Latest news with #ruralDevelopment
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Elis James and John Robins #463 - The Trifecta of Value, Celya AB and A Bin Bag of Marmite
There's huge news in the rural Bucks area as the Trifecta of Value begins to take shape - pending planning application rulings. It's one of many wins for John, but the spectre of the biggest loss in many a year hangs over him. But he is unwilling to reveal it in his losses column. Someone should have cottoned on to this sly behaviour by now. Away from the Ls and the Ws we go all Gallic in chatting to the wonderful Celya AB, and John introduces her by making it self-aggrandising. Exactly what Norton and Parkinson would do. Plus Elis gets rinsed by a listener yet again and we dig into the various chain restaurants of Woking. Have you got opinions on Surrey's fast-casual outlets? Well elisandjohn@ or 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp are the places to send them.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi's SFD signs deal worth over $38mln to enhance infrastructure in Tunisia
TUNIS — Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer Sultan Al-Marshad signed on Saturday a new development loan agreement with Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Dr. Samir Abdelhafidh to finance the establishment of an Oasis Hub Project in southern Tunisia. The loan, exceeding $38 million, was signed in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Saqr. The agreement reflects the strong bilateral development partnership that has spanned nearly 50 years. The Oasis Hub Project aims to support sustainable rural development through the reclamation of more than 1,000 hectares of agricultural land across various regions of Tunisia. The project includes the drilling and equipping of 22 wells, the expansion of rural villages and their infrastructure, and the construction of over 285 housing units for local beneficiaries. Additionally, the project will enhance the region's infrastructure by building roads, pipelines, and networks for potable and irrigation water, while also supporting the development of educational institutions, agricultural facilities, and cultural, social, and commercial centers. These efforts collectively aim to improve the quality of life and stimulate economic and social growth in Tunisia's southern governorates. The agreement is part of SFD's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development in Tunisia by financing infrastructure projects that contribute to improving living standards, creating job opportunities, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since it began operations in Tunisia in 1975, SFD has financed 32 development projects and programs through concessional loans totaling more than $1.2 billion, in addition to grants provided by Saudi Arabia through SFD, amounting to over $105 million. Meanwhile, Tunisian Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri received Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer Sultan Al-Marshad in Tunis on Saturday. The reception was also attended by Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh, Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Saqr, and other officials. Zenzri and Al-Marshad reviewed ways to strengthen development cooperation between the two countries and highlighted the longstanding bilateral partnership that spans over five decades, particularly in financing key development projects in Tunisia. Al-Marshad also met with Tunisian Minister of Health Dr. Mustapha Ferjani in the presence of the Saudi ambassador. They discussed ongoing health projects funded by SFD and explored opportunities to support the Tunisian health sector. The meetings come as part of Al-Marshad's official visit to Tunisia, during which a development loan agreement worth over $38 million is scheduled to be signed with the Tunisian Ministry of Economy and Planning to support infrastructure projects in the country. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
28-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Fund for Development signs development loan agreement to enhance infrastructure sector in Tunisia
Tunisia: The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed today a new development loan agreement with H.E. Dr. Samir Abdelhafidh, Minister of Economy and Planning of the Republic of Tunisia, to finance the establishment of an Oasis Hub Project in southern Tunisia. The loan, exceeding USD 38 million, was signed in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Tunisia. This agreement reflects the strong development partnership that has spanned nearly 50 years between the two sides. The Oasis Hub Project aims to support sustainable rural development through the reclamation of more than 1,000 hectares of agricultural land across various regions in Tunisia. The project includes the drilling and equipping of 22 wells, the expansion of rural villages and their infrastructure, and the construction of over 285 housing units for local beneficiaries. Additionally, the project will enhance the region's infrastructure by building roads, pipelines, and networks for potable and irrigation water, while also supporting the development of educational institutions, agricultural facilities, and cultural, social, and commercial centers. These efforts collectively aim to improve the quality of life and stimulate economic and social growth in Tunisia's southern governorates. This agreement is part of SFD's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development in Tunisia by financing infrastructure projects that contribute to improving living standards, creating job opportunities, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since the inception of its operations in Tunisia in 1975, SFD has financed 32 development projects and programs, through concessional loans totaling more than USD 1.2 billion, in addition to grants provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through SFD amounting to over USD 105 million.
