PlantVillage

🌳Join PlantVillage’s Webinar: "Introduction to Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) – A Pathway to Climate Resilience" on November 14, 2024 (8:00 - 9:00 AM EST | 4:00 - 5:00 PM EAT). With the goal of raising Kenya's tree cover to 30% by 2032 under the 15 Billion Tree Growing Program, the need for innovative, practical solutions has never been more urgent. This webinar will explore how FMNR, a natural approach to land restoration, is advancing Kenya's green economy by restoring degraded lands and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices. Why FMNR? 🌳 “Reversing deforestation is complicated; growing trees is simple,” as Martin O’Malley puts it. FMNR works with existing underground forests, allowing trees to naturally regenerate from stumps or seeds already in the ground. This method reduces costs and tackles challenges like drought and the scarcity of tree seedlings, offering a practical alternative to traditional tree planting. Experts from PlantVillage, World Vision Kenya, and Kenya Forestry Research Institute will discuss how FMNR is transforming agriculture. Key topics will include FMNR techniques, environmental benefits like improved soil fertility and water retention, and its role in building climate resilience. The webinar will also explore the economic benefits for farmers, challenges in scaling FMNR, and how stakeholders can contribute to supporting green economies globally. This session will offer valuable insights, practical techniques, and inspiring stories of FMNR in action—showcasing how this approach contributes to sustainable development and economic resilience in Kenya’s rural communities. The Webinar will feature Dr. Carol Munini, FMNR Scaling Lead at World Vision Kenya; Melodine Jeptoo, ASALs Region Director at PlantVillage; Dr. Simon Choge, Principal Research Scientist at KEFRI; and Humphrey Wafula, Project Manager of the GREEN Project at World Vision Kenya. 👉 Register now to secure your spot!  https://lnkd.in/di9nP4Sw #FMNR #Agriculture #Sustainability #ClimateChange #Innovation #ClimateAction #SmallholderFarming Moi University USAID South Eastern Kenya University NDMA World Vision East Africa Sarah Onduko Tanner Roark David Hughes Lilian Dodzo Aga Khan Foundation Anita Soina (The Green MP) CIFOR-ICRAF 📅 November 14th, 2024  ⏰ 4:00 - 5:00 PM EAT | 8:00 - 9:00 AM EST 🔗 Register Now: https://bit.ly/4eiCozC  📍 Location: Virtual on Zoom (To get a Zoom Link, please register for the Webinar)

Last week, our Artisan C-Sink study tour accompanied by Annett Pollex and Sophia Bothe with representatives of Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia, Bureau of Agricultural Oromia, oari oromia agricultural research institute, and Jimma University and guided by a team of Circular Bionutrient Economy Network and PlantVillage headed off from #Nairobi to Koriema (Kenya) in the Baringo county where it kicked-off with presentations from the PlantVillage on the C-Sink manager role and Global Artisanal Accreditation Process. During the last week, the tour participants were given the opportunity to meet PlantVillage’s practitioners who work on their own fields, with a cooperative or communities. They met inspiring people who use invasive species or crop residues to create biochar-based fertiliser as amendment for depleted soil and a carbon sink at the same time. The demonstration of the PlantVillage app for production documentation - necessary for carbon crediting - showed the importance innovative approaches. Participants of the Artisan C-Sink study tour gained valuable insights in applied strategies and procedures of biomass mobilisation and pre-treatment. The participants were especially impressed by the biochar production from maize straw employing an automated #KonTiki tower. The apparent interest and commitment from CECM for #Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Hon Edward Sawe, who also participated in the field visit, provides strong support and helps to pave the way for these agricultural transformations. We thank our participants and hosts for a very successful study tour and look forward to put all the new experiences and knowledge into action. Project page ETH-Soil: www.eth-soil.com Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) Kerstin Wilde Wiebke Wedekind Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia: Mulugeta Abera Takele and Geremu Negera Bureau of Agriculture Oromia: Eshetu Legesse Gebrehanna and bacha mekonnen IQQO oari oromia agricultural research institute: Tilahun Abera and Kefyalew Assefa Jimma University: milkiyas ahmed and Bayu Dume(PhD) DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH: Sophia Bothe, Annett Pollex, Getachew Eshete Circular Bionutrient Economy Network: Erick Opiyo Abala, Soliver Ché Fusi, Titus Langat, Samuel Thuo Mungai, Kamau Okere City: Ojok Okello PlantVillage: John Mayieka, Tracy Amondi, Lawrence Ombwayo, MERCY ACHIENG, Wachiye Brian #ETH_Soil

