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The mineral content of nine landraces of bambara groundnut cultivated in Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland respectively was investigated. The raw seeds were analysed for Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Cu, Fe and Zn. The ranges (mg/100 g dry matter) obtained for the macro minerals are: Ca 37-128, K 1545-2200, Mg 159-335, Na 16-25, P 313-563, and for the micro minerals (ppm): Cu 3.0-13.2, Fe 23.0-150 and Zn 13.9- 77.0. There were similarities and differences in the components determined in the landraces grown in a particular country and between the same landraces grown in different countries. This legume is a good source of, Ca, K, Mg, P and Fe. The Mg and P contents are similar to those of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea, P 376 and Mg 168). Landraces grown in Swaziland seem to have higher mineral contents than those grown in Botswana and Namibia. The concentration of the minerals in this legume indicates that they could be useful in the diets of consumers in Botswana, Swaziland and Namibia.

This report came about as a result of the desire of Botswana non-state actors to understand the issues surrounding the management of the intellectual property associated with their biodiversity, particularly natural products such as indigenous plants. The research work was conducted between 2-23rd May 2007 and consisted of key informant interview, preparation of case studies and reviews of laws, treaties and other literature. The purpose of this research was to work towards the development of an intellectual property regime for indigenous plants (and potentially other natural resources) in Botswana that promotes investment in the development of new products whilst protecting the in situ natural resource and ensuring full and equitable compensation for intellectual property. This was done through mapping the existing and needed intellectual property regime for indigenous plants. In the findings and recommendations, the consultants have been asked to state whether, in their opinion, the issue represents a „threat‟ (i.e., that some aspect such as biodiversity or livelihoods are „threatened‟) or an „opportunity‟ (i.e., that biodiversity or livelihoods could be positively impacted upon).

To investigate the response of Bambara groundnut landraces to pre-sowing hydration, three experiments were conducted on three bambara groundnut landraces; OM1, Diphiri cream (DC) and Gaborone cream (GC) in the greenhouse at Botswana College of Agriculture, Botswana, in 2011. The experimental designs were completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 pre-sowing hydration; (6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hrs) and the control, each replicated four times. Increasing hydration time from 12 to 72 hrs significantly (p≤0.01) increased the final germination for GC up to 87% and significantly increased OM1 germination up to 57% at 24 hrs. However, there was a significant decrease in final germination for DC. There were significant (p≤0.01) differences within and across the landraces for seedling emergence; GC had the highest emergence of up to 100% at 24 hrs. Across the three landraces GC and DC significantly (p≤0.05) increased stem dry diameter at 6, 12 and 24 hrs pre-sowing hydration. Moreover, pre-sowing hydration treatments had significant (p≤0.01) effect within the three Bambara landraces root dry matters and no significant (p>0.05) effect on GC and DC leaf dry matter. Hydrating seeds for 24 hrs improved germination, seedling emergence, leaf and stem dry matter accumulation of bambara groundnut landraces.

The Validation Workshop for the draft Climate-Smart Agriculture Manual brought together senior technocrats in the Government of Zimbabwe Ministries: Agriculture, Mechanization and Irrigation Development and Environment, Water and Climate, with other approved experts to give the final input to the draft Manual.

The work funded by the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and with the lead implementer, United Nations Environment Programme – Technical University of Denmark, has brought to the forefront issues that concern agriculture and climate change to the attention of all stakeholders in Zimbabwe.

The draft Manual was approved (with amendments) by the senior technocrats in the Government of Zimbabwe and stakeholders represented. What follows next, is the official launch of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Manual for Agricultural Education in Zimbabwe, followed by the Training of Trainers and concluding work to the year-long Technical Assistance to Zimbabwe.

Drought is the single greatest climate risk faced by most farmers in Eastern and Southern Africa. In discussions of climate risk, it is crucial to distinguish between meteorological drought (lower-than-average annual or seasonal rainfall) and agricultural drought (insufficient water at critical stages of crop growth). Global climate change models do a poor job predicting either type of drought (or flooding), and there appears to be little relationship between drought and rising levels of greenhouse gases. Drought and flooding are more closely correlated with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, which appear to predate global warming.

This information brief highlights key findings in the Vuna report “Agricultural Drought and Climate Smart Agriculture”

Agricultural production in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) is broadly characterised by high climate risks. Rainfall is variable in timing, amount, and intensity. Both drought and flooding are common. These challenges are magnified by the fact that the majority of farmers in this region face severe poverty, resource constraints, and food insecurity. More than 90% of these farmers are dependent on rainfed production. The rise in global greenhouse gases appears to be increasing these climate risks.

This paper briefly summarises available information on current climate risks in ESA, and then shows how these risks are expected to worsen by the middle and end of the century. It discusses the implications of these changing risks for agricultural investment and for prioritising the pursuit of more climate smart agricultural systems. A key theme underlying this discussion is that a better understanding of, and response to, current climate risks will provide a strong foundation for improving resilience to climate change in the future.

This information brief highlights key findings in the Vuna report “Climate Risks and Trends in Eastern and Southern Africa”

This study examines whether agribusiness firms are helping to improve the climate resilience of the smallholder farmers with whom they work. After reviewing the relevant literature, the study analyses case studies in three countries with relatively larger agribusiness sectors: Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Eastern and Southern Africa have been experiencing rising temperatures and high levels of rainfall variability. There is a significant amount of uncertainty in the literature on whether some of these climate risks, such as changes in precipitation, are caused by natural factors or by rising levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. What is clear, however, is that climate risks are profoundly affecting the agricultural sector. Small-scale farmers face food insecurity, price volatility, and reduced incentives to expand their production of high-value commercial crops. Similarly, the agribusinesses anchoring these value chains face higher investment and trading risks. Experts believe that the resilience of the sector needs to be strengthened.

This information brief highlights key findings in the Vuna report “Agribusiness Responses to Climate Risks: Implications for Improving Smallholder Resilience”