Archive for category: Agriculture

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UN Initiative Curbs Afghanistan’s Opium Poppies

Afghanistan's Opium PoppiesFor decades, Afghanistan has been the world’s leading opium producer, supplying at least 70% of the global output. This vast industry, involving farmers, traffickers, warlords and authorities, has significantly funded the country’s conflicts with the United States (U.S.), particularly in southern Afghanistan, where farmers depend on cultivating Afghanistan’s opium poppies to sustain their livelihoods in an arid desert landscape where poppies thrive.

The Impact of the Taliban’s Opium Ban

Life changed dramatically in 2022 when the Taliban, after seizing power, banned opium farming nationwide on religious grounds. Since the ban, farmers in the former opium fields have struggled to sustain their livelihoods with alternatives like wheat and cotton, whose prices have plummeted due to market saturation. The options for growing other crops are extremely limited in this area because of the harsh climatic conditions that challenge agriculture.

Economic Consequences of the Opium Ban

The ban on opium farming has deeply impacted Afghanistan, creating a cycle of economic instability and underdevelopment showcasing its reliance on the Afghanistan economy.  A sharp decline in annual revenue occurred after the ban, from $1.3 billion in 2022 to just $110 million in 2023. Projections suggest a continued economic downturn, with an estimated 6.4% reduction in GDP in the first year and approximately 8% by 2026, assuming a sustained 70% reduction in opium production. Replacing the opium poppy industry is no small feat in Afghanistan and requires substantial investment in alternative livelihoods and drought-resistant agriculture.

UNDP’s Role in Transitioning Afghanistan’s Agriculture

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its supporters aim to guide Afghanistan toward an economically viable transition from opium production to alternative crops or industries that foster growth and create sustainable livelihoods. This objective requires supportive policies and strong foreign aid to ensure a sustainable transition.

Initiatives and Achievements of CBARD-ALL

The Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development – Access to Licit Livelihoods (CBARD-ALL) initiative is central to these ongoing efforts, which aim to replace opium poppies with high-value crops in key production districts. CBARD-ALL aims to enhance livelihoods and incomes throughout the agricultural industry in Afghanistan by supporting farmers who are reliant on opium production. These goals are achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes providing essential farming supplies and knowledge, advisory support, building greater capacity within these farms through diverse training programs and establishing agriculture infrastructure to handle the transition.

The United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is a major supporter of this initiative, providing substantial resources. The project has achieved notable accomplishments, including surpassing the target for repurposing greenhouses previously used for opium poppy cultivation, developing tools to enhance crop productivity and constructing numerous small-scale irrigation channels. Scheduled to conclude by Sept. 2025, the project seeks to establish a more sustainable agricultural future for Afghanistan.

Looking Forward

The CBARD-ALL initiative plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable alternatives to Afghanistan’s opium poppies, showing notable progress. By providing viable options rather than enforcing prohibitive measures, CBARD-ALL aims to improve the livelihoods and incomes of those impacted by the opium ban. This strategy not only reduces economic reliance on opium cultivation but also promotes economic resilience and diversification, crucial for the stability and development of rural areas. In regions dependent on agriculture and challenged by poor infrastructure and limited connectivity to major cities, this ongoing project is vital for securing a sustainable and lasting agricultural future in Afghanistan.

– Mathieu Paré

Mathieuis based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Upper Egypt 

Poverty in Upper Egypt A decade into Sisi’s reign, Egypt’s economy remains in decline. As the most populous Arab country with around 106 million people, the country continues to face significant economic challenges. In 2020, the World Bank estimated that nearly 30% of Egyptians were living in poverty, with millions more at risk of falling below the poverty line. The majority of the impoverished and vulnerable population is disproportionately concentrated in the rural governorates of Upper Egypt.

Poverty in Upper Egypt

Also known as the “Sa’id,” Upper Egypt refers to the southern part of Egypt and the Nile River valley, extending from the area south of Cairo to Aswan. Despite its rich heritage of ancient Egyptian civilization, poverty in the region is prevalent, characterized by higher rates of unemployment, illiteracy, limited access to adequate health care and underdeveloped infrastructure. Although comprising only 25% of the population, it is home to 40% of the nation’s poor, totaling 12.6 million people. UNICEF findings reveal that a child in rural Upper Egypt is only half as likely to survive to the age of five compared to a child in Lower Egypt.

