Food and Agriculture

The global wild meat trade is an intricate web, interlinking food security, income, and environmental health for millions across Africa and Asia. However, lurking within this complex system are significant threats to biodiversity, public health, and our ecosystems. Have you ever paused to consider how vibrant life hinges on the delicate balance maintained by these wild creatures? In regions where livestock is scarce, wild meat often steps in to fill a crucial nutritional gap. Yet, the very systems that provide for rural…

The recent unearthing of a Bronze Age settlement, dating back approximately 4,000 years, at Kach Kouch in Morocco has sent ripples through the archaeological community. This discovery prompts a critical re-evaluation of long-held beliefs about the ancient Maghreb region, particularly the notion that it remained largely unpopulated prior to the advent of the Phoenicians around 800 BCE. How often do we allow assumptions to cloud our understanding of history? Excavations at this site have unveiled a tapestry of life that…

A recently published study raises an urgent alarm about the precarious status of the world’s peatlands. Described as "dangerously under-protected," these landscapes are not just patches of soggy earth; they are crucial players in our ecosystem. Covering a mere 3% of the Earth's surface, peatlands store more carbon than all of the world's forests combined. Yet, their significance often goes unnoticed. Why is this? Perhaps it's our tendency to overlook the quiet, steadfast guardians of carbon storage. Peatlands serve multiple…

The small-scale fishers of Africa are a lifeline for many communities, providing not only food security but also vital income sources for countless families. Yet, a recent study published in Nature reveals a troubling reality: their voices and contributions are often overlooked in the halls of policymaking. How does this oversight impact both these fishers and the broader societal goals we aspire to achieve? Inland and marine fisheries are more than just economic activities; they are interwoven with the cultural fabric of…

According to reports from UN agencies, a staggering statistic reveals that one out of every four individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with severe hunger—a crisis that impacts approximately 25.6 million people. The ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC has thrown a wrench in crucial agricultural activities while stunting the development of necessary infrastructure. This predicament is a byproduct of evolving dynamics among various armed factions and struggles over resources, compounded by deeply…

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called on G20 leaders to tackle the pressing crisis of global hunger, a plight afflicting one out of every eleven individuals around the globe last year. This plea comes amid alarm over rising food insecurity, worsened by a medley of conflicts, climate change, and economic inequalities. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has also chimed in, pushing global leaders to ramp up efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. "Achieving gender equality is vital.…

The European Commission has made the call to let the current fishing agreement between Brussels and Dakar lapse, citing significant issues related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices. Jean-Marc Pisani, the EU’s ambassador to West Africa, highlighted that the decision stems from Senegal's lack of adequate measures against these harmful fishing activities. As a result, he noted, European fishing vessels will cease operations in Senegal’s exclusive economic zone starting from midnight on November 17th.…

By the year 2025, Nigeria could see a staggering 33 million individuals grappling with severe food scarcity—almost double the current figures for those in dire need. This dire situation stems from a confluence of economic challenges, soaring inflation, the effects of climate change, and the ongoing violence that plagues the northeastern regions of the country. In the northwest, specifically in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, over five million people currently experience acute food insecurity, and the crisis is anticipated to…

The Earthshot Prize, initiated by Prince William in 2020, stands out as a groundbreaking environmental accolade, striving to tackle the pressing issues of climate change, air pollution, and the decline of biodiversity. This year, Africa has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious Earthshot event, shining a spotlight on the continent's vital role in enhancing climate action and addressing the most daunting environmental challenges that our world contends with today. "When I created the Earthshot Prize, my aim was to…

Namibia is taking decisive action to manage its wildlife amid a severe drought by planning to cull a total of 723 wild animals. Among those slated for removal are 83 elephants. This initiative aims to provide much-needed meat to local communities struggling with the effects of the prolonged drought. The cull will unfold in both national parks and communal lands, particularly in regions where wildlife populations are deemed to surpass the available grazing areas and dwindling water resources. As the drought continues to…