More than 10,400 residential houses have been flooded across Russia’s western Siberia, the Volga region and Central Federal District.
Flooding in Russia
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations made this known on Monday, April 8, 2024.
In the severely hit Orenburg Region, more than 6,100 people have been evacuated and a total of 33 temporary accommodation centres deployed for 33,000 people, the ministry said.
The Orenburg Regional Government said that the peak of the flood would be expected on April 10, adding that the situation along the Ural River would not be expected to normalise before April 25.
TASS news agency, citing information from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, said that more than 18,000 people were in the zone threatened by flooding.
The agency reported that data on April 7-11 pointed to a continuous rise in daily average temperatures, snowmelt and river thawing across Siberia, the Volga region and the Central Federal District.
This is expected to exacerbate the flood risks to low-lying areas and transportation infrastructure.
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Africa’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced what appears to be its most impactful year to date, with an expansion of projects and investments spanning energy, transportation, mining, food, textiles and climate resilience.
Samaila Zubairu, AFC’s President and CEO
Underpinning growth in earnings and total assets, AFC successfully navigating the global geopolitical, inflationary and debt distress challenges of 2023 to implement critical infrastructure projects across multiple sectors that are central to Africa’s structural transformation and sustainable development.
Landmark initiatives include Djibouti’s first wind farm, with AFC as lead developer advancing plans to become the first African country wholly reliant on renewable sources for energy, and the Lobito Corridor rail project, with AFC again as lead developer working alongside the US, European Union and governments of Angola, DRC and Zambia to mobilise industry and connect the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Advancing industrialisation, value creation and livelihoods, AFC with its partner Arise IIP expanded the Arise Special Economic Zones to 10 West and Central African countries, focusing on essential sectors including food security, textiles and minerals.
“At the heart of AFC’s mission is our commitment to deliver impactful solutions for Africa, and this guides each and every investment we undertake,” said Samaila Zubairu, AFC’s President and CEO.
“AFC’s impact is evident in our solutions-oriented approach and unwavering commitment to realising transformative projects across Africa – infrastructure projects like the Red Sea Power Wind Farm in Djibouti, the Arise IIP industrial zones and the Lobito transport corridor that are reshaping the landscape, fostering sustainable development for local communities, and altering the economic trajectory of countries,” he added.
Created through powerful international collaborations, AFC projects undertaken in 2023 also include a joint initiative with Xcalibur Multiphysics to advance the mapping and responsible utilisation of Africa’s natural mineral resources, enabling greater mineral beneficiation, diversified economies, and clean energy transition. In DRC, the Corporation has committed to helping overhaul Kinshasa’s mass transit system to enhance mobility and reduce pollution through a partnership with Trans Connexion Congo.
A commitment of US$253 million from the Green Climate Fund to the AFC Capital Partners’ Infrastructure Climate Resilient Fund (ICRF) marked a significant step toward developing sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure in Africa.
Each initiative blends meaningful development impact and environmental sustainability with strong risk-adjusted returns, leveraging AFC’s unique experience of de-risking project development to crowd in capital and accelerate completion.
“In a year marked by global economic and geopolitical complexities, AFC has stood as a beacon of resilience, delivering value to all stakeholders while creating jobs and prosperity through structural transformation across Africa,” said Mr. Zubairu. “Our robust financial results reflect AFC’s unwavering commitment to unlock practical solutions for projects that enhance local value capture and spur industrialisation.”
AFC’s annual profit rose 15.3% to US$329.7 million, while operating income increased 24.2% to US$497.5 million, and total assets expanded 17.3% to US$12.34 billion, surpassing the Corporation’s five-year strategy target by US$2.3 billion.
In what looks like a proactive move to garner support and advocacy for the adoption of Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea, a delegation led by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has engaged in a strategic meeting with the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Kabiru Muhammad Inwua.
The Emir of Rano, Amb. Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa flanked on the right by AATF Regional Representative, Dr Jean Baptiste, Prof. Ishiyaku Mohammed, and on the left by Prof. Emmanuel Ikani, NAERLS Executive Director
The meeting, held at the Emir’s Palace in Rano, aimed to solicit his support in promoting the uptake of PBR Cowpea, a genetically modified crop designed to withstand the devastating impact of pests and enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
The leader of the delegation, Dr Jean Baptiste, AATF Regional Representative for West Africa, said that cowpea, a staple crop in Nigeria, plays a crucial role in addressing food security and nutritional needs, particularly in rural communities.
“However, the crop is often plagued by the devastating impact of pests, notably the Maruca vitrata, which can cause significant yield losses if left unchecked,” he added.
Baptiste said that, to address the pest challenges, AATF and partners have developed PBR cowpea varieties engineered to resist the destructive effects of the pod borer, offering a sustainable solution to improve yields and enhance farmer livelihoods.
He therefore solicited the support of the Emir in championing its adoption within the emirate, saying that the crop has the potentials of improving the livelihood of farmers due to its prolific nature.
Dr Baptiste emphasised the role of the PBR Cowpea in reducing pesticide use, increasing yields, and improving food security for rural households. He also noted that rigorous scientific research and regulatory processes was undertaken to ensure the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops, assuring the Emir of the integrity and reliability of PBR cowpea varieties.
