Farms. Food. Future. looks at the big issues facing farmers in the developing world and what needs to be done to wipe out global hunger while dealing with the climate crisis. It’s brought to you by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and presented by Brian Thomson. Through the podcast, IFAD raises awareness of the challenges smallholder farmers in developing countries are facing around food security. Farms. Food. Future. includes interviews with IFAD experts, part ...
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Today’s food insecurity requires new solutions. Have policymakers kept up, or are they relying on yesterday’s answers? On the Reset the Table podcast, CSIS Global Food Security Program director Caitlin Welsh makes room at the table for fresh ideas for solving food insecurity around the world—and right here at home.
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Welcome to the Mbali Nwoko Podcast, the leading agricultural podcast on the African continent! Join us as we bring you exclusive insights from the foremost industry experts and stakeholders in the agricultural sector and its value chain. The podcast features a diverse range of guests, including farmers, scientists, agronomists, researchers, economists, investors, and policymakers, among others. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and inform our listeners about the business of farming and agr ...
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Rural Malawians on building back after Cyclone Freddy
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In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy swept across Malawi, devastating a country already struggling with hunger and poverty. But a year on, hope for a brighter future is returning to its farms. On this episode, you'll hear directly from the rural Malawians who are building back stronger with IFAD's support. Our Country Director for Malawi, Bernadette Mukon…
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EP 60 I Michelle Marais: Urban Farmer's mission to support African agriculture
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Michelle shares her journey in the agricultural sector, her recent award win, and her work with small-scale farmers through Urban Farmer. We discuss the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, the importance of information access, and the vision for the future of agriculture in Africa. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Email info@mbalin…
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Regenerative agriculture, from soil to sustainability
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Despite being a major contributor to global emissions, farming might just hold the key to solving the climate crisis. When agriculture is regenerative, it becomes a win-win for people and planet, increasing food security while protecting the environment. We unpack this method of sustainable farming and explore how small-scale farmers can harness it…
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EP 59 I Minki Thulo: The role of a Business Coach in scaling and growing your business
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In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Minki, a seasoned business growth consultant and coach at GROW. We explore the crucial role of business coaching in the success of entrepreneurs, delving into the importance of clarity, focus, and intentionality in building a thriving business. We also discuss the difference between business coa…
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Over 80 per cent of our planet's biodiversity is found on the territories of Indigenous Peoples, who have been farming for generations while caring for forests, deserts, grasslands and oceans. By growing food sustainably, they are leading the way on transforming food systems. On this episode, Indigenous leaders from Nepal, Mexico and Kenya weigh in…
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With smartphones and social media becoming more ubiquitous globally, rural communities that were once remote are finding themselves connected to the rest of the planet. In this episode, we speak to three young YouTubers and TikTokers in Latin America who are bringing their rural lives to the world via our screens. Hear how they’re using their creat…
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EP 58 I Oxolo Mofokeng : Siyavuna Abalimi Development Centre
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In conversation with Oxolo Mofokeng, the Deputy Director of Siyavuna Abalimi Development Centre. Siyavuna focuses on empowering rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal through sustainable farming practices. They provide training to both elderly farmers and youth, emphasizing the importance of skills development and enterprise development. Oxolo explains…
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Women are the unsung heroes of our world's food systems. They produce up to 80 per cent of all food in developing countries despite being saddled with a disproportionate share of unpaid work, such as childcare and cooking. To mark International Women's Day, we explore how gender inequality and gender-based violence can be overcome to build inclusiv…
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EP 57: Francois Rossouw I Unleashing AI in Agriculture with AI Farmer powered by AELA
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In our first episode of 2024, we dive into the transformative world of agricultural technology with our guest, Francois Rossouw, CEO of SAAI. Francois, a returning friend of the podcast, shares exciting developments about SAAI's latest innovation, AI Farmer, powered by AELA. AI Farmer, formerly known as Hi Saai, is a groundbreaking technology provi…
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Zero waste, full plates: winning with school meals
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Our planet faces a paradox: nearly a third of the world's population experienced food insecurity in 2022, yet a third of the food we grow is never eaten at all. Food loss and waste doesn't just rob billions of nourishment, it unnecessarily drains resources and harms the environment. In this episode, we explore how we can – and must – pursue zero hu…
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Seaweed packs a punch. It produces more than half of the world’s oxygen and removes millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. It's also incredibly nutritious and easily cultivated, with seaweed farming making up nearly a third of all marine aquaculture. From the Irish Sea to the Pacific Ocean, we explore how this underwater …