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Digging into the past to grow tomorrow: How young people are reshaping South Africa's agri sector?
Youth investment in agriculture is critical to ensuring South Africa's food security and long-term resilience. Although young people aged 18 to 34 make up over a third of the South African population, the average age of a farmer in South Africa is 62 years old (Sihlobo, 2017). This means that currently, young people are largely underrepresented in the agricultural sector, and given how key this demographic is to the transformation of it, this poses a serious risk. Diale Tilo, Executive Director, Kgodiso Development Fund. Despite growing urgency, agriculture continues to be overlooked by young people. Many still view farming as outdated, unskilled, and labour-intensive, an image that fails to reflect the sector's evolving realities. Barriers such as limited access to land, funding, training, and mentorship also contribute to this disconnect. As a result, many young people turn to urban employment, unaware that farming can be a viable and rewarding career path when supported by the right resources, networks, and knowledge. The Kgodiso Development Fund was founded by PepsiCo South Africa in 2020 with the strategic priority to address these exact barriers, by supporting youth participation, rural economic development and inclusive growth within our country's agricultural sector. The young farmers that KDF has funded thus far have brought innovation, sustainability, and fresh energy with them. Their involvement promises to spark economic development, create jobs, and promises to lead to the introduction of modern, climate-smart farming practices. A new generation on the land: Simphiwe Mabuza's story At just 31 years old, Simphiwe Mabuza is a shining example of how the youth can lead the way in agriculture and represents the next generation of black commercial farmers. Based in Breyton, Mpumalanga, Mabuza runs operations at his father's farm, Lisise Farming, a 553-hectare grain operation. With the support of the Kgodiso Development Fund and Standard Bank, the farm secured R4.4m in funding to grow its business. For Mabuza, farming is about more than producing crops - it's about redefining what it means to be a young, black farmer in a historically exclusive industry. It's about legacy, breaking barriers, and expanding opportunities for future generations. His love for farming began during school holidays, particularly Christmas breaks spent at his grandmother's house, where his father would gather the grandchildren at dawn to spread fertiliser using small buckets. "For my father, farming wasn't just work, it was a way of life," Mabuza reflects. With a diploma in Operations Management, he transitioned from metropolitan life to the fields, determined to bring his skills back to the land. "It was a hard but necessary shift. This farm is part of my family's legacy," he says. "Many of my peers who've seen me running the farm have come to realise that, while it's demanding, it's far from impossible. You just have to start and seize the opportunities that come your way." With nine years of hands-on production experience and four seasons of independently managed operations, Mabuza has shown impressive growth, technical competence and business acumen. His operations stimulate local economic development and food security through grain production and transformation within the agricultural value chain. Mabuza is not only scaling his operations but is also becoming a role model in his community, leveraging mentorship from his father and sharing knowledge with peers, multiplying the developmental impact of this funding. Importantly, farming is not just about innovation; it's also about preserving heritage. It's about blending traditional wisdom with modern techniques to create more sustainable, effective systems. This dual approach can only be driven by a generation that values both past and future. Mabuza is committed not only to farming but also to uplifting the community around him. Lisise Farming partners with local service providers, from veterinary care to equipment maintenance, ensuring that the local economy benefits from its operations. Farm workers regularly receive 50kg bags of mealie meal to support their families, and meat from livestock is shared as part of an ongoing tradition. The farm also donates mealie meal regularly to the local church. This kind of community-rooted agriculture fosters resilience, combats malnutrition, reduces reliance on imports, and strengthens local food systems. 'It's about contributing to food security in this nation,' Mabuza explains. 