Access to clean and safe water is a challenge in Egypt and negatively impacts children. In areas without a piped water network, children, especially girls, are often tasked with fetching water, compromising their education and leisure time and further perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Barriers to Education

Educational attainment in Upper Egypt has involved challenges; it is often difficult for children, particularly girls, to access schools. Families in this region often reside in small, rural hamlets, which are frequently located far from central village primary schools. Prevailing social influences and the lack of transport facilities has hindered children, especially young girls, from reaching these public schools. In Egypt as a whole, issues such as grade repetition, absenteeism and dropout rates reduce the efficiency of the education system. Consequently, approximately 46% of the working-age poor have not completed primary education, and less than 4% possess a university degree. Upper Egypt particularly shows lower intergenerational improvements in education than the remainder of the country, in 2015, approximately only 38.9% of those aged 25 years or older attained a higher level of education than their parents did.

Agricultural Challenges

In Upper Egypt, the governorates with the highest poverty rates see more than 30% of their workforce engaged in agriculture. The local economy relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, which, with unreliable weather conditions and changing weather patterns, is becoming increasingly unsustainable. Indeed, the country’s 1,000 poorest villages, located in three of these governorates, have 74% of households facing food insecurity. More than 55% of employment in Upper Egypt is agriculture related. Small farms, which fall short of international standards and which use traditional practices dominate this sector. Consequently, the region grapples with significant and persistent challenges, including food and water insecurity and climate variability, resulting in unsustainable livelihoods and hindering economic and social development.

The Ishraq Program

The Ishraq program focuses on out-of-school girls in Upper Egypt representing the most underprivileged, disadvantaged and often overlooked group in the country. When compared to their Lower Egypt and Urban governorate counterparts, they are at a much higher risk of early marriage, poor health outcomes and inter-generational poverty. Through the Ishraq program, Save the Children, in collaboration with the Population Council, provides safe spaces for girls who have dropped out of school helping them learn, socialize and develop life skills. “For more than a decade, Ishraq has served 3,321 girls and 1,775 boys in 54 villages across five of the most disadvantaged governorates of Upper Egypt,” according to the Population Council.

The program was met with high demand at the community level and resulted in improved literacy skills, financial management and health education. The program was launched in 2001 and a 2013 report by Population Council detailed plans to continue expanding the program, for which community demand remains high, and to encourage the development of further programs which support graduate girls as they become young women, who require greater life and livelihood opportunities.

Copts In Need

As a U.K. based charity dedicated to reducing extreme poverty in Upper Egypt, Copts In Need (CIN) undertakes various projects to help the poor communities of Upper Egypt, focusing on housing, child development and microfinance projects. In 2023, CIN constructed 200 houses in Upper Egypt and supported 800 members in starting their own businesses.

Another of their notable projects is ‘Eyes of Assiut’  which aims to address the high prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in the region, particularly among women. CIN has established an eye specialist hospital in the Abnoub district, providing treatment and training to local ophthalmologists and nurses, with support from highly qualified U.K. consultants. In the past year, the hospital has continued to be an effective referral and treating center for all Egyptians within Assiut and its peripheries.

Despite Upper Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, it remains one of the poorest and most underdeveloped regions in the country, exacerbated by ineffective government policies. However, initiatives by organizations like Save the Children and Copts In Need offer hope by focusing on education, health and sustainable development. For real progress, stronger government action and support are crucial to transform this region and improve the lives of its vulnerable populations.

– Asma Issa

Asma is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Practical Action’s VINES project in Kassala and Blue Nile

VINES projectIn the border regions of Kassala and Blue Nile in Sudan, food insecurity both results from and exacerbates conflict. In Blue Nile, 46% of children under 5 suffer from malnutrition. To combat this, Practical Action launched the ‘Vegetables for Income, Nutrition and Employment in Sudan’ (VINES) project in November 2023. With a budget of $500,000, the project aims to boost the productivity of small farmers by increasing agricultural production and improving local market solutions. VINES project manager, Abdallah Adam, explains that the project focuses on beneficiaries who previously lacked access to advisory services, improved vegetable seeds and knowledge of good agricultural practices.