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Navigating marine biodiversity for a better tomorrow
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Marine biodiversity is a precious resource – but it has longer been under threat. Today's coral reefs, for example, cover half the area they did in 1950, and nearly 10% of marine life is at risk of extinction. How can we support small-scale producers who rely on the sea for an income, while protecting it? From aquaculture to the blue economy, we ta…
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In our final episode of the year, we hear from a range of climate leaders and how they plan to tackle some of the planet’s greatest challenges. IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana gives insight into the challenges faced by rural people, followed by fellow IFAD colleagues explaining how we can improve the lives of small-scale farmers. Xenya Sc…
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EP 56 I Sinelizwi Fakade: Unlocking commercialisation strategies for rural agricultural development
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Ukhanyo Farmer Development (NPO) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering and uplifting farmers in South Africa, in the Eastern Cape province. Focused on rural agricultural development, the organization aims to unlock the full potential of farmers by providing essential resources, training, and support. Through strategic guidance and comm…
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Investing in a Climate-Resilient Future
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COP28 is just around the corner – our 50th episode focuses on small-scale farmers and their resilience in the face of climate change. Discover how the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) strengthens rural communities. Jahan-Zeb Chowdhury runs us through IFAD’s initiatives for COP28, followed by climate experts Hisham Zehni and F…
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EP 55 I Thabile Nkunjana: Understanding the economics behind the egg scarcity crisis
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Over the past couple of months, the poultry industry in South Africa has faced unprecedented challenges, especially with the emergence of the bird flu virus. This outbreak has had a profound impact, particularly on the availability of poultry products, with eggs being a notable example, on many retail shelves. Thabile Nkunjana joins us once again; …
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EP 54: Palesa Motaung: Making agribusiness value chains more efficient with Agrikool
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Agrikool, is a startup focused on making food and agricultural products accessible to everyone. Palesa Motaung, COO of Agrikool discusses the challenges of agri-entrepreneurship in South Africa and how Agrikool has had to adapt its business model to meet the needs of its target market. The episode also highlights Agrikool's strong retail partnershi…
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Replenishing the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development with IFAD President Alvaro Lario
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The President of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr. Alvaro Lario, joins CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program Director Catilin Welsh to discuss the outcomes of recent milestone meetings for agricultural development financing, and how momentum from these events can help carry IFAD’s priorities into C…
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Harvesting Equality in Rural Households
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Rural women are at the heart of the agricultural world. Yet many inequalities persist. Tshering Choden explains how IFAD is actively combatting these existing inequalities. On this note, Philippe Remy follows with captivating success stories from Malawi. In Latin America, rural women’s leaders speak about closing the gender gap in decision-making. …
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EP 53 I Stephanie van der Walt: Women in Agriculture - Highlights from the International Fresh Produce Association's Women's Fresh Perspective
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Stephanie van der Walt, the Regional Manager of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) discusses the purpose of industry body associations and the work they do, as well as the benefits of being a member. Stephanie shares her thoughts on the Women's Fresh Perspective breakfast hosted by IFPA and their recent conference in Southern Africa…
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Reflecting on a Food Systems Approach to Today’s Challenges with Dr. Lawrence Haddad
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In our first episode of Reset the Table season 3, Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), sits down with CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program Director Caitlin Welsh to explore food systems approaches to today’s challenges to food security and nutrition. Dr. Haddad discusses the interconne…
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In this episode, we’re tackling malnutrition. In the spotlight we have an intriguing report on obesity in developing countries. Then we speak to IFAD's Lead Technical Specialist on Nutrition, Joyce Njoro, about the factors driving food inflation and its impact on access to healthy diets. Also in episode 48, Nadine Gbossa shares with us the key find…
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EP 52 I Zaheer Dindar and Fazlur Pandor: Introducing Pumpkin: A Web-Based Platform for Agribusiness Financial Management and Funding
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Speaking to Zaheer Dindar and Fazlur Pandor both Co-Founders of Pumpkn.io Pumpkn is a web-based platform that helps agribusinesses manage their finances and raise funding. It provides businesses with a comprehensive financial compliance checklist and real-time updates on their financial standing. It also offers tailor-made financing and funding opp…
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EP 51 I Tendai Chitapi & Oliver Windram: Farming with AI! How machine vision and deep learning are transforming produce grading - Kuronga
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Tendai Chitapi and Oliver Windram, co-founders of Kuronga. Kuronga is a platform that utilizes machine vision and deep learning to help farmers accurately grade their produce and target the right customers. The founders recognized that farmers were missing out on market opportunities due to a lack of tools and expertise in grading fresh produce. Th…
