Agricultural franchising : leveraging on franchising to build your business.

 Franchising, this model grants an individual rights to sell their goods or services under a registered brand identity. This model allows an entrepreneur jump on the success train by starting a business  with a successful brand,thus cutting the rigors of starting a new business, a new brand. 

 Franchising is leveraging on an already established brand to start a business and its a win-win model. The franchisor uses this model as a growth strategy to expand brand while the franchisee is joining a successful brand, riding on the brand's network.

 Agricultural franchising, leveraging on this model to grow your brand by establishing global networks.Agricultural franchising will create better opportunities for empowerment while creating brand awareness in every nook and crannies .Agricultural franchising using the lean startup model will create greater coverage within a short time.

 Agricultural franchising  is a viable model in value chain creation and expansion. It allows various individuals to find a niche in the value chain, locate a  successful key player in the niche and start a franchise.

         

 Dr. Henrietta Ojuri, value chain strategist.

Agricultural franchising in the context of the red meat value chain. Interested in the red meat value chain,but dont  have  money to own an abattoir or livestock hubs? Look at how you can key in, using the franchising model.

 There are registered meat shops with branded products, from traceable abattoirs. An investor interested in the  red meat value chain can hook up with these brands and start a franchise in another part of town. The advantages of starting a franchise in the meat mart niche is as follows: 

1) low  startup cost . 2) building business on an established brand identity 3) potential for expansion of business. 

  To be continued.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to revive a new born calf.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to revive a new born calf. Calves are at a relatively high risk of mortality as soon as they are born. When they hit the ground, and their navel cord is severed, they need to obtain oxygen through the lungs. They do this by starting to breath. However sometimes a difficult or prolonged calving can result in trauma or a weak calf, and they need a bit of help kicking it into gear. A newborn calf's nostrils and mouth are covered with mucous which can affect their breathing, and there are multiple ways a farmer can help to clear them. 1) Stimulate the nostrils to make the calf cough or sneeze. If you tickle the calf’s nostrils with something small, soft and clean you can bring about a cough or a sneeze to clear away the mucous. Usually this is done with straw or a gloved fingertip. Be careful though - if it isn’t clean, small enough to enter the nostril or soft enough, it could injure or inflame the nose. 2) Cold stimulation of the calf. Pouring cold water over the head or into the ear of a newborn calf can bring about head shakes and coughing to clear fluid from their throat. This sudden gush of cold water will come as a shock and is a pretty abrupt welcome into the world for a newborn calf . 3) Aspiration: You can inflate the lungs of a newborn calf by aspiration in a few ways. One way is to insert a soft tube into the nostril. Another is by placing a gas mask over the snout of the calf. This practice prompts the calf to snort like the straw method, however is comes with the added benefit of having the added momentum of a lungful of air. AGRIBUSINESS: How to revive a new born calf.

Veterinary Medicine: A dog's color could impact longevity, increase health issues.

Veterinary Medicine: A dog's color could impact longevity, increase health issues.New research led by the University of Sydney has revealed the life expectancy of chocolate Labradors is significantly lower than their black and yellow counterparts. Veterinary Medicine: A dog's color could impact longevity, increase health issues.

Keys to Improve Digestibility of Corn Silage.

Keys to Improve Digestibility of Corn Silage. Why is breaking up the corn kernel so important to starch digestibility? Luiz Ferraretto, assistant professor of livestock nutrition at the University of Florida and speaker at the Silage for Beef 2018 Conference held in June in Nebraska, answered that question and offered additional advice to producers about how to improve the digestibility of their corn silage. The outside shell of a kernel that’s protecting everything inside is called the pericarp, and it's very hard. “If you throw an intact kernel into the rumen of a dairy or beef cow, it's not going to be digested because the pericarp inhibits digestion,” said Ferraretto. “The first thing you need to do is to eliminate the protection, and the way to do that is by breaking more kernels.”

Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Dogs And Cats.

 Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Dogs And Cats. . The benefits of coconut oil are enormous and have found usefulness in both animals and man.

Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid that is converted in the body to monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound with numerous beneficial properties, such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-protozoal.

 

How to boost productivity and efficiency of women in agriculture.

How to boost productivity and efficiency of women in agriculture. The role of women in agriculture cannot be undermined but their efficiency and productivity are bedeviled by various problems. 

 The role of women in agriculture is significant as they form a major percentage of producers found along the chain of production from farm to table. Women engage in tilling the soil,planting various crops and some are even processors.

  Women in agriculture play a vital role in food security.Women form the crust of development of rural and national economies as they make up 47% of the world’s agricultural labor force, which in some countries are as high as 75% 

       How to boost productivity and efficiency of women in agriculture.

 According to a study about 80% of the agricultural produce is from small farmers, that are basically rural women.

