All set for Virgin Gold sunflower Cooking Oil grand finale launch in Lira city

Virgin Gold Cooking Oil entered Ugandan markets in recent months, with supplies across country’s top supermarkets; wholesale and retail shops in major towns.

The product successfully launched earlier in Kampala in January, the grand finale is set for 16th August 2018 in Lira city at the Mayors Garden and to be presided over by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Hon Amelia kyambade.

The idea is to make sure that our people first use healthy oils and secondly we get to keep our money with the local economy,” says Paul Omara, the Chief Executive Officer of Ngetta Tropical Holdings (NTH) Ltd ahead of the launch.

Dignitaries expected to attend include politicians, businessmen, government officials, cooperators, religious leaders and eminent leaders. The event will attract members of parliament from Lango, Acholi, Residence District Commissioners, Chairmen and CAOs of all districts of Lango and Acholi, the Chamber of commerce, the Religious leaders of Lango.

Also on the guest list is business community and leaders representing 42 cooperatives from Lango and Acholi and the public.

The event will kick off with a 1000 man band walk from the Mayors’ garden via various avenues throughout the Lira City through Oyite Ojok Avenue and back through Milton Obote Avenue.

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CRU and AFAP create the opportunity for African fertilizer and agribusiness projects seeking finance

CRU Events (www.CRUgroup.com) and The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) are working with partners across Africa to offer brownfield projects seeking capital investment, the chance to make a showcase presentation to an audience of global investors and financiers.

This opportunity to raise finance, named the “Investment Showcase” will take place at the CRU Africa Fertilizer Agribusiness 2018 Conference. The conference, now in its 4th edition, will be held 24-26 September 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. The event typically attracts more than 400 senior fertilizer executives and agribusiness stakeholders from across the global fertilizer and agribusiness supply chain.

Tom Willatt, Portfolio Director for Fertilizer Events at CRU said, “Through our unique partnership with AFAP, the conference provides unrivalled networking opportunities with senior decision-makers from the biggest fertilizer buyers and manufacturers in some of the world’s fastest growing fertilizer markets. The event has gone from strength to strength, and CRU and AFAP are both delighted to be able to build on the success of the event by creating the opportunity for brownfield projects in Africa to meet with and present to the investment community and increase their chance of securing funding”

Qualified and categorised projects will be selected that are seeking investment of over US$1m in brownfield projects and are focused on fertilizer, agri-inputs supply chain, agriculture, agro-processing and/or value addition sectors.

Projects will be selected on the strength of the proposal, with the intention to provide a diverse geographic range and representation from across the fertilizer and agribusiness supply chain. Investors that attend the showcase will be provided with a full package of information and will have the opportunity to meet and discuss with the project leaders seeking finance.

Submissions forms need to be completed and returned by 25 August 2018.

To request a copy of the submission form or to nominate a project, please email your name, project and a brief description of why you feel it is appropriate for a showcase position to Tom Willatt: Tom.Willatt@CRUGroup.com

The CRU Africa Fertilizer Agribusiness 2018 Conference is a comprehensive three-day event, centred on how partnership, investment and innovation can boost fertilizer trade and allow agribusiness to flourish in the African region. It promises to deliver a first-hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities, and offers unrivalled access to high-level, hard-to-reach decision-makers, to facilitate business opportunities for delegates.

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Top and bottom 5 market price information for 14-08-2018

Grain and cereal market activity today

Find the latest market activity and compare performance of the top5 and bottom 5 markets across east africa

TOP 5 MARKETS: MAIZE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Bujumbura Burundi 368.98 397.36
Dar es salaam Tanzania 263.38 307.28
Ruhuha Rwanda 256.71 291.72
Kisumu Kenya 250.38 300.46
Kamembe Rwanda 233.37 291.72

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS:MAIZE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Ngozi Burundi 0 0
Masindi Uganda 103.63 109.08
Lira Uganda 109.08 136.36
Tororo Uganda 109.08 136.36
Mbeya Tanzania 109.74 131.69

TOP 5 MARKETS: RED SORGHUM

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Bujumbura Burundi 482.51 510.9
Eldoret Kenya 450.14 540.16
Ruhuha Rwanda 408.4 466.75
Kamembe Rwanda 338.39 373.4
Masindi Uganda 299.98 327.25

