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Southern Sudan: Farmers Research Extension Groups update

As part of our work in Southern Sudan, FARM-Africa is setting up Farmers Research Extension Groups (FREGs).  These groups provide farmers with a way to research suitable crops and vegetables to grow, and to share their learnings with other farmers in the community.

When we last updated you in June 2009, the new planting season was fast approaching and the FREG members were being trained on vegetable production and provided with seeds and tools to coincide with the new planting season.

As a response to the unreliable rains experienced in this area, all of the FREGs chose to grow groundnuts.  Groundnuts are drought resistant, meaning farmers were able to reduce the risk of losing their crops to drought.  Each group is also trialling some different crops including maize, soya beans, okra and sorghum.

Since June, two new FREGs have been set up.  This brings the total number of FREGs to eight, with a total of 83 members.  Each of these members has at least five other people whom they work together with on their farm, meaning a total of 498 households are benefiting from this aspect of the project.

Kuajok FREG member weeding groundnuts

Calling all runners to join our 2010 London Marathon team!

FARM-Africa is calling on runners to join their best ever London marathon running team. Whether you are a novice or an experienced runner, why not sign up to our team and receive amazing race day support whilst improving the lives of farmers in eastern Africa?

“This year is going to be our best marathon yet! Drawing on FARM-Africa’s past experience we’re going to be giving fundraising and training advice and support to all of our teams as well as running vests. We’ve got a great plan on the day for a post race reception and massage and, of course, most importantly a huge crowd of supporters to cheer them along on the way!” said Helen Bailey, who is organising FARM-Africa’s team. 

To be part of the FARM-Africa running team all you have to do is contact sst@farmafrica.org.uk

Money raised could go to help new projects such as our Rural Women’s Economic Development Project in Ethiopia which helps poor women in agricultural communities improve women’s rights by providing opportunities for women to farm successfully and lift themselves out of poverty or our Tanzania Forestry project which helps communities in the Nou Forest region live off the forest in a sustainable manner.

Explore the voices of African farmers on climate change

International concern about climate change is rising rapidly, but international action lags behind. As world leaders prepare to debate an action plan on climate change in Copenhagen, African communities are already implementing their own survival plans. Climate Frontline allows the voices of these men and women in vulnerable African communities to be heard directly.

Other reports demonstrate the scale of the problem at the global and regional level, and the choices open to the international community. Climate Frontline is different: it allows the voices of men and women in African communities to be heard directly. For these families on the frontline, changing the way they live and farm has not been a choice – they must adapt if they want to survive.

In Climate Frontline they describe, in their own words, how climate change is affecting their lives and how they have responded to a changed environment by building on local knowledge, changing the way they work and diversifying their livelihoods.

FARM-Africa’s CEO joins expert panel in a debate on the challenge of climate change to food security

Dr Christie Peacock, FARM-Africa’s Chief Executive, was one of a number of eminent academics and experts who took part in a lively debate discussing the future of food security in Africa in light of climatic change at the Department for International Development in London this week. This debate was particularly timely in the lead up the United Nations Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December.

 The well-known journalist and broadcaster George Alagiah chaired the topical debate with Dr. Peacock, Lindiwe Sibanda, Head of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), Kathy Sierra, World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development and Andrew Steer, Director General of Policy and Research for the Department for International Development. Professor John Beddington, Chief Scientist and Head of Government Office of Science was a keynote speaker at this event.

 Footage from the debate can be watched here.

Kofi Annan, the Chairman of AGRA voices his support for FARM-Africa at an evening of African celebration

Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General and current Chairman of AGRA, was the guest of honour at a special evening hosted by FARM-Africa in London where he  underlined his admiration for the organisation’s work to improve the livelihoods of eastern Africa’s farmers and herders.

The highlight of the evening was an interview between Kofi Annan and the well-known journalist and author Madeleine Bunting. The audio footage from this interview will be available on FARM-Africa’s website shortly.

During the exchange, Kofi Annan spoke openly about growing up in Ghana, his time in office as Secretary General of the United Nations and the importance of his role as Chairman of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.

“For decades African agriculture has suffered from a serious lack of investments which have hindered the long term development of the continent and its people. That is why Africa needs a green revolution that can help feed the continent and protect the environment. As Chairman of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), I am fully engaged in promoting efforts to help Africa to feed itself. We need to rapidly raise agricultural productivity, expand the access of small holder farmers to markets, and promote enabling policies  to support them to be productive, efficient and competitive. Innovation and public-private partnerships are critical to help achieve this.

