Back Issues

v.1 no.1, Jan-Mr 2008

v.1 no.2, Apr-June, 2008

v.1 no.3-4, July-Dec., 2008

v.2 no.1-2, Jan-June, 2009

GLOBALHORT NEWS

No. 5-6, Jan-May, 2009

GlobalHort welcomes the submission of news features of interest to our communities.  Please send your suggestions, features or publications that you would like to have disseminated to the editor.

Earthscan Publishes New Book on African Indigenous Vegetables in Urban Agriculture

Published on 26^th Jun 2009

Earthscan are pleased to announce that review and inspection copies are now available for: 

African Indigenous Vegetables in Urban Agriculture
Charlie M. Shackleton, Margaret W. Pasquini and Axel W. Drescher
Paperback £24.95June 2009 

African Indigenous Vegetables in Urban Agriculture provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge of the potential and challenges associated with the multiple roles, use, management and livelihood contributions of indigenous vegetables in urban agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. Based on critical analysis of current debates and practices, it presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the realities and future opportunities.

To request a review or inspection copy and for all queries please contact andrew.miller@earthscan.co.uk.

Fifth GlobalHort Board Meeting, Wageningen, Netherlands, June 19-20, 2009

Published on 28^th May 2009

Preparations are now being made for holding the fifth GlobalHort Board meeting in Wageningen, Netherlands, June 19-20, 2009.  It will follow the meeting of the CGIAR Science Council’s Science Forum 2009 “Science for Development: Mobilizing Global Linkages” June 16-17.  It should prove to be an interesting meeting which will consolidate the discussions and decisions from the Arusha meeting of 2008, the first one following GlobalHort becoming an independent organization. 

Fourth GlobalHort Board Meeting was held Nov. 26-27, 2008 in Arusha, Tanzania

Published on 28^th May 2009

The fourth GlobalHort Board Meeting was held Nov. 26-27 in Arusha, Tanzania.  Anton Van Doornmalen of the International Seed Federation (ISF) was unanimously elected to the Board representing the private sector.  In his absence, Orlando di Ponti of ISF accepted the appointment on his behalf.  Acknowledgements were made to both AVRDC and CIRAD for their generous contributions. 

GlobalHort had its official Statutes signed at Leuven, Belgium Nov. 12, 2008 to establish it as a not-for-profit international organization under Belgium law.  In line with this new status, at Arusha the Board approved a new financial management system, and contracts for accounting and auditing services.  A Personnel Regulation Manual was established and with some slight modifications will be presented for approval at the June 2009 Board meeting. The administrative and financial systems now in place for GlobalHort will ensure equity, fairness and transparency in its management of the existing funds entrusted by the Taiwan Government and the future donations or grants received from other sources. A hosting agreement was approved with AVRDC whereby the GlobalHort Secretariat will remain at the Regional Center for Africa in Arusha, Tanzania.

The budget and employee contracts for the Executive Secretary and Secretariat Staff were approved.  Po-Yung Lai will represent GlobalHort Asian interests by being located in Bangkok, Thailand. The Webmaster and Communication Officer position held by Jerry Miner was turned into a consultancy service which was to be continued by Mr. Miner in Canada for 2009. The Executive Secretary announced that he would allocate $20,000US towards the All Africa Horticulture Congress to be held in Nairobi, Kenya in August, 2009.

There was much discussion regarding project proposals. For the First Call, two projects were approved for funding.  Juergen Anthofer, Portfolio Manager, presented Guidelines for Project Proposals which were approved.  There was also approval to launch a Second Call for Proposals as soon as possible, on a competitive basis.  The Executive Secretary proposal to strengthen the Advisory Group also met with Board approval.

During the meeting Board members were interviewed and videotaped for the creation of a promotional video on GlobalHort to be shown at the All Africa Horticulture Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, in August, 2009.  Jerry Miner is director and a professional video producer residing in Arusha, Michel Irlinger, has been retained for his services for its production.

Global Horticulture Initiative Awareness Raising Conference on Horticulture for African Development (ARCHAD), Maputo, Mozambique, Nov. 30, 2008

Published on 28^th May 2009

GlobalHort hosted an ARCHAD side event at the CGIAR AGM in Maputo, Mozambique November 30, 2008 at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre. Unfortunately due to several conflicting events the turnout was not as large as expected and some speakers could not make it.  However, the meeting was very successful and the attendees had many interesting items to share and discuss.

One of the highlights of the ARCHAD was the presentation of a plaque to Tom Lumpkin for his vision that eventually led to the creation of the Global Horticulture Initiative.