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS:RED SORGHUM

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Ngozi Burundi 0 0
Gulu Uganda 76.36 109.08
Dodoma Tanzania 131.69 0
Lira Uganda 136.36 218.17
Tororo Uganda 136.36 218.17

TOP 5 MARKETS:WHEAT

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Bujumbura Burundi 709.58 737.96
Eldoret Kenya 530.16 570.17
Iringa Tanzania 526.76 614.56
Dar es salaam Tanzania 438.97 570.66
Mbeya Tanzania 395.07 417.02

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

WHEAT

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Ngozi Burundi 0 0
Mbeya Tanzania 395.07 417.02
Dar es salaam Tanzania 438.97 570.66
Iringa Tanzania 526.76 614.56
Eldoret Kenya 530.16 570.17

TOP 5 MARKETS

RICE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Eldoret Kenya 1180.35 1350.41
Kisumu Kenya 1101.67 1201.82
Kabale Uganda 954.49 1036.3
Owino Uganda 954.49 1036.3
Kampala Uganda 899.94 954.49

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

RICE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Ngozi Burundi 0 0
Iringa Tanzania 702.35 790.14
Masindi Uganda 763.59 818.13
Kamembe Rwanda 816.81 875.15
Gulu Uganda 818.13 954.49

TOP 5 MARKETS

MILLET

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Eldoret Kenya 980.29 1060.32
Kisumu Kenya 801.22 901.37
Mwanza Tanzania 570.66 658.45
Masindi Uganda 490.88 545.42
Dar es salaam Tanzania 438.97 526.76

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

MILLET

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Lira Uganda 245.44 259.07
Tororo Uganda 245.44 259.07
Gulu Uganda 327.25 436.34
Kampala Uganda 327.25 409.07
Kabale Uganda 327.25 409.07

TOP 5 MARKETS

MIXED BEANS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Dar es salaam Tanzania 658.45 790.14
Eldoret Kenya 630.19 670.2
Gulu Uganda 545.42 681.78
Bujumbura Burundi 510.9 539.28
Rubavu Market Rwanda 443.41 490.08

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

MIXED BEANS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Ngozi Burundi 0 0
Kabale Uganda 354.52 409.07
Lira Uganda 381.79 409.07
Tororo Uganda 381.79 409.07
Ruhuha Rwanda 385.07 431.74

TOP 5 MARKETS

COW PEAS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Masindi Uganda 1309.01 1363.55
Eldoret Kenya 1140.34 1260.38
Gulu Uganda 818.13 954.49
Mwanza Tanzania 570.66 658.45
Makueni Kenya 300.46 450.68

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

COW PEAS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Makueni Kenya 300.46 450.68
Mwanza Tanzania 570.66 658.45
Gulu Uganda 818.13 954.49
Eldoret Kenya 1140.34 1260.38
Masindi Uganda 1309.01 1363.55

TOP 5 MARKETS

GREEN PEAS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Mwanza Tanzania 2194.84 2633.81
Eldoret Kenya 1310.39 1400.42
Kamembe Rwanda 1283.55 1400.24
Bujumbura Burundi 1135.33 1192.09
Ngozi Burundi 0 0

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

GREEN PEAS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Ngozi Burundi 0 0
Bujumbura Burundi 1135.33 1192.09
Kamembe Rwanda 1283.55 1400.24
Eldoret Kenya 1310.39 1400.42
Mwanza Tanzania 2194.84 2633.81

TOP 5 MARKETS

GREEN GRAMS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Eldoret Kenya 1120.34 1270.38
Kisumu Kenya 600.91 701.06
Makueni Kenya 600.91 751.14
Dar es salaam Tanzania 570.66 658.45
Gulu Uganda 545.42 681.78

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

GREEN GRAMS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Lira Uganda 436.34 490.88
Tororo Uganda 436.34 490.88
Gulu Uganda 545.42 681.78
Dar es salaam Tanzania 570.66 658.45
Kisumu Kenya 600.91 701.06

TOP 5 MARKETS

GROUND NUTS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Eldoret Kenya 1330.4 1460.44
Kamembe Rwanda 1050.18 1166.87
Masindi Uganda 954.49 1090.84
Dar es salaam Tanzania 834.04 921.83
Gulu Uganda 818.13 954.49