This is why the work of FARM-Africa is especially important because it supports locally relevant and scalable demonstrations of what works. FARM-Africa’s mission is to build a prosperous rural Africa by working in partnership with local communities. They empower and enable farmers to raise livestock, grow more food and access new markets. FARM-Africa’s work is helping to solve rural poverty in Africa, for this reason I am personally proud to support the work of FARM-Africa.”

FARM-Africa receives a generous cheque for the Africa 100 Appeal

The National Farmers Union presented FARM-Africa’s Chairman Dr Martin Evans with a cheque for £205,000 at a sparkling awards dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London to mark the pinnacle of the Africa 100 Appeal.

The appeal, a year long partnership between the charity and the National Farmers Union, was launched to celebrate the centenary of the National Farmers Union. It has drawn on generous support from the UK farming sector and has highlighted the links between the sector and farmers in eastern Africa.

The money raised through the Africa 100 Appeal will support the scale up of FARM-Africa’s successful cassava project which will be run through our Maendeleo Agricultural Technology Fund. This project will promote the planting of new higher yielding and disease resistant cassava varieties in Kenya. This means that farmers who were previously dependent on food aid have now achieved food security and can sell their produce to help support their livelihoods.

The Atlantic Vets organise a black tie extravaganza in aid of FARM-Africa

This Halloween Jim Houlton and Paul Milnthorpe, the “Atlantic Vets” are preparing a dazzling charity masquerade ball to kick start the fundraising for their amazing row across the Atlantic this autumn.

The Atlantic Vets are taking part in the 2009 Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race which starts in the Canary Islands and ends in Antigua, 2935 miles away, taking on average between 50 and 70 days.

Their huge physical challenge will begin in December this year with their attempt to break the doubles record (or at very least beat Cracknell and Fogle's time). In the process they hope to raise £15,000 for FARM-Africa.

The masquerade ball will take place on the 31^st of October at Soughton Hall, North Chester and will be a black tie extravaganza with a gourmet food, dancing, and a live band. If this were not enough the ball will also include a champagne reception and a raffle.

The money raised through this event and the challenge itself will help support FARM-Africa’s work to transform of the lives of farmers in eastern Africa through grassroots projects helping farmers to grow more food; keep their livestock healthy and manage their natural resources sustainably.

Please visit  www.theatlanticvets.co.uk/vetball.html  for more information and tickets!

Africa 100 Appeal wins Social Initiative Award

The Africa 100 Appeal has won the prestigious Social Initiative Award at the Trade Association Forum’s annual Best Practice Awards held at a glittering ceremony in London.

The award, which was given to the National Farmers Union for the Africa 100 Appeal, a joint initiative with FARM-Africa, is given to the member who has demonstrated outstanding social initiative that benefits the sector and wider world. 

The Africa 100 Appeal allows farmers, members and the wider agricultural sector to show their support for fellow farmers in eastern Africa by trying to raise £200,000 to improve the lives of Kenyan farmers. The appeal will finance a project to introduce a disease resistant variety of cassava, a staple crop, to help farmers to feed themselves and their families.

 Dr Christie Peacock, Chief Executive of FARM-Africa said: “FARM-Africa is delighted that the innovative partnership with the NFU through the Africa 100 Appeal has been recognised by the CBI Trade Association by being awarded this honour. The NFU’s members and supporters and staff have put a huge effort into making Africa 100 a success in bringing the reality of the daily challenges and successes of African farmers to the attention of UK farmers and the wider agricultural sector. The Africa 100 Appeal will improve the lives of Kenyan farmers allowing them to produce more food to feed themselves and their families.”

To support the appeal or to learn more about Africa 100 please visit www.africa100appeal.com

Africa 100 Appeal is selected in final of prestigious industry awards

The Africa 100 Appeal, a joint fundraising initiative with the National Farmers Union (NFU) marking the centenary of the organisation, has been nominated for the Social Initiative Award as part of the prestigious Trade Association Forum’s Best Practice Awards.

The award will be presented to the association member who has demonstrated outstanding social initiative that benefits the sector and wider world.  The Africa 100 Appeal allows farmers and industry partners to show their support for fellow farmers in eastern Africa by trying to raise £200,000 to improve the lives of Kenyan farmers. The appeal will finance a project to introduce a disease resistant variety of cassava, a staple crop, to help farmers to feed themselves and their families.

