With adaptation finance needs estimated at about US$ 50 billion a year for Sub-Saharan Africa, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Rwanda are playing their part by launching the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP) phase II.

The US$ 100.37 million project will build on the successes of the previous phase by scaling up sustainable interventions along the dairy value chain that improves efficiencies, access to markets, nutrition, increase productivity and reduce poverty for rural poor households in 27 districts in Rwanda over the next six years.

“IFAD is pleased to scale up our investment in the dairy sector following a successful phase one of the project. The new phase will aim to improve efficiencies in the value chain by leveraging digitization and private sector financing that transform food systems, improve incomes and nutrition of Rwandans,” said Dagmawi Habte-Selassie, IFAD Country Director, Rwanda.

The dairy sector in the country has grown significantly over the years with milk production increasing nine-fold shifting the country from a milk importer to becoming self-sufficient. With the increase in production, individual consumption has increased from 20 litres in 2006 to 75 litres annually in 2021, with the potential to improve nutritional status of children.

The 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XII) commenced in Abidjan, bringing together a diverse coalition of key stakeholders to confront the urgent challenges posed by climate change across the continent.

Held alongside the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) special meeting ahead of COP 29 in Baku, CCDA-XII aims to unite leaders, policymakers, experts, and advocates to explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and forge strategic partnerships that will accelerate Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

In his opening address, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Environment, Jacques Assahoré Konan, underscored the magnitude of the climate crisis, stating, “Combating climate change is the greatest challenge humanity has faced in the last century.” He highlighted the disproportionate impact on Africa, which contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet bears the brunt of climate-related consequences. “Adaptation to these adverse effects is a major concern for Africa, and securing adequate financing is key. The theme of this conference, ‘Financing Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Africa,’ and the expertise gathered here offer a beacon of hope for the continent,” he said.

In a pivotal moment for Ethiopia’s mining industry, a formal handover ceremony was conducted by Ries Engineering at the Legadembi Midroc Gold Mine to mark the official transfer of a fleet of Komatsu heavy mining equipment to Midroc Gold. This event represents a significant leap forward in the operational capacity of the country’s leading gold producer and aligns with Ethiopia’s broader strategy to modernize its mining infrastructure.

The equipment handover featured key Komatsu models, including two PC 850 Excavators and GD655 Motor Grader, both globally renowned for their durability, advanced technology, and efficiency. This modern machinery is poised to enhance Midroc Gold’s mining operations, driving both productivity and cost-efficiency.

At the ceremony, Henry Esbend, the Group Heavy Mining & Construction Equipment Manager at Ries Engineering, highlighted the critical role of the Komatsu machines: “Today marks a turning point for mining at Legadembi. With Komatsu’s innovative equipment, Midroc Gold is well-positioned for significant gains in productivity and long-term sustainability.”

A wide range of African vegetable varieties are threatened with extinction, while others have already disappeared as climate change, urbanisation and poor eating habits take their toll. Speaking at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali this week, experts said many indigenous African vegetable species are already extinct and others will soon disappear if nothing is done…In the last 100 years, up to 75 percent of the global diversity of African vegetables has been lost, [Dr Sognigbe N’Danikou, a scientist and expert on the conservation and use of traditional vegetables at the World Vegetable Centre] argued…At the AFS Forum, the World Vegetable Centre launched the Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan, which will act as a roadmap to address the threats stalking the vegetable species in order to reverse their disappearance…So far, achievements made through the pilot phase include two newly constructed and three upgraded African genebanks, in addition to training some 174 African genebank staff. (The EastAfrican)