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

GROUND NUTS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Mbeya Tanzania 768.19 790.14
Iringa Tanzania 790.14 877.94
Gulu Uganda 818.13 954.49
Dar es salaam Tanzania 834.04 921.83
Masindi Uganda 954.49 1090.84

TOP 5 MARKETS

SUN FLOWER SEED

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Dodoma Tanzania 311.67 0

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

SUN FLOWER SEED

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Dodoma Tanzania 311.67 0

TOP 5 MARKETS

IMPORTED RICE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Ngozi Burundi 1305.62 1362.39
Bujumbura Burundi 1248.86 1277.24
Masindi Uganda 1118.11 1145.38
Owino Uganda 1090.84 1227.2
Kampala Uganda 1063.57 1172.65

FOR MORE MARKET INFORMATION: VISIT RATIN

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Cipla Quality Chemical industries Limited Opens Initial Public Offer at UGX 256.5 per share

Kampala. The Board of Directors of Cipla Quality Chemical Industries Limited (CiplaQCIL), a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Sub Saharan Africa, are pleased to announce the opening of the Initial Public Offer starting today, Tuesday 14 August through Friday 24 August 2018.

“Our long term vision at CiplaQCIL is to become a center of excellence in the manufacturing of quality, affordable and newer medicines that improve the quantity and quality of life.

Our WHO pre-qualified products are approved by regulatory authorities in 19 countries, including: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Namibia, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Ethiopia, Angola and South Sudan among others. CiplaQCIL is the only pharmaceutical manufacturer in Sub Saharan Africa supplying Malaria medicines to the Global Fund.” Nevin Bradford, the CEO of CiplaQCIL said,

“Today marks a great milestone at Cipla Quality Chemicals Industries Limited as we launch our Initial Public Offer and encourage and enable Ugandan investors to share in our success story after being under private ownership for over 13 years” The Executive Chairman of CiplaQCIL Emmanuel Katongole said,

Since our humble beginning 13 years ago, we have made a significant contribution to the effort to save lives by arresting the scourge of dreaded diseases, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B. Importantly, as these diseases are particularly burdensome in Africa, we do this entirely from our state-of-the-art Kampala manufacturing plant, with zero tolerance for any compromise in quality.

In the last financial year alone, CiplaQCIL supplied HIV/AIDS medicines to approximately 500,000 HIV-infected people and Malaria drugs capable of treating approximately 45 million malaria infections. This in turn had a significant impact on the domestic economy in Uganda in terms of employment, investment, trade balance improvement, foreign exchange savings among others.

Joseph Kibuuka of Crested Capital, the Lead Sponsoring Stockbroker for the IPO said, “Interested investors may contact the Authorized Selling Agents and Members of the Uganda Securities Exchange or to visit any branch of Standard Chartered Bank to participate in the CiplaQCIL IPO. Investors are encouraged to obtain a copy of the prospectus which provides further details about the Company and the IPO. We thank the timely efforts of the regulators in granting approvals and for providing a positive signal that Uganda’s capital markets are attractive to local, regional, and international investors.”

Transaction Advisors, Renaissance Capital is the Lead Transaction Advisor (LTA) and Crested Capital is the Lead Sponsoring Stock Broker (LSSB) to the Transaction.

Major International Certifications attained by CiplaQCIL

  • World Health Organization (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practices for plant and products
  • International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC)
  • Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDI)
  • Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board GMP
  • Tanzania Food and Drugs Administration (TFDA)
  • Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA)
  • Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA)
  • Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC)
  • Ethiopia Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA)
  • Ivory Coast Direction de la Pharmacie et du Medicament (DPM)
  • South Sudan General Medical Council (SSGMC)
  • Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC)
  • Angola National Directorate of Medicines and Equipment(DNME)

Awards received by CiplaQCIL

  • Africa award for entrepreneurship (Transformational Business of the year: 2012 winner)
  • Landmark Africa Private Equity Deal of the Decade (Private Equity Africa: 2012 Winner)
  • Outstanding Achievement in development of the Pharmaceutical sector (Ministry of Health: 2012 winner)
  • Investor of the Year (Uganda Investment Authority: 2007 Winner)

The post Cipla Quality Chemical industries Limited Opens Initial Public Offer at UGX 256.5 per share appeared first on The Cooperator News.