The appeal is being supported by the NFU’s industry partners, individual members and staff and has so far raised £172,000. To support the appeal or to learn more about Africa 100 please visit www.africa100appeal.com

Sam receives a rapturous welcome to Mwingi from local farmers and FARM-Africa staff

After 109 days, 3 continents, 17 countries and nearly six thousand miles of solo cycling, the remarkable Sam Williams arrived at his destination of Mwingi Kenya in the company of 14 Community Animal Health Workers who had met him on their bikes to share the emotional final leg of his global adventure in aid of FARM-Africa.

 Last year the 24 year old from Bath rowed the Atlantic Ocean solo and unsupported to raise £20,000 for FARM-Africa’s dairy goat project in Mwingi. Sam decided to see the programme he was raising money for first hand and elected to cycle there in yet another breath-taking journey for the charity.

 Sam was welcomed into Mwingi by a group of delighted farmers and FARM-Africa staff who welcomed him to the town with singing and dancing thanking him for his support.

Sam said,” It has taken a massive amount of hard-work from countless people to complete this journey and the row that preceded it, and I'm delighted that we've managed to raise the amount we have for FARM-Africa. But that effort is nothing compared to that put in by the people of Kitui and Mwingi who, with FARM-Africa's support, are determined to improve their lives. It's fantastic and inspirational to finally get to meet them.”

“I am in awe and wonder of Sam. He just keeps doing more and more for FARM-Africa. I want to thank him for his inspirational support for the work of our organisation and the farmers who we work with.” said Christie Peacock, CEO of FARM-Africa.

 If you want to learn more about Sam’s cycle log on to his website at www.pedallingalltheway.com or to sponsor his efforts please go to www.justgiving.com/pedallingalltheway

FARM-Africa's Chairman shares his hopes for the G8 with The Guardian's Liz Ford

FARM-Africa’s new Chairman Dr Martin Evans, a well known agricultural economist, talks to The Guardian newspaper’s Elizabeth Ford about what the G8 meeting must deliver to improve the lives of Africa’s subsistence farmers. To read the interview please click here.

FARM-Africa calls for G8 leaders to seek long term solutions to rural hunger in Africa

Whilst the world’s most powerful leaders meet in L'Aquila, Italy, to begin the G8 summit, FARM-Africa calls on the decision makers to listen to those people we represent - like farmer Julius Moses Otim from Ojemorun village in eastern Uganda. People like Julius need leaders to consider how best to assist the world’s poorest billion people so that they can feed themselves equitably, healthily and sustainably.

 The current global conditions have been described as “the perfect storm.” High food prices, financial chaos and the growing threat of climatic change have attracted welcome attention on the fundamental issues of global food production and supply. While the world focuses on the financial crisis this issue must not be allowed to mask the worrying trends of a lack of long term commitment to resolving global hunger. FARM-Africa knows that small holder farmers are entrepreneurs – given market linkages and training, they can grow food both for household consumption and also for the market and are a crucial part of the solution to hunger in Africa.

 For nearly 25 years FARM-Africa has been lobbying leaders to invest in long term solutions to African hunger that will enable African farmers to improve their families’ livelihoods sustainably and cut their reliance on food aid. Finally after decades of neglect agriculture is back in the spotlight but we must ensure that the current drive for change does not lose momentum nor result in unkept promises.

“These are fine words from the G8 leaders but there must be long term action to back them up. I was in Gleneagles in 2005 when promises were made to radically improve the lot of African farmers and yet what happened to those promises? Though we are in difficult times we must not lose sight of the need to find a sustainable solution to hunger. We must not let this moment to face on the biggest challenges to mankind pass us by or it will return to haunt us,” said Dr Christie Peacock, CEO of FARM-Africa.

FARM-Africa supports the approach of the Japanese Government which lays emphasis on the importance on long- term investment to solve a problem that stems from years of a disgraceful underinvestment in agriculture, and also the shift in focus by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Obama administration in the US to move attention away from the provision of food aid to tackling the root causes of hunger.

The huge spike in food costs is a reminder of the need for appropriate solutions to food insecurity to ensure that African farmers (who comprise 80% of the African population) are able to feed themselves for the long term rather than being the passive recipients of food aid.