The Demographics of Kassala and Blue Nile

The states of Kassala and Blue Nile in Sudan, heavily affected by ongoing conflict, host hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). This large population exacerbates existing food insecurity and malnutrition challenges, further complicated by climate change, conflict and erratic weather patterns. To address these ongoing issues, 6,000 small farmers in these states are participating in a project aimed at minimizing obstacles to food production. Engaging the wider community is also essential for educational and peacebuilding efforts, as part of the broader objective to improve local conditions.

The Approach

The strategy focuses on empowering farmers and enhancing market systems to boost the yield and resilience of local vegetable crops. This will be achieved through the following actions:

  • Collaboration and community engagement. The strategy enhances initiatives such as Farmers Field Schools (FFS), home gardens and vegetable nurseries to educate farmers and equip them with essential skills. It also prioritizes the production of organic fertilizers from local materials to maximize productivity and sustainability.
  • Strengthening the seed system. Enhanced and certified seeds are provided to farmers, enabling access to high-quality options that improve crop yields and overall agricultural productivity. To ensure affordability and productivity, vegetable seeds are often subsidized for smallholder farmers.
  • Addressing post-harvest losses. Practical Action has established aggregation points, drying facilities and cooling storage units to maintain the quality of produce. The organization is also developing post-harvest practices and technologies to prepare for the next harvest.
  • Improving farmers’ market access. This is done by connecting farmers with other farmers and buyers to create a collaborative environment that facilitates the exchange of knowledge and improves productivity, particularly in combating climate hazards. Vegetable Business Networks (VBNs) are crucial for strengthening market systems, both in terms of input and output markets and are particularly effective in fostering the sale of fresh vegetable produce.

The Significance

In May 2023, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced that food insecurity in Sudan was set to reach record levels. More than 19 million people are affected, equivalent to two-fifths of the population. Ongoing conflict and violence have caused basic food prices to skyrocket. Furthermore, this has intermittently forced the WFP to suspend its programs in Sudan during particularly violent periods. In this environment, operations like Practical Action become crucial. The organization provides continuous support and sustainable solutions to one of the world’s most malnourished regions.

Looking Ahead

The VINES project by Practical Action is a critical initiative addressing food insecurity in the conflict-affected regions of Kassala and Blue Nile in Sudan. By enhancing agricultural productivity and market access, the project aims to reduce malnutrition and improve livelihoods. As food insecurity in Sudan reaches unprecedented levels, such interventions can potentially create sustainable, long-term solutions and support vulnerable communities in the region.

– Bea Newington-Bridges

Bea is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Technology Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Promising Future of Desert Agriculture

Desert AgricultureDesertification occurs when land near desert and arid regions becomes barren and dry due to human activities or adverse weather conditions. In the past 20 years, thousands of acres of fertile farmland and grazing land have been lost to desertification. Several internationally funded projects have been initiated to combat this issue, the most famous being the Great Green Wall.

Developed in 2007, the Great Green Wall project aims to halt the expansion of the Sahel and stretch from Senegal to Djibouti. While the international community initially lauded the project as a great example of environmental restoration, the World Agroforestry Center has critiqued the plan. It is a tree-planting-centric model that scientists argue is ineffective in attempting to recover desert land. Instead, the areas along the project’s route that have seen success have seen little from the original initiative and instead have found new life in the hands of local farmers and communities.

Through indigenous communities, the land’s revitalization has begun to take shape. In Niger, farmers are using the Faidherbia albida tree, along with native low-brush plants, to assist with soil nutrients. The Great Green Wall is considered one of the most well-known plans to combat desertification. However, other plans are currently in action; some are taking inspiration and others are developing more applicable solutions to desert agriculture.

Mongolia

As of 2017, more than 70% of Mongolian land is considered to be desertified to some degree. Significant drought periods have exacerbated the spread of desertification in Mongolia’s Dornod and Khentii grasslands. While Mongolia has always been classified as arid and semi-arid, the large-scale grasslands have allowed a long-standing animal husbandry tradition to dominate the Mongolian economy.

