The US- Africa Trade Program : All Eyes On Garri.

 The US is funding research on garri production.

The Chinese government have started garri production for export abroad.

According to the PwC research, there is a market for high quality garri for exports and supermarkets.

 

 The export market has the potential to generate US$343,524 while the local domestic demand can add US$62,312 to the economy.

The US- Africa trade program: All eyes on garri.

Still thinking about jumping in the garri business? see opportunities

#Garri in Walmart.   #Garri in UK.     #Garri in Brazil    #Garri in Nigeria For Export.

Garri initiatives : Osun State government distributes garri to 30,000 vulnerable.

 Osun State government distributes garri to 30,000 vulnerable.

The Osun State Government has distributed garri to another 30,000 vulnerable in the 11th edition of the food support scheme, saying the initiative was to encourage and boost local production. 

 The young entrepreneurs who have been contracted to make the supply, however, lauded the initiatives, describing it as the best way to encourage local producers. Addressing journalists during the flag-off of the scheme at the open field of the Local Government Service Commission, Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo. 

                           

 One of the local entrepreneurs who supplied the garri to the government, Raji Adekunle, hailed the government for its determination to harness and explore the potential embedded in the youths for the growth and development of the state. 

    Learn how to start a lucrative garri business. 

 Adekunle said the inclusion of his venture in the list of those that supplied garri to the government has helped to expand the scope of his business for the maximum capacity.

AGRIBUSINESS: RED MEAT VALUE CHAIN.

 Red meat value chain is a lucrative business with potential for both local and foreign markets.. 

The red meat value chain  spans from the farm, to the processing of wholesome beef ,to export of by-products ,use of the waste for biogas and fertilizer.

The red meat value chain holds enormous possibilities with several sub units or subsections that can flood your  bank account with millions.

 The red meat value chain; interested in starting an abattoir? Are you thinking mechanized? fully mechanized or semi mechanized. 

 The choice depends on your project goal,are  you  thinking of starting small then scaling up? semi mechanized is for you.  Going all out? then fully automated is your choice.

 The difference between the two types of abattoir are the  machines, equipment and handling protocols. 

  

Startup : Cassava processing as a lucrative start up venture.

Agribusiness: Cassava processing is a startup that can change your life. Garri and Cassava production – A small business that can change your life! Garri and cassava production in Africa is an impressive business opportunity for the continent, especially West and Central Africa. 

  Cassava is one of the most popular and widely consumed food crops in Africa. Because it is such an important food in the region and an extremely versatile crop, it is commonly referred to as cornerstone of food security in Africa.  

 The competing needs for cassava cut across both human and animal consumption. It is fast becoming a popular raw material in industrial production and is now a preferred material for making biofuels. As Africa’s population and economy continues to grow rapidly, the demand for food staples like cassava has increased. This high demand for various forms of processed cassava is pushing prices to the ceiling. Several small scale cassava farmers are making a fortune and changing their lives through this business. Why is cassava an important food crop for Africa? 

Cassava is highly adaptable to the African tropical climate and soils, and remains very popular for producing excellent harvests even when other crops fail. It is also the most widely available source of carbohydrates and dietary energy in Africa. Processed forms of cassava, especially garri, fufu and tapioca, are very common throughout West Africa. 

Garri is hugely popular in the region as it has traditionally remained cheaper than other carbohydrate sources, especially rice and maize. Garri ( tapioca) is the most widely traded processed cassava product. It is estimated that more than 75 percent of the cassava produced in Africa is processed into garri.

AGRICULTURE: Exploring food systems to promote food security.

 Agriculture is a broad term encompassing many facets of production but all with the common goal of food production and food security. The race to feed the estimated 9 billion people by 2050 has began in full swing with several sections of agriculture calling for inputs, support and most especially the drive to get more youths to be involved in agriculture to boost production. 

 Agriculture like any venture has so many chains involved in various sectors but the basic platform is Producers then processors followed by marketers before it gets to consumers. 

 The process from farm to fork involves so many chains capable of increasing production, provide jobs, and promote international trade amongst other things if properly articulated. 

 Breaking down the chain to promote food security is the key to the economic growth we desire. This can be achieved by expanding the network to bring in more people and breaking down other chains by forming mergers to increase productivity and employing more people. 

Agriculture  There are various sectors to consider but this model will work for any sector. The success of the model is based on the fact that an individual cannot do everything; from farm to fork should be opened up so that different groups focus on different aspects of production.Agriculture 

 The cassava farmers will be our model; the network will have some farmers working on the field to get the cassava ready for sale. Then the next group will be those off-takers for onward sale to processors, these will now distribute to other processors for further processing to various products. 

 The next group will be the distributors to marketers then to the table. This model will boost productivity because the farmers are focused on an aspect of production and are sure of a ready market to sell their products.  

 Investments into any sector are easy and safe because of the assurance of return on investment at the end of harvest.Agriculture 

The involvement of many farmers into various aspects of the chain is what stifling growth is, everybody wants to go from farm to table, competing for land, market and structures.

 Categorization, structuring, organization and planning are the keys we need to ensure food security. #farmersunite #farmersconnect #agribusiness.

Management practices in snail rearing.

The soil must be moistened but not water-logged but deep enough so that the snails can burrow and lay eggs. The management of hatchling are different and should be handled with care. The pen must be in a dark place shielded from the sun,as exposure to sun at this time will kill them. The feeding is done in the dark as well,because moving out to sunny zones to get the feed will result in their death . 