After the ARCH for Development in Brussels, June 2007, The Africa Union had requested that GlobalHort organize, in Africa, an Awareness Raising Conference on Horticulture for Africa Development. ARCHAD would further complement and advance the discussions of the series of conferences organized by FAO in Rome and NEPAD in Johannesburg in May-June, 2008.

As a result of the ARCH for Development in Brussels, the European Union DG-Development placed horticulture and underutilized high value crops in the priorities of its Food Security Thematic Program (FSTP) and of the Platform of African-European Partnership on Agriculture for Development (PAEPARD). However, the AU argued that there was a need for a conference to advocate specifically for African horticulture to be placed and considered in the agenda of all continental initiatives, and in the budget of all regional programs. Horticulture is knowledge intensive, and GlobalHort believes that Africans can benefit a lot from their resources, humans and plants, water and soil, with strengthened capacities and appropriate investments in both public and private sectors.

During the recent food price crisis, cereals and bio-fuel crops were highlighted. Once again fruits and vegetables, traditional and indigenous plants were disregarded and inadequately supported. At the Maputo AGM of the CGIAR seemed to be a very appropriate time and place to put more focus on food crops that can improve human health through nutrition, generate employment and diversified incomes to women and young entrepreneurs in particular, and improve the environment without threatening natural resources.  

ARCHAD Program:

• Welcome address from Norman Looney, Chairman of the Board of GlobalHort, President of ISHS: horticulture combats crises
• Award to Thomas Lumpkin, former Chairman of the Board of GlobalHort, former DG of AVRDC, actual DG of CIMMYT
• Keynote from Boitshepo Giyose, NEPAD/Africa Union on food health and nutrition issues
• FAO initiatives and networks on horticulture in Africa, by Lutaladio NeBambi,
• Presentation of global partnership by FARA: the phase 2 of PAEPARD by Myra Wopereis
• Continental projects: the vBSS project, by Jan Helsen (AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center)
• Mini forum between the speakers and the floor: moderated by N. Looney
• GlobalHort action in and for Africa: Remi Kahane

GlobalHort Visits the Royal Project Foundation in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Published on 28^th May 2009

GlobalHort staff member, Po-Yung Lai, visited the Royal Project Foundation in Chiang Mai, Thailand May 3-6, 2009.  The Royal Project Foundation has established a system that has enabled it becoming a successful enterprise.  This system started with a humanistic vision to guide Thailand’s hill tribesmen in the north to cease planting opium poppy and replacing it with high value horticultural crops.  This success has enabled the hill tribesmen not only to increase their family income but to improve their health as well. 

Three key issues were of particular interest and became the focus of the tour: 1) from the social standpoint, how the Royal Project was organized to persuade highland hill-tribes to abandon opium poppy growing and convert to high valued horticultural crops; 2) from the health and economic standpoint, how well the hill tribe farmers were doing under the assistance of the Royal Project in improving their incomes through production and sales of horticultural crops; and 3) from the environmental standpoint, how the Royal Project mobilized the hill tribe people to convert their over-developed land into an environmentally healthy one. 

• Activities and concerns addressed by the Royal Project include:
• Insect pests of vegetables
• Issues of concern on fruit fly, post harvest treatments and plant quarantine
• Training of hill-tribesmen and transfer of technology
• Food processing and marketing
• Program to restore healthy environments in the northern highlands

All of these are addressed by Dr. Lai’s full report (PDF).

Po-Yung Lai concludes that at this time there is no clear role for GlobalHort that would assist the Foundation in training hill tribe farmers or enhancing its efforts to build professional capacity. Since the early 1960s the Foundation has built an impressive technical and field labor workforce and functional infrastructures to fulfil its mission. Because of the King’s unique, highly respected social status, international communities and the Thai people, including government officials, researchers, and even other private enterprises, have provided the necessary support to the Foundation. However, GlobalHort certainly has a role to play in providing advice to the Foundation’s technical personnel on solving immediate problems, including quarantine compliance, fruit fly management, and post harvest treatments. 

The same may not be true for other fruit and vegetable growing areas where the Foundation does not have substations to assist farmers.  In those areas, GlobalHort could have a role in helping extension personnel and farmers solve pesticide and fertilizer residue problems, transfer technical know-how and provide pertinent information on agricultural practices to local farmers.  

Débats autour de l’oignon de Galmi

Published on 19^th May 2009

Mars 2009, l’Afrique de l’Ouest apprend qu’une demande de certificat d’obtention végétale (COV) a été déposée par une société sénégalaise de production de semences auprès de l’Organisation africaine de la propriété intellectuelle (OAPI).
Des semences africaines menacées de privatisation

Cliquez ici pour suivre les débats

West Africa: Farmers and Civil Society Say ‘No’ to Seed Privatization

Published on 19^th May 2009

On a farm in Senegal, Lamine Biaye sows Violet de Galmi. In just two weeks, it will be time to harvest the onions. With a flat, thick bulb and a pale purple colour, the variety will be obvious. Violet de Galmi are a distinctive variety that originates in the Nigerien village of Galmi. For centuries, Nigerien farmers shared their traditional seeds with other farmers in West Africa, until the variety eventually made its way to Mr.Biaye’s farm.Violet de Galmi is a cash crop of great importance to West Africa’s small scale farmers. Trade in the onion totaled almost 15 billion CFA francs (about 30 million American dollars or 23 million Euros) last year.

