New study says Orange Maize improves Vitamin A in children

NaijaAgroNet:

 

The latest study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN)  has established that ‘orange’ vitamin A maize increases vitamin A storage in the body, NaijaAgroNet Reports.

This maize, NaijaAgroNet gathered has been orthodoxly bred as non- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to have higher levels of beta-carotene, a naturally occurring plant pigment that the body then converts into vitamin A.

Experts from AJCN affirmed to NaijaAgroNet that lack of sufficient vitamin A blinds up to 500,000 children annually and increases the risk of death from disease (such as diarrhea in children). Thus, Vitamin A deficiency is widely prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa.

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that foods that are good sources of vitamin A, such as orange fruits, dark leafy vegetables, or meat, are not always available, or where they are they could be too expensive in some regions. 

Just as in many African countries, people eat large amounts of staple foods like cassava or maize. 

The efficacy study,  NaijaAgroNet learnt revealed that children from the Eastern Province of Zambia were randomly assigned to three feeding groups and received either white maize, orange maize, or a daily vitamin A supplement. After three months, both groups that received either the orange maize or vitamin A supplements showed significant increases in their total body stores of vitamin A, with no changes observed in the group that received white maize. 

Lead scientist Sherry Tanumihardjo said “we were surprised to find that most of the children in this study already had substantial stores of vitamin A. We attribute this to the success of fortifying sugar with vitamin A, the provision of vitamin A supplements to young children, and perhaps better diets. Yet, despite having adequate vitamin A stores, we still saw this store increase in children as a result of eating the orange maize. So, I’m confident that orange maize would be especially effective in increasing body stores of vitamin A in populations suffering from vitamin A deficiency.” 

Unlike the form of vitamin A found in supplements and fortified foods, Sherry said, the body regulates conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A, and consuming high levels of beta-carotene is not harmful to health. 

Additionally, Sherry said several orange maize varieties have been released by the governments of Zambia and Nigeria. 

HarvestPlus Country Manager for Zambia, Eliab Simpungwe, stated in a press statement made available to NaijaAgroNet that in Zambia, they provided orange maize to more than 10,000 farming households and is now working with the private sector with the goal of reaching 100,000 farmers by 2015. 

“The orange maize has been embraced by consumers once they have had a chance to taste it. When they also understand the benefits of vitamin A in the diets they are all the more enthusiastic about orange maize”  Simpungwe said.

Pointing out that the orange maize varieties released are also high yielding, disease and virus resistant, and drought tolerant. 

The Zambian Government has officially recognized biofortification, which it includes in the National Food and Nutrition Strategic Plan for Zambia 2011-2015. 

Additionally, the Acting Executive Director of the National Food and Nutrition Commission in Zambia, Musonda Mofu, who was also on the study team, said “there are still many pockets where vitamin A deficiency remains a problem in Zambia. 

"Food-based approaches such as orange maize can provide people—especially women and children—with a good portion of their daily vitamin A needs through nshima or other traditional foods made from maize, that we Zambians eat every day. For us, this is cost-effective and a safe approach to improving nutrition,”  Mofu assured.

+Remmy Nweke @ITRealms @HarvestPlus @AJCN @VitaminA @FAO #FMARD #Nigeria #VitaminA
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CTA, UNIPORT conclude Web 2.0 social media course

NaijaAgroNet:

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and The Netherlands-based Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), have concluded a four-day training course on Web 2.0 social media, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The learning opportunities, NaijaAgroNet gathered is the second training progarmme being jointly hosted by UNIPORT and CTA under the theme: “Web 2.0 social media learning opportunities training course.”

This year’s programmed which lasted between October 20 through 24, 2014, NaijaAgroNet also learnt has its primary objective to equip participants with a research and collaboration tool that would facilitate their adoption and dissemination of simple and replicable internet–based technologies and applications.

NaijaAgroNet gathered that the participants were drawn from institutions of higher learning and Research Institutes in South-East and South-South geopolitical zones of Nigeria. 

The opening ceremony which took place at the Elsevier e-Learning room, Donald Ekong Library of the University on the first day was declared open by the Vice Chancellor, UNIPORT, Prof. Joseph Atubokiki Ajineka.

+Remmy Nweke @NaijaAgroNet +Lohento Ken +CTA Brussels +Johnson Opigo @UNIPORT  @DigitalSENSEng @Nkemdilim Nweke @FMARD +Remmy Nweke (ITRealms)

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Nigerians walk for 2014 World Food Day

NaijaAgroNet:

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on October 13, 2014 commemorated this year's World Food Day beginning with a sensitization walk around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reports NaijaAgroNet.

