Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture

#FARA & the University of Ghana request for interested individuals/firms to support the establishment of a Postharvest Incubation Program & Agribusiness Accelerator in Mali under Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture access terms of reference & other info via https://lnkd.in/dvKtyJbb

The University of California, Davis ***International Agricultural Development Masters in Science Program*** is now accepting applications for next academic year. Apply to join this incredible group of global food system thinkers at one of the world's top agricultural universities. Each cohort is made of natural and social sciences driven by interdisciplinary and applied research. ?Priority admissions deadline is December 15th, learn more at https://lnkd.in/emj7AzzT. And one more shout-out to Global Ag Day, "Seeding Food Systems Resilience" Thank you, UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for highlighting all of the impactful discussions. International Ag Development professor Amanda Crump and Plant Sciences Chair Dan Potter seen here welcoming the world! ?? ??

This week I had the privilege of presenting two papers at the just ended Postharvest 2024 Conference which was held in New Zealand, Rotorua Events Centre. One of the papers sought to highlight the glaring food loss and waste (FLW) data gaps. Unless we step up the efforts to address these data gaps by investing in data collection to yield reliable data, we will continue to use modelled estimates, mainly from FAO to make flawed decisions on FLW reduction at the local level. It is no wonder we cannot measure impact of our FLW reduction interventions nor monitor progress towards set targets for FLW reduction under the SDG 12.3. No wonder we still cite the FAO 2011 report - that FLW is estimated to be 30%...and this has not changed since 2011! By the way, are there any FLW Reduction Champions at the ongoing COP29 Azerbaijan in Baku? If they are there, then they must endeavor to amplify their voices and get some commitments on funds for FLW reduction. Modelled estimates show that 8 – 10% of the greenhouse gases are from FLW. Imagine if a proportionate amount of the billions committed to climate change mitigation and adaptation was allocated to FLW reduction efforts? We University of Nairobi Postharvest Research Team and other research institutions working with partners such as World Resources Institute, FAO Wageningen University & Research Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture would work towards generating reliable evidence on the extent of FLW, the critical loss points, the drivers/causes, the impact of FLW (social, economic and environmental), identify context-appropriate interventions and ultimately monitor progress towards set targets. We would bring verifiable evidence of the positive impact of FLW reduction to the future COPs... Betty Kibaara Wambui Mbarire Winnie Yegon Dr Susan Chomba Felicitas Schneider Olaniyi Fawole [奧拉尼伊·法沃萊]

?? Taking a moment to reflect on UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' impactful Global Food Systems Research Day from last month! Our college united world-renowned agricultural leaders and innovators for a landmark summit showcasing University of California, Davis' leadership in global food security and agricultural innovation. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gMRctjfz ?? Key Summit Highlights from October 24: ?? World Food Prize Laureate Dr. Jan Low delivered a powerful keynote on gender-responsive agricultural development. ?? Historic MOU signing between UC Davis and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). ?? Distinguished speakers from USAID, FAO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and USDA NIFA sharing transformative insights. ?? Groundbreaking presentations from Feed the Future Innovation Labs. ?? Proud to showcase our global research network: ??Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture Regional Hub ManagersPeninah Yumbya, PhD, Naalamle Amissah, PhD, Julio López, Msc., and Krishna Prasad Sapkota. ?? Feed the Future MRR Innovation Lab's Director, Dr. Michael Carter, and Dr. Travis Lybbert highlighting innovative farmer resilience programs. ?? Gratitude to our distinguished speakers: ?? U.S. House of Representatives, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. ?? Dr. rob bertram, USAID ?? Dr. Appolinaire Djikeng, ILRI ?? Dr. Renee Lafitte, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ?? Dr. Otto Gonzalez, USDA NIFA ?? Dr. Boitshepo Bibi Giyose, FAO ?? Mr. Guido Santini, FAO ?? Dr. Hazel Malapit, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) ?? Mr. Rikin Gandhi, Digital Green ?? Ms. Rashmi Ekka, Connexus Corporation ? Special thanks to our UC Davis faculty experts: ?? Dr. Christine Diepenbrock ?? Dr. Huaijun Zhou ?? Dr. Amanda Crump ?? Dr .Mark Bell ?? Dr. Josette Lewis! ?? Proud to see our International Agricultural Development graduate students presenting cutting-edge research, demonstrating our commitment to training the next generation of agricultural leaders under Department Chair Dr. Dan Potter's leadership! ?? Under the theme "Seeding Food Systems Resilience," we explored crucial solutions for global food security through locally-led partnerships and innovative research. ?? Tremendous thanks to Dr. Erin McGuire and Dr. Ermias Kebreab for organizing this transformative event, and to our leaders Dr. Gary S. May and Dr. Helene Dillard for their visionary support of global engagement. The conversations and partnerships forged at this summit continue to inspire our work toward more resilient and sustainable food systems! #GlobalDev #AgInnovation #GlobalAg #FoodSecurity #AgResearch #GlobalPartnerships #GoAgs #GlobalAgDay