I am excited to introduce the #SusaHamra system, a comprehensive digital platform for collecting, mapping, and analyzing visual inspection and trapping data. Officially launched in Tunisia and Jordan, this system has enabled FAO to gain extensive expertise and valuable lessons that can be shared with all affected countries to improve their RPW management strategies—special thanks to #plantvillage for their ICT support in developing and maintaining the system. FAO is dedicated to sharing this experience globally to support the transformation of agrifood systems and enhance their resilience. A special thanks to #Weqaa-KSA for the extraordinary organization of this event.

The last day of the Artisanal Study Tour in Uasin Gishu County, facilitated by PlantVillage, focused on Maize and Livestock farm Waste material from Agroforestry systems and their conversion to Biochar though Kon-Tiki Tower Rig, blending and processing them into Bio-fertilizers. We further discussed effective marketing strategies for biochar-based fertilizers though small smallholder farmers, government and other related Stakeholders. In-attendance was the Uasin Gishu County , CECM for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Hon Edward Sawe who assured support to these Agricultural innovations and transformations PlantVillage DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Okere City Ziada Solutions Isabella Culotta Poverty and Health Integrated Solutions (PHIS) Soliver Ché Fusi John Mayieka Mercy Achieng Lawrence Ombwayo Tracy Amondi Annett Pollex

Derek Morr, a data scientist and cloud architect from Penn State, recently visited Tanzania to observe ongoing efforts to combat Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) and address various challenges within the operational framework. During his visit, Morr stopped by the offices in Arusha and Kigoma. In Kigoma, he joined the PlantVillage Tanzania team on field visits to the community farm, macro propagation sites, tissue culture farms, and engaged with local farmers. He also explored biochar initiatives, including solar drying, and met with the Buhigwe District Agriculture Officer. On the final day, the team gathered to discuss daily office tasks, focusing on mapping ,utilizing ODK, and shared insights on the challenges they face in their work.

Today, we wrapped up the Artisanal Study Tour with an inspiring visit to PlantVillage biochar production site in Uasin Gishu County Kenya, Spearheaded by PlantVillage's talented young team of biochar experts John Mayieka Tracy Amondi Wachiye Brian Lyon Mushira Brownwell Mukabwa Lawrence Ombwayo Mathew Korir the delegation explored the innovative KonTiki Tower Rig—an innovation tool designed for biochar production. The KonTiki Tower utilizes waste from crop residues, to benefit farmers. The session included demonstrations in #biochar blending, processing it into biochar fertilizers, and discussing effective marketing strategies to increase adoption among smallholder and commercial #farmers . We were especially honored to have Hon. Edward Sawe, CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries in Uasin Gishu County, in attendance, joining the conversation on how biochar-based fertilizers can empower sustainable agriculture in the region and beyond. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this successful tour DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH Circular Bionutrient Economy Network Ithaka Institute Biochar Life Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia oari oromia agricultural research institute Jimma University

PlantVillage has introduced an eco-friendly solution for farmers like Mama Jane Kwanusu from Bungoma County, Kenya, through the mass production of #parasitoids as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy to help them grow healthier crops, boost yields, cut costs, and nurture soils. #IPM

The Daily Times, one of Malawi's leading newspapers, featured the work of the PlantVillage Malawi team in its October 23, 2024 edition in an article that highlights the success of a fertilizer initiative in Bembeke, Dedza District, which has positively impacted more than 500 smallholder farmers 👏

New week 👋😊

Snapshots from Day 2 of the Artisanal Study Tour at our biochar production sites in Baringo County, Kenya! PlantVillage biochar experts demonstrated invasive species tree (Prosopis juliflora) management, global C-sink standards, biochar production techniques, Kon-Tiki kiln use, and the PlantVillage Plus Biochar App.