Latest news with #FarmAfrica
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Farmers make remarkable breakthrough that could revolutionize coffee industry: 'We've taken control'
In a breakthrough for both farming and forest conservation, coffee growers in Ethiopia have discovered a way to boost their incomes while helping reforest thousands of acres of endangered woodland — all by changing how they grow and process their beans. Led by the nonprofit Farm Africa, the Coffee for Conservation project trained over 4,000 farmers on climate-smart techniques for sustainable coffee production. As reported by the Good News Network, the approach was wildly successful, with more than 5,000 acres of forest reforested, 300,000 seedlings planted, and local incomes boosted by 45%. This is one example of how to tackle a major challenge in agriculture: growing profitable crops without harming ecosystems. Coffee, unlike many monocrops, can thrive in natural forests. But in recent decades, growing demand has led to deforestation in Ethiopia, where coffee makes up a quarter of export earnings and supports the livelihoods of 15 million people. Between 2021 and 2024, Farm Africa worked with 19 community forest cooperatives to show farmers how to grow fast-growing trees for fuel, produce bamboo drying mats locally, and switch to energy-efficient stoves. These innovations reduced the need to cut native trees while decreasing pollution tied to harvesting, transporting, and burning wood — which ultimately benefits the local community by reducing air pollution linked to health issues such as respiratory illnesses. By the end of the program, 66% of homes had adopted cleaner stoves, 76% of participants were using climate-smart farming practices (up from 49%), and total farm income had increased by 280%, adjusted for inflation. Export-quality coffee grown in the region rose by 73%, and specialty-grade beans were up 20% from 2021. Even more importantly, families began taking control of their own supply chains. "Now we've taken control and are the ones negotiating and determining the coffee prices," said Abde Musa, a member of the Abdi Bori forest management cooperative. This win-win solution for people and the planet demonstrates how smart agriculture can tackle pollution and food system inequities at once. The program also aligns with the goals of organizations such as Regrow Ag and ReFED, which are working to build more sustainable farming systems that protect natural resources while improving health and livelihoods. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As climate threats grow and food demand rises, projects such as Coffee for Conservation offer hope for farms to become more resilient, forests to grow back stronger, and communities to thrive while protecting their incomes and local ecosystems. It's also a reminder that even your morning coffee can support cleaner, fairer food systems when it's grown the right way. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Suffolk farmer's son aims to raise £2,500 for Farm Africa at London Marathon
A farmer's son from Bury St Edmunds is taking part in the London Marathon on April 27 to raise funds for Farm Africa. Jake Richards is an agriculture sustainability manager at supermarket chain Sainsbury's having joined the company in 2022. Before that he was county adviser and sugar beet specialist for the National Farmers' Union (NFU) in Essex and East Anglia from 2019 to 2022. SIGN UP HERE TO RECEIVE YOUR WEEKLY FARMING BULLETIN The former King Edward VI School pupil studied for a PhD in soil health and sugar beet funded by BBRO and worked for Holkham and Salle Farms. Jake's parents, Kate and Peter Richards, are arable and sheep farmers based at Lawshall, near Bury St Edmunds. His aim is to raise £2,500 for the charity which supports farmers in East Africa to build successful businesses and help supply fruit and vegetables to the UK. "It's an absolute privilege to be running on behalf of such an important charity," he said. "By supporting farmers in East Africa to develop viable farming businesses, it is a real investment in our own food security and the economies and communities that can enable east Africans to create thriving societies." To sponsor Jake, visit