The exercise in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) commenced with a walk sensitization to commemorate the activities lined up for this year’s World Food Day in Nigeria began from Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

The Director, Planning and Policy Coordination at the Ministry, Mrs. Rabi Idi Adamu, who stood in for the Honourable Minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, told NaijaAgroNet the theme of this year’s World Food Day is “Family Farming: Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth.”

Also, Dr. Akinwumi said that the theme of this year’s World Food Day is apt, because of the roles families play in food production and Agricultural Transformations world over to facilitate food production and Animal Husbandry, especially for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) which has recorded tremendous strides.

NaijaAgroNet recalls that the time table for the activities of this year include a walk sensitization of staff of the Ministry and FAO officials, Ministerial Press briefing, School Debate, Photo/ Book Exhibition, Symposium and Novelty Football March between ATA Bombers and GES Attackers.

 
+RemmyNweke #WorldFoodDay2014 @WorldFoodDay2014 @NaijaAgroNet @DigitalSENSEng @FAO @FMARD #Nigeria
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Emirates Airline gets prize for regional inspired cuisine, inflight services

NaijaAgroNet:

 

The Emirates Airlines has won the Saveur Magazine’s Culinary Travel Award for Best In-Flight Dining: First Class & Business Class for the second consecutive year, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Saveur, an American-based, globally recognised culinary-travel magazine, asked an expert panel of world travellers and readers to identify the world's best cities, markets, restaurants, bars, hotels, airlines and other experiences. The panel cited Emirates’ seven-course meals served on Royal Doulton fine bone china, extensive range of vintage wines, and healthy fare as factors that set it apart from other entrants. 

Terry Daly, Divisional Senior Vice President, Service Delivery said in a press statement made available to NaijaAgroNet that Saveur is one of the most influential and respected voices in the culinary world.

“Being recognised by a publication of Saveur’s calibre carries special weight and validates the attention to detail we put into our in-flight food and beverage programme. The quality of our cuisine reflects Emirates’ commitment to providing our passengers with the world’s best flying experience,” Daly said.

Emirates’ regionally inspired dishes are prepared by five-star chefs, who customise each in-flight menu to reflect the culinary tastes of specific routes and destinations. Travellers can experience a different menu with each Emirates trip – from Japanese gastronomy served in specially designed crockery, to authentic Indian regional favourites.  

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that Saveur panel recognised Emirates’ Onboard Lounge – available to First Class and Business Class passengers on A380 flights – as another key service element that helped the airline earn top honours. The Onboard Lounge provides a place for passengers to stretch their legs, network over fine wines and cocktails, and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and delicacies at 40,000 feet.

"As inveterate travellers, diners, and cooks, the editors, contributors and readers of Saveur seek out the very best culinary destinations the world over," said Betsy Andrews, Executive Editor of Saveur. "This year's Culinary Travel Award winners excite and inspire us with their commitment to excellent food, drink, service and experiences. We are so thrilled to have such exciting and delicious options when planning our latest food-filled journeys."
+Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) +Emirates  @DigitalSENSEng @NaijaAgroNet @Nkemdilim Nweke 
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How to start Ebola treatment at home

NaijaAgroNet

Even though Nigeria has been declared Ebola-free, another case is highly likely at some point, according to health experts. 

Treatment can begin at home as soon as one suspects there is an Ebola case in the household. 

 The BBC's Will Ross in Lagos, Nigeria, spoke to Dr Simon Mardel, a global health adviser and expert on Ebola who was in Guinea earlier in the outbreak.

 Dr Mardel said people who suspect they might have Ebola need to rehydrate at home even before they have received any medical attention.

Outside the headline: Courtesy  bbc
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Elumelu promotes N1,4trn fund for distressed communities

NaijaAgroNet:

Influential banker, Mr. Tony Elumelu through his Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund has promoted a $9 million, about N1.4 trillion fund to empower and support distressed communities nationwide, reports NaijaAgroNet.
 

The Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund, NaijaAgroNet recalls is an aftermath of a $16 Million pledged by Tony Elumelu in July 2014 at the Presidential Fundraising Dinner in support of victims by President Goodluck Jonathan to offer relief to victims affected by insurgency and conflict across the nation in recent years.

NaijaAgroNet  also gathered that Elumelu had reportedly disbursed N1 billion to the Victims Support Fund soon after the pledge, while the remaining N1.5 billion now serves as the initial seeding for the Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund. 

A press statement made available to NaijaAgroNet, the Fund will focus on helping to revitalize the economies of post conflict and disaster communities.

