2014 Innovation Prize for Africa name 10 finalists

NaijaAgroNet:

The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) has named 10 finalists of its prestigious Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) 2014, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The 10 African innovators, NaijaAgroNet also reports according a press statement by the African Press Organisation (APO), as having created practical solutions to some of the continent’s most intractable problems, from a domestic waste biogas system to a wafer matrix for paediatric antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment. Chosen from almost 700 applications from 42 countries, the finalists for the IPA 2014 represent Africans’ potential to address the challenges that are unique to the continent.

The winners of the IPA 2014 will be announced at an awards ceremony on 5 May in Abuja, Nigeria, where keynote speaker, the Honourable Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Minister of finance, will highlight the importance of innovation to unlock Africa’s potential for sustainable development and economic growth.

The winner will receive USD 100 000 for the best innovation based on marketability, originality, scalability, social impact and clear business potential.  While a runner up will receive USD 25 000 for the best commercial potential and another winner will receive USD 25 000 as a special prize for innovation with the highest social impact. 

Prior to the awards ceremony, a roundtable featuring innovation experts will take place, to address the theme “A Path to Building Industrial Nation Skillsets in Africa.”

Founder, African Innovation Foundation and the IPA, Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais, noted that as global leaders gather for the 2014 World Economic Forum on Africa to discuss approaches to inclusive growth and job creation.

“The IPA 2014 innovators demonstrate that the best way to achieve equitable economic growth for all Africans is to invest in local innovation and entrepreneurship,” Bastos de Morais said.

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Democracy of the stomach, right of every Nigerian – Adesina

NaijaAgroNet:

… Commends local wheat production

The Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has declared that democracy of the stomach is the right of every Nigerian, just as he reassured on how important the leadership of President Gooodluck Ebele Jonathan holds agriculture, reports NaijaAgroNet exclusively.

Addressing participants at the 2014 Wheat Farmers Field Day at Kadawa in Kano State recently, Adesina asserted “Thank you for calling me the farmers' minister, but I work for the Farmers' President. Democracy of the stomach is a right of every Nigerian.”

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that the minister appreciated what he called the invaluable contributions of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) in the promotion of improved wheat technologies in Nigeria, and for organizing this wheat field day. 

“Your tenacity in continuing to do excellent work, to help our farmers, in the face of security challenges. Nigeria will succeed, against all odds,” he said.

As said by him, the occasion is a revival of hope for Nigeria to produce its own wheat and free itself from decades of dependence on imported wheat.

“I am delighted that the African Development Bank has funded the production of wheat across African countries. Africa must produce its own wheat and the funding by ADB is therefore strategic,” he said.

Adesina recalled that in 1987, the government of Nigeria banned the importation of wheat and implemented an Accelerated Wheat Production Programme aimed at stimulating local production of wheat in Nigeria.

He sees the ban on wheat importation as a bold move, which has provided local farmers the opportunity to mobilized so as to produce wheat and were provided necessary inputs at subsidized rates, and equipment to boost wheat production.  

"The production of wheat expanded from 50,000MT in 1987 to 600,000MT by 1990,” he said. 

The minister emphasised that farmers had proven they could produce wheat, if well supported, adding that several challenges scuttled the burst of energy to produce wheat locally, especially with the introduction of varieties of very low yields, as average yield was less than one ton per hectare.

“But more importantly, the programme failed because of the reluctance of wheat millers in the country to patronize wheat produced locally in the country. With the lifting of the ban in 1990, the programme abruptly ended, and wheat production spiraled downwards to 70,000MT by 1991.

“Today, Nigeria’s wheat import is about 4 million MT per annum and estimated to grow at an alarming rate of 5 per cent per annum,” he lamented.

Adesina further stated that at this rate, the country would be importing 10 million MT of wheat per annum by 2030, and spending US$15 billion annually on wheat imports alone, hence wheat farmers in the country deserved commendation.

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Pix: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (right), tasting bread made from 100 per cent Nigerian wheat variety at Kadawa, Kano State, recently. With him are Minister of State for Agriculture, Mrs. Asmau Asabe Ahmed and House Chairman on Agriculture, Mohammed Tahir Monguno.