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The future of farming lies with young farmers and rural youth. But how do we go about engaging young people in agriculture to enhance productivity and empower individuals. That's the question we want answers to in this podcast. First we talk to IFAD’s lead youth expert, Rahul Antao. We also hear from Mollie Brennan about the Decent Work for Equitab…
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EP 50 I Linda Siboto: Unveiling the world of cannabis with Cheeba Cannabis Academy
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Linda Siboto is the Co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis Academy and he unpacks the cannabis industry from obtaining licenses, cultivation practices, the costs associated with cannabis farming, and the various courses the academy offers to individuals that seek to learn or pursue a career in the cannabis industry. Linda also shares his personal journey an…
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Rocking Remittances for Rural Development
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This month we take a deep dive on the issue of remittances and how money sent home can be a force for good in rural development. We talk to IFAD’s Financing Facility for Remittances Pedro de Vasconcelos. Also Bibiana Vasquez speaks to regional work on remittances in Africa. And we hear from David Berno an expert on digital remittances. Plus Guillau…
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EP 49 I Christian Giesel: The role of marketing in shaping the future of agriculture with Syngenta
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Christian Giesel, the Head of Marketing at Syngenta South Africa is the guest on this exciting podcast episode. Syngenta is a global agribusiness company that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture through innovative marketing strategies. Christian's passion for sustainable agriculture and his deep understanding of the marketing …
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EP 48 I Lindsay Hopkins and Ozzy Nel : SA Harvest
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SA Harvest, based in the heart of South Africa, is a pioneering company with a mission to alleviate hunger while combating food waste. They've identified a critical issue in our society—tons of perfectly edible food goes to waste every day, while millions of people struggle with hunger. SA Harvest was founded with the belief that this disparity can…
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Saving SIDS' Food Security from Climate Impacts
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In this podcast we are looking at Small Island Developing States (SIDS), food security and climate change. We talk to IFAD climate specialist Oliver Page, and we also hear from IFAD projects working with SIDS in the Philippines, Haiti and Tonga. July sees the UN’s Food Systems Summit Stocktake taking place in Rome. We’ll be talking to Stefanos Foti…
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EP 47 I Naledi Magowe: Empowering Africa's rural farmers through tech innovation.
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Brastorne is an innovative technology startup based in Botswana, dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering the rural poor in Africa. With a deep-rooted commitment to addressing the needs of rural communities, especially those engaged in agriculture (representing 80% of the population), Brastorne leverages the transformative power of t…
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EP 46 I Thabile Nkunjana: Food price inflation and its impact on the consumer market
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Thabile Nkunjana is an experienced economist in agri-food systems, international trade, and rural development industry, and is currently employed by the NAMC as an Economist in Agri-Food Chains. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of food price inflation and its far-reaching consequences. We discuss how shifts in supply and demand,…
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We’re turning the spotlight on the Near East and North Africa to look at one of the major issues facing the region – water scarcity. With the UN’s climate summit later this year – COP28 – taking place in the United Arab Emirates – water scarcity and food security are top of the agenda. In the podcast we’ll be talking to IFAD’s regional lead Dina Sa…
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Food Forward SA works with a network of food donors, volunteers, and beneficiary organizations to collect surplus food from retailers, farmers, and manufacturers, and distribute it to vulnerable communities across the country. Their mission is to ensure that no one goes hungry, while also promoting sustainable food systems and reducing the environm…
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EP 44 I Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli: Growing agribusinesses across Africa
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In this episode, we take a closer look at the incredible career of Ndidi Nwuneli, an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for sustainable development in Nigeria's agri sector. Ndidi is the founder of AACE Foods, an agribusiness company that works with smallholder farmers to produce high-quality food products for local and international markets. Ndidi…
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We’re getting in the biodiversity groove ahead of International Biodiversity Day on May 22nd. We speak exclusively to the acting Executive Secretary of the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity, David Cooper. Then we’ll be hearing from IFAD’s lead on biodiversity Marie Aude Even. After that, in honour of the UK coronation we’re taking a little bi…
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Innovating for a sustainable farming future
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This month’s edition of Farms.Food.Future. is all about innovation. Donal Brown talks about how IFAD is innovating in projects around the world. This month, we're also featuring some amazing game-changers in the industry. First we have Mai Ann Healy from BioFiltro, who's revolutionizing wastewater treatment with their innovative worm castings techn…
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EP 43 I Mishkaat Anderson: Breeding varieties for the South African deciduous fruit producers.