RATIN MARKET PRICES FOR 2018-08-13

TOP 5 MARKETS

MAIZE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Bujumbura Burundi 400.33 428.93
Nairobi Kenya 291.12 401.55
Dar es salaam Tanzania 263.41 307.31
Dar es salaam Tanzania 263.41 351.21
Kisumu Kenya 250.38 300.46

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

MAIZE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Lira Uganda 109.06 136.33
Tororo Uganda 109.06 136.33
Mbeya Tanzania 109.75 131.7
Kampala Uganda 122.7 163.59
Busia Uganda 127.6 163.59

TOP 5 MARKETS

RED SORGHUM

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Bujumbura Burundi 571.91 629.1
Nairobi Kenya 421.63 552.13
Meru Kenya 321.24 351.35
Dar es salaam Tanzania 307.31 395.11
Dar es salaam Tanzania 285.36 351.21

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

RED SORGHUM

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Lira Uganda 136.33 218.13
Tororo Uganda 136.33 218.13
Busia Uganda 152.14 190.86
Kabale Uganda 163.59 218.13
Kampala Uganda 190.86 245.39

TOP 5 MARKETS

WHEAT

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Bujumbura Burundi 657.69 686.29
Iringa Tanzania 614.62 658.52
Mwanza Tanzania 570.72 658.52
Nairobi Kenya 501.93 652.51
Mbeya Tanzania 439.01 482.91

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

WHEAT

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Mbeya Tanzania 395.11 417.06
Mbeya Tanzania 439.01 482.91
Dar es salaam Tanzania 439.01 570.72
Dar es salaam Tanzania 439.01 526.82
Nairobi Kenya 501.93 652.51

TOP 5 MARKETS

RICE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Nairobi Kenya 1505.8 1706.58
Kisumu Kenya 1101.67 1201.82
Kisumu Kenya 1101.67 1201.82
Owino Uganda 954.3 1036.09
Kabale Uganda 954.3 1036.09

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

RICE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Mwanza Tanzania 526.82 658.52
Iringa Tanzania 702.42 790.22
Bujumbura Burundi 800.67 857.86
Tororo Uganda 872.5 954.3
Lira Uganda 872.5 954.3

TOP 5 MARKETS

MILLET

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Kisumu Kenya 801.22 901.37
Kisumu Kenya 801.22 901.37
Nairobi Kenya 752.9 903.48
Meru Kenya 672.59 752.9
Dar es salaam Tanzania 570.72 702.42

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

MILLET

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Lira Uganda 245.39 259.02
Tororo Uganda 245.39 259.02
Kampala Uganda 272.66 408.99
Busia Uganda 314.1 354.45
Kabale Uganda 327.19 408.99

TOP 5 MARKETS

MIXED BEANS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Dar es salaam Tanzania 658.52 790.22
Dar es salaam Tanzania 658.52 746.32
Nairobi Kenya 501.93 602.32
Bujumbura Burundi 486.12 514.72
Meru Kenya 421.63 451.74

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

MIXED BEANS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Kabale Uganda 354.45 408.99
Busia Uganda 363.18 408.99
Lira Uganda 381.72 408.99
Owino Uganda 408.99 490.78
Kampala Uganda 408.99 490.78

TOP 5 MARKETS

COW PEAS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Nairobi Kenya 702.71 853.29
Mwanza Tanzania 570.72 658.52
Meru Kenya 351.35 401.55

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

COW PEAS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Meru Kenya 351.35 401.55
Mwanza Tanzania 570.72 658.52
Nairobi Kenya 702.71 853.29

TOP 5 MARKETS

GREEN PEAS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Mwanza Tanzania 2195.06 2634.07
Bujumbura Burundi 1372.57 1429.76
Eldoret Kenya 1332.02 1422.16
Nairobi Kenya 752.9 853.29

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

GREEN PEAS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Nairobi Kenya 752.9 853.29
Eldoret Kenya 1332.02 1422.16
Bujumbura Burundi 1372.57 1429.76
Mwanza Tanzania 2195.06 2634.07

TOP 5 MARKETS

GREEN GRAMS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Nairobi Kenya 762.94 903.48
Dar es salaam Tanzania 614.62 702.42
Kisumu Kenya 600.91 701.06
Kisumu Kenya 600.91 701.06
Dar es salaam Tanzania 570.72 658.52