 These Women comprise the largest percentage of the workforce in the agricultural sector of which – 75% are food producers , 10% of these women are processors while the 15% are left with marketing. 

To boost productivity and efficiency of women in agriculture,there must be a deliberate move to buy the produce off them,which can be achieved by any of these methods.  

 1) A platform where an off- takers scheme is the motto. 

2) education on advanced food processing,branding and marketing. 

 Boosting  productivity and efficiency of women in agriculture can also be achieved if new innovative products are produced so that more market is created,an example is the innovative method of turning garri to snacks.

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) has produced brake pads, bumpers and other vehicle parts from Kenaf, a fibrous plant.

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) has produced brake pads, bumpers and other vehicle parts from Kenaf, a fibrous plant. The brake pads and other vehicle accessories manufactured by FIIRO from the fibrous plant were displayed at the institute’s headquarters in Lagos during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FIIRO, Kenaf Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (KPPMAN), and the Crystal Entrepreneurship Centre. In her opening speech, Gloria Elemo, director-general of FIIRO, stated that the research that went into the production of motor vehicle non-mechanical parts was borne out of the institute’s quest to industrialise Nigeria. Elemo pointed out that research and development (R&D) was useless until taken to the market, buttressing that this led the institute to collaborate with KPPMAN and CEC to commercialise the parts. Nigeria has a population of 198 million, with about 12 million vehicles plying on its roads. It has estimated 10,000 car sales annually, a significant drop from 50,000 cars sold in 2013. The country does not produce brake pads, bumper and other vehicle parts manufacturers, with Star Auto Industries Limited, only brake pads manufacturing firm, shutting down in 2014. Dunlop and Michelin, two tyre makers, left Nigeria in 2008 on the back of high energy cost, inability to compete with second-hand vehicles and lack of liquidity, those knowledgeable about the firms said. If commercialised, the new vehicle parts are tapped to reduce Nigeria’s import bill and increase local input sourcing in the country

Nutrition agency tackles tomato harvest loss.

Nutrition agency tackles tomato harvest loss. yNigeria is set to reap improved gains from the tomato value chain, as the Post-harvest Loss Alliance for Nutrition (PLAN), expands its capacity building/training for citizens on appropriate processing methods and packaging technologies. The recent training, held in Kaduna, had 30 participants from both public and private sectors as PLAN, an initiative of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), seeks to maximise Nigeria’s nutrition potential from tomato, in which it ranks as the 14th largest producer globally with an estimated annual output of 1.8 million metric tonnes. According to PLAN, in spite of the high production rate, the demand gap is hardly met due to the colossal post-harvest losses occasioned by poor post-harvest management industry, thereby leading to low consumption of nutritious foods and reduced income for farmers.

A Crocodile farmer’s success story from Kenya.

A Crocodile farmer’s success story from Kenya. Daniel Haller is one of Kenya’s most successful crocodile farmers. For the last 20 years, he has been farming Nile Crocodiles from eggs laid by wild crocodiles along the banks of the local Tana river where he engages local residents to collect the eggs between December and January. Haller keeps up to 40,000 crocodiles on his farm and slaughters between 4,000 and 5,000 reptiles each year. He sells the crocodile skins to a leather company in Singapore and sells the meat to tourist hotels and the local community. Last year, he sold nearly 20,000 kilograms of crocodile meat. A kilo of crocodile meat from his farm sells for $3.50, on average.Haller partnered with a local entrepreneur to start the crocodile farm business in 1996. They got a loan of $380,000 from the European Investment Bank, and his partner contributed the money to purchase the land. They later got a licence from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to practice crocodile farming in the country. Haller uses up to 6,000 kilograms of food daily to feed his 40,000 crocodiles. He feeds the reptiles on animal innards from slaughter houses, cooked maize mixed with blood, meat and fish.