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Speaking to Mishkaat who is the newly appointed GM for Culdevco. Culdevco’s main objective is to identify, market and commercialise profitable Agricultural Research Council (ARC) bred varieties for the South African deciduous fruit producers and Culdevco licensees abroad. Since 2006, Culdevco and the ARC have had an exclusive deciduous fruit licens…
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EP 42 I Shalom Ben Or : Building a fintech company for the African agriculture sector.
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Avenews is a fast-growing Israeli-Kenyan fintech company building the first financial super app for the agriculture industry in Africa. Despite their economic contribution, agri-SMBs receive only 3-5% of total bank credit. An estimated 2.5M agri-SMBs are in need of financing solutions in SSA alone, resulting in an $80 billion finance gap in the sec…
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In this podcast we look at International Women’s Day 2023, which explores the impact of the digital gender gap, speaking to IFAD's Ndaya Beltchika. We also talk to ecommerce professional, Shelley Burich, from Samoa, and Elsie Du Bray from the Lakota Nation in North America about food sovereignty. We hear about the latest on the ever changing donor …
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EP 41 I Dimakatso (Nono) Sekhoto: Developing young agricultural leaders across the African continent
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Nono is a commercial farmer and business women who has built a remarkable career in the agricultural sector focusing on primary agriculture, particularly in empowering youth, women and new entrants in the agriculture sector. We discuss her role within the African Leadership Academy where she has successfully managed to establish and run the AL for …
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EP 40 I Maluta Netshaulu: Commercial agriculture and the banking sector
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In conversation with Maluta Netshaulu - Senior Manager: Agriculture (Client Value Proposition). He is a thought leader in the sector and we highlight the wins and losses experienced across the agri sector over the past 6 months and what the future looks like for 2023 and beyond. Please rate and review this podcast episode. Please rate and review th…
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This month we talk about a crucial yet underrepresented group in the fight for climate change: Indigenous Peoples. Join us on our travels around the world and hear what chefs, activists and experts have to say about the issues most important to their communities, ahead of IFAD’s Indigenous Peoples’ Forum in February. Up first, we chat with IFAD’s v…
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Putting our Money Where our Mouth is
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It’s the end of the year, and we’re jumping headfirst into 2023. First, we introduce a soon-to-be familiar face: our new president, Alvaro Lario, who talks about his plans for IFAD. We then turn to Satu Santala, Associate Vice-President of the External Relations and Governance Department at IFAD, who talks to us about the year ahead and the agency’…
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Recognizing the Role of Food Safety to Food and Nutrition Security with Caroline Smith DeWaal
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Caroline Smith DeWaal, Deputy Director of EatSafe at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), joins Caitlin Welsh to discuss the centrality of food safety to food and nutrition security, and how it is often overlooked in global food policy frameworks. Ms. DeWaal explains how EatSafe became a Feed the Future project addressing food safety …
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EP 39 I Chirene Jelbert - How to export your produce as a grower/ producer.
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Chatting to Chirene Jelbert , Owner and MD of C- FRUIT. She is an entrepreneur and commercial agriculture professional that has been in the industry for over 15 years. Let's hear how her business helps growers and clients see fruit differently through unique, practical, and sustainable go-to-market strategies from farm to table. Please subscribe to…
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Reporting on Food Security and Global Diets from a Gender Perspective
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Lauren Phillips, Deputy Director of the UN FAO Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, and Anna Herforth, Senior Research Associate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Principal Investigator of the Global Diet Quality Project, join Caitlin Welsh on this episode of Reset the Table. Dr. Phillips explains the grow…
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Building Biodiversity for a Successful Farming Future
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As we near next month’s UN Biodiversity Conference – COP 15 – we take a look at a different side of climate change: biodiversity and conservation. On this month’s episode, Senior Biodiversity Specialist Nadine Azzu tells us about her expectations for the conference, and we learn more about the landmark agreement that first brought biodiversity to t…
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38 I Priaash Ramadeen: Data storytelling with The Awareness Company
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In conversation with Priaash, Co-Founder of The Awareness Company, who worked together with his business partners for over 10 years in research, development and innovation in the public sector, building, amongst other things, pioneering technology that is still being used today in the fight against wildlife poaching. That’s when they realised the v…
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Reaffirming IFAD’s Priorities for COP27 with Jo Puri
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Jo Puri, Vice President of the Strategy and Knowledge Department at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) sits down with GFSP Director Caitlin Welsh to discuss IFAD’s priorities ahead of COP27. Ms. Puri explains how the UN agency measures its investments' impacts on indicators such as resilience, economic mobility, and nutritio…
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