How to start a power business in Nigeria by Onwuasoanya

NaijaAgroNet:

In the beginning:

I had never before been without a job, so I was convinced I would find something.     While looking for work immediately, I went on a field trip with my wife to follow up   on a project my son had carried out for a science competition using methane from   landfills to power a fleet of garbage trucks. We visited the research facility Rutger EcoComplex and went to a landfill site that converted waste into electricity. I was so excited about the idea of solving two problems at once: Nigeria generates a lot of waste (70% organic) and has a huge shortfall in electricity production. With this solution, I saw myself as the knight that would come in and save the day.

On May 21, 2013 Atlantic Waste & Power System was born. The director at the EcoComplex introduced me to people who would partner with me to execute my projects. I dusted up my trusted Rolodex and reached out to people I knew in Nigeria. We were introduced to the State of Kaduna’s environmental protection agency and shortly after arrived in Nigeria.

Waste to energy was the craze, the only issue was that we arrived a little late to that party. Everyone wanted a waste to energy facility, but nobody knew how to fund the projects. Very few states had policies in place that made it possible to turn the facilities into revenues. The one state, Lagos, that had things in place was yet to generate electricity from land fill gas and every one you met there had already received a proposal and had completed a study.

Readmoore:

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Pix: A set of generating sets by courtesy: Christopher J. Onwuasoanya,

N18m Fertilizer Scam, EFCC arraigns Yahaya

NaijaAgroNet:

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned one Nasiru Yahaya before Justice Abdullahi Yusuf of the Katsina State High Court on a 9-count charge that borders on criminal breach of trust and forgery, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The accused person, according to the Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media & Publicity at EFCC, was entrusted with 3,600 (Three Thousand Six Hundred) bags of fertilizer worth N18, 000,000 (Eighteen Million Naira) to be delivered to Ministry of Agriculture, Adamawa State from Funtua Local Government in Katsina State but fraudulently converted same for personal benefit.

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that Yahaya was accused of attempting to cover the fraud, by allegedly presented fake waybills to the complainant, Alhaji Ibrahim Dogo.

“That you Nasiru Yahaya on or about the 14th March, 2011 at Funtua within the judicial division of the Katsina State High Court being entrusted with certain property to wit, 1, 800 bags of fertilizer worth the sum of N9, 000, 000 (Nine Million Naira Only) by Ibrahim Dogo, did commit criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 311 of the Penal Code,” part of the charges read.

Yahaya has since pleaded not guilty to the charge. Just as NaijaAgroNet reports that the case was adjourned to April 15, 2014 for hearing of bail application and commencement of trial.

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Valuable project delivery key for Africa says NEPAD

NaijaAgroNet:

The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) has said that valuable project delivery is key for the development of the continent, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The NEPAD agency made this call known to NaijaAgroNet at the weekend in Abuja through its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, insisting that efficient project delivery and coordination of United Nations (UN) support as a key success factor to implement agenda 2063 for continent, which is Africa’s long-term development strategy.

NaijaAgroNet recollects that Dr. Mayaki, was speaking in a series of events at the African Union Conference of African Ministers of Economy and Finance (CAMEF) held in Abuja, Nigeria, from March 25 to 30, as affirmed by a press statement made available by Maureen Nkandu of NEPAD Communication.

Also, NaijaAgroNet gathered that over 50 African Ministers of Finance attended the meeting to find alternative ways of financing African development programmes, such as the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

NaijaAgroNet reports that in her remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala applauded the significant role NEPAD has played in the implementation of PIDA as well as achievements in developing Africa’s energy sector.

Industry watchers was quoted as saying that NEPAD has taken the lead in the process of prioritising PIDA projects that will accelerate investment in infrastructure development, so as to better connect and integrate Africa.

Dr Mayaki also gave a presentation on the “Power Africa” initiative, which is a five-year energy plan spearheaded by the United States (US) President, Barack Obama, launched in Tanzania in July 2013 during President Obama’s visit to that country.

The initiative, NaijaAgroNet learnt was aimed at supporting economic growth and development by increasing access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power in Africa.

