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Finding a middle ground

Adopting integrated soil fertility management (ISFM)—practices that combine organic inputs and judicious amounts of inorganic fertilizer and improved seeds—offers farmers a higher profit and is more sustainable than using inorganic fertilizer. Yet its adoption rates across Africa south of the Sahara (SSA) are among the lowest worldwide.

As I presented at an Ag Sector Council seminar earlier today, a recent study conducted as part of an IFPRI economics of land degradation project has revealed an inverse relationship between profit and adoption rate of most non-ISFM fertility practices (see figure below). In the same study, ISFM was shown to reduce climate-related production risks.

Why are African farmers not adopting ISFM practices? One reason is that agricultural extension agents simply don’t have sufficient capacity to advise farmers on ISFM, climate change, and other global change-related farming practices. In addition, ISFM requires more labor than other practices, and governments are not investing in developing and supporting them.

How can farmers be encouraged to switch? An experiment conducted in Malawi showed that, without exception, all farmers responded to ISFM incentives offered on the condition that they plant agroforestry trees or adopt conservation agriculture. This implies that adoption of ISFM could be increased by:

  • offering short-term training for agricultural extension agents on ISFM, climate change, and other new farming technologies;

  • conditioning benefits to easily verifiable organic soil fertility management practices, such as agroforestry, that will more than reduce the current cost of subsidies, yet increase yield and profit; and

  • promoting agroforestry and other plant-based organic soil fertility management practices to reduce the high labor intensity of ISFM.




world news

IFPRI Roundtable on Next Harvest II

Time: 
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST (please join us at 11:45 am for a light lunch)

Presenter(s): 
Judy Chambers, Director, Program for Biosafety Systems, IFPRI | Patricia Zambrano, Senior Research Analyst, IFPRI | Virginia Kimani, Lead Consultant, Pesticides and Agricultural Resource Centre | Sylvia Uzochukwu, Professor of Food Microbiology and Biotechnology, Biosafety Specialist, Faculty of Science, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti | Muffy Koch, Global Biosafety Specialist | Geofrey Ariaitwe, Plant Genetic Engineer, National Plant Biotechnology Center, National Agricultural Research Laboratories | Jose Falck-Zepeda, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI.
Contact/RSVP: 

Please contact Pilar Rickert (202 862-4647; p.rickert@cgiar.org) to RSVP for the live event or for the webinar login information.

Location: 

International Food Policy Research Institute
2033 K Street, NW, Washington, DC
Fourth Floor Conference Facility

IFPRI’s 2014 report “GM Technologies for Africa: A State of Affairs” identified the lack of standardized and uniformly collected biotech data as a main constraint in assessing the overall state of Africa’s agricultural biotechnology capacity and in the ability to draw policy recommendations regarding countries’ strengths and needs. IFPRI designed and implemented Next Harvest II, a John Templeton funded initiative that gathered detailed information for four of the leading biotechnology countries in Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. The information collected has enabled the systematic evaluation of the status of African biotechnologies in these countries. A panel of participants will give an overview of the results for each country, highlighting their differences and similarities, and will discuss the capacity of the biotechnology innovation system to produce and deliver these technologies, the opportunities and challenges faced, and will give policy recommendations to address current limitations.

Go-to-Meeting available for those unable to join the meeting in Washington, DC. Please contact Pilar Rickert (p.rickert@cgiar.org) for more information.

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Botswana: Agricultural R&D Indicators Factsheet

Botswana: ASTI Agricultural R&D Indicators Factsheet

Overall, the number of researchers holding PhD degrees doubled in Botswana during 2000–2011, and the number of researchers qualified to the BSc-degree level tripled.

Agricultural R&D in Botswana is almost entirely funded by the government. Spending on operating and program costs increased significantly during 2005–2007, but contracted again from 2008, when government funding to many public-sector agencies was cut due to spiraling inflation.