In response, the Emir commended AATF for its dedication to advancing agricultural technologies that benefit smallholder farmers and rural communities.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the resilience of local food systems. Moreover, the Emir pledged his full support for the promotion and adoption of PBR cowpea within the Rano Emirate.
In a related development, the AATF, in a concerted effort to bolster agricultural productivity across Africa, has unveiled a comprehensive handbook designed to provide guidance to seed companies in field operations and the production of high-quality seeds.
The landmark initiative aims to equip seed producers with the necessary knowledge and best practices to optimise seed production processes, ultimately enhancing agricultural yields and food security on the continent.
The handbook, titled “Stewardship Handbook for producers of Foundation and Certified Seeds of PBR Cowpea,” represents a culmination of AATF’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural development through the adoption of innovative technologies and capacity-building initiatives.
Dr Danjuma Mahmoud, Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture, unveiled the handbook in Kano during the Annual Project Review and Workshop for the PBR Cowpea Seed Support for Nigeria.
Dr Mahmoud, who was represented by Alhaji Sadi Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Agriculture, noted that the handbook was tailored to address the unique challenges faced by seed companies operating in diverse agro-ecological contexts across Africa.
He said that advancing agricultural technologies that tackle the emerging concern over climate change requires collaborations, partnership and documented knowledge to guide operators at all levels of the delivery chain, hence the relevance of the handbook produced by AATF.
In a remark, Dr Emmanuel Okogbenin, AATF Director of Program Development and Commercialisation, said that the AATF PBR Cowpea Seed Support project aims to drive the supply chain of cowpea in Nigeria and to make it efficient and useful.
“The project will invariably contribute to strengthening food and nutrition security in the country,” he said.
He acknowledges the contributions of various partners including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the successes recorded by the project in the last planting season, adding that with a well-coordinated partnership, farmers on the African continent would soon overcome the challenges facing agricultural productivity.
A representative of BMGF, Lawrence Kent, said that the Seed Support project was designed to improve seed production and that seed companies have vital roles to play in ensuring that the project attained its objective.
“The ultimate goal of the support is to improve farmers productivity and livelihood,” he added.
Dr Francis Onyekachi, AATF’ Stewardship Manager, said that the primary objectives of the handbook are to streamline field operations throughout the seed production cycle, from land preparation and planting to crop maintenance, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
“By providing step-by-step guidelines and best practices for each stage of the production process, seed companies can optimise resource utilisation, minimise production risks, and ensure the production of genetically pure and high-performing seeds,” he said.
The handbook emphasises the importance of adherence to quality assurance protocols and regulatory standards to uphold seed quality and integrity. With a focus on maintaining genetic purity, disease resistance, and seed viability, seed producers are empowered to meet the stringent quality requirements of farmers, regulatory agencies, and international markets.
Operating under the aegis of their umbrella body, the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, East Africa-based groups clamouring to end the use of dental amalgam have set out plans by which to achieve their objectives in 2024.
Charlie Brown, President of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
At a virtual session held on Tuesday, April 2, group leaders from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia brainstormed on ways to phase down and phase out the use dental amalgam within the provisions on the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Attended by President of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, Charlie Brown, the session was moderated by Kenyan, Griffins Ochieng.
After the round of introductions by Brown and Ochieng, Mary Atugonza of the Network on Sound Management of Chemicals (NESMAC) in Uganda disclosed plans by her organisation and colleagues to engage dental practitioners and associates on dissemination on lessons learnt to other developing countries by defining further phase-down approach, collaborate with local government representatives, simplify dental amalgam in local languages, and strengthen awareness of the general public on dental amalgam.
Robert Tumwesigye, also from Uganda who works closely with Atugonza, said: “This year, we plan to meet with the National Economic Management Authority, Ministry of Health and Drugs Authority to review the regulations on chemicals which have a big component on dental amalgam, especially phasing out dental amalgam. So, we have planned focused meetings and awareness campaigns to ensure that dental amalgam is phased out in Uganda.”
On her part, Tanzanian, Dora Swai, disclosed that her group has been working with “the consumer association for quite a while – since we started our campaign – and we plan to continue to do that.”
According to her, “we have the Regulations signed by government since 2020 to prohibit use of amalgam in Tanzania”, but that it (amalgam) is still being used especially in adults.
She added: “Tanzania is surrounded by eight countries, from where amalgam may illegally come into the country. Educating the consumers is very important, and we work with the Central Medical Store to educate on existing convention and guidelines relating to mercury-free dentistry.”
Another Tanzanian, Benard Kihiyo, who is with the Consumers’ Association, submitted: “We observed that we still have problems with the use of amalgam mostly when it comes to our dental clinics in rural and border areas. We intend to interact with the MSD, and find out if there is importation of amalgam, and unravel the sources of amalgam entry into the country. The plan is to end amalgam use by 2030. There should be efforts toTanzania andely with Customs and the Central Medical Store, harmonise our policies on amalgam with the East African Trade Block, hold sensitisation meetings in Tanzania, and work together with SADC countries.”
Acknowledging Kihiyo’s statements, Swai underscored the need “to do a lot of awareness and sensitisation with consumers so that they can be enlightened to say no to amalgam”.
Daniel Maina of the Kisiwani Conservation Network, Mombasa, Kenya, stressed that the body has commenced discussions with the National Dental Association, Mombasa Chapter. He added that they would share data/information regarding the disposal of amalgam.