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Gov. Obiano inaugurates the Agriculture Committee

NaijaAgroNet:

Newly sworn-in governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has inaugurated a 14-man think tank agriculture committee, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Obiano, NaijaAgroNet gathered charged the Committee to draw-up the operational blueprint for revolutionizing agriculture in Anambra State. 

The Committee, which has 33-point Terms of Reference, include "mapping of the State to determine which areas/zones that have the right soil and topography to produce cassava, maize, soya beans, vegetables and rice in commercial quantities," among others. 

NaijaAgroNet further gathered that the Committee is to determine how much food Anambra produces; how much the state consumes, and what is the critical gap in food production and how to fill that gap and ensure food security and export but more importantly to confer a food production comparative advantage on the state. 

Members of the Committee are, Prof. C.P.E. Omaliko (Chairman), Mr. Ndubusi Menakaya (Member/Secretary), Prof. Nath Nwonwu, Mr Victor Ikeli, Hon. Emma Makeudo, Dr. Michael Chike Ikwele, Dr. Raymond Onweluzo, Dr. Chris Okeke, Mr. Isaac Mbanefo, Mr. Ebenezer Ikechukwu Ubaka, Dr. Ernest Igwe, Mr. Nnamdi Mekoh, Engr. Emeka John Okafor and Mr Albert Odukwe.  

The Committee has thirty days to complete its work.  

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Pix: Gov Obiano and SSG Oseloka with committee members.

IPCC report highlights threats of climate change to people says Toulmin

NaijaAgroNet:

The Director of the International Institute for Environment and Development, Dr Camilla Toulmin, has commended the IPCC latest report on climate change, saying it exposes threats to people and prosperity, reports NaijaAgroNet.

“The new IPCC report highlights the threats climate change poses to people’s peace and prosperity,” he said in a press statement made available to NaijaAgroNet.

According to Dr. Toulmin, it shows that countries, communities and companies must act fast to adapt to the changing climate, but it also shows too that there are limits to adaptation and this drives home the urgency of global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Toulmin told NaijaAgroNet that its high-time for unprecedented global solidarity and cooperation.

“Now is the opportunity for true leaders to shine. Some of the world’s least developed countries are already forging ahead,” Toulmin said.

For Dr. Toulmin, Ethiopia has committed to carbon-neutral development. Bangladesh has invested US$10 billion of its own money to adapt to extreme climatic events.

Just as Nepal is the first country to develop adaptation plans at the community level, insisting “It is time for the richer countries to pull their weight and do the right thing, by investing at home and abroad in actions that can reduce emissions and protect people and property from danger.”

The climate, Dr. Toulmin reminded that though the world is in this together and that shows “we can only solve this problem as a united international community.”

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Health Ministry partner stakeholders on Healthcare Entrepreneurship

NaijaAgroNet:

The Federal Ministry of Health and five stakeholder organisations have concluded plans to host a business development seminar for healthcare entrepreneurs on March 20, 2014, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The seminar scheduled as part of the upcoming Medipharma Expo in Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, comes with the theme “Key issues on Business Development for the Healthcare Entrepreneur.”

NaijaAgroNet also reports that it will cover subjects such as  Feasibility Studies, Marketing and Branding; Financing Your Project or Expansion; Business Plans; Buying and Maintaining Equipment; Legal, Liability and Regulatory Concerns; People: Recruiting and working with Motivated Personnel; and  What it takes to be successful – Real Life Experience.

The other partnering organisations for the seminar include Association of General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Nigeria Medical Association, Medipharmafrica, Anadach Group and Global Health Project & Resources.

Dr. Egbe Osifo-Dawodu of Anadach Group, one of the organizers of the event told NaijaAgroNet that the seminar is an opportunity for the individuals or potential investors interested in the healthcare industry to understand the intricacies of a healthcare business.

“It will also enable attendees understand efficient strategies and identify requirements required to establish a viable healthcare business,” he said.

Dr. Wale Alabi, CEO of  Global Health Project & Resources, a leading healthcare Consultancy Firm  in Nigeria, stressing that this  business development seminar will bring together current healthcare stakeholders within the private and public sector who are interested in improving their organizations’ efficiencies. Furthermore, attendees will receive five (5) CPD units after the seminar.