They need more calcium at this level,failure to provide will result in slow growth and development. The best way to ensure they have this supplement is to grind the calcium source e.g chalk ,mix in water and spray the hatchlings directly. 

The uptake of the calcium by absorption gives a 100% assurance that each hatchling has a portion. 

 Cleaning of the snail is also important,this is done by soaking a piece of clean cloth or foam in water and gently wiping the shell clean. 

Handling with care is important as rough handling can lead to cracked shells and subsequent death of the snails. This cleaning can be done on a 2 weeks interval basis especially when changing soil. Feeding time Snails exploring their pen

SOCIAL PROTECTION , WOMEN AND FOOD SECURITY.

( Photo credit; internet). Social protection; simply refers to programmes,policies ,laws and regulation that are designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by providing a way of escape by tackling these issues .Social protection seeks to support those that are at risk because of sickness,illness, disability ,exclusion and old age.Social protection is to provide help to those in need and prevent shock caused by these factors. The sector of the society basically affected are women and children; they are at risk of shock caused by lack,discrimination, disability,poverty e.t.c. Social protection is vital to food security as the women and children which are part of the work force are segregated/discriminated and holed up by laws that hamper productivity.The land laws are big issues in certain parts of Africa, where land rights are given to men; how will the women make a living without farmlands? how about education? how many girls are in school/or learning a skill that will be a source of income. Traditional beliefs such as female genital mutilation, this must be addressed; social protection must cover all unlawful acts and practices that prevent the provision of normal basic amenities and human rights .Equal land rights, employment opportunities,a means of livelihood,right to life,education,primary health care and a cell-group where there are interactions,discussion and training is the best form of social protection that will ensure economic growth, and food security.

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE AND THE IMPACT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH.

The role of of agriculture in economic growth is significant to any form of globalization. Women plays significant roles in agriculture,they are involved in all sectors and contribute to economic growth and development. 

 The empowerment schemes should involve more women as they are challenged on so many fronts,the contract farming is a way to encourage more women to join agriculture sector and support those already in the sector. Agriculture has so many facets and aspects that if properly coordinated will bring about food security and increase revenue generation. 

The higher the number of people actively involved in this sector,the greater the chances of a sustainable economy. 

The use of contract farming in the agricultural sector has the following benefits ; 1) employment opportunities. 2) increase revenue generation. 3)food security. 4)globalization through partnership. 5)broad-based learning platform. 6)empowerment. 

      What is contract farming and how does it work?? 

This is basically a platform for growth both for individuals ,companies and the countries involved.The scheme extols the benefits of various aspects of agriculture such as fish farming,piggery,cattle rearing, and poultry.

The various segments are handled by professionals,who corporate with stakeholders already in the agriculture business and these seek out interested candidates in these projects.These people undergo training for a specific period,after which they are provided with tools to start-off.These tools include chicks,drugs,feed, weaners,calves and cages. 

The tools also include spaces that are allocated at moderate prices so the farmers can afford this without affecting overhead costs. The contract farmer has access to needed tools to start the project with a memorandum of understanding which states; the expected return and time lapse. 

This scheme will allow more players in the agric sector,with access to latest innovations in the field which they can employ to rapidly turn around their investment. 

 The venture also involves provision of equipment to process the finished products for packaging such as stoves,drying kiln and ovens to process fish. Education on food preservation and provision of such equipment will help prevent losses of crops.A source of water is a very necessary factor for any production,and many women travel long distances to get access to portable water.

A water for all project in forms of wells,boreholes and irrigation systems will boost production and increase sales.The larger percentage of the agricultural products are farmed in the rural areas and this is done by women. Empower the women; feed the world!!! Contract farming is an empowerment model that will fast tract growth in the agriculture sector,because the companies involved in this scheme collect products for sale in international market. 

The scheme also involves buying farmers products right from the farm,so the farmer tends its products carefully to attain specified standards.

This scheme will regulate products in the market because only those that meet required specification are purchased.

LIVESTOCK INSURANCE AND COMPENSATION IN BEEF PROCESSING PLANT.

The business of slaughtering animals and processing in the abattoir is capital intensive and a very complicated venture because of the myriad of problems associated with it.

 The business ideally is a money spinner but there are so many choke points in this venture especially in developing countries.

The system in developed countries have been fine-tuned that its a win-win situation: the butchers are happy and the citizen have access to wholesome beef.

 The issue with the beef processing plant is basically compensation: either in form of insurance or payment when carcass is condemned by meat inspectors/vets and animal health officers.

The livestock insurance policy is a major key to revamping the beef processing industry.

 A butcher buys cattle, transports them to site of sale/ slaughter; some died in-transit, some in the market before sale and others after sale.

The cattle that makes it to the slaughter line upon examination has some diseased organs that need to be condemned,or has generalized TUBERCULOSIS; who bears these losses??? How will the butcher be sincere or follow the proper procedure?? your guess is as good as mine.

 The benefit of insurance in the agric sector is germane to economic growth and food safety. when the butchers are duly compensated for loss of animals and also for carcass in the abattoir from compensation schemes then food safety is ensured.

 The formulation of policies,laws, edits means nothing, when nobody bears the brunt.