At an agricultural fair held in Djimini, Senegal, last month, West African farmers were shocked to learn that a Senegalese seed company is trying to patent this traditional seed.

Three years ago, a Senegalese company called Tropicasem applied for a patent from the African Intellectual Property Oganization. If their application is accepted, farmers could lose their right to save and use Violet de Galmi seeds. They may risk paying the company a penalty if they do continue to use them.

Quoted from an article in Farm Radio Weekly

Excitement Mounts in Tanzania for the All Africa Horticulture Congress (AAHC) to be Held in Nairobi August 2009: AAHC is not just a Kenyan Affair!

Published on 18^th May 2009

GlobalHort and the Tanzanian Horticulture Association (TAHA) have convened in Arusha a preparation meeting of the All Africa Horticulture Congress to be held in Nairobi, 31/8 to 3/9/2009.

Representatives were invited to this meeting from East Africa to get involved in the Congress, from public and private sectors, in order to make this event an African affair, and not a Kenyan issue. The representative of the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture strongly contributed in the African spirit of the organizing team and our Zambian colleague from the private sector deeply appreciated both the discussion meeting and the visit of one horticultural company in Arusha, Multiflowers Ltd. Thanks to AVRDC, Bioversity Intl. and to ICIPE for the participation of international institutions. If the success of a congress used to start from its preparation phases, we are optimistic for this summer in Kenya! Please register online (http://www.globalhort.org/) and sponsor the event "Grown under the Sun!"

CORIPHA Proposal Presented by GlobalHort Secretary at IFAP Meeting, Nairobi, Kenya

Published on 18^th May 2009

GlobalHort was invited by IFAP, the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, to present its CORIPHA (pdf) proposal that was to be submitted to the European Commission for funding under the Food Security Thematic Programme (FSTP) at the 16th International Federation of Agricultural Producers Africa Regional Committee Meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya 22-25 April, 2008.

The African farmers' groups and associations were represented by region and were therefore very enthusiastic in the prospect of being involved in a network of Co-Ordinated Regional Innovation Platforms for Horticulture in Africa (CORIPHA).

After the presentation and discussions, the Executive Secretary of GlobalHort received support from all five African regional federations of IFAP and the newly elected Chairman of the African Committee of IFAP, Mr. Leonard Nduati Kariuki, Chairman of KENFAP (Kenya).

GlobalHort Call for Concept Notes on Horticultural Global Issues Proves Huge Success

Published on 18^th May 2009

GlobalHort received a total number of 187 concept notes within the eligible time span. This was far more than we ever expected.

The selection process of this call is still on-going but it can be regarded as a great success already. Through this call, the visibility of GlobalHort has tremendously increased. Existing linkages between partners have been revitalized and new alliances within and across sectors have been formed. Based on the quality of the concept notes, many more projects could be supported. However, due to our restricted funding capacity we even had to reject project concepts which were of high quality. We hope that after the final selection of projects we can attract other donors to provide additional funding.

Near the end of 2008, the call for concept notes on horticultural global issues was launched. It was announced through GlobalHort website and through the email list of GlobalHort newsletter. Applicants could apply to one of the following themes: (1) Nutrition and Human Health, (2) Protected Horticulture, (3) Fruit Fly Management, and (4) Linking Farmers to Markets. The deadline for submitting concept notes to this call was 27 February 2009. 

The message from this call was clear: there is a perceived need and strong interest to invest in the horticultural sector and in approaches for joint collaborations between research, development and the private sector. (Click here for full story)

LEISA has Issued a Call for Articles on Women and Food Sovereignty

Published on 13^th May 2009

Food sovereignty is about the right of producers to define their own food, agriculture, livestock and fisheries systems – as opposed to having them defined by international market forces. For small-scale farmers this means having the right to land and resources, and being able to participate in decision-making about resources in their countries – to ensure that their families and communities have enough food, before their produce enters long-distance trade. Food sovereignty is a relatively new concept, introduced by La Vía Campesina in 1996. It is a  response to the dominant thinking in development that farmers need to be modernised, by stimulating them to enter into commercial globalised trade.  

