Press Releases
Concrete Actions to Accelerate Africa’s Green Revolution
AGRA and Central Bank of Nigeria Partner to Develop Financing Mechanism;
Two Days of Dialogue between AGRA and Civil Society Lays Groundwork for Collaboration toward a Food-Secure Africa
NAIROBI (16 July 2010) – The first-of-its-kind forum between the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and civil society organizations (CSOs) from across Africa concluded today in Nairobi. The two days of dialogue were convened by AGRA to consider how to reach a common agenda for achieving an African Green Revolution when the ultimate goal is the same for all parties—food security for a continent where too many people suffer from hunger and malnutrition.
AGRA and Lundin for Africa Partner with Injaro Investments to Invest in the West African Seed Industry [Français]
Nairobi (19 July 2010)— The West Africa Agricultural Investment Fund (“WAAIF”) and Injaro Investments Limited (“Injaro”) today announce the First Closing of the first ever West African fund focused on investing in indigenous seed production companies. The initial investors in the fund are The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Lundin For Africa Society, a Vancouver-based foundation. The launch of this fund will provide capital that is desperately needed by West Africa’s critical but nascent seed production industry.
Delivering Improved Seeds to Smallholder farmers in Mali Wins Mme Coulibaly Prestigious African Business Award in London [Français]
London (22nd June 2010) – Madame Coulibaly, a seed company owner who is supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to distribute improved seed varieties to farmers in Mali, was honored last night at the International African Business Magazine awards ceremony for using innovative business strategies that are helping eliminate poverty and hunger among smallholder farmers.
Breadbasket Strategy to boost agricultural production in Ghana's Northern region
Accra, Ghana (June 21st 2010) – A strategy developed with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to increase the cultivated area in the Northern Region and roughly double average yields on existing land was presented today to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). This breadbasket approach will see the concentration and coordination of agricultural development efforts in a region with the potential to produce a large share of Ghana’s staple food requirements. This focused approach will ultimately increase Ghana’s staple crop self-sufficiency, add up to US$500m to the agricultural component of GDP, create up to 15 000 new jobs, and double the household incomes of close to 250,000 smallholders..
Unlocking Cassava Potential for Food and Industrial Use to Benefit Smallholder Farmers in East Africa
NAIROBI, KENYA JUNE 4TH 2010 - Recognizing the potential of cassava as the ‘poverty and drought fighter’ crop in Africa, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Farm Concern International have launched a 3 year program that will help 30,000 small holder farmers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania increase cassava for food and industrial use by processing it at village level.
AGRA and IFDC Launch Program in Northern Ghana to Improve Market Access for Farmers
TAMALE, GHANA (20 May 2010)—Farmers in Northern Ghana will benefit from a new program aimed to increase their earning potential. The program, launched by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the International Centre for Soil Fertility (IFDC), will create more sustainable markets where farmers can sell their produce for a profit.
New Class of PhD Students in Agricultural Science Graduate from African Centre for Crop Improvement
PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (20 April 2010)—Seven agricultural PhD candidates sponsored by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) graduated this week from an advanced studies program in plant breeding at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The students will employ the tools, knowledge, and experience gained from their studies to take on the challenge of improving food security against the backdrop of unstable economic systems, rising food prices and input costs, diminishing soil health, and climate change.
Small Seed Packets Open Doors for African Farmers
Nairobi (25 March 2010)—Taking a lead from the success of fast-moving consumer products in rural areas, local African seed companies and NGOs are reducing the size of packets of seeds and fertilizers to help smallholder farmers take the first steps to scale-up production. Like cell phone scratch cards, small packets of high-quality seeds can be bought for just a few shillings, enabling farmers to try out the seed before risking their money on large purchases for uncertain results.
Unique Trust Bank and IFDC Signs an MoU to make Credit Available to Agro Input Dealers in Ghana
Accra, Ghana (February 2010) – The Unique Trust Bank and the International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC) with funding from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), have made available GHC 950,000($680,000)credit facility to selected members of the Ghana Agro Input Dealers Association(GAIDA) across the country.
Beans in Rwanda: The Day ISAR Released 15 New Bean Varieties
Agricultural researchers in Rwanda invited hundreds of smallholder farmers, government officials and development partners in January to the release of 15 newly bred and improved climbing, bush or snap varieties of beans, a staple food and major source of protein diets in Rwanda. The varieties could triple the yield of ordinary varieties grown by farmers, thus helping to improve food security and nutrition for rural households in Rwanda.
Over 500 Agro-dealers Certified to Supply Farmers with Inputs
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC) officially certified 594 agro-dealers at Ejisu in the Ashanti region.
Soil management support for smallholder farmers in West Africa’s Desert Margins [Français]
Farmers across the dry lands of West Africa have long struggled with a harsh climate and depleted soils. Now, a US$8.9 million program funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and implemented the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and national partners will enable 300,000 farm households to tackle those challenges.