RUFIN: EMPOWERING RURAL FARMERS

Beneficiaries of RUFIN in Agbowa-Ikosi, Epe LG in a group photograph

 

The Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN) is a loan agreement between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Agric, manufacturing sectors to enjoy single digit interest – CBN

farmers

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured that the manufacturing and agricultural sectors will enjoy single digit interest rates as it would fast track lending of a reserved special intervention fund earmarked for the sectors.

Fortified rice raises risk of hookworm infections

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  fortified rice

  Added nutrients may inadvertently help parasites grow
• Health benefits and risks must be weighed up for children
• Deworming could ensure fortified rice does not boost infections

Eating fortified rice increases the risk of hookworm infections, a study in Cambodian schoolchildren shows, suggesting that the rice’s added nutrients inadvertently help parasites grow.

Kenyan seed storage facility to bolster maize R&D

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  seed storage facility

  Insect pests and environmental stressors are negatively affecting maize farming
• A large facility for storing maize seeds has been launched to help smallholders
• An expert says farmers and researchers should collaborate to spur food security

A seed storage cold room facility to support maize research and improve livelihood of African smallholders has been launched.

Soil erosion may threaten global food security

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  Soil erosion may threaten global food security

  In many places, soils are being lost faster than they are being naturally made
• Rises in rock phosphate prices may cut the availability of inorganic fertiliser
• More efficient food distribution and nutrient recycling are needed to end hunger

Global soil erosion has reached levels that will endanger humanity’s ability to feed itself if nothing is done to lower it, a study warns.

Project promises hardy maize for Africa

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  maize farmer

  
  Initiative aims to breed 70 climate-resilient varieties for 12 countries
• Varieties would also be more tolerant of diseases and poor soils
• The goal is to increase productivity for smallholders by up to half

A Mexican-African project to develop better and more climate-tolerant maize varieties using traditional breeding techniques has been launched.

Nigeria’s Agency Secures $700m Loan To Develop Agriculture, Real Estate

Agriculture, Real Estate

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has secured a $700 million loan for the development of the nation’s real estate and agriculture sector.

Commentary: Should you worry about food animals causing drug resistance in people? No. Should you worry about raw milk? Definitely.

Milk

Despite the headline intending to alarm consumers, a recently released report once more finds no conclusive evidence of a link between the use of antibiotics in food animals and the emergence of drug-resistant Campylobacter.

Lagos to stimulate youth’s interest in Agriculture

Lagos State Governor

Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to broaden capacity and stimulate the interest of youths in the agriculture sector through intensive training and skill acquisition programmes.

Gov. Lalong pledges to turn around Plateau’s economy through agriculture

Simon Lalong

The Governor of Plateau, Mr Simon Lalong, has promised to turn around the economic fortunes of the state through harnessing of its huge agricultural potential.