The Mongolian Great Green Wall plan was launched in 2008 to combat this. However, like its African counterpart, it was largely unsuccessful and primarily abandoned in favor of other preventative methods. One indigenous solution to desert agriculture has been to change animal grazing timelines to ensure proper recovery time and prevent overgrazing. Between an increase in protective land policies and the nomadic communities remaking animal grazing patterns, there is a high possibility that the increased desertification along the Steppe can be reduced and managed with proper collaboration between local communities and government agencies.

Iraq

In the last three decades, the country has seen an increase in desertification due to deforestation during regional conflicts, water scarcity and the removal of brush cover, which has exacerbated the desertification in Iraq. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reports that as of 2019, 2.89 million hectares of land in Iraq are classified as degraded. This degradation, primarily affecting the agricultural sector, is caused by water salinity from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the lack of alternative irrigation sources. As a result, many farmers have abandoned their lands and migrated to densely populated urban areas for employment.

There are currently no active UNCCD projects in Iraq. However, a comprehensive analysis was produced in 2022, which gave several strategic suggestions to boost vegetation cover and revitalize local agricultural lands by planting lichen and other microorganisms to strengthen top soils, provide necessary nutrients and improve desert agriculture. The UNCCD recommends spearheading projects by local communities and generational farmers to ensure the land is cared for by those who understand the human-land balance more intimately than government bodies.

– Jamie Sackett

Jamie is based in Hutto, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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KickStart International: Lifting Farmers out of Poverty with Irrigation

KickStart International: Lifting Farmers out of Poverty with IrrigationIn sub-Saharan Africa, 80% of those living in extreme poverty are farmers, largely because they depend on rainfall for irrigation, allowing only one or two harvests annually. Unpredictable weather and frequent droughts devastate crops, stripping small-scale farmers of their income. Since all farmers plant and harvest simultaneously, the market floods when crops mature, plummeting prices and profits. Addressing these challenges, KickStart International equips farmers with irrigation pumps that draw water from six meters underground, enabling year-round farming. This technology stabilizes income by mitigating reliance on seasonal rainfall and helps farmers avoid market saturation’s economic pitfalls.

The Impact of Irrigation on Farming

Irrigation pumps, though effective, are expensive and underutilized in sub-Saharan Africa, with only 4% of farmers employing this technology. Most farmers depend on seasonal rainfall, which limits crop production to certain times of the year. Irrigation enables year-round farming, boosting crop output and profits, stabilizing market conditions and eliminating the “hungry season” when food scarcity peaks due to reduced rainfall. KickStart International highlights the transformative impact of irrigation: families who install these systems see an average farm income increase of 370% within the first 18 months and 1,230% after five years, marking significant economic advancements for those adopting the technology.

KickStart’s Sustainable Business Model

KickStart International collaborates with farmers and local businesses to create sustainable supply chains for irrigation pumps rather than distributing them for free. As a nonprofit, KickStart works with manufacturers, importers and distributors who profit by selling these pumps at affordable prices. This model fosters sustainable solutions and builds a self-sustaining market ecosystem. By establishing a profitable, independent supply chain that includes importers, distributors, retail shops and service providers, it creates a robust infrastructure. This system enables farmers to learn about irrigation, purchase pumps and obtain spare parts and services, ensuring longevity beyond KickStart’s direct involvement, explains KickStart. The organization respects existing markets, opting not to sell in areas where a local supply chain already exists.

Educating Farmers About Irrigation

Many small-scale farmers do not realize that irrigation is a viable and affordable option. KickStart International actively promotes irrigation practices through live demonstrations, advertisements on television and radio and public educational events. The organization collaborates with many partners, including UNICEF, the World Food Programme and other prominent nonprofits, to increase awareness about the benefits of irrigation.

KickStart’s Innovations and Recognition

KickStart’s Innovations Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, continues to develop products that provide unique value additions for farmers and significantly improve the affordability, efficiency and impacts of existing products. The organization is also launching a program that allows farmers to rent irrigation pumps instead of buying them. Under this plan, Irrigation Agents—individual sellers—can potentially earn income by renting out the equipment. Meanwhile, farmers can increase their profitability sufficiently to buy a pump for the next growing season.

