Synnefa Articles

Agriculture plays a vital role in feeding the world's population and supporting local economies. Yet, despite its significance, many farmers lack access to education and training opportunities. This can result in suboptimal production, reduced profitability, and increased poverty. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why educating farmers is essential and the benefits it brings. From improved productivity and better health and safety outcomes, to increased gender equality and reduced poverty, educating farmers is an investment in a brighter future for rural communities and the world as a whole. 

GMOs — what are they? How did they come to be and how are they used? Are they harmful or good? There is still much controversy regarding genetically modified organisms and their effects.

Every farmers' goal is to produce the most nutritious, delicious, safe food products on earth. Unfortunately, the way biotechnology is portrayed in the media has led to a lot of confusion regarding genetically modified foods.

The holiday season is a time for celebration with family and friends, but it can also be a stressful time of year. One way to make the season more enjoyable is by ensuring the food you serve is fresh and flavorful. The best way to do this is to keep your food farm fresh during the festive season.

When we think of food safety, we tend to think about food-borne illnesses and contaminated meat. However, there are other issues that we should be aware of. One of these issues is soil-borne pathogens which can infect our crops directly or via the environment. These soil borne pathogens can cause severe diseases such as hepatitis E (HEV) and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) also known as mad cow disease. It is important that we focus on food safety issues in modern agriculture because these will have a large impact on quality of life, health, and well being. 

Fungi can cause significant damage to plants in your greenhouse, resulting in reduced yields and even death to some species. It is important to take steps to prevent and control the growth of fungi in order to ensure a successful crop yield. This blog will provide an overview of the different types of greenhouses, common fungi types, preventative measures, metal greenhouses, and treatments available for controlling existing fungi growth. For instance, check out the fungal growth on this plant - in white. 

Agriculture is a key sector of the African economy, contributing 10% to GDP, 8% of employment, and 25% of exports according to the World Bank. In some countries, agriculture accounts for more than half of all jobs. This sector is also critical to improving food security outcomes in Africa. Food insecurity affects more than two thirds of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and nearly a third globally. It constrains sustainable economic growth and poses serious public health consequences for its victims. 

The market for farm products is growing rapidly and this is good for farmers. However, it can also be overwhelming for a farmer who's trying to sell their product. This is because there are so many factors to consider when trying to market your farm products. Some are logistical, such as the type of packaging you use, the right size box, how you present the products in the store and even how you approach the media aspect. Others are more marketing oriented such as finding out who your target customers are and what they want. 

Ever heard of the phrase “Small-scale producers feed the nation?"

Kales are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. They have been hailed as the world's most nutritious vegetable. What's more is that they require little or no cooking to be consumed. With so much goodness and nutrients packed in the said vegetable (This green is packed with protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, fibre, and anti-cancer properties), there are different types of this vegetable around us and it makes it important to know the differences among them.

Women play a critical role in the future of food security. There is an increasing interest and participation of women in agricultural activities as trends toward improved efficiency and environmental sustainability continue. Women also provide the effects by working together around the table, rather than apart from each other, in their respective communities and making decisions for better opportunities for themselves, their families and others.