New Agriculturist

From weed to cash crop: Amaranth

Amaranth is widely regarded as an unwanted and stubborn weed, food for the poor during hungry periods. It is, however, a highly nutritious and tasty plant. Recently, the Kenya Seed Company has released an improved variety of amaranth which matures in just 2-3 months, has a long harvesting period and produces nutrient-packed grain as well as leaves. In western Kenya, the plant is now being deliberately intercropped with soybean, a practice which both increases fresh leaf yields and improves the quality of the soil.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=68
Article: African leafy vegetables come out of the shade

Agriculture, poverty and the environment

While food production has increased at a faster rate than population growth over the last 50 years, poverty, malnutrition and environmental degradation continue to blight the lives of millions. So what can agriculture offer to the world's poor, and to its degraded lands? In April this year a report was published by the International Assessment of Agricultural, Science and Technology for Development, which offers some answers. Attending launch events for the Assessment in London and Nairobi, Neil Palmer and Winnie Onyimbo gather opinions on the significance of the report, and what it will mean for African farmers.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=74
Article: Farming revolution needed to feed the world's hungry

Neglected crops: National treasures

Every country has its national treasures. In this interview, Jackie Hughes of the World Vegetable Centre highlights the value of some food plant species, which she believes are treasures, but which have been neglected. These include plants such as amaranth, which can grow in marginal areas but which is also very nutritious. If more widely grown, these neglected crops could play a role in improving diets among the resource poor, and raising their income. They could also help to maintain farm production in the face of climate change.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=62
Article: Making more of undervalued crops

Neglected crops: International viewpoints

Four scientists working in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Sri Lanka comment on why they believe many indigenous African crops became neglected and forgotten. This may have been because they were difficult to process, or because of the promotion of exotic species. With new technologies, processing problems can now be overcome. As a result, these neglected crops deserve to be looked at again, particularly as they are often more resilient than exotic crops in the face of drought or flooding.
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=63
Article: Making more of undervalued crops

The New Agriculturist podcast 2008-3

A worryingly large number of useful crops have become neglected in recent times. But now, with their nutritional, economic and social properties, many are making a comeback. In this edition's podcast we hear the views of several underutilised crop enthusiasts, who are keen to highlight the benefits of these previously undervalued plants. With the concern over rising food prices, we also feature comments from two of the authors of the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development report, on what is needed to revolutionise farming and increase agricultural productivity.
Finally, Susie Emmett interviews William Easterly at a review of the Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative at FAO in Rome. Easterly's book The White Man's Burden shook the aid business to its foundations - so she is keen to find out what makes a good, or not so good, agriculturist for development. This edition of New Agriculturist podcast is piled high with an array of views, news and discussion, as colourful as the produce on sale at Arusha's covered vegetable market, where the podcast begins...
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag08-3.mp3
Article: Making more of undervalued crops , Searching for a new approach: pro-poor livestock policy and institutional change, Farming revolution needed to feed the world's hungry, Editorial

The New Agriculturist podcast 2008-2

The current political crisis in Kenya has had a negative impact on many aspects of the country's economy - from the booming tourist industry - to the blooming flower industry. Sixty-five per cent of Kenya's horticultural produce arrives in Europe on the same planes on which holidaymakers fly tourists home. Fewer tourists means fewer flights, less export capacity and ultimately lower profits. So is Kenya's flower industry is wilting, or can it survive the current political storm? Also in this edition's podcast - Susie Emmett speaks to one man with serious doubts about the biofuel crop jatropha. Can it really offer an environmentally friendly solution to our burgeoning fuel consumption? Listen in to find out.
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag08-2.mp3
Article: Editorial

Getting the balance right

December has closed recent talks in Tanzania at the 5th African Population Conference. Discussions were held to analyse problems associated with rapid urbanisation - among them, the challenges for ill people, including those with HIV. Our correspondent in Ghana, went in search of practical advice for those living with HIV or AIDS in urban areas where food is often expensive. In Getting the balance right, our reporter talks to one specialist to find solutions to one problem in particular. How to ensure a balanced diet in the city?
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=37
Article: Agriculture and HIV/AIDS

Jatropha - fuel for the future?

We will be finding out about the wild plant jatropha. Will it use up precious land which could be used to grow food - or does it hold the key to feeding the world's hungry industries? Find out in Jatropha - fuel for the future?
Audio link: http://www.agfax.net/radio/detail.php?i=36
Article: Seeds of change: jatropha in India

New Agriculturist podcast 2008-1

It is generally acknowledged that farmers and farming systems are changing and that there is an urgent need for changes in approach if more effective agricultural development is to be achieved. But how can this be best achieved and do we still need to put farmers first? Susanna Thorp provides some thoughts from participants, including donors, researchers and the private sector, at a recent conference held at the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex in the UK. From India, Susie Emmett meets with veterinary students who are encouraged to 'Earn and you Learn' encourages students to get involved in the real world of work, by developing a business plan and testing it out as a real working business.
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag08-1.mp3
Article: Agricultural research and development - which way now? , Editorial

New Agriculturist podcast 2007-6

The northern region of Uganda is the closest it has been to peace for over two decades. The long-running civil war has devastated an area once known as the country's 'bread basket' and recent flooding has exacerbated the food insecurity of millions living in camps for internally displaced people. Against this backdrop of war and food insecurity, lessons in practical agriculture are healing minds as well as building businesses for the younger generation. In the New Agriculturist podcast, Georgina Smith journeys to classrooms and colleges to meet the remarkable people who are rebuilding lives and restoring dignity by passing on their skills in agriculture and belief in rural businesses.
Audio link: http://wrenmedia.jellycast.com/files/audio/new-ag07-6.mp3
Article: Reaping the fruits of labour , Editorial