KickStart International’s success is noteworthy. Martin Fisher, the co-founder, has earned recognition as a Time European Hero. Fisher also appeared on the Forbes Impact 30 List, among other honors. Since its inception in 1991, the nonprofit has lifted 1.5 million people out of poverty, enabled the production of enough irrigation-grown crops to feed 15 million people and generated $210 million in profits for small-scale farmers.

– Maren Fossum-Wernick

Maren is based in St. Paul, MN, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Food Insecurity in Laos: Agriculture for Nutrition

Food Insecurity in LaosPregnant with her third child in 2018, Ms. Sengphet, a farmer from the Long Peau village in Northern Laos, attended the Agriculture for Nutrition (AFN) program’s Farmer Nutrition School. Here, she learned about the essentials of nutrition for her children. Additionally, she heard of more opportunities from the $38.8 million initiative jointly undertaken by the World Food Program (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Lao Government.

With a $120 “Garden Grant” from the AFN, Sengphet purchased 10 chickens, feed and seeds for an at-home garden. From the initial investment, she has expanded her farm’s capacities from chicken to garlic, fish and frogs. This expansion helped her to earn up to $420 monthly since 2021. With AFN, Sengphet has grown her farm to fight food insecurity in Laos, which is faced by one in seven population members.

Malnutrition and Food Insecurity in Laos

Despite falling poverty levels, food insecurity in Laos remains a significant concern, particularly in rural areas where food shortages are twice as high as in urban regions. Three-quarters of households produce subsistence food and two-thirds of farmers grow rice exclusively. The lack of diversity contributes to malnutrition in addition to food shortage.

Limited access to nutritious food has resulted in high stunting rates among children, with 32.8% of those younger than 5 years of age affected. In some of the more impoverished provinces, this rate rises to 54%. The Lao government has prioritized tackling malnutrition by enacting the National Nutrition Strategy for 2025 and the National Nutrition Action Plan for 2021-2025. However, addressing food insecurity remains challenging due to high inflation and strong debt pressure in the past two years.

How APN Is Targeting Food Insecurity

The AFN program implements targeted initiatives to ensure sustainable food access. In 2016, the WFP, IFAD and the government launched the first phase in 400 villages across four provinces in Northern Laos. The program takes a holistic, community-based approach, emphasizing long-term self-sufficiency and various aspects of production. AFN collaborates with villages to develop road infrastructure, irrigation and market access, both with enterprises and through local market facilitation.

A significant part of AFN’s programming is its training initiatives and grants. AFN helps form and funds Agricultural Production Groups to farm selected products such as fish, poultry and vegetables. Furthermore, the program provides training for production techniques and opportunities for learning exchange via its Farmer-to-Farmer Extension Activities. These services are in addition to the Farmer Nutrition School and Garden Grant from which Sengphet benefitted.

Program Success

The first phase, which ended in 2022, has successfully met its targets to reduce food insecurity in Laos. It has reached 210,684 people, representing 92.5% of its goal. Around 57% of the people reached were women. Furthermore, it has helped bring 17,850 households out of poverty out of its targeted 21,000, defined by an income per capita of $270.

AFN’s impacts compound over time. In Nam Lee village, residents participating in a Village Development Planning session expressed a need for better road access to farmland and more profitable crops. With an AFN grant, the villagers constructed a 4km road to support their farming activities. By January 2021, this road access had increased productivity, with families generating $36,000 annually.

Sengpeut also highlights what the added income has provided for her family: “With my additional income,” she says, “I have been able to pay for my children’s education and build a new house. I have learned how to give medicine and vaccines to my animals and I am now part of making decisions in my house with my husband.”

With the success of Phase I, the three cosponsors are launching Phase II of the program. This phase expands to three additional provinces, targeting an extra 168,000 people. As Laos grapples with macroeconomic challenges, the AFN continues to offer sustainable solutions and combat food insecurity across small and medium scales, reaching the nation’s most vulnerable communities.

Final Remark

With the success of Phase I, the three co-sponsors are rolling out Phase II of the program. They have added 3 more provinces to the program, targeting an additional 168,000 people. As Laos continues to face macroeconomic challenges, the AFN provides sustainable solutions and fights food insecurity in Laos across small and medium-scales to the nation’s most vulnerable communities.

