Dear Reader,
As we embark on this journey of transforming African agriculture through the DIVAGRI project, it is inspiring to witness the synergy between innovation, empowerment, and sustainability. Our diverse initiatives underscore the pivotal role of bio-based and circular agricultural innovations in driving revenue diversification and resilience across the continent.
It is a privilege to share with you DIVAGRI’s empowering stories, showcasing the remarkable strides we are making towards a sustainable and inclusive future for African agriculture. These narratives highlight the dedication and ingenuity of our team and partners, whose efforts are pivotal in realising our collective vision.
Fellow colleague Ms Elisa Matola, our esteemed Gender Expert from the Instituto Superior Politecnico de Manica in Mozambique, highlights the importance of gender empowerment within our project. Her story, "Empowering Women and Youth in African Agriculture," illustrates how our efforts are paving the way for greater inclusion and opportunities for women and young people in the agricultural sector. Empowering these groups is crucial for fostering a more equitable and productive agricultural landscape.
Water scarcity remains a significant challenge for many African farmers. Mhlengi Khambule, a DIVAGRI PhD student from Stellenbosch University, shares a groundbreaking solution in his story, "Turning Saline Water into a Productive Resource for Farming in Africa." By utilising desalination greenhouses, small farmers can transform saline water into a valuable resource, enhancing their agricultural productivity and sustainability.
The importance of soil health and preservation is eloquently conveyed by Thuleleni Mkhumbuzi, a dedicated farmer who recently attended DIVAGRI’s Master Trainer Workshop in Stellenbosch. In "We Must Preserve Our Soils So Our Children Can Farm Them in the Future," Thuleleni emphasises the necessity of maintaining fertile soils to ensure agricultural prosperity for future generations.
Our collaborative efforts with kwaNdaba farmers are yielding promising results, as highlighted by Agricultural Research Council researchers Charity Mapumulo and Noluthando Ngcobo. In "KwaNdaba Farmers Are Embracing Bio-based Technologies," they share insights on how farmers are adopting innovative bio-based technologies, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Training and capacity-building are central to our mission. Fellow colleague Ms Evgenia Mahler, our training coordinator, reflects on the "Take Charge of Your Life" training programme led by facilitator Nina Mapili. The story, "Training Agripreneurs to Lead Enterprising Lives," showcases the transformative impact of empowering farmers and trainers in South Africa and Ghana with the skills and confidence to lead successful agricultural enterprises.
Efficiency and productivity are essential for small-scale farmers. Fellow colleague Dr. Aart-Jan Verschoor, an Agricultural Research Council economist and DIVAGRI researcher, emphasises the importance of record-keeping in his story, "Record Keeping Will Improve the Productivity of Small-Scale Farmers." Implementing robust record-keeping practices can significantly enhance farm management and productivity.
To foster continuous learning and knowledge sharing, we are excited to announce the expansion of our Webinar Series programme. From June 2024 until December 2025, we will be hosting a series of webinars to disseminate key findings and innovations from the DIVAGRI project. This initiative aims to connect stakeholders, share best practices, and drive collective progress in African agriculture.
We wish to apologise for a misspelling of a surname that crept into our last newsletter where the name of University of Cape Coast student Christina Fobir who submitted her Masters thesis on Biogas Technology was misspelt in the newsletter. It was corrected in the online version from Fopir to Fobir.
As we move forward, the stories and experiences shared by our dedicated team and partners remind us of the transformative potential of our work. Together, we are not only advancing agricultural practices but also empowering communities and ensuring a sustainable future for African agriculture.
With warm regards,
Sébastien Clerc-Renaud, Project coordinator, on behalf of DIVAGRI Project Consortium |