Almost three years after the ban on export of Nigerian dried beans to European Union (EU), the United Nations industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) would next month commence a pilot export of Nigerian dried beans to EU. If successful, UNIDO will officially write to EU to inform it of the improved quality of dried Nigerian beans and that it is safe for consumption.
Kenyan and Germany researchers working under the Horticultural Innovation and Learning for Improved Nutrition and Livelihood in East Africa (HORTINLEA) project have made significant achievements in generating knowledge on African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs). This knowledge covers genetic diversity and seed systems, plant nutrition and fertilizer management, water management and irrigation, pest and disease management, harvesting and postharvest handling, value addition as well as health benefits of AIVs.
A handbook for 300 leader sugarcane farmers designed to improve production and increase collaboration was launched in Nadi yesterday. The handbook, titled Establishing a Farmer Field School: A Handbook for Fiji's Sugar Industry, was launched as part of the EU funded Fairtrade Associations Capacity Building and Farm Advisory Services Support Project, which is being implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC). EU program manager Alejandro Matos Lopez said Farmer Field Schools established under the project had brought positive results to the Fijian sugar industry.
The European Union (EU) has released 30 per cent of €1.4 million to support Tanzania's efforts to achieve regional industrial competitiveness. The aims are to increase value addition and upgrade the sunflower value chain programme as tariffs and non-tariff barriers have been biting. "We operate in a difficult condition," Tanzania Sunflower Process Association chairman Ringo Iringo laments. He urged the government to intervene to have quality sunflowers.
In a show of commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women around the world, the European Union will fund a $45 million regional program to improve gender equality and address violence against women and girls. The new Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls (Pacific Partnership) brings together governments, civil society organisations, communities and other partners to promote gender equality, prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG), and increase access to quality response services for survivors.