– Imme Koolenbrander

Imme is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Security in India: The Role of Cooperatives

Food Security in IndiaAround 65% of India’s population is engaged in “agricultural and allied activities” including agriculture, dairy farming, animal husbandry and fisheries. About 86% of the farming population in India consists of small and marginal farmers holding less than one hectare of land. Due to the high percentage of people with low incomes, food security in India poses a significant risk for a large portion of the country’s population.

Cooperatives in India

Cooperative societies are organizations where groups of people voluntarily come together to accomplish “common economic interest.” Cooperative societies that focus on the well-being of farmers and consumers play an important role in ensuring food security in India. They buy farm produce from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and sell it to consumers at affordable prices.

Cooperatives in India, like Amul Dairy and the Horticultural Producers’ Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS), have ensured food security for people experiencing poverty. The cooperatives have provided milk, milk-based products, fruits and vegetables at subsidized prices.

Amul

Amul Dairy is the largest milk-producing entity in India. It was founded in 1946 by a group of farmers in Gujarat, India. The farmers sought to eliminate the presence of middlemen in dairy farming. The Amul Model, a three-tier model with the federation of members’ unions at the state level, the milk union at the district level and the dairy cooperative societies at the village level. This model was replicated all over the country under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the founder chairman of Amul. He was given the role of running Amul from 1950.

Expansion of the model began in 1946 with only two dairy cooperative societies. Today there are 185,903 dairy cooperative societies nationwide, receiving milk from more than 16 million milk producers in the country. For more than 70 years, Amul has been determined to ensure food security in India by ensuring that millions of people across the country have easy access to milk and milk products. India is currently the largest producer of milk in the world, responsible for 24.64% of the world’s milk production, of which Amul has been the harbinger.

HOPCOMS

Horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and the like. HOPCOMS was established in 1959 in the south Indian state of Karnataka, initiated by the vision of Dr. M. H. Mari Gowda, the father of horticulture in Karnataka. With a population of around 64 million, 68% of Karnataka’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Of these, nearly 2.3 million households are employed in the horticultural sector at present.

HOPCOMS, run with state support, receives farm produce from farmers all over Karnataka. It intends to ensure a proper and convenient system for marketing fruits and vegetables within the state. HOPCOMS’s main objectives are to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce and consumers are sold farm products at reasonable prices. It does this by eliminating middlemen and providing farmers with adequate agricultural training and advice.

Conclusion

Cooperative societies like Amul Dairy and HOPCOMS have proved to be major contributors to food security in India. They ensure that both farmers and consumers can rely on government support for reasonable prices on farm produce. Eliminating the presence of middlemen has helped farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers at a predetermined price. It has also benefited consumers by saving them the extra costs incurred through middlemen. This has led to increased farmer incomes and the availability of subsidized milk, milk products, fruits and vegetables, all under the administration of the farmers of the country.

– Adya Umesh

Adya is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project

Photo: Unsplash

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Assisting Zambia’s Agricultural Communities

Zambia’s Agricultural CommunitiesLocated in Southern Africa, Zambia is home to more than 20 million people. While the country had a poverty rate of 60% in 2022, it faces wide economic disparities. Its rural areas are home to approximately 82% of the country’s most impoverished population. However, poverty rates have steadily decreased in most urban areas.

Despite a slight rise in urban poverty since 2015 due to factors such as the impact of COVID-19, the urban poverty rate remains around 31.9%, which is about half the national average. This difference is usually attributed to the nature of industry, which differs between these regions. While rural areas primarily derive their income from the agricultural industry, urban areas have benefitted from the growth of construction and financial sectors.

Challenges Facing Zambia’s Agricultural Sector

Multiple factors have contributed to Zambia’s agricultural industry’s deterioration. A report by the International Growth Center (IGC) found that while the sector employs 59% of the workforce, it makes up only 3.4% of the country’s national gross domestic product (GDP). The IGC lists a number of factors that contribute to this underperformance, many of which converge around issues of low levels of funding and limited access to sophisticated technology, hindering farmers’ ability to harvest and deliver crops cost-effectively and efficiently.