FARM-Africa’s role in acting as a bridge between research and small scale farmers and its comprehensive approach including providing advice, training and market linkages have been proven to have a very positive impact. Through FARM-Africa’s Maendeleo Agricultural Technology Fund (MATF) the results of our approach speak for themselves. A programme to introduce a more resilient variety of rice in Uganda saw farmers record an increase in yield from 960kg to 1500 kg per acre.  The price of 1kg of rice increased from Ugandan Shillings 650 (20 pence) at the beginning of the project to Ugandan Shillings1200 (35 pence) at present. The numbers of farmers adopting the new variety has increased from 6,000 to approximately 66,000 across Uganda.  The impressive return on investment generated through the fund shows that has shown for each US$1 invested between US$1.3 and SU$21.4 have been generated.

In northern and eastern Uganda, where farmer Julius Moses Otim lives, the impact of recent food cost increases is having a huge impact on the lives of local farmers. “There is nothing that you can get freely, food has become very expensive and money has lost value".  Crop damage due to severe weather conditions has increased the cost of food and increased food insecurity. In Amuru district, eastern Uganda, the food security situation in seven sub-counties has been assessed as dire with many families surviving on one meal day.  In Pader district the inflated cost of food means that three quarters of households are spending 100% of their income on food.

FARM-Africa welcomes reports suggesting that this year’s much-anticipated G8 meeting will bring an announcement of a long overdue commitment by members to invest US$12 billion over the next three years in agricultural development. This commitment underlines the need for global leaders to gear up and address the interrelated issues of food security, economic growth and stability. FARM-Africa asks that this meeting will reverse the trend of cuts in budgets for international development - Italy, the summit’s host country announced a 56% decrease in its international aid budget last December. FARM-Africa recognises the global financial situation is challenging but these economic issues can not be allowed to overshadow the overwhelming issue of food security.

FARM-Africa joins the 6th World Conference of Science Journalists in London

Our Director of Programmes, George Mukkath, joined a panel of eminent panellists debating the role that science can play in improving agriculture and food security at the 6^th World Conference of Science Journalists in London.

George discussed FARM-Africa’s experiences of introducing new agricultural technologies to improve food production with farmers in eastern Africa. The panel discussion was chaired by Sir Gordon Conway, Professor of International Development at Imperial College, the co-panellists were Professor John Beddington, Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Government, Professor Pam Ronald, a plant scientist from the University of California, Davis, and Paul Temple, a UK farmer and former Vice President of the National Farmers’ Union.

 The discussion entitled “Recipe for disaster: A growing population and climate change. Can science serve up a solution?” was followed by a lively question and answer session where science journalists from around the world asked the panel for their views.

An audio copy of this discussion and the question and answer session will be available on this website shortly.

Butchers on Bikes!

Six brave men from the National Farmers' Union (NFU) including the Director General, Richard Macdonald (who recently cracked his ribs in an accident), have set off on a cycle challenge to raise money for their Africa 100 Appeal in support of FARM-Africa’s work.  The team started the ride at Smithfield Market and are due arrive at Rungis Market, Paris on Monday 8 June. If you would like to donate to the Africa 100 Appeal: http://www.africa100appeal.com/x28746.xml

Southern Sudan - clean water, seeds and goats.

In the past few months, the project has successfully drilled four boreholes and rehabilitated five more, and community members have dug 12 new shallow wells. The new planting season is approaching and so the farmers research extension groups (FREGs) are being trained on vegetable production and provided with necessary seeds and tools to make a start. Others achievements include: the development of another community action plan (a plan the community designs and then uses to develop their area) and the provision of goats to 54 vulnerable female headed households.

Southern Sudan Livelihood Recovery and Development Project

The search for new borehole sites to provide water for farmers and their animals began in January. So far four potential sites have been identified.  Various community awareness and mobilisation meetings have also been held in Gogrial and Alek South, with the aim of introducing FARM-Africa to the community, and to inform the people of FARM-Africa’s objectives.

Thanks to the marathon efforts of our 2009 running team African farmers will have brighter futures

Download this press release as a PDF

Thank you to the dedicated team of runners who pounded the streets of the capital in blazing sunshine at the 29th London Marathon to raise funds for FARM-Africa.

The team completed the iconic race in soaring temperatures running around some of London's most eye-catching landmarks while our cheering points kept the team motivated and then gave post-run massages to help them relax after the run.