Botswana invests a relatively high share of its agricultural GDP in agricultural research. Nevertheless, such a high intensity ratio is not uncommon in countries with small populations and relatively high per capita incomes. Small countries are not able to benefit from economies of scale to the degree that larger countries can, so basic research infrastructure and staffing constitute greater shares of investment.

PDF file: 




world news

Democratic Republic of Congo: Agricultural R&D Indicators Factsheet

Democratic Republic of Congo: ASTI Agricultural R&D Indicators Factsheet

Despite rapid growth in recent years, DR Congo’s agricultural R&D spending remains well below the levels required to sustain its needs; in fact, spending levels as a share of AgGDP are among the lowest in Africa.

Agricultural researcher numbers also grew rapidly in recent years, particularly at INERA and CRAA, although most of this growth occurred among researchers trained to the BSc or MSc levels.

Accounting for just 9 percent of total researchers, women are severely underrepresented in agricultural R&D in DR Congo, especially given that the country’s agricultural labor force is predominantly female.

PDF file: 



  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • English
  • Environment and Production Technology
  • Policies
  • Institutions and Markets
  • Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI)
  • Agricultural Science
  • Technology
  • and Innovation Policy
  • ASTI Country Note
  • Science & Technology

world news

République démocratique du Congo: Fiche d’information sur les indicateurs de la R&D agricole

République démocratique du Congo: Fiche d’information sur les indicateurs de la R&D agricole

Malgré la forte croissance au cours des dernières années, les dépenses de R&D agricole de la RDC sont encore en deçà des niveaux requises pour subvenir aux besoins du pays. Le ratio dépenses/PIB agricole est parmi les plus bas en Afrique.

Les effectifs de chercheurs agricoles connaissent également une croissance rapide depuis quelques années, notamment à l’INERA et au CRAA. Cette croissance est due à l’augmentation des chercheurs de niveau licence/ BSc ou master/MSc.

En RDC, les femmes ne représentent que 9 % de l’effectif total des chercheurs travaillant dans la R&D agricole : elles sont donc gravement sous-représentées, d’autant plus que la main-d’oeuvre agricole du pays est caractérisée par une prédominance féminine.

PDF file: 



  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Français
  • Environment and Production Technology
  • Policies
  • Institutions and Markets
  • Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI)
  • Agricultural Science
  • Technology
  • and Innovation Policy
  • ASTI Country Note
  • Science & Technology

world news

Achieving Food Security in Africa South of the Sahara Through Food Value Chains

Time: 
12:15 pm to 1:45 pm EDT (Please join us for lunch beginning at 11:45 am); Live webcast coming up at the scheduled time.

Presenter(s): 
Moderator: Rajul Pandya-Lorch, IFPRI | Welcome: Astrid Jakobs de Pádua, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany | Paul Mwafongo, Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania | Speakers: Khamaldin Mutabazi, Sokoine University of Agriculture SUA in Morogoro, Tanzania | Ephraim Nkonya, IFPRI | Stefan Sieber, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research ZALF
Contact/RSVP: 

RSVP to Simone Hill-Lee - s.hill-lee@cgiar.org, 202-862-8107.

Location: 

International Food Policy Research Institute
2033 K Street, NW, Washington, DC
Fourth Floor Conference Facility

This seminar will present findings of food and nutrition security research projects in Africa south of the Sahara (SSA) funded by German federal ministries. The presentations will highlight results of the projects, share success stories of food value chains, and outline key policies required to achieve food and nutrition security through the value chain approach.