What does food sovereignty mean in the day-to-day lives of small-scale farm families? And more particularly, what does it mean for women – being the main providers of food? We are interested to learn about how they perceive the global changes in agriculture, and how they respond to them. How do these changes affect their roles as food producers, as mothers and feeders of the family? Do they have the rights of access to land, water, and forest products essential for securing nutritious food? How do women and their families balance between production for the market and for home consumption, between the need for money and the need for food? 

At a time when a global economic crisis is unfolding, what is the scope for food self-sufficiency – at household, local and national level? What innovative strategies have farmers and their organisations developed towards gaining food sovereignty? What initiatives are being undertaken to support women and men farmers in achieving this goal? Many farmers are still a long way from true food sovereignty  – what are the bigger challenges yet to be addressed?Dear readers, we look forward to your contributions to this extremely important theme! 

Please send your articles to Karen Hampson at k.hampson@ileia.nl by 1st June 2009. 

Note: E-LEISA to carries highlights from LEISA Magazine and keeps you in touch with the LEISA Network at http://www.leisa.info/.

CABI Publishes New Edition of Book on the Mango

Published on 13^th May 2009

The Mango, 2nd Edition
Botany, Production and Uses

Edited by R E Litz, University of Florida, USA

Click here and save 10% when you order online!

This is a timely new edition of The Mango, first published in 1997. The last decade has seen a rapid growth of mango production mainly due to expansion into new growing regions, but also due to the adoption of modern field practices including irrigation management and pest control. Fresh Mangoes are now consumed worldwide and are available all year round. The Mango provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of mango research from the basics to their applications and will be highly relevant for researchers and growers alike.


Hardback, 9781845934897, 704 pages, £135.00 / $270.00 / €205.00

Fruits et Légumes au Salon International de l'Agriculture 2009

Published on 29^th Apr 2009

« Fruits et légumes, la santé du monde », tel est le thème choisi cette année par le Cirad qui participe au 46ème Salon International de l'Agriculture, du 21 février au 1er mars 2009 (Paris-Porte de Versailles).

Les fruits et légumes bénéficient d’une forte valeur ajoutée dans le domaine de la santé et de l’économie des pays du Sud. Et pourtant, « de la parcelle de culture à l’assiette, il ne reste plus parfois que 20 % de la récolte » explique  Jacky Ganry *, chercheur au Cirad. Car telle est bien l’une des contraintes majeures auxquelles font face les petits producteurs d’Afrique, d’Asie et d’Amérique latine : la fragilité et périssabilité de leur production. Plusieurs éléments participent à ces pertes : les maladies et insectes, les transports difficiles, les habitudes culturelles (au Cameroun, les mangues pourrissent souvent sous les arbres. Dans certains pays asiatiques, les fruits servent d’offrandes). « Soit des pertes très importantes et un sérieux problème d’organisation. Quelques pays comme le Vietnam ou le Brésil émergent aujourd’hui et pourrait servir de modèle au Sud » précise Jacky Ganry.

Le Cirad, cheville ouvrière de la promotion des fruits et légumes tropicaux

Dans les pays du Sud, les populations rejoignent massivement les villes, la consommation des produits locaux diminue au profit des aliments nouveaux -souvent importés- et « riches en calories vides ». « En Afrique à dominante forestière, la prévalence du diabète de type 2 est nettement plus faible que dans les régions sahéliennes » notent les chercheurs qui espèrent en l’influence des femmes. Elles jouent en effet un rôle primordial en matière d’éducation et de santé mais aussi dans le maintien des cultures vivrières (bananes et plantains, légumes à tubercules et racines). On sait par ailleurs que  la culture des fruits rapporte cinq fois plus que le riz aux petits paysans.

Aux côtés des organisations gouvernementales qui effectuent des campagnes de sensibilisation à la consommation de fruits et légumes, le Cirad et ses partenaires européens et internationaux mettent en place des actions de promotion : Lancement de GlobalHort -l'Initiative horticole mondiale- , Profel dans les pays africains francophones et Profav dans les pays anglophones. Les réseaux nationaux en horticulture, nutrition et santé sont installés et confortés avec l’aide des organisations européennes et  internationales : Ecart (European consortium on agricultural research in the tropics), Natura (réseau des Universités Européennes tournées vers les tropiques), ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) et OMS (Organisation mondiale de la santé).

Lisez interview avec Jacky Ganry dans Végétable: L'Echo de la Planete Fruits et Legumes (Avril, 2009)

European Commissioner for Health Meets PIP Beneficiaries in Kenya / Le commissaire europeen en charge de la sante rencontre des beneficiaires du pip au kenya

Published on 16^th Apr 2009

On 7th April the EU Commissioner for Health, Food and Feed Safety and Animal Health and Welfare, Mrs Androulla Vassiliou, met with representatives of two EU funded programmes - PIP and HORTICAP - during her tour of Kenya. Together with the EU Delegation in Nairobi and the Kenyan Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), PIP organised visits to two horticultural export companies in Nairobi airport district. The aim of the tour was to show how it is possible to reconcile the (food safety) interests of consumers with development and poverty alleviation through improved income generating opportunities.