Sarah Stokes, a member of FARM-Africa's 2009 running team said, "Catching tonsillitis in the week prior to the marathon wasn't quite the race preparation that I had hoped for but adrenalin and excitement on the day got me to the start line and then the cheering crowds did the rest. The day was truly unforgettable, the crowds, the weather, the atmosphere. The showers and massage back at the Farmers Club were wonderful. I loved every minute of the day and can't wait to do it again!"

Tum Kazunga, Corporate Partnerships Manager at FARM-Africa said, "FARM-Africa is enormously impressed with the hours of training and hard work that our marathon team put into making this year's event such a success. Training for this race is not easy but it will make a huge and lasting difference to the lives of east Africa's farmers. Thank you so much to our supporters who undertook this massive effort for FARM-Africa but also to all those individuals who cheered our runners on at our cheering points."

If you are interested in running the London Marathon for FARM-Africa in 2010 please email FARM-Africa at sst@farmafrica.org.uk.

Explainer: Cassava in Katine

Annie Kelly looks at the importance of cassava to farmers in Uganda

http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2009/mar/23/cassava-explainer

Growing interest in crops

George Mukkath, the director of programmes at FARM-Africa, tells Madeleine Bunting why growing cassava has more long-term benefits for Katine farmers than handing out oxen

http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2009/mar/09/george-mukkath-interview/print

Supporter takes on the hardest footrace on Earth in aid of FARM-Africa!

Download this press release as a PDF

Not satisfied with undertaking a 151 mile run in support of FARM-Africa, Andy Turnbull, an Investment Manager for Brewin Dolphin in Edinburgh, will run this epic distance across the Sahara Desert, when he joins the infamous Marathon des Sables in March.

The Marathon des Sables is a six day race across some of the toughest terrain on earth. Andy will be running in searing daytime temperatures of up to 40 degrees centigrade.

Each runner has to be totally self sufficient carrying all of their own kit including the essential 10 litres of water that they will have to drink each day. On the longest day our intrepid runner will run 52 miles in an effort to improve the lives of African farmers.

Andy explains why he is supporting FARM-Africa, “I basically like the idea that FARM-Africa encourages farmers to be self sufficient and provides long term solutions to food shortages rather than just quick fix solutions. I am proud to be undertaking this journey for FARM-Africa.”

To support Andy’s remarkable efforts for eastern Africa’s farmers please go to www.justgiving.com/andrewturnbull150.

FARM-Africa transforms the lives of poor rural people in Africa. The work over more than 20 years has proved that with just a little assistance, Africa’s farmers can dramatically improve their lives.

FARM-Africa works in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Southern Sudan. Through grassroots projects the charity helps rural communities to grow more food; keep their livestock healthy and manage their natural resources sustainably.

Sam saddles up for FARM-Africa
Adventurer begins epic cycle ride for charity

Download this press release as a PDF

Sam Williams, a 25 year old adventurer, has embarked on an epic journey in aid of FARM-Africa. Sam has already broken records rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean and now, a year to the day he reached dry land in Antigua. He resumed his Herculean global quest mounting a bike to cycle from London to Kenya!

Sam’s 6,000 mile journey to Mwingi, Kenya, will bring him face to face with the farmers that FARM-Africa work with whose lives he has helped to transform through his support.

The daring novice cyclist departed from Blackheath, London; from here he cycled to Dover and then travel across Europe, through Turkey, Asia and the Middle East to Africa.

Sam will be keeping in touch with his supporters through his regular blog on his website www.pedallingalltheway.com and his experiences will be shared on Twitter too. www.twitter.com/samwilliamsuk.

"Sam is an extraordinary individual who time and again has proven himself to be amazingly dedicated to improving the lives of Africa’s farmers by putting himself through huge personal challenges in aid of FARM-Africa’s work. Everyone at FARM-Africa is proud of Sam’s efforts and wish him the very best of luck”, said Gina Beloff, Director of Fundraising at FARM-Africa.

If you would like to support Sam’s efforts please log on to www.justgiving.com/pedallingalltheway.

A tricky balancing act

Development practitioners often struggle with the question of how to balance the expectations of the people with whom they work with those of others involved, including donors. Getting it right is challenging, writes George Mukkath, director of programmes at FARM-Africa

http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2009/feb/03/livelihoods-george-mukkath-livelihoods?commentpage=1