Stefan Sieber will present an overview of German research programs and related projects conducted in SSA. Khamaldin Mutabazi and Ephraim Nkonya will present empirical evidence of both success stories and challenges of the value chain approach in Tanzania, as well as discuss policies that enhance or pose challenges for market development in SSA.




world news

Agriculture in Africa -- Telling Facts from Myths

Time: 
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT
Presenter(s): 
Keynote Speakers: Chris Barrett, Cornell University | Gero Carletto, World Bank, Living Standards Measurement Study | Luc Christiaensen, World Bank | Klaus Deininger, World Bank | Makhtar Diop, World Bank Africa Region | Shenggen Fan, IFPRI | Francisco Ferreira, World Bank | Ethel Sennhauser, World Bank | Stan Wood, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Contact/RSVP: 

Simone Hill-Lee, s.hill-lee@cgiar.org; 202-862-8107

Location: 

International Food Policy Research Institute
2033 K Street, NW, Washington, DC
Fourth Floor Conference Facility

• Are women in Africa doing all the farming?
• Can Africa’s postharvest loss really be that high?
• Is input use still dismally low? Is land still abundantly available and land rental non-existent?
• Are Africa’s youth exiting agriculture en masse?

More information

For presentations, video and other related materials please visit the World Bank project page

Come and join us at an IFPRI-World Bank conference featuring 15 revealing Ignite-style presentations. The panel discussions are based on research conducted by an international consortium of universities and international organizations led by the Chief Economist Office of the Africa Region of the World Bank, and are intended to scrutinize conventional wisdom about African agriculture. Co-hosts Shenggen Fan, Director General of IFPRI, and Makhtar Diop, Vice President of the Africa Region of the World Bank, will make opening remarks, and the expert panels will reflect on the research findings and their implications.

Registration for this event is now closed. Conference will be streamed in its entirety on this page.

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Chicago Transit Board Approves CTA’s 2025 Budget

The Chicago Transit Board today approved the Chicago Transit Authority’s $2.16 billion operating budget for 2025, a strategic plan designed to maintain current fares, enhance bus and rail services beyond pre-pandemic levels and support continued investments in infrastructure and technology. The budget aims to further elevate the transit experience by prioritizing investments that address what’s most important to our riders, including system security, accessibility, reliability and safety.




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CTA Signs New Two-Year Agreement for Expanded Social Service Outreach Following Successful Pilot

Following a successful pilot, a new two-year agreement was approved today between the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the City of Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), which manages the city's overall homelessness outreach, to continue providing expanded outreach and support for riders who are unsheltered, as well as those grappling with mental health and substance abuse.




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The CTA Announces Plans for Major Changes at the Clark/Lake Loop Elevated Station

The Chicago Transit Board today approved an amendment to an agreement with JRTC Holdings, the firm tasked with redeveloping the former James R. Thompson Center, which will result in major changes for the Clark/Lake Loop Elevated station.




world news

Updated dates for the west side of the CTA Track Structure approximately 85ft south of W. Grace Street Work Hours:

Updated dates for the west side of the CTA Track Structure approximately 85ft south of W. Grace Street Work Hours for lead abatement and painting.




world news

Blue Line Experiencing Delays; Boarding change between Pulaski and Austin (Significant Delays)

(Thu, Nov 14 2024 2:05 AM to TBD) Blue Line service running w/delays due to a track condition near Cicero; board all trains on the Forest Park-bound side at Pulaski, Cicero and Austin.




world news

Temporary Reroute (Planned Reroute)

(Sun, Nov 17 2024 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM) #44 buses will operate in both directions via Racine, 51st, Halsted, and 47th.




world news

Temporary Reroute (Planned Reroute)

(Sun, Nov 17 2024 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM) #47 buses will operate in both directions via 47th, Halsted, 51st, Damen and 47th.




world news

Temporary Reroute (Planned Reroute)

(Fri, Nov 15 2024 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) #70 buses will operate in both directions via Division, Laramie, Augusta, Cicero and Division.




world news

Temporary Reroute (Planned Reroute)

(Thu, Nov 14 2024 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) #70 buses will operate in both directions via Division, Laramie, Augusta, Cicero and Division.




world news

#86 Narragansett/Ridgeland Temporary Reroute at Narragansett/Wellington (Minor Delays / Reroute)