The report outlines a specific issue: many farmers’ limited access to suitable finance and insurance. Where 85% of the credit is dedicated to larger-scale commercial producers, many small-scale farmers lack access to the same financial services. This limits their growth potential and makes it difficult for them to compete. Many of the factors contributing to agricultural decline are out of farmers’ control, such as increasing levels of drought. However, improving the accessibility of financial resources among Zambia’s agricultural communities would empower small-scale farmers. Additional finances would allow them to invest in efficient technology, make bigger agricultural investments and track their supply and demand.

Supporting Zambia’s Agricultural Communities

Various schemes have been introduced to support Zambia’s agricultural communities. The International Development Enterprises (iDE), a global organization that works to empower entrepreneurs in the fight against global poverty, has run a number of schemes across the country. Recognizing the impact technology can have, iDE has set up demonstration plots to showcase various labor-saving technologies, such as water-saving irrigation systems. These plots have become important centers of community for farmers to meet, sell products and learn about productive farming practices and technologies. iDE has also helped lift a number of rural farmers out of poverty through the provision of microloans, supplying them with the necessary capital to cover the costs of crops and propel their small businesses.

E-Commerce Empowering Zambia’s Agricultural Sector

The move toward introducing forms of e-commerce into Zambia’s agricultural communities has and will have, a profound impact. The introduction of e-commerce will empower and assist small-scale farmers to gain control and autonomy over their finances. Assisted with funding from the Citi Foundation, the World Food Programme (WFP) has recently introduced an initiative that seeks to boost financial inclusion and resilience among Zambia’s agricultural communities.

In addition to helping farmers further develop their financial literacy skills and increasing their access to affordable credit, the scheme aims to scale up the financial app “Maano.” This is an e-commerce platform that allows farmers to advertise their products and track levels of supply and demand. Schemes like this empower small-scale entrepreneurs, recognizing the benefits that financial autonomy and management can have for rural farmers.

Final Remark

The decline of Zambia’s agricultural productivity can be partially explained by large-scale factors such as increasing levels of drought and low government funding. However, declining levels of productivity and efficiency could be reduced through empowering farmers on an individual economic scale. By teaching farmers financial literacy skills, they will be able to manage their sales more efficiently. Furthermore, it will ensure that they are maximizing the economic potential of their crops. This financial control will also assist farmers in achieving long-term economic resilience in the face of possible market fluctuations.

– Aimee Masters

Aimee is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Boosting Sustainable Agriculture in Rural North Macedonia

Sustainable Agriculture in Rural North MacedoniaAgriculture is a key part of North Macedonia’s economy, with agribusiness accounting for 7.1% of its gross domestic product (GDP). The country is leading in its exports of tobacco and wine, as well as fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables. However, challenges with water deficit, drought and changing climatic conditions constrain North Macedonia’s growing agriculture sector.

North Macedonia has the immediate opportunity to design and implement green policies, which can increase the resilience of its agriculture sector. The development of agricultural production in North Macedonia is crucial, given its importance for the economy and jobs. Here are some of the key strategies boosting sustainable agriculture in rural North Macedonia.

Crop Yields and Quality

Sustainable farming practices such as organic farming and crop rotation can improve soil health and increase crop yields. By embracing these farming methods and minimizing the use of chemicals, farmers can ensure soil quality and promote environmental sustainability. Organic crop production is an emerging sector in North Macedonia, although there is significant room for improvement. In addition to enhancing crop production both in quality and quantity, organic farming can create the potential for agrotourism and connect agricultural production in North Macedonia with foreign markets.

Furthermore, embracing practices such as agroforestry and integrating animal production with crop production allows the diversification of income sources for farmers. This can reduce risk, enhance food security and potentially lead to increased welfare and economic stability.

Enhancing Water Efficiency

Drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting are water conservation methods that can ensure the adequate hydration of crops without depleting water resources. The North Macedonian agribusiness has been focused on identifying sustainable practices for pest control and disease management while also improving irrigation systems and developing crops that are better suited to local conditions. This is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity, as water scarcity is one of the main factors that is negatively impacting sustainable agriculture in North Macedonia.

Accessing New Markets

As sustainable farming meets the market demands of organic and fair-trade food standards, farmers can tap into new markets both locally and internationally, increasing their earnings. This was achieved through cooperation with Coop, one of the largest supermarket chains in Switzerland. The Swiss support for organic production allowed North Macedonia to export its products and boost its economy.