It's a great day for coffee ? We are partnering with World Coffee Research on a new project aimed at enhancing the resilience and productivity of coffee smallholders worldwide. Supported by more than $5 million from USAID through Feed the Future, our new initiative in the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences aims to address the growing production challenges faced by coffee farmers while strengthening vital global coffee supply chains. https://lnkd.in/gmAiYYaG

We’re driving transformative solutions for global crop resilience through science and strategic partnerships. With renewed support from USAID and Feed the Future, we’re expanding our impact to empower national programs across Central America, the Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa. Using a crop-agnostic approach, we deliver tools, technologies, and methods that address the specific needs of people and communities in each region. Our model is built on empowering national research teams to lead advances in resilient crop breeding tailored to their unique challenges. By collaborating with local programs as they set their own priorities, we ensure sustainable, community-centered solutions that strengthen food security from the ground up. Our partnerships combine biological, computational, and social sciences to create long-term impact in agricultural resilience. ILCI’s network supports accessible, data-driven, and equity-focused breeding systems that promote sustainable growth in agriculture. With a focus on digital tools and innovations, we enable countries to build robust, self-sustaining crop improvement systems that are responsive to local and global needs. Learn more about how we’re shaping a food-secure future ??? https://lnkd.in/g_sgKDe5

Fields are prepared, and seeds are now being sown for homestead gardens in Sandikharkha, Arghakhanchi. These gardens will soon provide families with a steady supply of diverse, fresh vegetables, promoting improved nutrition and food security within the community as per our project's objective. The YUVA Project (Funded by Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture) team is optimistic about impact this initiative will bring! ?????? #FORWARDNepal

?? Empowering Youth in Climate-Smart Horticulture! ?? We're excited to share that the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture-funded project led by Dr. Atanda Oladejo at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, conducted an inspiring discovery trip for youths across southwest Nigeria! This transformative event brought together young minds eager to explore sustainable farming practices. Here is what made it special: ?? Focus on Indigenous vegetables and fruits ??? Introduction to cutting-edge digital tools in agriculture ??? Climate-smart techniques for resilient farming One participant shared: "Growing indigenous vegetables is essential for maintaining ecological balance, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting community well-being. By supporting the cultivation of indigenous vegetables, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system." ?? Why this matters globally: ?? Nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders ?? Promoting sustainable practices for food security ?? Preserving local biodiversity in the face of climate change ?? Inspiring youth-led innovation in agriculture We're thrilled to see these young champions paving the way for a more resilient and technologically advanced farming sector. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their impact will be felt far beyond Nigeria's borders! Stay tuned for more updates on how we're shaping the future of sustainable horticulture, one young mind at a time. ?? You can also visit the project webpage for more details: https://lnkd.in/dRCq_ZQv. #YouthInAgriculture #ClimateSmartFarming #NextGenFarmers.

Sushil Dhungana, a M.Sc. Ag Horticulture scholar from Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), currently carrying out his research under the YUVA project has commenced a study to test the efficiency of a chimney solar dryer, designed with specifications from the University of California, Davis through the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture. This research will compare the performance of this chimney solar dryer model against conventional solar drying technique in aspects of qualitative and quantitative traits. We look forward to the insights this study will bring to our project and beyond. #FORWARDNepal ???????

The Postharvest Innovation Hub at the University of Ghana, in collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA, and YPARD, conducted a training on Agripreneurship and Postharvest Management as part of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture project, "Enhancing the Production and Consumption of African Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Nutrition in Ghana and Mali" (ECo-Inveg). The training took place on 22nd and 23rd October, 2024, at the Tano South Municipal Assembly, benefiting approximately 120 value chain actors from six districts in the Bono East and Ahafo regions. Topics covered addressed key challenges identified during a needs assessment conducted in August 2024. The Project Manager Rosalyne Baddoo facilitated a session on gender and youth mainstreaming in agriculture and Diana Ama Pokuah Asenso - Assoc CIPD from Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA explained the importance of bookkeeping and record-keeping practices. Bernard Agyeman Boateng, an entomologist from the Department of Crop Science, University of Ghana., trained participants on integrated pest management and insect physiology. On the second day, Percy Amoo-yankey introduced the participants to marketing strategies for indigenous crops, emphasizing branding to attract various market segments. Dr. Gloria Essilfie, the principal investigator, wrapped up the training by discussing agro-processing and low-cost adaptable technologies ?for reducing postharvest losses, demonstrating the effectiveness of low-cost technologies like tunnel and solar dryers in preserving agricultural produce. The participants expressed gratitude and pledged their commitment to applying the acquired knowledge in future endeavors. #capacitybuilding #agripreneurship #postharvestlosses #lowcosttechnology #farmers #processors