For generations, Nigerian farmers had battled the relentless scourge of the pod borer, a formidable pest that feasted upon their precious cowpea crops, leaving devastation in its wake. The losses incurred were not merely financial, but also emotional, as hopes and dreams were shattered alongside the ravaged plants. But in the year 2021 the sun […]
Read MoreThe regional representative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) for West Africa, Dr. Jean Baptiste has praised the indomitable spirit of African farmers for their unwavering commitment, resilience and dedication to producing food for the population. Baptiste expressed his admiration in a speech delivered during the celebration of the 2023 National Farmer’s Day in […]
Read More(Jun. 15, 2023) — The introduction of genetically modified cowpea known as Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea (SAMPEA 20T) in 2019 to Nigerian farmers has received various form of celebration with many farmers recounting their experience with excitement, some are happily smiling to the banks from saving made while others are expanding their investments by acquiring […]
Read MoreBy Alex Abutu The success of Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea in Nigeria is an excellent model for replication in other West African countries. This success has shown that the adoption of genetically modified crop varieties could be a solution to the challenges facing smallholder farmers in the region. West Africa is a region that […]
Read MoreGM crops have gene(s) inserted from the same or unrelated organism using genetic engineering methods, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). These genes, FAO says, confer beneficial traits such as pest resistance, ability to grow in extreme and unfavourable conditions and increased nutrient levels among others. Take an example of a GM […]
Read More[ABUJA: Feb. 8, 2023] The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has identified suitable planting windows for cowpea (beans) for different regions in Nigeria. This will help farmers cope with erratic weather patterns, said Dr Jean Baptiste, AATF Regional Representative for West Africa, during a visit to Pandagric Farms in Nasarawa State. “After a careful study […]
Read More[Nairobi and Pretoria, February 23, 2023]: AATF and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) have today announced a five-year partnership agreement aimed at accelerating Africa’s pursuit to eradicate poverty, hunger, and malnutrition and improve the general well-being of its people through their joint contribution to the creation of an enabling environment. […]
Read More(Nigeria: December 2, 2022) Former Nigeria President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has accepted AATF’s appointment as its Africa Ambassador for Agricultural Technology. Making the announcement after meeting with the former president in Yenagoa, Bayelsa South-South Nigeria during the week, the AATF Executive Director, Dr Canisius Kanangire said that the appointment was informed by His Excellency’s track […]
Read More[Jos, Nigeria: Nov. 15, 2022] Elder Isaiah Buwah is an aged potato farmer, in the Bokos Local Government area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. He has grown potatoes for the last forty years. During this time, most of his fellow potato farmers have given up on the crop due to the ravaging effects of […]
Read More[Tamale: November 2, 2022] When Bakuvie Zinna, a Ghanaian cowpea farmer, was invited by a local extension agent to take part in demonstrations for a new variety resistant to the pod borer, he couldn’t hide his excitement. Zinna considers the pest a key enemy for attacking his crops every other season and forcing him to […]
Read More