The first of these companies – Wamu Investments – is a small to medium sized enterprise that sources most of its produce from outgrowers. This family company has demonstrated how, with technical assistance, it is possible for small-scale growers to meet stringent market and regulatory requirements and supply high quality produce for export. The second company – Sunripe – is one of the largest in Kenya, providing employment for some 2000 people. Sunripe operates a high care facility for the preparation of ready-to-cook fresh produce that guarantees highest levels of food safety for consumers.

During an evening cocktail reception hosted by PIP and conducted by Master of Ceremonies Stephen Mbithi of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), keynote speakers outlined some of the key issues facing the horticultural export sector. Commissioner Vassiliou completed the event with a speech in which she highlighted the importance of the horticultural export sector in alleviating poverty. She emphasised in particular the key role played by women in this industry, a factor that increases potential developmental impact, but also the need for clear social policies.

The Commissioner was impressed by the degree of public-private sector collaboration in Kenya, as well as the strong commitment of the industry to development. She ended by saying that she was glad to see first-hand the positive impact of the EU funded COLEACP-PIP, and very happy to confirm that a second phase of the programme will be initiated soon.

Cliques ici pour le français

Ryerson University Offers Distance Learning Courses on Urban Agriculture

Published on 7^th Apr 2009

Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education and Centre for Studies in Food Security (www.ryerson.ca/foodsecurity), ETC-Urban Agriculture (http://www.etc-urbanagriculture.org/) and RUAF (http://www.ruaf.org/) are offering the following two distance learning courses on urban agriculture in May and September respectively:  

Understanding Urban Agriculture (CVFN 410)Duration: 42 hours Fee: $474 (Canadian dollars)Schedule: May 9-August 8, 2009

Millions globally practise urban agriculture, with governments and civil society organizations increasingly promoting it to enhance urban food security, health, community building, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental management. This course provides a good introduction and expands your understanding of urban agriculture, its main types and dimensions, its potential impacts, the constraints and opportunities facing it, the stakeholders involved in it, the historical contexts shaping it, and the local, regional, and international development trends bearing on it. 

Dimensions of Urban Agriculture (CVFN 411) Duration: 42 hours Fee: $474 (Canadian dollars)Schedule: September-December, 2009 

This course describes the dimensions (functions, roles, benefits, potential risks) of urban agriculture and how these complement, supplement,compete with, substitute for, or undermine those provided by other land uses, sectoral activities and actors. The main dimensions covered are:health and food security, socio-cultural dimensions, economic dimensions, and environmental dimensions. Selected well-documented case studies will beused throughout the course to highlight each dimension separately, before bringing them all together. 

For more information and instructions on enrollment, please visit www.ryerson.ca/ce/foodsecurity or contact Reg Noble, Academic Coordinator, E-mail: food@ryerson.ca or rnoble@ryerson.ca. Ir. Marielle Dubbeling
Senior adviser ETC Urban Agriculture Global coordinator RUAF-From Seed to Table Programme

E-mail: m.dubbeling@etcnl.nl
Telephone: ETC: +31-(0)33-4326039;
                     Home: +33-(0)565-741951
PO Box 64, 3830 AB Leusden, the Netherlands
http://www.etc-urbanagriculture.org/; http://www.ruaf.org/

Reminder to Register for the International Conference on Landscape and Urban Horticulture

Published on 26^th Mar 2009

Have you done the registration to LUH2009 yet?

You have only 2 weeks left to get advantage for the discounted price of early registration (deadline is 9th April 2009)

 DO THE REGISTRATION NOW! 

http://www.luh2009.sistemacongressi.it/registration.htm  

Please note: late registration without discount will close on May 9th, 2009. Your manuscript will not be considered for a publication in Acta Horticulturae if we fail to receive the full registration to LUH 2009 (and payment) of at least one of the authors by May 9th, 2009. Authors of accepted papers are expected to provide the manuscript by June 13th, 2009. During the conference themes dealing with the relationship “People - Plants - Quality of Life” will be discussed. The conference will explore the advances being made in a wide range of topics: from ecophysiology and plant management in urban environment, through psychological and social aspects of gardening, plant use and garden design - including transversal views where landscape architecture meets functional horticultural management in the cities – to urban agriculture. Further details on scientific program are shown at: http://www.luh2009.sistemacongressi.it/conference.htm 