Speaking further on Kenya’s endeavour, Ochieng disclosed that the Kenyan ratification came into force last year, and that his organisation has been engaging with the Ministry of Health on the Oral Health Policy, and to promote mercury-free dentistry.
“We have formed a technical working group on the implementation of policies and to fashion out a national plan to phase out dental amalgam in Kenya.”
Dental amalgam is a tooth filling material that is approximately 50% mercury, a highly polluting neurotoxin. Today, countries around the world are phasing out the use of amalgam, and phasing up the use of mercury-free alternatives.
The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry is working with governments and organisations to phase down amalgam use in every region.
Obviously, the realisation of about three-quarters of the world’s population having access to safe water sources, is a major attainment by the international community. However, this achievement cannot be overly celebrated. This is because, as the world celebrated this year’s World Water Day (WWD) on Friday, March 22, 2024, a whooping 2.2 billion people worldwide still had no access to safely managed water.
School children in a sketch demonstrating the practice of galamsey and its effects on water bodies at the climax event of WWD 2024 at Potroase, Eastern Region, Ghana
Majority of these people are said to be concentrated in sub-Saharan African countries; Ghana inclusive. And according to UNICEF Ghana, even though access to water in the country has improved significantly, one person out of every 10 must spend more than 30 minutes to access an improved source of drinking water. While another 11 per cent of the population, still drink from surface and other unsafe water sources.
This trend is disturbing considering that the proportion of water bodies with good ambient quality was 58.8 per cent in 2023 per research results from the Water Resources Commission (WRC). But this also indicates that the proportion of water bodies with poor ambient quality is quite significant – just a little less than half of the country’s water bodies. Therefore, it is worrying, if a sizable population of Ghanaians are still dependent on surface water or raw untreated water taken directly from a water body. Besides, the nature of pollution also affects the treatment of water piped for distribution to users.
Galamsey, a plague to Ghana’s water bodies
What could be accounting for the poor state of some of Ghana’s water bodies might not be news to most Ghanaians. Top on the list of factors is illegal mining or “galamsey” not only on farmlands, but even in water bodies, to the extent that major water bodies like River Pra, River Ankobra and River Birim are now heavily polluted. The effects of Illegal mining have so overwhelmed the nation that the various measures implemented over the years to address the problem, seem like a drop of sand in the bucket.
For instance, the government has used the military and other security services to arrest and decommission equipment used in illegal mining activities; while COCOBOD has for the first time in its history, established a Desk on Small Scale Mining to ensure cocoa farms are protected from the galamsey menace. Yet still, the practice continues.
The introduction by the government through the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) of Community Mining to encourage local communities endowed with mineral resources to serve as a catalyst to discontinue illegal mining, has somehow resulted in another twist to the problem.
A community’s perspective of community mining
Some of these communities have taken matters into their own hands and in the process, destroyed sensitive ecosystems like streams that served as water sources for local communities as well as wetlands – which are vital for recharging both underground and surface water. A typical example is Yawkrom in Amansie West District of Ashanti Region. Community members feel justified in handling the communities mining business by themselves. “Why should we allow outsiders who come with permits from Accra without consulting us, to do what we can do by ourselves?”
This query came from a leading member (name withheld) of Yawkrom, who interacted with members of the “Women in Forestry” group that visited the community sometime in May, last year. The purpose of the field trip was for the women to better appreciate the nature, scope and effects of unregulated mining in communities. The trip was part of the group’s annual event to build the legal capacity of women active in the forestry sector.
The group’s activities are coordinated by the Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN), an organization that focuses on Community rights advocacy, gender and women empowerment, forest governance and sustainable agriculture. RAIN’s activity is in partnership with ClientEarth, a UK based charity organisation with support by UKAID.
The women observed that Yawkrom’s Community Mining Initiative, had not only devasted a major river and some wetlands in the community, but the practice was taking place just about 150 meters from the community. From the Elder’s perspective, community members were doing very well. “Government has provided a borehole for us, and we have also been able to replace our old and worn-out roofs with new roofing sheets,” he said.
For now, it appears the people of Yawkrom and similar communities, are oblivious to the looming danger – severe water scarcity and its attendant problems including conflicts.
The importance of WWD 2024
So, the occasion of WWD 2024 celebration in Ghana served as a reminder to not escalate activities that could lead to water related conflicts. Rather, “Everyone needs to continue advocating for the sustainable management of water to promote a more equitable and sustainable utilisation of our water resources to engender peaceful coexistence in the country.” This was the caution from Deputy Minister, Sanitation and Water Resources, Amidu Issahaku Chinnia, in a message read on his behalf during the national climax event of WWD 2024, at Potroase, in the Eastern Region.
For his part, the Acting Executive Secretary of the WRC, Dr. Bob Alfa, gave a hint about the possible conflict that could have arisen between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, due to pollution by Ghanaians of rivers that the two countries share.
“We probably would have gotten ourselves into conflict with our neighbours, as a result of the polluted nature of Ghana’s water sources in the South Western River systems, including Tano and Bia which flows to Cote d’Ivoire,” he said, adding: “This water is polluted. That country is definitely not happy. We are having to negotiate and cooperate seriously. Otherwise, we probably would have gotten ourselves into conflict with our neighbours.”
This posture of cooperation by the two neighbouring countries to safeguard a water resource, is what UN Secretary General, António Guterres sees as that, which can power and sustain peace.