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

GREEN GRAMS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Lira Uganda 436.25 490.78
Tororo Uganda 436.25 490.78
Meru Kenya 552.13 602.32
Dar es salaam Tanzania 570.72 658.52
Mwanza Tanzania 570.72 658.52

TOP 5 MARKETS

GROUND NUTS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Meru Kenya 903.48 1003.87
Nairobi Kenya 903.48 1254.84
Iringa Tanzania 878.03 965.83
Iringa Tanzania 878.03 965.83
Dar es salaam Tanzania 834.12 921.93

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

GROUND NUTS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Mbeya Tanzania 768.27 790.22
Mwanza Tanzania 790.22 878.03
Dar es salaam Tanzania 834.12 921.93
Dar es salaam Tanzania 834.12 965.83
Iringa Tanzania 878.03 965.83

TOP 5 MARKETS

IMPORTED RICE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Nairobi Kenya 1204.64 1305.03
Bujumbura Burundi 1201 1258.19
Owino Uganda 1090.63 1226.95
Kampala Uganda 1063.36 1172.42

BOTTOM 5 MARKETS

IMPORTED RICE

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Kampala Uganda 1063.36 1172.42
Owino Uganda 1090.63 1226.95
Bujumbura Burundi 1201 1258.19
Nairobi Kenya 1204.64 1305.03

TOP 5 MARKETS

OLD BEANS

Market Country Wholesale Price(USD/MT) Retail Price(USD/MT)
Dar es salaam Tanzania 790.22 878.03
Dar es salaam Tanzania 746.32 878.03
Iringa Tanzania 702.42 790.22
Nairobi Kenya 501.93 652.51
Owino Uganda 490.78 627.11

SOURCE: RATIN

The post RATIN MARKET PRICES FOR 2018-08-13 appeared first on The Cooperator News.

Government set aside 100bn shillings for grain dealers to buy maize

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

Govt sets aside 100bn for the purchase of maize by private sector: Government has set aside Ugx 100bn shillings for grain dealers to buy maize from farmers at not less than 500/= per Kilogram.

Addressing the media at the Uganda Media Center , the Minister for Finance planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaijja said government will not directly buy the maize from farmers as it was reported by the Minister for Trade and Cooperative Amelia Kyambadde but it will support the private sector to buy the grain.

“Given the low price on maize, the government of Uganda together with the Bank of Uganda, the Grain Council of Uganda and Commercial Banks has therefore initiated measures to mop up excess maize grain using the Agriculture Credit Facility. This intervention will enable farmers across the country to sell their maize stocks at not less than Ugx 500 per kilogram” He explained.

Under the government initiative, government will avail shillings 100 Billion for grain finance through the banking system at a maximum rate of 15% per annum to enable the purchase of grain by any individual Uganda trade , members of the grain Council of Uganda and Cooperative Unions across the country.

Under the system, Commercial Banks will disburse up to Uganda shillings 5 billion within 7 working days after receipt of eligible loan applications for loans.

Who is legible for the loan? According to the Minister the funds will be accessible to all interested traders in maize business who have the requisite storage facilities , cleaning and drying facilities in order to allow the grain to be stored for at least 6 months when the prices are expected to recover.

Government’s decision to intervene comes at a time when farmers across the country are decrying the very low prices for their maize, which have, on average, fallen to sh200 per kilo. The fall in prices is usually attributed to bumper harvests across the country.

Source: East Africa Business Week (EABW)

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Safe Spaces for Youth: Here are some of the youth co-operative initiatives in Africa

The world has never been this young and even getting younger each and every day. Therefore, for us to have a sustained and developed tomorrow, it will depend on how well we nature and support our young women and men hence the saying ‘the youth can walk fast but the old knows the way’. Economic empowerment of youth remains to be a priority in our Africa continent since the growing economy needs the productive capacity of their labour force. Despite the efforts made by some of the African countries, it has not contributed much to the realization of Agenda 20163 ‘The Africa We Want’.