(Wed, Nov 13 2024 7:05 PM to TBD) 86 Narragansett/Ridgeland buses are rerouted via Narragansett, Diversey, Austin, Belmont and Narragansett due to street blockage near Narragansett/Wellington.




world news

#70 Division Temporary Reroute at Division/Leclaire (Minor Delays / Reroute)

(Wed, Nov 13 2024 1:48 PM to Sat, Nov 16 2024 1:48 PM) 70 Division buses are temporarily rerouted via Division, Laramie, Augusta, Cicero and Division, due to street blockage near Division/Leclaire.




world news

#70 Division Temporary Reroute at Division/Leclaire (Minor Delays / Reroute)

(Wed, Nov 13 2024 1:48 PM to Sat, Nov 16 2024 1:48 PM) 70 Division buses are temporarily rerouted via Division, Laramie, Augusta, Cicero and Division, due to street blockage near Division/Leclaire.




world news

Temporary Reroute (Planned Reroute)

(Sun, Nov 17 2024 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM) #9 buses will operate in both directions via Ashland, 51st, Halsted, Pershing, and Ashland.




world news

saveONenergy's Retrofit Program Launches Updates to Help Businesses Cut Costs

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has announced updates to the saveONenergy Retrofit Program that provide additional financial incentives for Ontario businesses to reduce energy used by lighting, HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, and building plug loads.




world news

New CO Alarm Response Policy for Ontario in Enbridge Gas Territory

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) announced that it received a notice from Enbridge indicating a change to its carbon monoxide (CO) alarm response policy that will align Enbridge with industry-established best practices and will trigger the fastest response time possible. 




world news

B&B Trade Distribution Centre to Supply Aquatherm Pipe in Ontario Market

Aquatherm North America has announced B&B Trade Distribution Centre as its newest distribution partner. B&B services the HVACR and sheet metal trades across Ontario from locations in Toronto, Oakville, Hamilton, London, and Windsor.




world news

Environment Canada Publishes Notice of Intent to Regulate HFCs

Environment Canada announced that it is moving forward with regulatory measures to limit the growth of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). It has published a Notice of Intent to Regulate Hydrofluorocarbons in the Canada Gazette outlining the scope of the proposed measures for HFCs, which are considered potent greenhouse gases.




world news

HRAI Reports Commercial, Residential A/C Shipment Decreases in Fourth Quarter

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) reported decreases in commercial and residential air conditioning shipments year-to-date in the fourth quarter.




world news

Airtron Canada Awarded Major HVAC and Building Automation Contract

Airtron Canada announced that it has been selected to perform HVAC and building automation systems (BAS) maintenance services for more than 600 Ontario government buildings. That translates into 21 million square feet of facilities in buildings such as office buildings, laboratories, and correctional facilities.




world news

Distech Controls to be Acquired by Acuity Brands

Distech Controls Inc., a supplier of building automation and energy management solutions, announced that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Acuity Brands Inc., a leading provider of intelligent lighting solutions.




world news

Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Receives Canadian Solar Industry Energy Management Award

Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Inc. announced that it has received a Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) Game Changer Award, the Energy Management Award, as part of the annual Game Changer Awards Gala.




world news

MCEE Expo and Conference Draws a Crowd

The aisles were packed for the 2015 edition of MCEE, a Canadian trade show and conference for the plumbing, hydronics, HVACR, electrical, and lighting industries. The two-day trade show and conference took place April 22-23 in Montreal.




world news

HRAI Conference to Provide a More Streamlined Program

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) has announced that the 47th Annual HRAI Annual General Meeting and Conference has the theme “Opportunities through Challenge & Change.” Following that theme, this year’s event is implementing changes to provide an improved conference.




world news

Distech Controls Selected as Provincial Winner at National Bank’s 2015 SME Awards

Distech Controls, a provider of energy management solutions, announced it was named the Provincial Laureate, SME Exporter category, at the 21st edition of National Bank’s SME Awards. The company noted it has the honor of being a two-time award recipient, having been named Bronze Laureate in the same category in 2014.




