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SEPTEMBER 2023
Stories From the Land and Water
On land and in water, our food systems are under pressure like never before. Extreme weather events, conflict, disrupted supply chains and more are making it increasingly difficult for smallholder farmers and producers across different food systems to remain productive. Getting innovations into the hands of agrifood system producers is critical to meet these challenges. For more than a decade, Feed the Future has been a driving force in catalyzing novel solutions that support our mission to reduce global hunger, poverty and malnutrition.
This month, we highlight two stories of innovation and resourcefulness from across our Feed the Future network of partners. In Senegal, scientists are developing millet and cowpea seed varieties that deliver multiple big wins for smallholder farmers – producing more nutrient-dense grain that is better able to withstand drought on less land. Elsewhere in Bangladesh, where fish commands a central place in people’s diets, researchers are using a fish breeding technology known as cryopreservation to produce more high-quality fish for local consumers. Together, these stories illustrate just two of the many facets that make up the global food system and the global impact of Feed the Future’s work.
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 Dual-Purpose Seeds in Senegal Make Life Easier and More Profitable for Farmers
Farmers participating in the Master Farmers program, a joint effort from Feed the Future and Peace Corps Senegal, are planting dual-purpose seeds that are more drought-resistant and nutrient-dense and can be grown on the same plot at the same time, resulting in increased income and better livelihoods for the farmers and their families.
Keep reading
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 Fish Breeding Technology in Bangladesh Offers Convenience and Quality
In Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest aquaculture producers, a team of researchers is harnessing the power of cryopreservation to help fish farmers produce more high-quality fish for local consumption. This technology combines the availability of higher quality genetic materials with the ability to meet the needs of a growing population.
Learn more
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 USAID & Norway Launch Fund to Support African Agri-SMEs
During the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. and Norway launched a new fund to support agriculture small- and medium-sized enterprises (agri-SMEs) in Africa, the continent’s largest employer. This fund has the potential to support 500 agri-SMEs and 1.5 million smallholder farmers, ultimately benefiting nearly 7.5 million people. In addition, the fund will support nearly 60,000 private sector jobs.
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New Food Loss and Waste Accelerator Unveiled
Globally, over one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted each year. With a focus on nutritious value chains and businesses led by women and youth, a new food loss and waste accelerator, announced by Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, will help businesses to invest in climate-smart practices and business models that intentionally minimize production waste and post-harvest losses.
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New Investments in African Food Systems Announced at #AGRF2023
USAID announced $15 million in new investments at the African Food System Forum earlier this month. The investments include Africa’s first agribusiness digital marketplace specifically for women, providing greater access to affordable fertilizer for the continent’s smallholder farmers, and an investment fund focused explicitly on improving diet quality and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa through financing to small- and medium-sized enterprises involved in the provision of affordable, safe, and nutritious local food.
Advancing the Conversation Around Building a Resilient Future
As resilience becomes more relevant and better known outside of food security circles, Feed the Future Deputy Coordinator for Development Dina Esposito joins Global Resilience Partnership Chief Executive Officer Nathanial Matthews for a discussion on priorities when it comes to building resilience, the role of evidence and how innovative partnerships can help.
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Feed the Future is the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative.
Photo Credit: John Healey, Fintrac Inc.
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