As we celebrate this year’s Youth Day 2018 themed “Safe Space for Youth”, calling for safe spaces for the youth to collaborate and engage in activities that relates to their diverse needs and interests, participate in decision making processes and freedom of expression without feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome. Co-operatives being key actors that support the achievement and implementations for the Sustainable Development Goals, the youth day theme specifically targets Goal 11- Sustainable cities and communities that emphasizes on the need for the provision of space towards inclusive and sustainable urbanization.

This Youth Day, we present to you some of the youth co-operative initiatives in the region of Africa.

Minds Cooperative – Botswana

Youth co-operative that empowers young men and women in agribusiness drive with different economic diversification and Food Security. It helps in building long term relationships with customers and clients and provides exceptional customer services by pursuing business through innovation and advanced technology. They also work also work towards building the confidence of women and empowering them, to fight the youth unemployment rate and help in the economic diversification drive through co-operatives.

Farmers League Co-operative Society – Ghana

Is an agro-based Co-operative Association registered under the laws of Ghana. It helps smallholder farmers in Ghana to minimizing the activities of middlemen along the distribution channel by linking them to shoppers through the first ever farmers online market established in Ghana called Akuafo Market.

E-farm Co-operative Society ltd – Kenya

E-Farm is an Agribusiness Co-operative Society, owned by members from all walks of life, the aim is to Agribusiness with an intention to add value to members Land, supplement members income, create employment and enhance food security. E-farm co-operative conducts Site visits every Saturday, and gives its members an opportunity to own a part of our current project at an affordable price.

COOBAKAMU Coffee Co-operative – Rwanda

Zipora Nyituriki is the founder COOBAKAMU Coffee Co-operative, which has now more than 400 coffee farmers working in the district of Muhanga in Southern Rwanda. Zipora now owns a coffee processing plant in the same district that helps farmers in coffee husks removal, washing, fermentation, drying and linking them to the buyers who are NAEB (National Agricultural Export Board), RwaCof Export (Rwanda Coffee Export) at Kigali. The reasons why she started this plant is because 98% of coffee that the buyers received were not processed while they prefer to get processed coffee only 2%processed coffee received. Also 90% of coffee farmers in Muhanga District sold their coffee at a very low price, they struggled to find a market because they lacked value additions like removing the husks and drying their coffee, removed the coffee husks themselves by using their hands, and had transportation problem where they used to carry the coffee sacs on their heads which was requiring them 4 hours to reach the washing station.

Pottery & Zellij Tile Co-operative – Morocco

Morocco is historically known for its Moroccan tradition of zellij tile design and hand thrown pottery. The co-operative makes tiles, decorative and art of hand cut geometric mosaic designs in richness of colors and patterns highly in forms of artistic expression in Moroccan culture and the Islamic world. In the recent years, they have inspired interior designers and gained momentum as an international design trend. This has led to introduction of artisan classes to enable other young people to learn the traditions of this beautiful craft.

Source: International Cooperative Alliance

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Kenyan Parliament to investigate maize woes, Delayed payments

Parliament yesterday started a push to have the Government pay maize farmers Sh3.5 billion. MPs and Senators said they wanted to get to the bottom of the challenges that have crippled farmers for the past eight months.

In the National Assembly, Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter tabled a petition demanding the payments, while at the Senate, members formed an ad hoc committee to look into maze imports and the pay delay. The committee will also look into challenges facing maize farmers and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and make recommendations to the House within 60 days. In his petition, Mr Keter said farmers in the North Rift were victims of cartels and exploitation by middlemen.

Delayed payments

He said farmers were suffering because of the delayed payments, making it difficult for them to buy farm inputs. “The petitioners pray that the National Assembly, through the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, recommend that the National Cereals and Produce Board speedily pay farmers their dues,” said Keter. National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi directed the matter to the Agriculture Committee. In the Senate, a motion co-sponsored by Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar and Bungoma’s Moses Wetang’ula will seek to unravel the puzzle behind the crisis in the sector.

Other members of the committee are senators Samson Cherargei (Nandi), Christopher Langat (Bomet), Petronilla Were (Nominated), Boniface Kabaka (Machakos), Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), Mary Seneta (Nominated) and Michael Mbito (Trans Nzoia).

The petitioners pray that the National Assembly, through the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, recommend that the National Cereals and Produce Board speedily pay farmers their dues,” said Keter

Maize producers

Moving the motion, Prof Kamar noted that some maize producers had failed to meet their children’s education obligations due to the crisis.

