Blog

Scientists from IITA, Wageningen and University of Florida are Optimizing Crop Models for Improved Predictions

The African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) project scientists are working on optimizing crop models to improve the prediction of the AKILIMO decision support tools. The team is evaluating the performance of the Light Interception and Utilization (LINTUL) and Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) to predict the attainable yield of cassava under well managed agronomic field trial.

ARIFU FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS EDUCATION TRAINING IN TANZANIA

The African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) in a joint effort with ARIFU
has ensured the continuation of training farmers in Tanzania during the
coronavirus pandemic. Despite the semi lockdown and other measures out in place by health agencies to infections and spreading of the corona virus. ACAI and ARIFU have been carrying out virtual trainings with extension agents and farmers through teleconference phone calls.

JPDM and UAM Gradually Resume Training of Farmers while Adhering to COVID-19 Safety Measures

Extension agents working under the Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM), Oyo and the University of Agriculture Makurdi have concluded plans to resume training activities previously halted by the COVID-19 lockdown across the country under a cautious regime. The training activities will adhere strictly to the rules on physical distancing set by the country on COVID 19, coordinators from JPDM and UAM have said.

ACAI in New Partnership with Kolping Society of Nigeria

Kolping Society of Nigeria is the new addition to the ACAI project list of partners that will be instrumental in scaling the use of the AKILIMO decision support tools. Kolping Society of Nigeria is a faith-based organization that promotes social action for human development. The organization will integrate AKILIMO tools content as part of their training materials for farmers growing cassava within their membership location.

ACAI Partners and Local Government Officials continue Training on AKILIMO in Tanzania

A collaboration between ACAI partners and the local government authorities in Tanzania has ensured a continuation of stakeholder trainings and farmer sensitization during the coronavirus pandemic. Kilimo Joint a capacity building and agricultural consulting enterprise and eSOKO an agricultural digital solutions company and an ACAI primary partner have teamed with government officials of Mkuranga District in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania to conduct training for selected new project partners and farmers on the use of fertilizer in growing cassava as recommended by the AKILIMO decision support tools.