5 Exciting Reasons Why You Should Start A Business in Africa’s Agribusiness industry.

5 Exciting Reasons Why You Should Start A Business in Africa’s Agribusiness industry.When most people think of agriculture in Africa, images of poor and overworked farmers with crude tools on a rural farm readily come to mind. Many, especially young Africans, still think that agribusiness is a poor man’s occupation. Nowadays everybody wants a white-collar office job in the city. Agribusiness is hardly on anyone’s mind. Did you know that since 2009, investors in the USA, Europe, Middle East and Asia have been buying and leasing millions of hectares of African land for agricultural purposes? Many people may not know it but there’s a trend of serious land grabbing by foreign interests for African land. Did you know that Foreign Direct Investment in African agribusiness was $10 billion in 2010 and is projected to reach $45 billion by 2020? Agriculture is taking a huge leap in Africa and investors want a piece of the action too. Did you know that Africa’s agribusiness industry will be worth $1 trillion by 2030! That’s huge! If this projection by the UN comes true, agribusiness will become the ‘new oil’ in Africa. Agribusiness is one of the best business opportunities in the world because food never goes out of fashion. People must eat food everyday! Currently, Africa’s population is just over one billion people. At its current growth rate, the continent’s population is expected to reach 2.2 billion by 2050. Now and in the future, Africa will always have a lot of mouths to feed. Africa currently spends billions of dollars every year to import grains, flour and all kinds of finished and semi-finished foods which it can produce locally. There is a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs who can provide cheaper and locally-grown alternatives to the food that Africa imports. It’s not just the food industry that depends on agribusiness. Several other industries, especially the manufacturing and processing industries, depend on agribusiness for a wide range of raw materials. As Africa’s economies continue to grow, the demand for raw materials will surely increase and create more interesting opportunities for agribusiness on the continent.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to start a food business with cassava.

How to start food business with cassava . Cassava root is very rich in starch and contains significant amounts of calcium, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Garri, is a staple food in most African countries with various ethnic groups relishing the delicacy and Nigeria been the highest producer of cassava has a lot of potential for the business of cassava and cassava products. Garri otherwise called cassava flakes is one of the products from cassava and its a delicacy enjoyed by all classes of people and all age groups. Garri is widely accepted and cuts across all tribes with each tribe modifying how they process,prepare and consume the garri. AGRIBUSINESS: How to start a food business with cassava. Cassava can be processed into various products adding value to the various products such as chips,cassava flakes,bread,cake e.t.c Learn how to make snacks with cassava and make money. Cassava Puto Ingredients: pressed grated cassava grated coconut Procedure: Prepare local steamer using the following materials, milk can (powdered milk) bao ng niyog divided into 2 using the sides with hole, grated cassava and water. Place the bao ng niyog to sit on top of the milk can and seal with grated cassava moist in water, allow to dry before using. Pulverize pressed grated cassava and allow to air dry for 30 min to 1 hour. Set aside. Fill the steamer with water until it boils. Place the grated cassava enough to cover the baong niyog then cover with banana leaves, invert the steamed cassava until both sides are cooked. Remove from the steamer and allow the piyutu to roll in grated coconut. Divide into bite size.

AGRO-VETERINARY : Ethno -Veterinary Practice_ deworming

AGRO-VETERINARY : Ethno -Veterinary Practice_ deworming. Ethno-botanical dewormer treat roundworms. A study showed that the use of combined formulated ethnobotanical anthelmintic, specifically 2 g/kg body weight of formulated Ipil-ipil and betel nut, was most effective in treating roundworms of Darag native chicken. Titled “Production and distribution of ethnobotanical anthelmintics for free-range native chicken”, the study was conducted by researchers of the Capiz State University (CapSU). Results also showed that the ethnobotanical anthelmintic has a comparable effect with the commercial dewormer.

Nasir Yammama Is Using Mobile Phones To Bring Agricultural Information To Rural Farmers.

Nasir Yammama Is Using Mobile Phones To Bring Agricultural Information To Rural Farmers.In developing countries like Nigeria, while rural farmers account for the greater part of the population, they also tend to lack access to basic knowledge and information that would help them achieve maximum agricultural yield. In a bid to solve this problem 27-year-old Nasir Yammama created Verdant AgriTech – a social enterprise created to support rural farmers with mobile technologies for sustainable farming and improved food production. Verdant offers personalized agricultural information and market intelligence to crop farmers in Nigeria through a mobile application that acts as an all-round companion for the farmer from the pre-planting period to harvest and beyond. Using low-end phones, SMS and voice services, rural farmers can easily interact with the system.

Oil And Farming A Boon For Insurers.

Oil And Farming A Boon For Insurers. John D. Rockefeller said the secret of success is to “get up early, work late and strike oil.” Uganda has struck oil; around 6.5 billion barrels are scheduled for commercial production in 2020. This drive towards production, which government estimates will attract investment of up to $8 billion, has raised the prospect of increased demand for auxiliary services, including insurance. Insurers needed to work closer with farmers to understand different crop varieties and planting windows in order to reduce commercial premium rates. Corn is covered as high as 23.9% versus a 10% average affordable to farmers, more

Agritech : use of sensors for management of dairy cows.

Sensor value and viability for dairy cows. Biosensors and their use in animal health management is an emerging market gaining much attention around the world. But the efficacy can vary and farmers are sometimes hesitant to actually buy the sensors.

Sensors used to detect oestrus, lameness, disease and calving are being touted as the next big thing in dairy production. It is not known, however, if these sensor systems actually improve the health and production of dairy herds.

The secret slimming effect of sweet potato waste.