world news

Canada Tops International List of Top 10 Countries for LEED Green Building

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that Canada has topped its international rankings of the Top 10 Countries for LEED. The list highlights countries outside of the U.S. that are making significant strides in sustainable building.




world news

GDI Integrated Facility Services to Acquire Ainsworth

GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Ainsworth Inc., a subsidiary of CEDA International Corp. Ainsworth is a Canadian provider of a range of technical services including mechanical maintenance, HVACR, electrical, and more.




world news

Aggreko Acquires ICS Group

Aggreko, a global provider of modular, mobile power and related solutions, has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of the equipment rental business of ICS Group Inc., a provider of portable climate control services in Canada.




world news

Wyse Meter Solutions and Certified Building Systems Announce Partnership

Wyse Meter Solutions and Certified Building Systems (CBS) have announced a strategic partnership to give condominium owners more control over utility expenses. Wyse and CBS said they will integrate their capabilities in energy management, creating opportunities to reduce energy use by 25-to-40 percent.




world news

Distech Controls Partners with Tech Hub, Notman House

Distech Controls, a supplier of energy management solutions, announced that the company is partnering with one of Canada’s top tech hubs, Notman House. The historic, downtown Montreal building provides tech startups with flexible office space that promotes networking, community building, and shared learning.




world news

Enercare Introduces New Program for Multifamily Building Managers

Enercare Inc. has announced the introduction of its Preferred Customer Program for multifamily buildings. The program provides property managers, landlords, and developers with cost savings and a single point-of-contact for efficient delivery of services for their building’s sub-metering, water heating, and heating and cooling needs.




world news

GDI Integrated Facility Services Closes Acquisition of Ainsworth

GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of Ainsworth Inc., a subsidiary of CEDA International Corp. The acquisition unites GDI’s cross-Canada commercial janitorial services platform with Ainsworth’s cross-Canada HVACR, mechanical, electrical, and technical services business.




world news

Direct Energy Home Services and Alberta Home Services Join Forces

Direct Energy Home Services announced it will be the exclusive HVAC contractor for Alberta Home Services providing its customers with repair and replacement of HVAC equipment. Alberta Home Services announced it will be the exclusive duct cleaning contractor for Direct Energy Home Services.




world news

DiversiTech Acquires Cliplight Manufacturing

DiversiTech Corp., a leading manufacturer and supplier of HVACR parts and accessories, announced that it has purchased Cliplight Manufacturing Co., a Toronto-based manufacturer of HVACR sealants, work lights, and battery charger products.




world news

Service Experts to be Acquired by Enercare

Canadian home and commercial services company Enercare Inc., Toronto, is reported to have entered into an agreement to acquire Service Experts, a U.S. provider of HVAC services based in Plano, Texas. The purchase price is said to be $340.75 million.




world news

HVAC Efficiency Standards in US Offer Savings for Canadians

HVAC efficiency standards have changed in the U.S., creating an opportunity for Canadians dealers. Distributors and manufacturers in the Southeast and Southwest regions of the U.S. need to sell 13 SEER inventory by July 2016. Canadian dealers can purchase this equipment at significant savings.




world news

TMI Climate Solutions Announces New Canadian Subsidiary, New Plant

TMI Climate Solutions, a manufacturer of advanced air handling, hydronic systems, and custom HVAC solutions, has announced a new subsidiary, TMI Climate Solutions Canada Inc. The company also announced completion of a new 200,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Pointe-Claire (Montreal), Quebec.




world news

HRAI Reports Big Increase in Ductless Shipments

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) reported that ductless split systems shipments had a major increase of 20 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Residential air conditioning showed an increase of 2 percent.




world news

Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Wins Award for Solar Finance Platform

Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada Inc. announced it won the 2016 Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) Game Changer Award in the “Project Finance Category,” presented at the Game Changer Awards Gala. This is Panasonic’s second CanSIA Game Changer Award.