In his statement to commemorate the occasion, he noted: “Water stewardship can strengthen multilateralism and ties between communities and build resilience to climate disasters.” The Secretary General added that such cooperation could improve health, reduce poverty and inequality, and boost food and water security as well as drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Therefore, he called for a commitment “to work together, to make water a force for cooperation, harmony and stability.”
The UN General Assembly instituted WWD as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year’s celebration was on the theme: “Leveraging Water for Peace,” and focused on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world. It underscored the fact that when water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries.
WWD 2024 marked the 31st anniversary, since the day was first observed in 1993 on the theme “Water for Life.” It highlighted the critical role that freshwater resources play in supporting human life and development.
Some medical practitioners have urged the Federal Government to work towards establishing a central water system to promote access to safe and affordable water for healthy living of Nigerians.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
The medical practitioners spoke in Lagos on Saturday, April 6, on the occasion of 2024 World Health Day (WHD) marked annually on April 7.
WHD is celebrated annually on April 7 to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948.
The theme for 2024 WHD is: “My Health, My Right”.
This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
Speaking, a Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Ramon Moronkola, said it had become imperative for the government to provide a central water system to ensure access to affordable and readily available safe drinking water.
Moronkola, who works with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said that availability of central water system would make it easier for the government to monitor and regulate the quality of water that goes to different homes.
According to him, unsafe water is one of the ways infections can spread, saying that individuals can easily contract diseases if water is not made safe.
“The WHO has mentioned access to safe water and good nutrition as part of the key components of WHD celebration.
“So, water is very important to life and healthy living; we need water to quench our thirst, even when we eat, we need water for the food to digest, the body needs water to function and excrete waste products,” he said.
Moronkola decried that, in Nigeria, government’s source of water was practically not existing.
He explained that, with the establishment of central water system by government, water would be more affordable and available for consumption.
“Water is life, without water there is no living.
“And this is very important to talk about now because in our own environment, government’s source of water is practically not existing.
“We all depend on water from different sources usually from all the packaged water. How well are we sure that this water is safe?
“But if we have a central water system, it would have been easier for the government to monitor the quality of water that goes to different homes.
“My advice is that government should either start looking at establishing central water system or based the situation we had, ensure that the regulatory agencies play more roles beyond exploiting and extorting the owners of these packaged water.
“The regulatory agencies should play more roles in supporting and ensuring that the water they supply is safe, affordable and available to people.
“And this is where collaborative effort will play a significant role; the regulatory agencies should see themselves as partners with these producers rather than antagonists or enemies,” Moronkola said.
Contributing, a Consultant Family & Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Dr Bummi Oluwagbemi, said that the importance of water to life cannot be overemphasised.
Oluwagbemi advised that people should ensure they take enough safe drinking water particularly during the daytime as it helps in body cleansing and revitalisation.
According to her, it is advisable that an individual drinks lots of water at least three litres of water per day.
Government at all levels have started equipping farmers with agricultural inputs in order to facilitate this year’s wet season farming and improve yields, a survey indicates.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
Respondents, who spoke across the country, said that such farm inputs would go a long a way in boosting food security and addressing food inflation.
Some of the stakeholders also expressed concerns on the rising cost of livestock feed and the urgent need to address the trend.
At the federal level, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said the ministry was taking the lead.
Kyari said that the ministry would distribute 2.15 million bags of assorted fertilisers donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Nigeria farmers.
He said that the fertilisers donated by CBN comprised UREA, NPK and SSP valued at over N100 billion.
“Well, we have been donated 2.15 million bags of assorted fertilisers from the CBN.
“We are in the process of taking possession of those (fertilisers).
“Hopefully, by this April, we will start the distribution of these fertilisers especially in those areas that wet season farming has begun,” he said.
Kyari also revealed that the ministry was set to receive 500 tractors assembled by the John Deere Group to improve mechanised farming, increase production, and achieve food and nutrition security.
He said that the initiative was aimed at catalysing farming activities and fortify food and nutrition security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration on food security.
Kyari reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving food and nutrition security through mechanisation.
He said that the tractors would be accessible, available and affordable for small, large-scale, and cooperative farmers across the country.
In Edo State, Dr Samuel Owoicho, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the ministry had concluded plans to distribute inputs to farmers ahead of the farming season.
Owoicho also disclosed that seeds and irrigation equipment were part of the inputs to be distributed to the farmers.
According to him, 11 local government areas of Edo have been selected to benefit from the support.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will be unveiling the distribution of inputs to farmers first week of April.
“Farmers from 11 local government areas of the state have been selected already.
“Each selected farmer is to be given three bags of fertilisers at 50 per cent subsidised rate,” he said.
In Bayelsa, Mr Ebiye Kalaku, a senior official in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the state government would soon provide farmers with inputs as support to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country.
He listed the items to be distributed to farmers to include cartons of agro chemicals, plantain suckers, bundles of cassava stem, and cartons of day-old chicks.
Others were bags of poultry feeds, bags of fish feeds of different ranges, assorted edible tree crops, bags of NPK Fertilizer, packs assorted vegetable seedlings and economic trees.
In Delta, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said it needed government to subsidise cost of fertilisers to boost food production in the state.
The State AFAN Chairman, Mr Richard Asenime, said that farmers were also in need of services of tractors for ease of cultivating their farmlands.
“It is no longer news that prices of fertilisers and other inputs have been impacted by inflation and as such, both federal and state governments need to support farmers to produce food this year,” he said.
According to him, farmers in the state have always enjoyed government support every year.
From the North-East, the Governments of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states have reiterated their commitment to using agriculture to tackle poverty as their citizens recover from the insurgency.
In Borno, Gov. Babagana Zulum, said he had inaugurated 312 tractors and assured farmers of subsidised fertiliser.
In Adamawa, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. David Jatau, said the Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri administration had approved N456 million for the purchase of farm inputs to support small scale farmers for the 2024 farming season.
Jatau said that so far about 20,000 farmers had been registered for the intervention.
According to him, the support package included fertiliser, herbicides and improved seeds among others.
“A lot of changes and strategies have been put in place to support our small-scale farmers this year.
“The government is introducing climate smart agriculture, which will boost production and revenue for the farmers.
“The improved seeds when planted would mature early and won’t be affected by drought or inadequate rainfall before harvest,” he said.
In Yobe, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Ali Goneri, said the government would support 2,600 small scale farmers in the 17 local government areas of the state in the cropping season.
“We want to empower 15 farmers in each of the 178 wards in the state by providing them with a comprehensive set of agricultural inputs for crop development,’’ he said.
Still more, from Benue, Mr Thomas Unongo, the Director of Agricultural Services, State Ministry of Agriculture, said the ministry had made requisition on procurement of fertilisers and other farm inputs to the state’s executive council and was waiting for approval.
The director stated that procurement of fertilisers and other farm inputs involved processes that had already been initiated with the submission of memos to the council for approval.
He expressed optimism that the approvals would be out by next month.
According to him, Gov. Hyacinth Alia has a lot of interest in agriculture, and that is why he subsidised all farm inputs in 2023.
“The state government subsidised each input by 50 per cent; that is farmers paid 50 per cent while the state government paid 50 per cent,’’ he said.
In Plateau, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang promised to tackle insecurity to enable farmers go to their farms at all times.
He said that the current hardship in the country would only be addressed via farming.
“Let me encourage our people to go back to agriculture and as a government we will support this move.
“But there must be peace for people to farm, that is why we revived the Plateau Peace Building Agency and taken other measures that will guarantee the security of our farmers,” he said.
He said that in addition to the fertilisers, government had constructed 25 access roads from farms to markets across the 17 local government areas of the state to boost ease of movement of farm produce from the farms to the markets.
In Nasarawa, Mr Umar Dan’ Akano, Commissioner for Agriculture, said the government had approved the clearing of 10,000 hectares of farmland at Jangwa and Agwatashi areas of Lafia and Obi Local Government Areas for wet season farming to boost food production.
He said plan was on top gear to distribute farming inputs– fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, seeds and seedlings to wet season farmers at subsidised rate to ensure food sufficiency.
According to the Agric Commissioner, the state government had earlier distributed 13 trucks of fertilisers alongside herbicides, insecticides, seeds, seedlings, knapsack sprayers among others at subsidised rate for dry season farmers.
On the high cost of animal feed, Aishatu Onuku, Director Animal Husbandry Services, Nasarawa State Ministry of Agriculture, said that farmers were being sensitised through extension services on the use of alternative feeds to reduce the cost.
In Kogi, the State Government said that all was set for the 2024 wet season farming toward boosting food production and security.
Mr Timothy Ojoma, the Commissioner for Agriculture, described Kogi as agrarian state feeding Nigerians with good food.
Ojoma said that Gov. Usman Ododo was a farmer friendly governor, who was very much interested in food production and security.
“We have concluded training for our enumerators for the forthcoming biometric capturing of all farmers across the state for useful data.
“We have mapped out for immediate intervention for 1,200 hectares of land just for cassava production this year; we have done same for Palm trees and Cashew,’’ he said.
In Oyo State, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the state government had in the last three months, distributed maize and fish feeds to poultry and fish farmers.
Olaleye said that about 2,500 poultry and 1,000 fish farmers had so far benefited from the distribution.
The commissioner said that the government had procured assorted fertilisers, herbicides, maize, Soya beans and other farm inputs that would be distributed to crop farmers in early April.
He said that the beneficiaries of the government gesture did not need to be registered AFAN members but must be farmers.
The commissioner said that the state government had also earmarked lots of measures to assist farmers in order to bring down the cost of food and support farmers in the state.
“Recently the state government exonerated farmers from paying tax on farm produce in the next six months among other incentives given to farmers,” he said.
On its part, the Ogun State Government said it had a well-planned out programme of support for farmers in the state ahead of the 2024 planting season.
Mr Bolu Owotomo, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, said the state government recently sold various inputs like fertilisers, maize and hybicides to farmers in the Ogun Central Senatorial District at subsidised rate.
He said farmers in the Senatorial District were made to pay only 50 per cent of the prices of the inputs that they bought at the Ogun state Agro-Economic Transformation programme.
“This programme will be replicated in the other two Senatorial Districts immediately after the Easter celebration because we have plans to empower no fewer than 2000 farmers,” he said.
In Bauchi, Mr Mohammed Salihu, Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, said the state initiated viable agriculture transformation programmes to boost productivity through comprehensive farmer support services.
Salihu said the programmes were designed to accelerate crop and livestock production, encourage farmer enterprising skills, and value addition to create market for the produce.
He said the programmes were part of strategies adopted to enhance food security, address hunger and poverty among citizens of the state.
The director said the state government constituted a committee to gather inputs and make recommendations towards addressing food insecurity in the state.
In Jagawa, Mr Hamisu Gumel, the media aide to Gov. Umar Namadi, said the state planned to expand the scope of wheat/rice cultivation programme from 150,000 to 300,000 hectres next cropping season.
He said the programme was designed to encourage agriculture productivity, uplift livelihoods and boost state revenue base.
Namadi said the programme was being implemented in collaboration between the state, Federal Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“We also prepared to go for massive cultivation of rice, currently about 105,000 farmers indicated interest this coming farming season.
“The state is expecting between 150,000 and 200,000 hectares of rice cultivation alone,” he said.
He said that the bank would support rice farmers in the state.
According to Gumel, the state government will provide inputs to the farmers at 40 per cent subsidy in the 2024 cropping season.
In Gombe, Malam Inuwa Salisu, a maize farmer, said that early distribution of fertilisers and inputs would encourage farmers to produce more and mitigate post-harvest losses.
“It is important for the state government or any stakeholders to always provide inputs in good time.
“This will help us plan because inputs are expensive, and many farmers now cultivate based on available inputs not the number of hectares you have.
“If you plan to cultivate five hectares and because of funds, you were only able to cultivate three in spite of having up to eight hectares of farmlands.
“When the government distributes inputs in July, many farmers may have concluded their arrangement and may have planted their crops,” he said.
In Ebonyi, Dr Ignatius Unah, the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ebonyi chapter, urged the federal and state governments to step up plans to provide farm inputs for farmers in the state.
Unah noted that provision of agro inputs for farmers would go a long way to avert impending food crisis.
“Well, we are yet to have the farm inputs from the federal and state governments.’’
He said that the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku, had x-rayed the good plans to assist farmers with fertiliser and other inputs.
“We believe the government of Ebonyi has the plans to boost agriculture in the state.’’
On accessibility to farm inputs and fertilisers in the state, Unah said that the cost of the commodities in the market had made it difficult for them.
“We believe the government have plans to subsidise these inputs in order to overcome food security and poorest of the farmers will have the opportunity to put crops in the farm as well as access to agro chemical inputs like fertiliser among others,” he said.
In Enugu, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, said the state would procure farm inputs and subsidise it for registered farmers in the state.
He said the office was open for farmers to register, which they did on daily basis.
According to him, the state is preparing for a pre-farming training for farmers to launch the state into new farming season and at the end of it, inputs like seedlings, fertilisers, sprayers and others will be distributed to the registered farmers.
He explained that the essence of the registration was to identify real farmers from political farmers.
“This is why we are doing validation of farmers after registration to ensure that the farm they said they have, belong to them; and during distribution, we go back to our database.
“In Enugu State, one of our major crops is cassava and we cultivated over 500 hectares of cassava for bioetheanol value chain development which Enugu State is a pilot for the project,’’ he said.
Ubru said there was need to encourage private individuals to establish feed mills to help push down prices.
In Lagos State, Mr Adewale Alade, Director, Agricultural Development Authority (ADA), said that the state government would unveil various aspects of urban farming to encourage residents to grow food during the raining season.
Alade said that urban farming was one the measures government was adopting during the planting season.
He said that government wanted every household to be able to cultivate one thing or the other.
He said a lot of preparation was ongoing for the raining season farming in the state.
“We are launching various aspects of urban farming where every household will be able to cultivate one thing or the other.
“The government is getting farmers prepared for the season by embarking on pre-season at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan.
“We are preparing our farmers through various training on how to approach the season.’’
On distribution of inputs and grains to farmers, Alade said that Lagos was working with the Federal Government to ensure the inputs got to the right beneficiaries.
“We are working with the Federal Government; we have farmers already listed to benefit from various kinds of inputs like fertilisers, seeds, pesticides and others.”
“All these are on ground while the state government is also working on its part to support farmers in various aspects too,” he said.
On the rising cost of livestock feed, an agriculture consultant and co-founder of Corporate Farmers International, Mr Akin Alabi, said that to ease the cost of livestock feed, the government needed to prioritise the subsidisation of agro-inputs.
In Akwa Ibom, Dr Offiong Offor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the state government had scaled up the quantity of farm inputs for distribution to farmers.
She added that more farmers would get farm inputs, depending on the crops of interest.
Offor said that the government had assisted farmers in land preparation by leasing out farm equipment at a reduced rate.
“Taking off the cost of land preparation and inputs from the farmers is a big relief, which will maximally increase production and profit margins,” she said.
Equally, in Rivers, the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to food security through the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) programme.
The State Programme Manager, Mr Vitalis Gbule, said that the strategy would guarantee bumper harvest in 2024 and beyond.
He said that as part of implementation of the poverty reduction strategy, the Federal Government recently distributed farm inputs to 250 verified farmers drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state.
‘’The input included seedlings, fertilisers, agro chemicals, fish feeds, poultry feeds and some hybrid poultry birds,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) said it had distributed agricultural inputs to farmers in Abia, Kebbi and Yobe.
NALDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr Paul Ikonne, said the inputs were aimed at assisting farmers to maximise crop cultivation for improved yields and increased food production.
He said that the beneficiaries in Abia and Yobe received NALDA-branded bags containing high grade fertiliser, herbicides and improved maize seeds.
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable manufacturing that minimises negative environmental impact while conserving energy and natural resources.
L-R: Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ogun State, Mr. Adebola Sofela; Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Nature’s Bounty Health Products Limited, Affiong Williams; Commissioner for Agriculture, Ogun State, Dr. Bolu Owotomo; Deputy Mission Director, USAID, Sara Werth; Regional Head, Lagos, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Omowunmi Kalejaiye; and the Special Adviser on Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, Ms. Sola Arobieke, during the commissioning ceremony of the ReelFruit factory of Nature’s Bounty Health Products Limited, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State on January 15, 2024. The construction of the factory was funded by FCMB
This was demonstrated by the newly inaugurated dried fruit manufacturing plant of Nature’s Bounty Health Products Limited in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Financed by FCMB, the 800-metric-ton manufacturing plant affirms Nature’s Bounty’s commitment to large-scale production and environmental responsibility.
Nature’s Bounty Health Products Limited, trading as ReelFruit, is a purpose-driven Nigerian food technology startup that transforms abundant local fruits like mangoes, coconuts, and cashews into healthy snacks. This prevents post-harvest wastage and protects farmers from revenue loss.
The company’s focus on social impact, supporting underserved communities, and promoting Nigerian products globally necessitated its expanded capacity. The new plant allows Nature’s Bounty Health Products to increase the production of its variety of ReelFruit products from 6 to 30 metric tons monthly, creating over 200 jobs.
Affiong Williams, Founder and CEO of Nature’s Bounty Health Products, highlights the factory’s broader significance: “This facility is more than just bricks and mortar; it embodies my unwavering belief in Nigeria’s agricultural and manufacturing potential. With this factory, we are scaling our dried fruit production to serve customers nationwide, export ‘Made in Nigeria’ products globally, and transform agribusiness. We are creating jobs, supporting farmers, and proving that large-scale impact is achievable. This facility is a positive symbol for Nigeria’s business landscape for generations to come.”
“FCMB consistently supports businesses that share our vision of a sustainable and inclusive Nigeria,” said Mrs. Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of First City Monument Bank. “Nature’s Bounty Health Products and its brand, ReelFruit, embodies this commitment, adding value to local produce while prioritising sustainable manufacturing practices and job creation. Their energy-efficient machinery and advanced effluent system has set a standard for the agribusiness sector.”
Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, called the new plant “a testimony to the can-do spirit of Nigerians”.
“We are excited to host this facility, which offers many benefits to our state and Nigeria. Our government is committed to fostering industrial development by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” he added.
The new factory reportedly has 10 times the capacity of its predecessor, positioning the ReelFruit brands to reach domestic and international markets with its premium dried fruits. The company’s innovative approach is said to have successfully balanced economic development and environmental protection.
In the spirit of the commemoration of the World Health Day on Sunday, April 7, 2024, environmental NGO, BAN Toxics, has highlighted the urgent need to address pressing climate issues of plastic pollution and global warming and how they impact public health.
Plastic waste pollution in Akobi Crescent, Lagos, Nigeria
“As the country contends with dangerous heat index levels resulting from human-induced climate change compounded by the warming influence of the naturally occurring El Niño phenomenon, we also face intensified health risks posed by plastic pollution.
“A warming climate diminishes the properties of plastics, accelerates their aging, heightens the risk of microplastics, and the release of hazardous substances,” Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics Policy Development and Research Officer, said.
“In addition to health risks associated with El Niño, such as heatstroke and vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses due to air quality, we must also address serious health risks posed by plastics.
“These include cancer, endocrine disruption leading to reproductive, growth, and cognitive impairments. Toxic chemical additives in plastics are known to have persistent and bioaccumulative health impacts. Experiments on microplastics indicate exposure can result in toxic effects such as oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, immune responses, neurotoxicity, as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity,” Lorenzo elaborated.
“Research indicates that rising temperatures and heat alter the characteristics of plastics, thus, driving the demand for more plastics and waste. Conversely, the overproduction of the plastic industry has been acknowledged as a significant emitter of greenhouse gasses, which then exacerbates climate change. This self-reinforcing cycle, as highlighted by scientists, constitutes a vicious cycle that warrants utmost attention and decisive measures to disrupt the cycle,” Lorenzo added.
The environmental group urges policymakers to prioritise implementing a comprehensive national ban on single-use plastics and other non-essential and problematic plastic products. They also call for establishing targets to cap and phase down virgin plastic production to address the reduction of plastic waste.
“Given the current limitations of our waste management capacity, which cannot handle the plastic waste crisis effectively, there is an urgent need to address this issue to prevent further profound harms to human health and the environment,” noted Lorenzo.
The Philippines is estimated to have produced nearly 5 billion kilogrammes of mismanaged plastic waste; a quantity expected to double to 9 billion kilograms by 2040 without additional interventions. Despite the enactment of the Extended Producer Responsibility law in 2023, which serves as the primary legal framework addressing plastic pollution, BAN Toxics advocates for regulatory strengthening. The organisation believes a framework to combat plastic pollution must encompass the entire lifecycle of plastics, starting from the extraction of raw materials, rather than solely focusing on the end-of-life phase.
“As global warming and plastic production, use, and waste intensify hand-in-hand, the country remains at a critical juncture, disproportionately vulnerable to the impact of these global challenges. On this World Health Day, we advocate for a holistic and systemic change approach to protect the health, welfare, livelihoods, and the environment.”
BAN Toxics has been participating in international negotiations for a legally binding international law aimed at reducing plastic pollution worldwide and covering the full life-cycle of plastic.
“To reverse the tide of plastic pollution, we advocate for a global plastics treaty that stipulates ambitious and binding reduction in plastic production of countries. We want to push forward the point that plastic is pollution from the moment of fossil fuel extraction,” Lorenzo said in a final statement.
Celebrated annually on April 7, International Beaver Day serves as a crucial extension of the themes explored in the discussion on beavers, emphasising the significance of these ecosystem engineers in enhancing biodiversity, water management, and habitat creation. This commemorative day not only deepens our appreciation for beavers’ ecological contributions but also highlights the urgent need for their conservation and the challenges they face, such as habitat loss and human conflict, writes Assaf Levy of BioDB
Beavers
Often overlooked, these industrious creatures play a pivotal role in the preservation and creation of wetlands, acting as natural engineers that shape our environment in ways that benefit countless other species, including humans. With a legacy that stretches back millions of years, beavers are not just survivors; they are influencers of the world around them, transforming landscapes and ecosystems with nothing but teeth and determination.
This article embarks on a journey to uncover the fascinating world of beavers, aiming to bring you closer to understanding these remarkable animals that shape the ecosystems they inhabit.
There are two distinct species of beavers that roam the forests and waterways of our planet: the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). The North American beaver, found in Canada, the United States, and parts of northern Mexico, boasts a population that is currently thriving, with estimates ranging from 6 to 15 million individuals. This resurgence is a testament to successful conservation efforts, as their numbers had previously plummeted due to overhunting in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
On the other hand, the Eurasian beaver has carved out its domain across parts of Europe and Asia. With a population that was once on the brink of extinction, numbering as low as 1,200 individuals, rigorous protection and reintroduction programmes have bolstered their numbers to approximately 1 million.
The Eurasian and North American beavers, while similar in many aspects, exhibit distinct physical differences that set them apart. The Eurasian beaver tends to have a more narrowly shaped skull and a less pronounced tail than its North American counterpart. Additionally, the Eurasian species typically boasts lighter fur and smaller, less webbed hind feet. In contrast, the North American beaver is noted for its larger, more webbed hind feet and broader, paddle-shaped tail, which it uses effectively for swimming and constructing its habitat. Both species share dense brown fur, which aids in insulation, but subtle variations in colour and texture can be observed, reflecting their adaptation to different environments across continents. These physical distinctions, though slight, underscore the evolutionary paths these species have taken, adapting over millennia to thrive in their respective habitats.
Despite their significant recovery, both species face ongoing threats that could jeopardise their populations. Habitat loss due to urban development, agriculture, and forestry poses the most significant risk. Additionally, climate change introduces new challenges, altering water levels and affecting the vegetation that beavers depend on for food and dam construction.
While both species are currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, indicating that they are not presently at significant risk of extinction, their situation underscores a delicate balance. The health of beaver populations is inextricably linked to the health of the wetlands and aquatic systems they help create and maintain.
Beavers are renowned for their ability to build dams, a skill that showcases their role as ecosystem engineers. These constructions are not just impressive feats of natural architecture; they serve critical ecological functions. By building dams, beavers create wetlands – biodiverse habitats that support a wide array of species, from fish and amphibians to birds and mammals. These wetlands also act as natural water purification systems, filtering pollutants and improving water quality. Furthermore, beaver dams help regulate water flow, reducing the impact of floods and droughts, which is increasingly important in the face of climate change.
Yet, the relationship between humans and beavers has been fraught with conflict. Beaver dams can sometimes cause flooding in areas used by humans, leading to the destruction of property and agricultural lands. In some regions, this has prompted the removal of beavers or the destruction of their dams. However, there’s a growing recognition of the ecological benefits beavers bring, and many communities are now exploring coexistence strategies. These include the installation of “beaver deceivers” and other flow devices that prevent flooding while allowing beavers to continue their beneficial activities.
Beaver conservation efforts have transitioned significantly over the years, moving from reactive measures to proactive, holistic strategies to preserve these keystone species and their habitats. Initially, conservation focused on regulating trapping and hunting to protect dwindling beaver populations from extinction. This was complemented by reintroduction programmes that brought beavers back to regions where they had been eradicated, such as various parts of Europe, including a notable reintroduction in Scotland after a 400-year absence.
Today’s ongoing efforts are multifaceted, encompassing habitat restoration projects that not only reintroduce beavers to suitable environments but also enhance existing ones to support their populations. Innovative conflict mitigation strategies, like the installation of flow devices, have been developed to resolve tensions between beaver activity and human interests, thereby fostering coexistence. Legal protections now safeguard beavers in many areas, helping manage their populations sustainably.
The story of beavers is one of resilience and ecological significance. These creatures are not just survivors from another age; they are active participants in shaping our world, creating habitats that support life in abundant forms. As we move forward, it’s clear that the fate of beavers is deeply entwined with our own.
Protecting these natural engineers and the habitats they create is not just an act of conservation; it’s a recognition of the intricate connections that sustain life on our planet. In embracing beavers, we embrace a vision of a world where humans and nature thrive together, bound by the mutual benefits of a healthy, functioning ecosystem.
