Converting natural resources into food and raw materials requires thoughtful action

Posted on by tanyaradzwa

Converting natural resources into food and raw materials requires thoughtful action If converting natural resources into food and raw materials was as easy as it sounds, food insecurity and poverty would not be so rampant in most developing countries that are blessed with abundant natural resources. Although their populations were low, it seems African fore-fathers Read more about Converting natural resources into food and raw materials requires thoughtful action[…]

How far can consortiums deliver food security in developing countries?

Posted on by tanyaradzwa

How far can consortiums deliver food security in developing countries? The past few years have seen development agencies working in African agriculture and food systems coming together to work as consortiums or consortia. Consortium is a Latin word meaning partnership. Wikipedia defines consortium as an association of two or more individuals, companies, organizations or governments Read more about How far can consortiums deliver food security in developing countries?[…]

Which is more important owning land or controlling food systems?

Posted on by tanyaradzwa

Which is more important owning land or controlling food systems? It is becoming obvious that owning land is pointless without controlling food systems. The main motivation for colonization was controlling and exploiting natural resources such as land. Colonialists knew that once they control land, they control African food systems. In most cases, where colonialists displaced Read more about Which is more important owning land or controlling food systems?[…]

Empowering communities to appreciate and conduct research

Posted on by eMKambo

If developing countries are going to only recognize and respect research results from formal research institutes and universities, they will continue excluding diverse voices and stifling ambition. While formal institutions in Africa are doing their thing, ordinary people in farming communities, fishing villages and informal markets are creatively shaping their own future and adapting in Read more about Empowering communities to appreciate and conduct research[…]

How consumers use their buying patterns to signal priorities

Posted on by eMKambo

As buying patterns signify ordinary people’s priorities, developing countries should invest more in finding pockets of opportunity from micro-markets than pursuing mega deals. In most African countries, much of the overlooked growth is within open food markets from which the majority get food and income. An outside observer may see open markets as chaotic economic Read more about How consumers use their buying patterns to signal priorities[…]

Who really sets prices in the open market?

Posted on by eMKambo

No matter how many times this question is answered, it continues to be asked again and again.  One of the reasons is that the answer may be correct but unbelievable. As in all other markets, rules of supply and demand influence pricing of agricultural commodities in open markets that are powerful ecosystems in developing countries.  Read more about Who really sets prices in the open market?[…]

How capital determines the structure of agriculture and food systems in Africa

Posted on by eMKambo

How capital determines the structure of agriculture and food systems in Africa Although finance will not solve all challenges facing developing countries, the structure of African agriculture is largely shaped by the way capital flows into this fundamental sector. In Zimbabwe, for instance, more than 55% of the entire capital devoted to agriculture goes to Read more about How capital determines the structure of agriculture and food systems in Africa[…]

Small consistent incomes are better than random high yields

Posted on by eMKambo

Rural households that receive regular small incomes tend to have a better standard of living than those earning a once-off payment from a single commodity like cotton, cocoa or tobacco. Levels of malnutrition and poverty are often higher among communities that depend on high yielding monocrops than those surviving on diverse agricultural and non-agricultural activities. Read more about Small consistent incomes are better than random high yields[…]

Various shades of shrinkage and identity theft in the market

Posted on by eMKambo

Every time farmers inquire about prices of commodities in the market they are often looking for the highest price. However, unless there are serious shortages, in both formal and informal markets, it is rare for farmers or suppliers to sell the entire consignment at the top price. In almost all agricultural commodities sold either through Read more about Various shades of shrinkage and identity theft in the market[…]

To sell or not – decision making challenges in unstable economic environments

Posted on by eMKambo

A majority of African farmers tend to make decisions based on their experiences, expectations and fears, especially in an unstable economic environment and changing climate. At the beginning of each  marketing season, a question in every farmer’s head is “Should I sell now or later?”  Since the future is unpredictable from both an economic and Read more about To sell or not – decision making challenges in unstable economic environments[…]