Ag Fact - South African agricultural extension experts begin to mirror the demographics of the country and the country's GDP increased from Mandela's teachable lessons on inclusion.

On November 10, 2009 during the 64^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly it adopted the resolution for International Mandela Nelson Day.   Recognizing the stretched history of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s principle role in transforming Africa’s struggle for liberation and Africa’s unity, and his outstanding contribution to the construction of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa.

This day is dedicated to remembering Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, as a humanitarian, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities.

According to Nelson Mandela, “It is easy to break down and destroy.  The heroes are those who make peace and build.  Let us acknowledge and reflect on his contributions to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world each year as we observe  July 18^th , his birthday, as Mandela Day.

When AgroBiz.org reflects on the World Environment Day, we note that agriculture plays an internal part with the environment.  There are two major sources of air pollution from agriculture: livestock, which produces methane and ammonia, and the burning of agricultural waste. Around 24% of all greenhouse gases emitted worldwide comes from agriculture, forestry, and land use. Understanding the different types of pollution and how it affects our health and our environment, will help us to take measures to improve the air we breathe, there is no Plan B for the earth! 

The United Nations provides awareness that the protection and improvement of the human environment is a major issue, which affects the well-being of peoples and economic development throughout the world, designated 5th of June as World Environment Day. The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment.  

"It is time to act decisively. My message to governments is clear: tax pollution; end fossil fuel subsidies; and stop building new coal plants. We need a green economy not a grey economy." —  Secretary-General Guteress

Happy Africa Day!

On 25 May 1963, Africa made history with the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) the precursor to what is the current African Union (AU).

Africa Day is intended to celebrate, recognize and acknowledge the successes in respect of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU and AU) from its creation in May 25, 1963 in the combat against colonialism, racism, apartheid, and the progression of the continent.   Africa has made strides and continues to  work collectively, while recognizing upon common challenges that the continent face in a global environment and economy.

Therefore, the world celebrates the 25th of May as African Unity embraced through activities such as bazaars, activities and events to showcase African cultural diversity in various aspects. To date, the AU  remains guided by its vision of “An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”   Happy Africa Day to all!

May 20th is World Bee Day

The United Nations in a resolution noting the urgent need to address the issue of the worldwide decline of pollinator diversity and the risks that this imp lies for agriculture sustainability, human livelihoods and food supplies on September 25, 2015.

The resolution recognizes:

The importance of promoting sustainable development in its three dimensions in an innovative, coordinated, environmentally sound, open and shared manner, and the urgent need to protect bees and other pollinators in a sustainable manner.

The fundamental role and contribution of bees and other pollinators with respect to sustainable food production and nutrition, which thereby promote food security for the world ’ s growing population and contribute to poverty alleviation, hunger eradication and human health.

The contribution of the ecosystem services provided by bees and other pollinators to ecosystem health by safeguarding the state of biodiversity, species and genetic diversity, 

Express concern that bees and other pollinators are endangered by a range of factors, in particular the effects of human activities such as changes in land use, intensive agricultural practices and the use of pesticides, as well as pollution, pests, diseases and climate change, which threaten their habitat, health and development.

Acknowledges the urgent need to raise awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions for the protection of bees and other pollinators in order to contribute to their health and development, bearing in mind that enhancing pollinator services is important for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Observance of a World Bee Day by the international community contributes significantly to raising awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators at all levels and would promote global efforts and collective action for their protection.

The SDG Awards by AgroBiz

AgroBiz will recognize people, organizations, NGO’s and Governments that promote the shared blueprint of peace and prosperity, for people and the planet, adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as the Sustainable Development Goals.

AgroBiz is an agricultural and entrepreneurial training with solutions firm that has risen quickly over the past few years to become a formidable force in the African Agriculture scene. We provide farm-to-profit, small scale farming, community development & economic evaluation and agribusiness solutions for capacity building for sustainable development, with the aim of directly impacting women, youth, urban and rural farmers, and indirectly underserved populations to stimulate economic development. We have aligned our capabilities with all 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Now, you can be a part of the recognition of the individuals, groups, organizations and governments that you think contribute the most to each of the Sustainable Development Goals.

GOAL 1: No Poverty
GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-Being
GOAL 4: Quality Education
GOAL 5: Gender Equality
GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
GOAL 10: Reduced Inequalities
GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
GOAL 13: Climate Action
GOAL 14: Life Below Water
GOAL 15: Life on Land
GOAL 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

GOAL 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Nominations are OPEN for each goal & end on Midnight, July 31, 2019. Don't miss out! Nominate now at www.AgroBiz.org

FLOODS & AGRICULTURE

Our thoughts on impact to flooded areas

Hurricanes, monsoon rains with mudslides, snow melt, tidal waves or collapsed dams all trigger floods that affect millions of people each year. The devastation is often widespread, from loss of life, property and infrastructure to food insecurity and disease. Floods are particularly disastrous for the world’s poor, the majority of whom live in both in rural and urban areas and rely on agriculture for their food and income.

August 14, 2017  Freetown (capitol), Sierra Leone Flood & Mudslide   

Many struggle to replace what was lost or damaged.  Often seeds, tools, livestock, animal feed or fishing gear and not top priority in basic survival. Stagnant waters often render crop land useless, and make it difficult to maintain livestock, which, without proper shelter, veterinary care or adequate feed, easily fall prey to disease or starvation. Floodwaters also pose a threat to food safety and public health – through spoilt food stocks and contaminated water supplies.  Please keep the recent flooded areas of Freetown, Sierra Leone & USA, Texas in your thoughts and prayers. 

Think about this---forging forward and bringing AgroBiz programs to displaced communities from the aftermath of floods.

August 28, 2017 Houston, Texas USA

Mr. Eric Carr is a Hometown Hero

DID YOU KNOW? Investing in your agricultural sector can address not only hunger and malnutrition but, other challenges including poverty, water and energy use, unsustainable production and consumption and healthy job creation. Together, let’s mobilize AgroBiz developmental, technological, and training programs and social movements to address these challenges for sustainable development.

ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT

Agriculture is an engine of pro-poor economic growth in rural areas. Entrepreneurship across the rural, urban and food sectors can generate employment and growth.

EDUCATION

Agricultural extension enables farmers to access to the skills, tools, inputs and knowledge they need to thrive.

GENDER EQUALITY

Women farmers produce 20-30% less than their male counterparts, mostly due to differences in their access and use of resources. Women produce over half the food worldwide, so bridging this gap could reduce global hunger by as much as 17%.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Rural populations represent the largest segment of the world’s extreme poor by far – more than 70% of the total. Growth in agriculture is at least twice as effective in reducing poverty than from any other sector.

DISCOVER  how AgroBiz empowers you to “DO more, PLAN more and SHARE more!”

Fundamentally, AgroBiz® ensures the availability and predictability of food and sustainability over the long term. The vital importance of food to physical, economic and cultural development, together with the importance of efficient, sustainable production makes agriculture crucial:

1. Global food industry needs technology.

2. Consumers deserve the widest possible variety of safe and affordable food choices

3. Food production system can mitigate the food economics challenge and achieve an ―ultimate WIN/WIN!

4. Improving the affordability of food by using new and existing technologies and optimal productivity practices.

5. Increasing the food supply by instituting a vastly improved degree of cooperation across the entire global food chain.

6. Ensuring food safety with a combination of technology and high quality standards and systems, coupled with a greater measure of worldwide collaboration.

7. Increasing sustainability through a highly productive and efficient system that simultaneously protects the environment by means of sensitive and efficient use of natural resources.

8. Producing more biofuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while creating no negative effect on global food supplies.