The secret slimming effect of sweet potato waste.The sweet potato pie you eat during the holidays might not be good for your waistline, but according to a new study, the starchy water left over from cooking the sweet potato could have slimming effects . In the new study, mice on a high fat diet had significantly lower body weight after one month if they were also fed sweet potato peptide, which was produced by enzyme digestion of proteins in the water wasted during processing. This suggests the peptide plays a role in digesting fats, but more research is needed to determine whether this also happens in humans. In the new study, Dr. Koji Ishiguro from National Agriculture and Food Research Organization in Japan and colleagues wanted to find a new way to use this waste, so they investigated the effect of proteins found in the water on digestion in mice. "We throw out huge volumes of wastewater that contains sweet potato proteins -- we hypothesized that these could affect body weight, fat tissue and other factors," explained Dr. Ishiguro. "Finding alternative uses for the sweet potato proteins in wastewater could be good for the environment and industry, and also potentially for health."

Using African Drumming For Corporate Team Building.

Using African Drumming For Corporate Team Building.The African drumming classes are one of the most sought classes by many people, and the main reason behind this is the fact that these classes have a highly positive impact on the attendees. These classes are used widely throughout the world for both commercial and for private purposes. You can go to these classes along with you family members in order to get the desired tranquilly. These people would make you relax and, thereafter, they would teach you the basics of music. This would help you to identify the root process of music while making you understand the beauty of African music. You can play the music yourself and the professionals would join you to enhance the fun. This is just like learning and enjoying your moment. Apart from these personal uses, there are other formats of these music classes and this includes the corporate team building division.

How to make money with pig farming.

Pigs are mono gastric animals usually bred for commercial purposes. The raising of pigs is for reproduction, fattening and sale. Pigs properly managed and housed in a clean environment reproduce at a fast rate and bring about good return on investment.

                                     .How to make money with pig farming. 

 There are various breeds of pigs available such as land race,large white,Duroc and Hampshire. The indigenous breeds available have been crossed over time with exotic breeds such that some of their traits are passed down. The cross with indigenous breeds ensures that the pigs are hardy and are stable in this environment.

N-Power releases call centre lines as applicants check pre-selection status.

N-Power releases call centre lines as applicants check pre-selection status.N-Power, the Nigerian Government empowerment scheme, has released its call centre lines.This is as applicants begin to check their pre-selection status. Categories Nigerians applied for include N-Teach, N-Agro, N-Health and N-Tax. Meanwhile, the presidency has stated that a total of 176,160 graduate beneficiaries has so far been deployed under N-Power. N-Power releases call centre lines as applicants check pre-selection status.

Creep Feeding For Piglets.

Creep Feeding For Piglets.Creep feeding initiates and promotes gut and digestive enzyme development, which enables the piglet to digest nutrients from food sources other than that of milk. This encourages feed intake, which is one of the greatest challenges to post-weaning performance. Creep feeding becomes increasingly important and beneficial as weaning age increases. As piglets grow, their demand for nutrients similarly grows and with increasing age this demand outstrips the capacity of the sow to supply them, as the sow’s milk yield peaks at around three weeks and then slowly declines.Be committed: creep feeding is more successful the more time and effort is devoted to it. Proper creep feeding is a very valuable and worthwhile process but it must be done correctly to see the benefits and avoid wastage. Creep feed gets the piglet used to eating solid feed and makes the piglet familiar with what becomes the sole diet at weaning; studies have also shown that as creep feed intakes rise, post-weaning diarrhoea is reduced. #piglets A good creep feed must line up with the following : 1)Keep creep feed fresh and clean and out of reach of the sow. 2)Start creep feeding at seven to 10 days of age. 3)Begin by offering creep on a flat surface, for example, a shallow tray (heavy metal or plastic trays that can hook into the slats). 4)Place trays close to the piglets but not under direct heat as this will turn the feed stale too quickly; also, keep feed away from the dunging area 5)Begin with very small amounts replaced at least twice a day, preferably more. Always remove all uneaten creep; only unmedicated waste creep can be fed to the sow. 6) Offer creep when the sows are feeding as piglets are active and unlikely to be suckled for some time 7) Do not overfeed - feed to appetite. Litters often eat little and then suddenly begin to eat increasing amounts. 8)Introduce small troughs or top up the trays more often if litters are eating well. 9)Clean any fouled trays or troughs. 10)Store creep feed in a cool place and always close bags to prevent feed taking up the farrowing house odors and/or becoming rancid. #piglets Remember the importance of the sow: it is crucial to maximize milk yield, she will be providing the majority of the piglet's nutrition; Utilization of creep feed should always be considered as a supplement for increased benefit rather than a replacement for milk.Creep Feeding For Piglets.