Experienced professionals from local and international firms in the healthcare sector will feature as speakers. They include; Adetola Adegbayi, Executive Director Leadway Assurance; Dr. Segun Oso, Associate Director Abraaj Group-a health investment fund; Mr. Diran Ajayi, Senior Associate at Templars-legal sector etc.

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Pix: Health Minister, Prof. Chukwu

EU, UN, Austria partnership assists Somali farmers to produce food

NaijaAgroNet

For the first time, Somali farmers are turning themselves into suppliers of high-quality food assistance for their fellow Somali people, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The new initiative, NaijaAgroNet gathered is backed by the European Union (EU), the government of Austria and two United Nations food security agencies has helped Somali farmers achieve this major agricultural breakthrough in a region of the country that was gripped by famine less than three years ago.

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that with the support of the EU and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), small-scale farmers have boosted the yields and quality of their maize grains, allowing them to sell 200 metric tons of high-quality maize to the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP), which purchased the grain with funds supplied by Austria.

Agricultural communities – especially in south-central Somalia, the country’s grain basket – have, over the last two decades, been severely affected by conflict and recurrent drought, which has resulted in the widespread failure of crops and poor yields. The EU, Austria, FAO and WFP are working with local farmers to change that.

"The EU strongly supports this pilot initiative to empower the Somali farmers and their markets,” said Michele Cervone d'Urso, the EU Ambassador to Somalia. “By enabling them to provide food aid for Somalia, we support the entire Somali economy."

“This initiative shows that Somali farmers are not helpless. With minimal assistance including agricultural inputs, tools, technical skills in storage, grading and marketing, they can make a great difference,” said Luca Alinovi, FAO’s outgoing representative for Somalia.

WFP Country Representative Stefano Porretti described the initiative “as a significant achievement for the participating farmers” and a milestone for WFP’s operations in Somalia.

“Strengthening livelihoods and increasing resiliency is an integral part of WFP’s strategy in Somalia,” Porretti added. “WFP will continue to support small-scale farmers in Somalia by empowering them to produce and sell more food, so as to become competitive players in local markets.”

The Austrian embassy in Nairobi, which also covers Somalia, said that Austria, as one of the partners and sponsors of this project, was delighted that this valuable initiative had been such a success. It further added that it was another example that people in need, given the necessary assistance and possibilities, are able to help themselves and thus make a difference to their lives.

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FAO warns on Asia, Pacific food insecurity

NaijaAgroNet:

Governments in Asia and the Pacific have been warned to take some major, fundamental decisions and very soon too on ways to increase their food production and address undernourishment, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The warning came as nearly 40 FAO member countries gathered in the Mongolian capital for the 32nd FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific to examine the state of food and agriculture in the region and a number of other important agriculture-related issues.

NaijaAgroNet reports that while the Asia-Pacific region is making good progress in reducing under-nutrition, it still has more hungry people than all the other regions of the world combined – more than 550 million. 

The Millennium Development Goal of reducing hunger by half by 2015 is on course to be met, and in Southeastern Asia has already been achieved. Timor-Leste has launched a national campaign to take forward the fight against hunger beyond 2015, inspired by the UN’s global Zero Hunger Challenge (with a goal of 2025).

However, the region as a whole needs to improve food production systems and delivery to consumers or face significant food security problems within the next generation. Indeed some developing countries in Asia and the Pacific will need to increase their food production by up to 77 percent to feed their people by 2050, when the world’s population is expected to top nine billion.

Asia and the Pacific accounts for more than 90 percent of world rice production and consumption. The region’s food security and people’s livelihoods are very much dependent on rice. As a response to a request by FAO member countries, FAO has produced a Regional Rice Strategy which is being discussed at the regional level for finalization.

Farming, fishing and forestry practices need to be modernized and made more profitable, while countries in the region must take serious, coordinated steps to reduce food losses and food waste, which is as high as 30-50 percent regarding grains, fruits and vegetables.

Accordingly, FAO launched the regional Save Food Asia-Pacific campaign in August 2013 with an aim to promote public awareness of the need to minimize food losses and food waste.

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