“Farmers from the North Rift region convened a major meeting in Eldoret town and demanded a solution to the predicament. Sadly, their challenges have yet to be addressed. It is high time leaders intervened and gave them a solution,” said Kamar. She added: “It is painful to learn that whereas a farmer could be owed millions of shillings for maize deliveries, he cannot clear a Sh200,000 fee demand for his university children,” said Kamar.

The sponsors of the motion said they were concerned that the last duty free window which was scheduled to end in October 2017 was not terminated as expected. Deliveries continued until late December, leading to overstocking in most NCPB stores, yet it was not clear where the maize deliveries came from. “We have achieved only 2.9 per cent in budgetary allocation, which is a violation of the Maputo Declaration that requires governments to allocate 10 per cent of budgets to development of agriculture. At the moment, we are seeing lorries in Trans Nzoia smuggling maize from Uganda,” said Mr Wetang’ula.

“We must protect maize farmers, ugali being a staple food in the country,” said Senator Cherargei. Yesterday’s motion comes against the backdrop of several meetings by North Rift farmers. On Monday they gave the Government two weeks to address their grievances or face legal action. The committee will investigate the quantity of maize imported during the duty-free window which was supposed to end in October 2017.

It will also seek to find out why the period was extended. It will also look into the challenges facing maize farmers and the NCPB and make recommendations on how to resolve them. Leader of Majority and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen expressed dismay at the delay in paying farmers. “Farmers started delivering their produce from October last year. There are various categories of persons who delivered maize to NCPB. They include those who delivered it directly from their farms and those who supposedly imported maize and delivered it,” he said. Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja urged the committee to come up with practical solutions to the perennial problems facing farmers.

Source: Standard Digital

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Ethiopia: How Conservation Agriculture Is Helping Farmers Become More Than Subsistence Farmers

By Sophie Reeve

Major factors limiting food production for smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa include the depletion of soil fertility, soil erosion and periodic droughts due to climate change. In Ethiopia, crop productivity is further constrained by a lack of quality inputs such as improved seeds, and high prices of chemical fertilizers, which has resulted in low levels of technology uptake. Poor transport infrastructure also makes it difficult and expensive to get goods to markets. This combination of factors has led to a predominance of subsistence agriculture and low yields and incomes for Ethiopian farmers.

To improve production and increase the food and income security of smallholder farmers across eastern and southern Africa, the Sustainable Intensification of Maize-Legume Cropping Systems for Food Security in Eastern and Southern Africa (SIMLESA) project is working with over 235,000 farming households to help them apply ‘conservation agriculture’ (CA)-based practices. These techniques, such as crop residue retention, minimum soil disturbance and intercropping (or rotation) of maize and legumes have been found to simultaneously boost crop yields whilst enhancing soil health by increasing moisture levels, and reducing soil degradation.

Impacts for income

In Hawassa Zuria district, Yohannes Gudeta, a 30-year-old maize farmer, has been applying the SIMLESA-promoted CA-based practices for the past 8 years. Introduced to the project in 2010 by researchers from the regional agricultural research institute, Yohannes provided a small plot of land on which the CA-based practices could be demonstrated and managed jointly by the researchers and himself. After a year of experimentation on his farm, Yohannes noted an important difference in the health of his soil, “They intercropped maize and beans without plowing the land, and the residue was retained on the field. The land became more fertile and had better organic matter. Secondly, because of the residue, the soil maintained more moisture,” he explains.”Per hectare, my yields have increased by 2 tons and, at a minimum, I am earning US $500 more per hectare.”

Yohannes went on to adopt maize and bean intercropping, minimum tillage practices and crop residue retention across the entirety of his maize farm, which has not only helped to increase his yields, but has enhanced his nutrition and income security. “I used to grow only maize, but with the intercropping, my farm is more diverse,” says Yohannes, who also now grows enset. “Per hectare, my yields have increased by 2 tons and, at a minimum, I am earning US $500 more per hectare.”

Compared to using conventional farming methods, Yohannes has saved money and labor due, in part, to the retention of crop residues on his field which return key nutrients to the soil. “I plant earlier than others in my community who aren’t using the CA practices. I can plant everything all at once – and I only plow the field once – whereas my neighbors have to plow four times. I also use less chemical fertilizer because of retaining the residue.” With more time and money available to take up other income-generating activities, Yohannes has built a hotel-restaurant business in the local town, which is managed by his wife, Hanna. He started building the hotel 5 years ago and now employs 15 people as chefs, waiters, cleaners and guards.