The objective of the conference is to provide not only a forum for scientists, but also to share the diverse experiences, perspective and results of participants and contributors coming from different fields of urban horticulture. This meeting will also foster interactions amongst research groups from developing and developed countries from all over the world. For scientific matters email the Scientific Secretariat on: dista.luh2009@unibo.it . For any request you may have about logistic matter please get in contact with: registration@sistemacongressi.com  Visit the conference website frequently as it will often be updated at  www.luh2009.org We are looking forward to meeting you in Bologna in June 2009. Warm regards,  

Prof. Giorgio Prosdocimi Gianquinto,Bologna, 25th March 2009 Convenor 2nd International Conference on Landscape and Urban Horticulture    

Prof. Giorgio Prosdocimi GianquintoDip. Scienze e Tecnologie Agroambientali, Università di BolognaViale Fanin, 44 - 40125 - BolognaTel. +39 051 2096641 - Fax.+39  051 2096245Mobile. +39 347 0432568e-mail: giorgio.gianquinto@unibo.it  

If you are a member of a group or organization interested inHorticulture, Historical Gardens, Landscape Architecture, Interior Landscape, Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens, Urban Agriculture, Horticultural Therapy,we would be very grateful if you would transfer this message to your members.

FAO Publishes Postharvest and Marketing Training Manual

Published on 9^th Mar 2009

This training manual has been in the works since the 1st Postharvest Training Workshop that was held in Amman, Jordan in 2003.  The manual includes more than 29 crops.  The book is 276 pages and can be accessed online by clicking here.

This book was prepared by Drs. E.M. Yahia, M.I. El Tamzini, A.A.F. El Saied and S. El Din Al Yateem.  It was published in Cairo for the FAO Regional Office for the Near East.

The authors hope that this manual "will contribute to the enrichment of the technical library from one side and to be considered as a tool for farmers, handlers, sellers and exporters to implemet new methods in the production of high quality crops, methods and timing for harvesters, handling, storage, necessary handling both before and after harvesting and finally to prepare the crops for local marketing and for export".

Employment Opportunities with Plant Resources of Tropical Africa (PROTA)

Published on 3^rd Mar 2009

The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is in the process of recruiting qualified candidates for two (2) regional and three (3) local positions within Plant Resources of Tropical Africa (PROTA).

Below are the vacancy announcements in downloadable PDF format:

• Communications and Outreach Officer
  
  
• Fundraising Officer
  
  
• Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
  
  
• Scientific Editor
  
  
• Website Developer/Database Manager

Should you need any further information on this position, please do not hesitate to contact the Human Resources Unit.

Human Resources Unit
The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
P.O. Box 30677
Nairobi 00100
Tel: 254 20 722 4000
Fax: 254 20 722 4001
www.worldagroforestrycentre.org

Boitshepo Bibi Giyose Makes Plea to Political Leaders in 2009

Published on 29^th Jan 2009

GlobalHort Board member and NEPAD Food and Nutrition Security Advisor, Boitshepo Bibi Gioyose, was recently interviewed by New Agriculturist.  She provies this message for political leaders in 2009:

The full article can be read by clicking here.

Bananas Featured in New Agriculturist

Published on 29^th Jan 2009

The most popular fruit in the world, the banana stands out from other fruits for a multitude of reasons, not least its unusual curvaceous shape. Packed with nutrients, banana was one of the earliest plants to be cultivated and has been farmed for over 7,000 years. The fruit is also traded in greater quantities than any other fruit - US$5 billion annually. And, in developing countries, banana is the fourth most valued food after rice, wheat and milk.

But bananas have much more to give. In Uganda, for example, 10 million tonnes of bananas are produced each year, but up to 40 per cent rots and goes to waste. Few African bananas are sold more than 80km from where they are grown, and only ten per cent of global production ever reaches international markets.

Following on from last edition's Points of view, African bananas - unlocking the potential, we focus on progress being made across Africa to provide clean planting material to farmers, developments in processing and marketing, and the ongoing fight against pests and diseases. Click here to read articles in this issue.

Brinjal Brief Released by ISAAA on “The Development and Regulation of Bt Brinjal in India (Eggplant/Aubergine)”.

