Blog Category

Technology

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Adaptation Strategies in Nigeria

Nov 3rd, 2023 • by S. Gustafson

An estimated 23 percent of Nigeria’s GDP comes from agriculture, and as many as 70 percent of the nation’s labor force engages in the agricultural sector. At the same time, approximately 40 percent of Nigerians face poverty and food insecurity, driven in part by low agricultural productivity and low levels of technology adoption. With climate shocks expected to become more frequent and extreme, these smallholder households will be even more vulnerable to reduced agricultural productivity, loss of incomes and livelihoods, and food and nutrition insecurity.

Using atmospheric satellite data to monitor unfolding economic impacts of conflict in Sudan

Jul 3rd, 2023 • by HALA ABUSHAMA, ZHE GUO, KHALID SIDDIG, OLIVER KIRUI, KIBROM ABAY, AND LIANGZHI YOU

The armed conflict that erupted in Sudan in April 2023 has had severe implications for the country's economy. With disruptions in infrastructure, trade, and agricultural activities, the conflict has led to scarcity of goods, increased food prices, and reduced economic growth.

‘Miracle seeds,’ informational curses? The risk of high expectations for new agricultural technologies

Jul 2nd, 2023 • by CAROLINE MIEHE, LEOCARDIA NABWIRE, ROBERT SPARROW, DAVID SPIELMAN, AND BJORN VAN CAMPENHOUT

Over the next few decades, farmers in sub-Saharan Africa will need to produce more food on less land and under increasingly difficult climatic conditions. The use of climate-smart agricultural practices and improved technologies such as higher-yielding and drought-tolerant crop varieties are thought to be at least part of the solution. Unfortunately, concerns are rising that the use of improved inputs and technologies across the region now seems to be stagnating—or at least advancing at a slower pace than required.

Feeding Africa: how small-scale irrigation can help farmers to change the game

May 10th, 2023 • by ELIZABETH BRYAN AND CLAUDIA RINGLER

Unlike large-acreage government irrigation schemes, small-scale irrigation is typically farmer led. Farmers decide what technologies to use to extract water, be it manual lifting or solar water pumps. They also choose the mode of irrigation, whether by buckets or drip kits. Farmers purchase, run, and maintain the operation themselves on their own farms or as part of small groups of farmers.

Improving Food Security In Africa Through Water Harvesting Technologies

Dec 26th, 2022 • by Justina Dugbazah, Barbara Glover, Bhekani Mbuli, Chifundo Kungade, Nhlawulo Shikwambane

Agriculture remains a critical sector in Africa's socio-economic development and growth. This is because smallholder farming in Africa accounts for more than 60% of Africa's population and approximately 23% of Africa's gross domestic product (GDP).[1] Water availability and access are vital inputs for agricultural production and food security. As such, crops, vegetables, and animal rearing require water to enhance essential food production.[2] However, in many parts of the African continent, there is persistent limited access to quality water.