Since adopting the CA-based practices, Yohannes Gudeta has more time and money to diversify his income sources

Problems with policy

However, according to Yohannes, implementation of CA practices has not been without its challenges, particularly with regards to the local livestock of neighboring farmers that are free to roam across his fields during the dry season and consume his crop residue. To address the problem of free-grazing on crop stubble, national and local policy should be redesigned, says Goshime Muluneh, researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). Without the integration of CA within agricultural policy and increased extension support, Goshime is concerned that farmers will lose out on the opportunity to improve their food and nutrition security. “National policy needs to implement CA practices… if it promotes conventional agriculture practices, farmers won’t get the benefits… Without a policy change on free grazing, one of our doubts is that CA might not be scaled out,” he says.

Sustainability for SIMLESA?

Dr Eyasu Abraha, former Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is hoping to address the concerns of local researchers and encourage the implementation of CA-based practices within national policy. At an external review meeting for SIMLESA held in Addis Abeba in March 2018, Eyasu voiced his backing for the project, stating that, “SIMLESA has recently developed a policy brief on scaling conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification in Ethiopia. I would like to assure you of the implementation of the recommendations articulated in the brief. Land is a resource we inherit from our families… I have to protect it from rain and wind erosion and maintain the soil fertility, so we have to use these CA techniques.”

With increased governmental support, those working with farmers to implement the project are convinced of its positive impacts for the future, “SIMLESA is one of the best opportunities for a green economy and for future sustainable agriculture – it controls erosion and increases soil moisture,” emphasizes Mesele Haile, associate researcher at EIAR. Yohannes, as well as his neighbors who have also taken up intercropping, crop rotation and minimum tillage, is also confident in the benefits of CA and will continue to use the practices so that he can pass on a healthy farm to his children. “Land is a resource we inherit from our families… I have to protect it from rain and wind erosion and maintain the soil fertility, so we have to use these CA techniques,” he says. AS

Source: Addis Standard

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DIASPORA: Ugandan Community In South Korea Seek For Improved Trade Relations

Ugandans in South Korea seek for improved trade relations: Ugandans living in South Korea have asked for government financial support to help improve trade between the two countries.

The Chairperson of the Ugandan Community in South Korea, Paul Kaziro, also called for bilateral talks between Uganda and South Korea intended to improve trade relations.

“We are requesting the government [of Uganda] to make a commitment to fund the activities of the Ugandan Community in South Korea as a registered association that supports and empowers Ugandans living here,” said Kaziro adding that “If government could also organise more trade and market conferences, the Ugandan economy will get a great boast”.

Members of the Ugandan Community in South Korea met a Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, at Glad Hotel, Seoul, on Monday 6 August 2018.

The delegation that includes: Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi (FDC, Makindye East), Hon. Robert Kasolo (NRM, Iki Iki), Hon. Paul Sebulime (NRM, Buikwe North) is in South Korea to attend the International Scouts Jamboree Celebration.

Kaziro also said that talks between the two countries could lead to a relaxation of stringent visa requirements by South Korea for Ugandans intending to visit the country.

“If the government can have bilateral talks with South Korea, it would facilitate Ugandans to come and trade freely which would improve the economy of Uganda and the relationship between the two countries,” Kaziro said.

He recommended that government lobbies the South Korean government to grant more visas to students wishing to study in various institutions in the country.

“South Korea has vast opportunities for labor; I am certain that we have workmanship that can be able to do this work. Here they import labor from countries like Ethiopia and South Africa, why not Uganda?” he asked.

Kadaga said that although she was unaware of the presence of Ugandans in South Korea, there was a plan to support Ugandans in the Diaspora, which targeted North America, Netherlands and South Africa. She said that the target countries could be increased to include South Korea.

“I didn’t know that there was such a big population in South Korea. There is a plan to support other Diasporas, we can broaden and support can be sent here too,” she said.

She also said the Ministry of Trade would benefit from trade exhibitions if government were informed about the schedules.

Source: East Africa Business Week (EABW)

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