Published on 29^th Jan 2009

The International Service for the Aquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) has just released its latest Brief 38-2009, known as Brinjal Brief on “The Development and Regulation of Bt Brinjal in India (Eggplant/Aubergine)”. This ISAAA Brief 38 is a comprehensive review of all aspects of the cultivation in India of the important vegetable brinjal. Importantly, the Brief summarizes the development, status and content of the extensive regulatory dossier in India for biotech Bt brinjal. This 120 pages Brief is designed as primer and the subjects covered in this are divided into four parts:  the first part describes the biology, production and significance of brinjal as a vegetable crop in India; the second focuses on biotech crop development and its relevance to India; the third highlights the current efforts to develop Bt brinjal- the first biotech food crop in India, and the fourth part explains the regulatory framework being applied to Bt brinjal. The full Brief is made available, free of charge on ISAAA main website and ISAAA Knowledge Centre website: http://www.isaaa.org/  and www.isaaa.org/kc

US Supports Tanzania's Horticultural Producers

Published on 11^th Jan 2009

On Thursday, December 11, the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and its newly formed grower-owned logistics firm, TAHA Fresh Handling Ltd. (TFHL), were joined by Mark Green, the United States Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, to inaugurate a weekly air cargo service from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Ostend in Belgium, operated by MK Airlines. This regularly scheduled Boeing 747-200 air cargo flight is dedicated to the shipping of horticultural produce from northern Tanzania, providing cost-effective, timely access to market and spurring growth of agricultural exports in the region. The first flight took off in the early hours of Saturday, December 6th full of 40 tons of flowers, cuttings and vegetables, the horticultural bounty of Tanzania destined for the markets of Europe.

Horticulture has great potential in contributing to poverty alleviation in Tanzania because of its potential in creating employment and increasing export revenue. Horticulture has experienced rapid growth with export earnings increasing from less than $10 million in 2000 to over $50 million in 2007. Projections are for Tanzania’s horticultural exports to reach $100 million by 2012, on par with traditional exports such as coffee and cotton.

The Tanzanian Horticultural Association is a great example of a local umbrella organization taking the lead in identifying key drivers of economic growth, mobilizing funds, and bringing stakeholders together to find solutions. TAHA approached the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) having identified three major constraints to the sector: lack of reliable and cost effective airfreight; lack of long-term financing for agriculture; and limited participation of smallholder farmers in the horticulture value chain. (Click here for more information)

1st All Africa Horticulture Congress, Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 2009

Published on 19^th Dec 2008

The 1st All Africa Horticulture Congress to be held August 31-Sept. 3,2009 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The theme of the congress is Grown Under the Sun. The congress will cover the following broad areas:

• Food security
• Health
• Environment
• Poverty alleviation/wealth creation
• International trade in horticulture

 GlobalHort was invited to an ISHS Council and Executive Committee joint meeting in Agadir, Morocco (12-15 April) to announce the organization of the first All Africa Horticulture Congress. ISHS and GlobalHort will facilitate this continental event to ensure audience and high quality performances. The GlobalHort Portal hosts the website for this conference that will be held in Nairobi, Kenya August, 2009. Click here to access the website.

Building a Critical Mass: Strengthening Horticultural Science

Published on 12^th Dec 2008

Norman E. Looney, President, International Society for Horticultural Science and Chair, GlobalHort. Presentation given at the CTA Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for ACP Agricultural and Rural Development; Wageningen, The Netherlands, November 11, 200. 

Click here for a copy of the PDF PowerPoint presentation.

To Fight Together Against Hunger and Malnutrition / Lutter ensemble contre la faim et la malnutrition

Published on 10^th Dec 2008

Fruits 63 (2008) 267-268
DOI: 10.1051/fruits:2008041

Dr. Jacky Ganry
Published online: 22 October 2008

Today, in some parts of the world, indigenous fruits are becoming the unique solution, in a desperate effort to stave off hunger and malnourishment. It is often at high risk because some of these under-utilised fruits must be prepared in order to become edible. In addition, they are highly perishable and no clear market has been identified for the growers, processors or retailers.

After the food price crisis and hunger riots, such situations call for new behaviour, new approaches, and new solutions in the paradigm of research for development in agriculture.

Why not think about how to help these threatened populations to make use and value of under-utilised wild fruits with minimised risks for health, wealth and the environment ?

It poses the question of the place of fruits in the global food security challenge, and the place of fruit research in the establishment of international priorities. Today, the main focus remains on rice, cereals, roots and tubers!

It was one of the main reasons for launching the Global Horticultural Initiative (www.GlobalHort.org), which aims to bring together all the capacities, skills and knowledge to address these very crucial challenges in an integrated and partnership approach.

Its mission is to promote any programme for assessing productivity, profitability, safety and sustainability of horticultural crop production in developing countries, and to stimulate and promote the creation of new and sustainable economic opportunities for small-scale farmers and landless labourers in developing countries.

The facilitating activities of GlobalHort need to be enhanced through an effective mobilisation and recognition by the global partners and a stronger financial support by the backers.