Agricultural cooperatives encourage farmers to share resources and collectively market their products, which enhances community cohesion and economic resilience. The Macedonian Association of Agricultural Cooperatives (MAAC) and the Support to Development of Agriculture Cooperatives project provide success stories of community cooperation initiatives where farmers develop opportunities for investment, growth and collaboration.

Attracting Youth to Agriculture

Innovative and sustainable farming can make agriculture more appealing for young people, which helps ensure the future of farming communities. Innovative solutions such as the use of drones, satellite imaging and soil sensors are being increasingly embraced to optimize resource allocation and improve crop production, increasing agricultural productivity and reducing waste. Additional successful projects included innovative climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies, which the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has implemented, helping improve productivity, competitiveness, sustainability and resilience.

As North Macedonia embraces sustainable agriculture to revitalize its rural areas, the National Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development 2021-2027 offers a hopeful vision for the future. This initiative not only supports the transition to climate-smart and ecofriendly farming practices but also aims to support rural communities’ economic resilience. By meeting these national goals, sustainable farming has the potential to drive significant positive change in North Macedonia.

– Ilgın Özkul

Ilgın is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Smartphone Farmers

Smartphone FarmersArmed with smartphones and innovative smartphone apps, small-scale farmers in Africa are transforming the agricultural landscape. This digital revolution is not just changing how crops are grown; it’s reshaping African agricultural communities and economies. There are apps for different spectrums of the agricultural business. These spectrums range from Market access and price information to agricultural information and education, financial services, weather alerts, disease detection and farm management.

The development of agricultural apps for smallholders is part of an “ongoing digital agriculture revolution” in Africa. Nearly 94% of small-scale farmers in developing countries own mobile phones. While smartphone ownership lags behind basic phones, it’s growing rapidly, opening up new possibilities for agricultural innovation. Following are some of the agricultural applications at the forefront of changes.

Maano

Maano translates to “intelligent” in Tonga, one of the local languages spoken in Zambia. Developed by the World Food Programme (WFP), Maano is a virtual farmers’ market app that connects smallholder farmers directly with buyers. It eliminates middlemen, ensuring farmers get fair prices for their produce. The app was launched in May 2017 and initially targeted 2,500 Zambian farmers.

In a pilot run between June and October 2017, more than 1,000 smallholder farmers from 29 rural communities in Zambia’s Southern and Central Provinces participated, selling more than 150 metric tons of produce worth more than $50,000. By the end of 2018, WFP aimed to reach 5,000 smallholder farmers in Africa and transact approximately $200,000 through the Maano App.

Farm Drive

The app is designed to close the critical data gap that prevents financial institutions from lending to creditworthy smallholder farmers in Africa. The app collects various types of data, including financial transactions, agronomic data, environmental data and satellite data. This data is analyzed to generate credit scores that accurately capture farmers’ risk profiles. It then enables financial institutions to offer loans to smallholder farmers who were previously considered too risky. Farm Drive was selected as a World Summit Award Winner in the Business and Commerce category, highlighting its innovative approach to addressing financial inclusion for farmers.

PANNAR Sprouts

The PANNAR Sprout mobile app, launched in 2015, serves as a crucial technical support tool for grain crop farmers in Africa. Developed by PANNAR Seed, the app provides farmers with essential agronomic information and support, helping them optimize their farming practices and improve crop yields. The app is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, offering features such as crop management advice, pest and disease identification and weather forecasts.

The Impact: Beyond the Field

The benefits of these mobile innovations extend far beyond increased crop yields. Farmers are making more informed decisions, saving time and money on transportation and improving their overall production and marketing strategies. Moreover, these digital tools enhance food security and improve livelihoods. By connecting farmers directly to markets and providing access to financial services, they help lift entire communities out of poverty.

Challenges

Despite the promise, challenges remain. The digital gender gap means that women farmers often have less access to smartphones and apps. Additionally, many farmers still use basic phones, necessitating the development of SMS-based services alongside smartphone apps. Another hurdle is the affordability of smartphones and mobile services. However, as prices continue to fall and coverage expands, more farmers are expected to join the digital agriculture revolution.

– Sakshi Pillai

Sakshi is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr