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In The Spotlight

The partnership was announced during the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA) Forum on November 4, 2025.

Poultry

In a major step toward sustainable agriculture and climate innovation, Tanmiah Food Company, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading poultry producers, has joined forces with Strataphy, a pioneer in geothermal cooling technology, to establish the Middle East and North Africa’s first geothermal-cooled poultry farm.

The groundbreaking pilot project will be located at Tanmiah’s Shaqrah Facility, marking a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward agricultural decarbonization.

The partnership was announced during the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA) Forum on November 4, 2025, under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Mansour Hilal Al Mushaiti, Vice Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah Food Company, emphasized that innovation and sustainability form the core of Tanmiah’s long-term vision.

“This partnership with Strataphy transforms our climate goals into real-world action,” Hamadani said. “Geothermal cooling not only supports our sustainability objectives but also delivers operational efficiency and aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

The new system will use Strataphy’s geothermal cooling technology, which taps into the Earth’s naturally stable underground temperatures through shallow boreholes. This provides a continuous, energy-efficient cooling solution—reducing dependence on conventional HVAC systems, cutting power consumption, and lowering carbon emissions.

Implemented under Strataphy’s Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) model, the project eliminates upfront costs for Tanmiah. Instead, it turns cooling into a predictable operational expense, with Strataphy managing system design, drilling, installation, and ongoing maintenance. The service model guarantees long-term performance and cost savings while reducing the environmental footprint of poultry production.

According to Ammar Alali, CEO of Strataphy, the collaboration represents a new era for clean technology in food production. He said, “In hot climates, poultry cooling can be a major energy drain. Our geothermal solution turns that challenge into an opportunity for sustainability and efficiency,” Alali explained. “This project proves that Saudi Arabia can lead the world in low-carbon agricultural innovation.”

The Shaqrah initiative is the first phase in Tanmiah’s broader plan to decarbonize its operations nationwide. Insights from the pilot will guide future geothermal deployments across Tanmiah’s network, potentially reshaping poultry farming economics throughout Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.

Muhammad Abbas Khan, Chief Strategy Officer at Tanmiah, added,“We’re proud to pioneer a solution that’s both economically viable and environmentally responsible. This initiative redefines how energy is used in food production and sets a benchmark for sustainable farming in arid regions.”

With cooling accounting for over 70% of Saudi Arabia’s building energy use, geothermal technology offers a scalable path to energy efficiency and food system resilience supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions for sustainability and innovation in agriculture.

Nestlé empowers Nigerian farmers.

Agriculture

As Nigeria faces rising food insecurity, degrading soils, and the growing threat of climate change, a fresh wave of sustainable agriculture is offering new hope for farmers.

Nestlé Nigeria, through its MAGGI brand, is leading this transformation with its Regenerative Agriculture (RegenAg) initiative—an ambitious project designed to boost crop yields, restore soil fertility, and build resilience among local farmers.

Launched in 2023, the RegenAg program brings together public and private partners including TechnoServe, IDH, and Ghana’s Centre for No-Till Agriculture. The pilot phase supported over 1,000 smallholder soybean farmers, providing them with training, improved seeds, and access to sustainable farming tools. Backed by an investment of more than ₦100 million, the initiative introduced eco-friendly techniques such as cover cropping, minimal tillage, crop rotation, and hedgerow planting—all proven methods to preserve soil nutrients, prevent erosion, and enhance long-term productivity.

According to Funmi Osineye, Category Manager for Culinary at Nestlé Nigeria, the initiative goes beyond sourcing ingredients for MAGGI. “Soybean is central to our product, but this project is really about creating a resilient food system. By training farmers especially women and youth—we’re ensuring better harvests today and healthier soils for the future,” she explained.

During a ceremony celebrating the pilot’s success, over 150 stakeholders from agriculture, business, and development sectors gathered to recognize farmers who excelled in adopting regenerative practices. One participant, Engineer Lawan Abdul, shared how his yields doubled after embracing the new methods. “Since I started applying the techniques from this project, my harvests have increased by 100%. It’s been life-changing,” he said.

Following these promising results, the program has expanded into a multi-partner initiative supported by AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) and Nestlé. The next phase targets 25,000 farmers nationwide, aiming to produce 80,000 metric tonnes of soybeans and other grains annually through regenerative farming.

Alidu Amadu, Head of Agriculture Services for Nestlé Central and West Africa, emphasized that the project shows the power of collaboration. “When farmers, businesses, and partners work together, we can restore the land, strengthen food systems, and create lasting prosperity,” he noted.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s national drive for food security and Nestlé’s global goal to source 20% of key ingredients through regenerative methods by 2025 and 50% by 2030. Experts believe such programs could transform Nigeria’s agriculture, helping smallholders adapt to climate change while ensuring a sustainable food future.

Agriculture

Thousands of smallholder tea farmers across Kenya are set to benefit from the government’s latest move to deliver nearly 100,000 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser, a partnership effort between the Government of Kenya and the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).

A vessel carrying the first batch of 30,000 metric tonnes docked at the Port of Mombasa over the weekend, marking the start of nationwide distribution. The fertiliser, identified as NPK 26:5:5, is a balanced formulation designed to boost soil fertility, improve tea bush health, and ultimately increase yields for farmers.

According to KTDA Chairman Geoffrey Kirundi, the fertiliser will be distributed to all tea farmers managed under KTDA across Kenya’s major tea-growing regions. “This consignment marks the beginning of a series of deliveries that will ensure our farmers receive fertiliser in good time,” he said.

Kirundi confirmed that additional shipments are already on their way, with 33,000 metric tonnes having left China and another 36,000 metric tonnes expected to depart within the next week. He added that KTDA is collaborating with port and logistics authorities to ensure swift movement of the fertiliser to various factories and farmers, despite minor logistical challenges caused by the ongoing short rains.

KTDA Board Member Gathuka Kagombe, who also attended the offloading ceremony, noted that the delay in the fertiliser’s arrival was due to prolonged legal cases over the tendering process. “The legal dispute dragged on for about ten months, eating into valuable logistical time that could have ensured earlier delivery to our farmers,” he explained.

Kagombe revealed that this was the third time in four years that court disputes had delayed fertiliser procurement. He said KTDA is working on long-term solutions to prevent such disruptions in future, as they have proven costly and inconvenient for farmers.

“Farmers will access the fertiliser at a subsidised price of Sh2,500 per 50-kg bag, following the Government's continued support to lower input costs and boost tea production,” Kagombe added.

KTDA Group Chief Executive Officer Wilson Muthaura reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through affordable input distribution. “By ensuring access to quality inputs, we are empowering farmers to produce the finest tea while safeguarding their livelihoods,” he said.

Muthaura noted that the arrival of the fertiliser reinforces KTDA’s promise to improve productivity, reduce production costs, and strengthen Kenya’s global position as one of the world’s leading tea producers.

For tea farmers, the timely access to affordable fertiliser comes as a welcome relief — one that is expected to rejuvenate plantations, enhance yields, and improve household incomes across the country’s key tea-growing regions.

African Farming

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Event News

9th edition of the GGAA is co-hosted by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Event News

For the first time in its history, the International Greenhouse Gas & Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA) has arrived on African soil—an historic moment placing the continent at the centre of the global dialogue on climate change, livestock, and sustainable agriculture

Now underway in Nairobi, Kenya, the 9th edition of the GGAA is co-hosted by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).

With over 500 scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives attending, the event seeks to shape practical, science-driven solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock while enhancing food security, supporting rural economies, and building climate resilience. The conference makes it clear: Africa is not just a stakeholder in this global challenge—it’s a critical player.

Choosing Nairobi was a deliberate shift in narrative. Africa is home to one-third of the world’s livestock, and in several countries, the livestock sector contributes up to 80% of GDP. Yet smallholder farmers who form the backbone of this sector have historically been underrepresented in international policy-making. Hosting GGAA in Kenya offers these communities not only visibility but a platform to influence future strategies and innovations.

A core message emerging from GGAA 2025 is that “one size doesn’t fit all.” Solutions developed for high-output systems in Europe or North America such as methane-reducing feed additives are often impractical in African contexts, where productivity levels differ significantly. Instead, the focus is on improving animal health, feed quality, and breeding the most effective tools for reducing emissions per unit of product in smallholder systems.

Throughout the conference, cutting-edge climate-smart innovations are being showcased. These include breeding cattle for lower methane emissions using genomic selection, real-time methane monitoring via exhalomics, circular manure systems that convert waste into energy and fertiliser, and digital farm tools to streamline carbon tracking and management. Some models suggest that improving disease control alone could cut emission intensity by 12%.

Technical sessions are diving deep into topics such as methane measurement, rumen microbiome genomics, policy integration, and sustainable manure management. But alongside the science, a strong call echoes throughout the conference: solutions must be practical, inclusive, and accessible for farmers on the ground.

As ILRI’s Director General, Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, said, “The goal is to cut emissions while raising yields—that’s the win-win of climate-smart livestock.”

GGAA 2025 is more than a conference; it’s a turning point. It signals the rise of Africa as a driver of equitable, locally informed, and globally impactful climate action within the livestock sector.

AAE 2026 will serve as a hub for innovation. (Image credit: Africa Agri Expo)

The New Africa: Education, Training, and Education for Agricultural and Agro-Mechanical Technicians. (Image credit: Agrilevante)

Livestock

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a serious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals.

Cattle

The Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Board (RAB) has imposed an immediate suspension on the movement of livestock in Kanama, Nyakiliba, and Kanzenze sectors of Rubavu District after a confirmed outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

The precautionary move aims to protect farmers’ livelihoods and prevent the highly contagious disease from spreading to other regions.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, 21 October, all movement and trade involving cows, goats, sheep, and pigs are temporarily banned. The restrictions also extend to the sale and transportation of animal products such as meat, milk, and skins. These measures are part of a nationwide effort to safeguard Rwanda’s livestock sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s food security and rural economy.

"Farmers with sick animals, suspected or developing symptoms of the illness are requested to be separated from other herds and report to the veterinary officer at the sector level,” the statement reads in part.

To strengthen control efforts, RAB has ordered that all cattle aged six months and above across Rubavu District be vaccinated every six months. Animals suspected of coming into contact with infected livestock will also be separated and quarantined to curb transmission.

The institution further cautioned that anyone ignoring these prevention measures will face penalties as outlined in Rwanda’s law governing the control of contagious animal diseases.

Local authorities have been called upon to play an active role in enforcing these guidelines. They are urged to conduct regular disinfection campaigns and closely monitor farmers to ensure that no contact occurs between healthy and infected animals.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a serious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals and can lead to significant production losses through reduced milk yield, weight loss, and restricted trade opportunities. By acting quickly, the Rwandan government aims to minimise economic losses and maintain the health of livestock, which remains a backbone of many rural households.

RAB’s swift intervention highlights the importance of cooperation between farmers, veterinarians, and local leaders in protecting the nation’s agricultural sector.

The partnership was announced during the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA) Forum on November 4, 2025.

Its goal is to create bacteriocin-rich extracts from specially engineered lactic acid bacteria.

Crops

Nestlé empowers Nigerian farmers.

Agriculture

As Nigeria faces rising food insecurity, degrading soils, and the growing threat of climate change, a fresh wave of sustainable agriculture is offering new hope for farmers.

Nestlé Nigeria, through its MAGGI brand, is leading this transformation with its Regenerative Agriculture (RegenAg) initiative—an ambitious project designed to boost crop yields, restore soil fertility, and build resilience among local farmers.

Launched in 2023, the RegenAg program brings together public and private partners including TechnoServe, IDH, and Ghana’s Centre for No-Till Agriculture. The pilot phase supported over 1,000 smallholder soybean farmers, providing them with training, improved seeds, and access to sustainable farming tools. Backed by an investment of more than ₦100 million, the initiative introduced eco-friendly techniques such as cover cropping, minimal tillage, crop rotation, and hedgerow planting—all proven methods to preserve soil nutrients, prevent erosion, and enhance long-term productivity.