“Rehabilitating distressed communities will require interventions not just from the government, but also from the private sector.  Therefore, I am pleased to see that Tony Elumelu, one of our private sector leaders, stepped up in a big way – by making a major contribution to the Victim Support Fund and that his effort did not end there as he has now created the Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund,” said President  Jonathan.

The fund to be managed by Tony Elumelu Foundation’s arm, The Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund, will work to transform communities that have been devastated by natural disasters and insurgency, into prosperous and economically sustainable communities. 

The Fund is expected to create opportunities and empower people in affected communities across Nigeria enabling them to rebuild their lives and businesses whilst instilling a sense of economic empowerment for the long-term.

 
Chuks Dominic
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Pix: Tony Elumelu

56 Signal barracks walk against ebola virus

NaijaAgroNet:

 Clad in red t-shirts and their camouflage trousers, Nigerian Army personnel at the 56 Signal barracks, Mile 2, Lagos alongside members of mammy trader’s association took the streets to create awareness and campaign against the deadly ebola virus, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The walk from the barracks, as monitored by NaijaAgroNet, took them to all the corners of the living quarters and outside the barracks. The more than two-hour walk culminated in a talk by Captain Nkem Aneke who also facilitated the event.

Addressing army personnel and traders on the symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Captain Aneke enjoined them to always report any suspicious case to medical personnel even as she urged families not to hide their relatives who are infected.

She emphasized the need for people to ensure they wash their hands always, the Nigerian Army officer debunked claims that using salt and warm water will go a long way to cure or prevent the deadly diseases if contacted.

“Ebola Virus Disease cannot be contacted through air. It kills the body’s immune system.  It can be contacted through shaking, sleeping with a person who is infected and coming in contact with any of the victim’s fluid be it sweat, blood or sweat and spit. It does not last up to one month in the body before the victim dies.  So, when you notice anybody who has some symptoms that look like symptoms of Ebola disease who does not want to seek medical attention, inform medical personnel. Restrict the way you touch people. Handle money carefully. Avoid eating bush meat and restrict the way you socialise. Use sanitizers to clean your hands always thoroughly,” she advised.

Some of the traders, who spoke to NaijaAgroNet, commended the campaign, saying it should be a continuous process to keep the topic fresh in the minds of residents and traders in and around the barracks.

President General, Mammy Market Traders also known as Baba Magajia, 56 Signal Barracks, Mile 2, Mr Samuel Albert told NaijaAgroNet that the campaign is not only timely but coming at a time many people have little or no information on the disease.

“I am highly impressed and I know this seminar will help everybody in many ways. If it is possible to be doing it periodically, it will be in our own interest. When you talk of about Federal Government (FG), you know they are trying. But it may not reach the grassroots and that is why this authority, organised this seminar,” he applauded.

For the Magajia, Mrs Augustina Ohimite said the seminar was a welcome development, adding that the drama and the talk have deepened their understanding of the deadly disease.

While commending the facilitator and organisers of the campaign, Assistant Magajia Mrs Comfort Alufa noted that what she learnt during the seminar will go a long way to understand how to prevent contacting the virus apart from sharing the information with other people.

Highlights of the campaign include a road walk, drama presentation, demonstration on how to wash the hands thoroughly and distribution of drugs and glucose by the staff of the medical unit.

Chukwudi Obi/ED Ops

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1. Nigerian Army 56 Signal Barracks walking against Ebola virus
2. Captain Nkem Aneke with one of her colleagues
3. Special address during the exercise by a participant.

Over 130m girls experience FGM in Africa, Middle East

NaijaAgronet:

More than 130 million girls and women have experienced some form of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East where the harmful practice is most common, the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has said.

NaijaAgroNet reports that this is coming as UNICEF raised alarm that over 700 million women alive today were married as children.

The world body made the disclosure in a statement released today in United Kingdom as the UK government and UNICEF played host to a first-ever Girl Summit to rally support for much faster progress to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage – two practices that affect millions of girls across the globe.

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake stressed that FGM and child marriage profoundly and permanently harm girls, denying them their right to make their own decisions and to reach their full potential. In his words, they (FGM and child marriage) are detriments to the girls themselves, their families, and their societies. “Girls are not property; they have the right to determine their destiny. When they do so, everyone benefits”, he said.

 According to UNICEF, more than 1 in 3 – or some 250 million – were married before 15. The body believes that  girls who marry before they turn 18 are less likely to remain in school and more likely to experience domestic violence.

In the report titled: No time to lose: New UNICEF data show need for urgent action on female genital mutilation and child marriage , young teenage girls are more likely to die due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth than women in their 20s; their infants are more likely to be stillborn or die in the first month of life.

