“A campaign to promote orange varieties of sweet potatoes in Mozambique and Uganda (instead of the white or yellow ones that are more commonly grown there) now seems to be succeeding…,” but at what cost?
Tag: africa
Corporate Giants Bringing Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity to Developing World
The wonderful potential of corporate globalization. Rich corporations that have compromised the health of people living in rich countries can now do so in the developing world, as well. “Diabetes, [ … ]
Women Farmers Key to Sustainable Agricultural Development
Women account for 75 percent of the agricultural producers in sub-Saharan Africa, but the majority of women farmers are living on only $1.25 per day…
Targeting Gaps in the Food Supply Chain: Going Beyond Agricultural Production to Achieve Food Security
Agricultural production is only the first step in moving the world’s food from farm to fork…
Kenyans, African Biodiversity Network Push for Ban on GMO Food Imports
There are so many concerns tied to GMO foods — health concerns from scientifically documented health risks, environmental concerns by the bushel, and economic returns (GMO companies are generally large and monopolistic and are not good for small farmers and communities). For all of these reasons, and maybe more, there is a strong groundswell of opposition to GMOs around the world, including in Kenya. Last week, the African Biodiversity Network released a statement on how it thinks the Kenyan government should be supporting its farmers and protecting its citizens.
Getting the Most from Crops: In the Field and at the Market
In Cameroon, one of the foods that grows best is cassava. But farmers struggle with low yields because of pests and diseases that damage crops, making each harvest much more labor intensive than they are worth. One group is looking to change that.
Monsantophobia: Sustainability Concern or Wealthy Convenience?
[social_buttons] A phobia is defined as an irrational fear. I’m going to describe a real life example of how irrational fear about a company called Monsanto gave some influential people [ … ]
The Local Food That Matters The Most
[social_buttons] If you have read some of my earlier posts you know that I see a positive, but actually quite limited role for “local food.” But there is a situation where [ … ]
Wheatless Wednesday: Ethiopian Teff from the Pyramids to the Present
Many people have never heard of teff, but this unique gluten-free grain dates back to the age of the pyramids. Most often ground into flour to make injera, a fermented [ … ]