'But it all starts here, with our community. No one is coming to save us - we are our liberators. It's more than farming. It's about self-sufficiency for ourselves, our families, and our country.' The future is growing With youth unemployment a pressing issue, agriculture stands out as a career that not only sustains life but also offers economic transformation, especially in a market like South Africa. Globally, agriculture contributes over 25% to the GDP of many developing countries. Engaging youth can supercharge this impact by introducing technology, new energy, and modern solutions. Young people are well-positioned to integrate advancements such as AI, drone tech, and remote sensing into traditional practices, elevating the entire industry. Farming, when reimagined and restructured, can unlock economic freedom, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Farming is about more than just growing food; it's about shaping a future that works for everyone - economically, socially, and environmentally. Youth are not just the future of farming; they are the now. With access to land, resources, and knowledge, they can radically transform both their communities and the broader agricultural landscape of South Africa. It's time to invest in the next generation of growers and, in doing so, invest in the prosperity of the nation.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Green 2000 and PRODAC Transform Local Farming Communities Across Senegal
KFAR-VITKIN, ISRAEL / / June 12, 2025 / Across Senegal, a remarkable transformation is taking place-one that is breathing new life into rural communities, empowering young farmers, and turning once underutilized land into engines of productivity. This change is being driven by a strategic partnership between PRODAC (Programme des Domaines Agricoles Communautaires) and the Israeli agricultural development company Green 2000. Together, they are redefining what it means to farm in the 21st century. PRODAC: A Vision Rooted in People and the Land The PRODAC initiative was born out of the Senegalese government's commitment to addressing three pressing national challenges: rising youth unemployment, underdeveloped rural economies, and dependence on food imports. Senegal, like many nations in the Sahel, is rich in arable land and cultural agricultural knowledge. Yet decades of underinvestment in infrastructure, training, and rural development left much of the country's potential untapped. PRODAC's approach was bold and comprehensive. Instead of trying to solve each issue in isolation, the program sought to create community agricultural domains (DACs)-multi-purpose hubs designed to combine modern farming, vocational training, infrastructure development, and youth entrepreneurship. These DACs would not only cultivate crops but also cultivate hope. Each site would serve hundreds of local participants, particularly young people from nearby villages and towns, offering them the opportunity to: Receive hands-on agricultural training Use modern farming tools and greenhouses Cultivate their own plots of land Access storage and processing infrastructure Connect with markets to sell their produce From Village to Value Chain: A New Local Economy Emerges The impact of the PRODAC-Green 2000 partnership is perhaps most visible in the communities surrounding the DACs. These areas have witnessed a surge in economic activity, social mobility, and local pride. In places like Kaolack, Kolda, and Saint-Louis, young farmers are growing not only staple crops like millet and sorghum, but also higher-value vegetables, fruits, and herbs-many of which are sold in urban markets or used in school feeding programs. Participants report incomes that are double or triple what they were earning before joining the DACs. Credit: Green 2000 (Giora Perl) The Strategic Role of PRODAC in National Development What began as a development program is now becoming a strategic pillar of Senegal's economic planning. Government ministries-from Youth and Agriculture to Education and Industry-recognize the DACs not only as tools for food production but as platforms for integrated rural development. Key national outcomes tied to PRODAC include: Youth employment generation at scale Reduction in rural-urban migration through local opportunity creation Increased national food self-sufficiency through localized production Development of agro-industrial supply chains Improved gender equality, as women participate in every stage of production and leadership International observers, including the World Bank, FAO, and African Development Bank, have praised the program and identified it as a model for replication across West Africa. Other governments are now studying the PRODAC-Green 2000 framework as a template for scalable, locally driven agricultural reform. A Lasting Transformation from the Ground Up What makes the PRODAC and Green 2000 collaboration so powerful is not just its immediate impact-but its sustainability, replicability, and humanity. It's not just about hectares planted or tons harvested. It's about people who now see themselves as agents of change, capable of shaping their own futures. As one young participant in a Saint-Louis DAC put it:"I used to think I had to leave my village to find a life. Now, life has come back to the village because of this program." Senegal's rural future is no longer uncertain. Thanks to the joint efforts of PRODAC and Green 2000, it is growing-season by season, village by village, dream by dream. Contact : Contact Person Name: Refael DayanCity: Kfar-VitkinCountry: IsraelCompany: Green 2000- Agricultural Equipment & Know-How P.O. Box 572 Kfar-Vitkin 5710 Rd., 4020000 IsraelTel. ++972-77-2010710 | Fax.++972-77-2010711E-mail: greenltd@ SOURCE: Green 2000 View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