The report discloses that beyond extreme physical and psychological pain, girls who undergo FGM are at risk of prolonged bleeding, infection, infertility and death and adds that child marriage is even more widespread and can lead to a lifetime of disadvantage and deprivation.

“Overall, an adolescent girl today is about a third less likely to be cut than 30 years ago. Kenya and Tanzania have seen rates drop to a third of their levels three decades ago through a combination of community activism and legislation. In the Central African Republic, Iraq, Liberia and Nigeria, prevalence has dropped by as much as half. Attitudes are also changing: recent data show that the majority of people in the countries where FGM is practiced believe it should end, but continue to compel their daughters to undergo the procedure because of strong social pressure.

But without far more intensive and sustained action now from all parts of society, hundreds of millions more girls will suffer profound, permanent, and utterly unnecessary harm”, the statement said.

The report maintains that if rates of decline seen in the past three decades are sustained, the impact of population growth means the number of women married as children (more than 700 million) will remain flat through 2050; and up to 63 million more girls could be cut by 2050.

The report also argues that doubling the rate of decline would bring the number of women married as children down to 570 million by 2030 and 450 million by 2050.

“The numbers tell us we must accelerate our efforts. And let’s not forget that these numbers represent real lives. While these are problems of a global scale, the solutions must be local, driven by communities, families and girls themselves to change mindsets and break the cycles that perpetuate FGM/C and child marriage. We can’t let the staggering numbers numb us – they must compel us to act”, Lake said.

Chukwudi Obi 

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Climate Change: Concern Worldwide joins forces with 10 NGOs

NaijaAgronet:

Concern Worldwide has joined 10 NGOs in an alliance to reach 60 million farmer s in a new climate change approach over the next 7 years.

The African Union, announced that Concern Worldwide is one of the non-governmental organizations, NGOs,  joining a group of 10 global partners whose goal is to reach six million farm families with new Climate-Smart Agriculture approaches over the next seven years, NaijaAgronet gathered.

This was disclosed to NaijaAgronet  at the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) at the 23rd African Union Summit on Agriculture and Food Security, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Known as the Africa Climate-Smart Agriculture Alliance, NaijaAgronet checks reveal that the group will contribute to the African Union’s goal of helping 25 million farmers become more resilient and achieve food and nutrition security by 2025. It will do so by aligning international NGO and research activities around existing agricultural investment plans, increasing coherence and coordination for greater impact.

Concern joins partners including Catholic Relief Services (CRS), World Vision, CARE, and the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in the new alliance.

In his reaction, Concern Worldwide CEO Dominic MacSorley ,said: “This is a hugely exciting initiative and we are delighted that Concern has been invited to bring its expertise and knowledge to what is a unique global partnership. Every day, our teams on the ground not only see first-hand the impact of climate change but are assisting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people deal with the often catastrophic consequences. It is vital that the international community faces climate change with pioneering approaches like this that aim to quickly scale up on-farm assistance and link to technological advances. This new alliance is designed to achieve transformational impact; for women and men, for communities, and on agricultural systems, as they face floods, drought and other climate-related threats to their lives and livelihoods.”

Chukwudi Obi

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AfDB canvasses private funding of Africa’s agro-industrial sector

AfDB canvasses private funding of Africa’s agro-industrial sector

NaijaAgronet

THE African Development Bank (AfDB) has advocated private investment in Africa’s agro-industrial sector to promote sustainable agricultural development in the region, NaijaAgronet authoritatively gathered.

AfDB’s Regional Director for West Africa, Mr Janvier Liste, who made the call in Abidjan recently, said this in his address during the signing of funding agreement between the fund for the Acceleration of Agricultural Development (FADA) and the Ivorian Society of Animal Production (SIPRA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abidjan reports that the agreement is to provide funding to enable SIPRA carry out studies for poultry construction and animal feeds production in Côte d'Ivoire.

``This will guarantee a shift of agriculture from peasant to a more modern, competitive and market-related one.Private investors must necessarily be part of this move by massively investing in the agro-industrial sector to boost the transformation of agriculture in the continent,’’ Liste said.

Also speaking, SIPRA’s Representative, Mr Sylvain Gotta, said the project to be sponsored by the grant would create direct jobs for thousands of youths.

``The project is part of SIPRA’s investment programme; it is designed to construct livestock farms and feed mills to meet the Ivorian market. It will create direct jobs for the people, it will provide additional outlet for cereals, it will also allow farmers to be more competitive,’’ he said.

Chukwudi Obi

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