AGRICULTURE AND MODERN FARMING

  Avocado Export Business in Kenya The avocado export business in Kenya primarily focuses on two varieties: Fuerte and Hass. Fuerte avocados are oval-shaped with smooth, pale green peels when mature. In contrast, Hass avocados have bumpy, fairly thick skin that changes from green to purplish-black when ripe. Hass avocados are round or oval, while Fuerte retains its colour when ripe. The export market mostly prefers hass since its hard cover makes it less perishable. mature fuerte avocado mature hass avocado ripe hass avocado Farm-Gate Purchase of Avocados in Kenya Most small-scale avocado farmers in Kenya sell their produce to middlemen, who then sell the avocados to licensed exporters. The middlemen hire fruit pickers to harvest, grade, and load the avocados into transport vehicles for bulk transportation. Upon reaching the exporters' warehouses, the avocados are graded again, washed, and packed in 4 kg packages for export. The farm-gate purchase prices from midd...

Afforestation, the deliberate act of establishing a forest, has gained significant momentum globally as initiatives for tree planting intensify. In this era of increasing environmental awareness, the desire to combat deforestation, enhance carbon sequestration, and mitigate climate change has led to extensive afforestation efforts. This article seeks to delve into the intricate and interconnected impacts of afforestation on health, ecology, and agriculture. As trees are planted with the noble goal of fostering a greener planet, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the multifaceted consequences that this environmental intervention may engender. From altering local climates to influencing the prevalence of diseases and reshaping agricultural landscapes, the consequences of afforestation are broad and complex. This exploration aims to unravel these complexities, shedding light on the delicate balance between environmental preservation and the unintended outcomes that may shape the future o...

Introduction: In recent years, the farming of traditional African food crops such as cassava, yams, arrowroots, potatoes, millets, and sorghum has significantly reduced, leading to an increased dependency on maize, rice, and wheat. This shift in agricultural practices has contributed to food and nutritional insecurity across the continent. In this article, we will explore the importance of traditional food crops in diversifying African agriculture and addressing the challenges of food insecurity. 1. The Historical Significance of Traditional African Food Crops: Traditional food crops have been a vital part of African culture and cuisine for centuries. They are adapted to local climates, resilient to harsh conditions, and rich in nutrients. These crops have played a crucial role in sustaining communities and preserving cultural heritage. 2. Benefits of Traditional African Food Crops: a. Nutritional Value: Traditional crops like cassava, yams, and millets are highly nutritious, providing...

The year 2020 and beyond have been marked by a series of global crises that have had a significant impact on food supply. The Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, drought, locust invasion, and global energy crisis have all contributed to the disruption of food supply chains, reduced crop yields, and increased food prices. These crises have affected millions of people around the world, particularly those living in low-income countries. In this article, we will examine the impact of each of these crises on global food supply and explore the solutions that can help mitigate their effects. The Covid-19 Pandemic The Covid-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, has had a profound impact on global food supply. The pandemic has disrupted supply chains, caused labor shortages, and led to reduced demand for certain types of food. The closure of restaurants, schools, and other institutions has also had an impact on the food market. With millions of people forced to stay at home, the demand ...

Introduction The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, creating enormous pressure on agriculture to produce enough food to feed the growing population. Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, as it causes more frequent and severe weather events, changes in precipitation patterns, and shifts in pest and disease dynamics. To meet the increasing demand for food, farmers have turned to agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, to boost crop yields and protect their harvests. However, the extensive use of these chemicals has raised concerns over their impact on human and animal health. This article examines the latest statistics on the dilemma of agrochemicals, highlighting the trade-offs between their benefits in addressing food insecurity and their potential harmful effects on humans and animals. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), BASF, Bayer, PI Industries, Monsanto, and FMC is referenced throughout the a...

 Introduction Food waste is a global challenge, and Africa is no exception. Despite the fact that millions of people in Africa suffer from hunger and malnutrition, a significant amount of food is wasted every year. This article will explore the issue of food waste in Africa, with a particular focus on the causes and consequences of food waste in shops, post-harvest, excessive buying by the rich, and poor storage.  Food waste in Shops One of the major causes of food waste in Africa is the retail sector. In many African countries, supermarkets and grocery stores throw away a significant amount of food every day. This food waste occurs for a variety of reasons, including overproduction, poor storage facilities, and a lack of demand for certain products. Overproduction is a significant issue that contributes to food waste in shops. Many food producers and retailers overproduce food to ensure that they have enough to meet demand. However, this often leads to excess food that goes u...

 GMO farming, or genetically modified organism farming, has been a topic of debate for many years, particularly in Africa. While some believe that GMOs are the key to solving food insecurity in Kenya and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, others argue that they pose significant risks to human health and the environment. In order to fully understand the debate around GMO farming in Africa, it is important to look at the history of GMOs and their impact on food security in the region. The history of GMOs in farming dates back to the 1970s when scientists began experimenting with genetic engineering techniques to create plants that were more resistant to pests and diseases. The first genetically modified crop to be developed was a tomato that was resistant to rotting. Since then, many other crops have been genetically modified, including corn, soybeans, and cotton. While GMOs have been used in farming for several decades, their use has been particularly controversial in Africa. Some p...