To address local desperate situations efficiently there is a need for such global efforts, independent of any institutional or national interest. An initiative like GlobalHort is timely and the right way to achieve it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Aujourd’hui, dans certaines régions du monde, les fruits indigènes deviennent l’ultime solution pour s’affranchir de la faim et de la malnutrition. Cela est souvent à haut risque car certains de ces fruits sous-utilisés nécessitent une préparation en préalable à leur consommation. Ils sont en outre fortement périssables et aucun marché réel n'a été identifié pour les producteurs, les industriels ou les détaillants.

Des situations telles que la crise du prix des denrées alimentaires et les émeutes de la faim requièrent de nouveaux comportements, de nouvelles approches, de nouvelles solutions dans le paradigme de la recherche agricole pour le développement.

Pourquoi ne pas penser à la façon d’aider ces populations menacées à mieux utiliser et valoriser les fruits sauvages sous-utilisés en minimisant les risques pour la santé, le bien-être et l'environnement ?

Cela pose la question de la place des fruits dans le défi mondial de la sécurité alimentaire, et de celle de la recherche fruitière dans l’établissement de priorités internationales. Aujourd’hui les principaux centres d’intérêt restent le riz, les céréales, les racines et tubercules !

Un tel constat a été à l’origine du lancement de la Global Horticultural Initiative (www.GlobalHort.org) qui vise à mobiliser tous les moyens, compétences et connaissances au sein d’une approche intégrée et multipartenaire pour relever ces défis très cruciaux. La mission de GlobalHort est d’encourager tout programme visant à évaluer la productivité, la rentabilité, la sécurité et la durabilité de la production horticole dans les pays en voie de développement ; de stimuler et de favoriser la création de systèmes économiques originaux et durables pour de petits exploitants et paysans sans terre dans les pays en voie de développement.

Les activités de facilitation de GlobalHort doivent être accrues grâce à une identification et une mobilisation efficace des partenaires mondiaux, ainsi que par une aide financière plus forte des bailleurs de fonds.

Pour faire face efficacement aux situations désespérées locales, il y a un besoin de tels efforts mondiaux, indépendamment de tout intérêt institutionnel ou national. Une initiative comme GlobalHort est toute désignée pour y parvenir.

© CIRAD, EDP Sciences 2008

Horticultural Council for Southern, Eastern and Central Africa (HCA) Recently Launched

Published on 21^st Aug 2008

The horticulture industry in Africa recently passed an important milestone in its development with the launch of a regional body of horticultural associations.  On March 30th, representatives from the national associations from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Ethiopia, converged in Nairobi to sign the memorandum bringing into being the Horticultural Council of Africa (HCA).  More details can be found ion pages 13-15 of the Sept.-Dec, 2007 issue of Horticultural Insight Magazine: Quarterly Publication of The Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya.

The First Issue of African Journal of Horticultural Science (AJHS) has Recently Been Published

Published on 21^st Aug 2008

The Horticultural Association of Kenya has recently published its inaugural edition.  Abstracts of articles may be found here.  You can obtain a copy of the journal from the Secretariat. Send an email to hak@agr.jkuat.ac.ke or hak.2006@yahoo.com

Crops for the Future Launch at CGIAR AGM

Published on 11^th Nov 2008

”Crops for the Future” to be launched this month. "Crops for the Future", the new entity arising from the merger of ICUC and GFU, will be launched during the CGIAR Annual General Meeting in Maputo, Mozambique. Under the theme "Paths out of Poverty", the official launch will take place on Sunday 30 November, during a seminar chaired by Dr George Rothschild, with the speakers Dr Festus Akinnifesi (World Agroforestry Centre), Dr Kwesi Atta-Krah (Bioversity International), Dr Festo Massawe (University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus) and Dr Hannah Jaenicke (ICUC).

3rd Call of the FP7 Theme - Food Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology

Published on 13^th Nov 2008

The Executive Secretary of EIARD, Jean-Luc Khalfaoui, has just sent out a notice to draw attention to the 3rd Call of the FP7 Theme - Food Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology that has just been published.  It contains a number of research topics which are directly related to Agricultural Research for Development and the MDGs, with a special emphasis on Africa.  These are the main ones:

1. Agricultural Innovation Systems & Traditional knowledge (CSA-SA)
2. Optimisation of methods to maintain animal biodiversity (CP-FP-SICA)
3. Conservation agriculture in Developing Countries. (CSA-SA)          
4. Improving performance and quality of crops in the context of organic and low-input systems by breeding and management (CP-IP – Targeted opening)
5. Irrigation water saving solutions for Mediterranean agriculture (CP-FP-SICA)(6) Water stress tolerance ((large scale integrating project – Targeted opening)
6. Policy and institutional aspects of sustainable agriculture, forestry and rural development in the Mediterranean partner countries (CP-FP-SICA)(8) ERANET on ARD

The expected EC contribution for the above projects can be estimated to be around 24 million€.  The deadline for submission is 15 January 2009 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time)