Optimizing planting dates and vine management for watermelon production in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Watermelon production is gaining traction in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region, particularly at the Koga Irrigation Scheme. However, agronomic practices such as sowing dates and vine management strategies remain underexplored, limiting yield and profitability potential. Identifying the optimal planting date and vine number is crucial for enhancing the crop’s growth, productivity, and economic returns, especially in the […]

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Village Health Teams improving health and nutrition outcomes in Uganda

Malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies, continues to be a major challenge in Uganda’s Kabarole district and Fort Portal City. Despite the presence of Village Health Teams (VHTs) as community health extension workers, gaps in functionality, irregular training, and limited supervision hinder their ability to effectively tackle these issues. This creates missed opportunities to […]

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Innovative tarpaulin tanks for sustainable African catfish farming and integrated aquaponics system

Traditional aquaculture systems face challenges in urban and peri-urban areas due to limited space, water constraints, and higher environmental contamination risks. Tarpaulin tanks present a viable, cost-effective solution for fish farming in such contexts, enabling controlled, sustainable, and profitable African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) production. Key Findings The HealthyFoodAfrica project at Accra Food System Lab is […]

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The Ambassador Model enhancing adoption of vegetable farming in urban Kisumu, Kenya

Urbanization in Kenya has led to increased population density and competition for land, leaving limited space for agricultural activities. Between 1999 and 2009, Kenya’s urban population grew from 5 million to 12 million, intensifying the challenges of ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food in urban and peri-urban areas. In Kisumu, residents face malnutrition […]

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School Gardens: Enhancing Health, Education, and Sustainability in Benin and Ghana

In many public elementary schools in Benin and Ghana, improving the quality of meals served in school canteens remains a significant challenge. Limited access to fresh and nutritious produce hampers efforts to provide balanced diets for children, while opportunities for hands-on, practical education in agriculture and sustainability are often underutilized. Moreover, there is a pressing […]

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Kitchen gardening for increased access to diversified and nutritious foods in the Rwamwanja refugee settlement

The Rwamwanja refugee settlement faces significant challenges in ensuring access to diversified and nutritious foods. Refugees are allocated limited land – averaging 0.037 acres per household – which must accommodate both their homestead and gardening needs. This limited land, combined with a reliance on staple crops like maize and beans, restricts the production of nutrient-rich […]

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Reducing food loss in green leafy rape rural-to-urban supply chain in Zambia

Green leafy rape (Brassica napus L) is a key vegetable in Zambia, vital for nutrition, food security, and livelihoods. However, its rural-to-urban supply chain suffers from significant quality and physical losses, undermining economic returns and food availability.  Key Findings  A study conducted in HealthyFoodAfrica examined food loss in the Chongwe-to-Lusaka supply chain, focusing on four […]

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Quantification and Utilization of Tilapia Waste: Opportunities for Sustainability in Ghana’s Aquaculture Sector

Aquaculture, particularly the farming of Nile tilapia is a cornerstone of Ghana’s food system strategies, addressing protein demand sustainably. However, significant waste – ranging from 30% to 45% – is generated in the tilapia supply chain. This highlights an urgent need for better utilization of fish waste to enhance sustainability and reduce resource inefficiencies.  Key Findings  […]

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