According to Funmi Osineye, Category Manager for Culinary at Nestlé Nigeria, the initiative goes beyond sourcing ingredients for MAGGI. “Soybean is central to our product, but this project is really about creating a resilient food system. By training farmers especially women and youth—we’re ensuring better harvests today and healthier soils for the future,” she explained.

During a ceremony celebrating the pilot’s success, over 150 stakeholders from agriculture, business, and development sectors gathered to recognize farmers who excelled in adopting regenerative practices. One participant, Engineer Lawan Abdul, shared how his yields doubled after embracing the new methods. “Since I started applying the techniques from this project, my harvests have increased by 100%. It’s been life-changing,” he said.

Following these promising results, the program has expanded into a multi-partner initiative supported by AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) and Nestlé. The next phase targets 25,000 farmers nationwide, aiming to produce 80,000 metric tonnes of soybeans and other grains annually through regenerative farming.

Alidu Amadu, Head of Agriculture Services for Nestlé Central and West Africa, emphasized that the project shows the power of collaboration. “When farmers, businesses, and partners work together, we can restore the land, strengthen food systems, and create lasting prosperity,” he noted.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s national drive for food security and Nestlé’s global goal to source 20% of key ingredients through regenerative methods by 2025 and 50% by 2030. Experts believe such programs could transform Nigeria’s agriculture, helping smallholders adapt to climate change while ensuring a sustainable food future.

FAO seeks to ensure that farming remains part of the global solution to both climate change and food insecurity. (Image credit: FAO)

KTDA is reaffirming its commitment to empowering tea farmers and securing the sustainability of Kenya’s most valuable agricultural export.

Technology

Healthy soil is the starting point of every harvest. (Image credit: Husqvarna)

Machinery & Equipment

Brad Barthorpe, Sales Manager Distributors Africa for Husqvarna South Africa,says that it is not just about clearing ground, it’s about understanding your terrain,choosing the right tools, and setting up conditions that give crops the best possible start.“If you treat your soil well, it will pay you back with healthy plants and stronger yields.”

Healthy soil is the heart of successful farming. Whether you’re growing vegetables on a small plot or managing a larger field, the way you prepare your soil will determine how well your crops perform. Good preparation helps roots spread freely, improves water movement, and boosts nutrient availability, while poor timing or overworking the land can undo months of hard effort.

Soil has its own natural structure made up of different layers that support life beneath the surface. Digging too deep or tilling too aggressively can break these layers and damage the balance that healthy plants depend on. In most cases, loosening just the top 5 to 8 centimetres of soil is enough to create what’s known as a “fine tilth” — a loose, crumbly texture that allows roots, air, water, and nutrients to move freely. For small plots or gardens, lightweight tillers and cultivators are perfect tools to reduce compaction while keeping the sub-soil intact.

Timing is equally important. Working the soil when it’s too wet can cause clods and structural damage, while working it dry leaves only dust. The best test is simple: squeeze a handful of soil — it should hold its shape lightly and then crumble apart. Early spring, when the ground is warm but not saturated, usually offers the ideal conditions for soil preparation.

Sometimes, deeper tilling becomes necessary, especially when poor drainage, restricted root growth, or compacted layers known as “hardpan” are present. In such cases, a sturdy rear-tine tiller can help. Start with a shallow pass to break the surface crust, then go deeper to loosen the lower layers. Always work in straight, consistent lines and let the machine’s own weight do the job. On sloped land, till across the slope to prevent erosion and water run-off.

For soils already in good health, minimal or no-dig methods work beautifully. Simply layer compost, manure, or mulch on top, allowing worms and microbes to mix it naturally. Always clear stones and debris before working, wear proper safety gear, and keep bystanders safe. 

“Healthy soil is the starting point of every harvest,” notes Barthorpe.“With seasonal timing, sound technique, and the right tools, like those from Husqvarna, land preparation shifts from chore to investment,” he concludes.

 

Angonabeiro continues to support national farmers while promoting innovation, quality, and sustainability in the country’s coffee sector.

LEMKEN’s precision seeding portfolio and extend its presence in key agricultural markets worldwide. (Image credit: LEMKEN)

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