New science building ushers IITA’s agricultural research-for-development into the 21st century; Researchers, development workers, and policymakers discuss new initiatives to “grow” Africa

The latest IMF World Economic Outlook highlights a surge in economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. While such a trend is welcome, it should not be a cause for complacency, argues Connell Foley, Director of Strategy with Concern Worldwide

Given the generally negative perceptions of Africa amongst the general public, it is heartening to read the latest IMF World Economic Outlook report suggesting that growth south of the Sahara will hit 6.1% next year.

Cassava, a tropical root crop, is the third most important source of calories in the tropics, after rice and maize. According to FAO, it is the staple food for nearly a billion people in 105 countries.

Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation - Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:13 PM

Author: Kizito Makoye

SINGIDA, Tanzania (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – In the remote village of Misigiri, every farmer has a story to tell about the worsening drought that has pushed them to the edge of disaster this season.

Read the full article on AlertNet.

Le maïs blanc est la céréale de base principale consommées en Tanzanie, au Kenya et en Ethiopie. En Ouganda, le maïs blanc est cultivé principalement en tant que culture commerciale pour l'exportation dans la région. Le riz importé est un aliment de base majeur pour Djibouti et la Somalie, qui consomment principalement Belem‐le riz importé rouge. La Tanzanie est également un producteur majeur et source de riz dans la région tandis que le Kenya et l'Ouganda sont de petits producteurs. Les deux rouges et le sorgho blanc sont produits et consommés dans la région.

Global Highlights

• The global cereal price index increased by 8.8% on a year-on-year basis in the January-March 2013 quarter.This increase is driven by increases in real prices of maize and wheat (+8% and +13%, respectively).

IMPROVING MATERNAL, NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH CARE IN AFRICA

In the next five minutes....
3 women will lose their lives to complications of pregnancy or childbirth, 60 others will suffer debilitating injuries and infection due to the same causes, and 70 children will die, nearly 30 of them newborn babies. Countless other babies will be stillborn or suffer potentially long-term consequences of being born prematurely. The vast majority of these deaths and disabilities are preventable.
- Countdown to 2015, Maternal, Newborn & Child Survival (2012)

Period covered by this Ops update: February 8 - 29 March 2013

Appeal target (current): CHF 717,077

Appeal coverage: 30%

Appeal history:

• A Preliminary Emergency Appeal was launched on 15 November 2012 with a budget of CHF 674,731 (cash and in kind donation or services) to assist 14,643 beneficiaries (2,615 households) for a period of three months.

KEY MESSAGES

• Food prices across the country have started decreasing but have yet to bring relief to market-dependent households. Persistent high food prices and below normal Vuli harvests in some of the bimodal and central marginal areas will likely lead to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) food insecurity outcomes until Msimu harvests from unimodal areas start reaching markets in May.