate change, environment, food systems, renewable energy, and health.

To view some of my posted works, kindly follow the links below.

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The 'wonder grass' improving food security in Kenya

05 Oct 2023  |  Devex  |  English  |  Climate Change

One in ten people in Kenya face crisis levels of food insecurity, exacerbated by erratic rainfall and environmental degradation. Farmers in eastern Kenya have adopted Brachiaria grass, introduced by the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization and partners, to combat these challenges. This highly nutritious grass boosts milk production and generates significantly more income than traditional crops, enhancing food security. Farmers like John Masyula and Raphael Mauyu have seen substantial benefits, including increased milk yields and improved health. The grass requires no chemical applications and is resilient to pests and diseases, making it a sustainable agricultural solution.

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U.S. Agency for International Development International Livestock Research Institute Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Humanitarian Network

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Judd-Leonard Okafor is a multimedia journalist at Daily Trust, where he works for both print and online platforms. 
He covers health, development, education and youth. Before joining Daily Trust, he worked at Confluence TV and Grace FM in Lokoja as a news reporter, presenter and editor. 
In 2014, ...

A tweak to help potatoes withstand late blight disease

02 Jan 2025  |  Daily Trust  |  English  |  Plant Disease

Potato farmers in Nigeria face significant challenges due to late blight disease, which can devastate crops. A new bioengineered potato variety resistant to late blight offers hope for increased yields and reduced reliance on fungicides. The National Root Crop Research Institute, in collaboration with international partners, is conducting trials to introduce these biotech potatoes. The project aims to release the potatoes for wider use in a few years, with expectations of improved productivity and acceptance among farmers and consumers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address agricultural challenges through biotechnology.

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Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria National Root Crops Research Institute Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute National Root Crop Research Institute International Potato Centre Michigan State University University of Minnesota University of Idaho International Potato Centre African Agricultural Technology Foundation Indonesian Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Research and Development Plateau State University Bokkos

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Maina Waruru is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.
With over 15 years experience I specialize in Science, Business and Development news and features writing. I have published widely including with the BBC, The Scientist magazine, University World News, Research Africa,Down to Earth magazine,...

Women hold the Key to Success of Pastoralism in Africa

17 Oct 2023  |  www.primanews.org  |  English  |  Gender Inclusion

The article emphasizes the critical role of women in the success of pastoralism in Africa, particularly in the context of climate change and disease outbreaks. It highlights the importance of involving women in vaccination strategies and livestock health campaigns to ensure food and financial security for families. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and other organizations are actively working to integrate women into these efforts, recognizing their influence on household resource allocation and their role as caregivers. The article also discusses the challenges women face, such as cultural norms and lack of access to information, and the initiatives aimed at overcoming these barriers, including the SheVax+ research project and livestock insurance programs.

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Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kenya International Livestock Research Institute IDRC Global Affairs Canada Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine Africa One Health University Network Makerere University University of Nairobi University of Rwanda

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