15 results
An economically sustainable integrated cassava seed system! The cassava seed sector has long been dominated by informal practices—non-certified stem reuse, low yields, and high disease prevalence. The BASICS model addresses this by creating a viable commercial seed system for cassava, opening up investment and revenue streams in seed production, distribution, diagnostics, and digital tools. The model has been tested and refined in Nigeria with strong market demand and regulatory support, providing a scalable framework for agribusiness expansion in cassava-producing countries.
Virus diagnostic tool for cassava seed health certification by seed producers and seed certifiers. Cassava virus indexing uses PCR and LAMP diagnostic methods to detect and eliminate virus-infected cassava planting materials. It ensures virus-free plants for seed production, improving seed quality, crop resilience, and food security. Key costs include lab setup (USD 20,000) and sample testing (USD 3/sample). Training for staff and collaboration with research and seed certification bodies are crucial for successful implementation.
Transforming Cassava Farming Through Entrepreneurial Innovation! Cassava is a key staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, critical for both food security and income generation. Yet, the traditional cassava seed system has been fragmented and unsustainable, primarily relying on informal farmer-to-farmer sharing and ad hoc free distributions from governments and NGOs. This system has contributed to the widespread use of low-quality, disease-prone seeds, significantly limiting productivity and the adoption of improved varieties. The Cassava Seed Entrepreneur (CSE) Business Model presents a scalable, market-driven solution to modernize the cassava seed system. It empowers rural men, women, and youth by transforming them into certified seed entrepreneurs, enabling them to produce and distribute high-quality, certified cassava planting materials. The model integrates training, digital tools, and strategic partnerships to ensure a consistent supply of clean seeds. As a result, it not only boosts cassava yields but also creates new business opportunities and enhances rural livelihoods, providing an attractive investment opportunity for the private sector.
Build an efficient seed system! SeedTracker is a business-friendly digital tool that helps seed companies and entrepreneurs manage, certify, and market high-quality seed. It improves traceability, inventory tracking, and connects producers with buyers—all through a secure and easy-to-use digital platform.
Breeder & Foundation Cassava Seeds—Always Within Reach This technology enables seed companies and certified producers to multiply and supply breeder and foundation cassava seeds directly from research centers. It follows national seed certification standards, uses both in-house and outgrower schemes, and ensures that farmers and seed entrepreneurs get access to clean, high-quality planting material. Registration with seed authorities and proper field inspection are required for participation.
Enhancing cassava productivity through healthy planting material Cassava Seed Quality Management is a business-enabling system that provides a pathway for seed entrepreneurs to produce and market certified, high-quality cassava planting material. This system ensures disease control, increases farmer confidence, and supports a differentiated market for improved cassava seed with higher returns.
BSFL proteins for sustainable local fish and chicken feed production A major challenge for fish and chicken farming in sub-Saharan Africa is the lack of a consistent and reliable supply of feed throughout the year. The rising cost of feed, which makes up 60-70% of total production expenses, adds to this problem. At the same time, about 30-40% of food produced today is lost or wasted, leading to large amounts of organic waste and animal manure that harm the environment if not properly managed. The traditional way of producing and consuming goods also creates issues for the economy, ecosystems, and society. To address these challenges, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae composting offers a smart solution. This technology tackles two key problems: managing organic waste and reducing the high cost of animal feed in the region. BSF larvae turn organic waste into valuable protein feed for animals and nutrient-rich fertilizer, cutting down on waste sent to landfills and reducing environmental harm. The larvae are highly efficient at transforming organic by-products into protein-rich feed, providing a more sustainable option for fish and chicken farming. By reusing agricultural waste, BSF technology supports a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy.
Biochar, a powerfully circular way to fight climate change Energy access is a complex issue for the African continent, where 70% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa depends on biomass for energy. This means most people burn firewood, charcoal, agricultural residues, and animal dung for cooking and other daily activities. While bioenergy is renewable, its overuse can cause deforestation and soil erosion. The lack of a secure and sustainable energy supply is connected to Africa’s food security and climate change challenges. Biochar is being promoted as a solution that can address all three challenges by enhancing soil fertility and sequestering carbon.
GeoAgro-MiSR is a tech tool that uses satellite data to help farmers manage water and fertilizer use for crops like wheat, barley, maize, and potato. It addresses the problem of inefficient resource use, aiming to improve crop yields, reduce input costs, and minimize environmental pollution from overuse of nitrates. The tool offers a free app for farmers to analyze field data and make smart farming decisions. This leads to more sustainable and profitable farming practices.
Easy-to-use solution for food traceability Fairfood offers advanced tracking solutions through Trace technology, enabling agricultural and food-related companies to transparently showcase the exact origins of their products. This technology empowers companies to openly provide evidence supporting claims of product sustainability, facilitating transparency and accountability. Whether through public disclosure or inclusion on product packaging, Trace technology enhances trust by giving consumers verifiable insights into the journey and sustainability practices associated with the products they choose.
Turning Waste into Wealth for Greener Fields The processing and application of composted manures play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural practices. Goat and sheep manure, in particular, offer valuable benefits due to their nutrient-rich and naturally pelleted form. Composting this manure not only deactivates potential hazards like pathogens and weed seeds but also produces organic fertilizers, contributing to sustainable and productive farming while minimizing environmental risks.
Transforming waste into wealth The technology, "Poultry Manure Value Addition," involves processing chicken manure to create a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. This practice addresses challenges associated with raw manure, such as pathogens, root damage, and odor. By composting and applying value addition methods, the manure becomes a valuable input for enhancing soil fertility and improving crop yields in agricultural production. This technology primarily contributes to the pre-production phase of the agricultural value chain, focusing on the processing of organic fertilizers before they are utilized in crop cultivation or livestock farming.
Powered Crop Residue Processing for Livestock Feed Enhancement Traditional manual methods limit the utilization of millet and sorghum stem residues for livestock. The mobile processor developed by ICRISAT and partners addresses this issue. It is self-powered, cost-effective, easily transportable, and operated by just two people. This technology enhances resource efficiency, integrating crop and livestock enterprises. It also benefits soil fertility through improved manure production. The machinery is particularly suited for drylands in Sub-Saharan Africa, where feed biomass is scarce due to low rainfall. It can process a variety of materials and is adaptable to different seasons.
From Waste to Resource Peels from bananas and plantains, often overlooked, hold significant value in various applications. They serve as animal feed, organic soil input, and even find uses in cooking, water purification, and beauty products. However, the challenge lies in their chemical composition and nutrient ratios, necessitating proper handling for animal feed and soil treatment. Despite their potential, a lack of awareness about the diverse utility of peels has led to unnecessary waste accumulation in urban areas. Understanding and harnessing the multifaceted benefits of peels is essential for both sustainable agriculture and waste reduction.
Cutting Costs, Boosting Nutrition The Local Production of Quality Affordable Feed technology aims to provide cost-effective poultry feed solutions, crucial for the profitability and expansion of poultry enterprises. By utilizing locally available and seasonal materials, such as maize, soybeans, bran, and other additives, poultry farmers can reduce their reliance on more expensive commercial feeds. This technology promotes higher productivity and profits while addressing the challenge of feed costs, which constitute a significant portion of production expenses.