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In a world where sustainable food production and unity are essential, PlantVillage stands as a shining example of how a diverse and interdependent community can come together to address pressing global challenges.

 

As we celebrate the International Day of the People of African Descent, it's important to recognize the pivotal role that PlantVillage plays in supporting food security and fostering a sense of togetherness within the African diaspora.

 

PlantVillage, an organization deeply committed to the principles of collaborative effort and shared responsibility, embodies the essence of the phrase It takes a village. Its mission to promote and enhance food production on a global scale is closely aligned with the values of unity and community spirit celebrated on this special day.

The PlantVillage team in Baringo County, Kenya, is empowering locals to combat the invasive Prosopis juliflora and converting it into valuable biochar. This eco-friendly biochar is now enriching the soil, enabling the cultivation of nutrient-rich grass for livestock feed and sale.

As we mark International Humanitarian Day 2023, under the banner "It takes a village", PlantVillage proudly showcase it’s strategies to uplift the living standards of individuals, transcending social boundaries.

 

Through impactful initiatives such as Agroforestry, Warrior View, and Biochar, PlantVillage aims to elevate livelihoods by fostering employment opportunities and vital skills, enabling individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.

 

Among these, the agroforestry program stands out as a resounding success. This initiative offers training and assistance to local communities in establishing and managing tree nurseries, creating employment avenues, and contributing to environmental enhancement through tree planting.

 

Linet Amoi stands as a testament to the positive impact of PlantVillage's agroforestry program. 

 

"Our lives (Linet and her husband) were a struggle before we joined PlantVillage," reveals Amoi, a former casual worker at PlantVillage's Machakusi nursery in Busia County.

Maize, also known as corn, is one of the world's most important crops, serving as a staple food for many cultures and a crucial ingredient in various industrial products. 

 

After the arduous task of cultivation and harvesting, the care taken during the post-harvest period is paramount to ensure the quality and longevity of this precious crop. Effective post-harvest management not only preserves the nutritional value of maize but also contributes to food security and economic stability. 

 

In this article, we'll explore some essential techniques for taking care of maize post-harvest.

 

1. Drying: The Foundation of Preservation

Immediately after harvest, maize must undergo proper drying to reduce moisture content. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, insect infestations, and a decrease in overall quality. Traditional methods involve sun drying on clean surfaces, while modern approaches include mechanical dryers that offer controlled conditions for optimal drying.

 

Despite their harmful effects on the environment, a significant number of farmers are currently using pesticides in an inconsistent manner to seek immediate pest control.

In just one year since its inception, PlantVillage Dream Team Uganda has achieved an astonishing milestone, conducting a record-breaking 10,636 crop surveys using the innovative PlantVillage Nuru application.

In an impressive turnout, passionate farmers from Kisii County, Kenya, gathered as the PlantVillage team, experts from the parasitoid rearing labs, launched a transformative 3-day mission to combat the fall armyworm menace in the region. The objective was clear - to empower farmers with the art of biocontrol and promote sustainable agriculture through innovative, eco-friendly methods. The event also highlighted the power of technology in agriculture, with the introduction of the PlantVillage Nuru app to the farmers, a digital assistant to diagnose crop diseases in the field.

PlantVillage has successfully conducted a series of capacity-building trainings in Malawi under the MaDiPHS project, which has empowered lead farmers in the districts of Thyolo, Lilongwe, and Dedza. These lead farmers play a crucial role as role models, testing new technologies, providing training to other farmers, and sharing valuable knowledge and skills within their communities.

 

 

During the training sessions, PlantVillage provided lead farmers with smartphones that came pre-installed with the PlantVillage Nuru Application. This advanced tool allows them to diagnose crop diseases directly on their own farms and those of their peers, even without an internet connection. Additionally, lead farmers can access weather information, seek expert advice, and receive prompt feedback from a team of agricultural specialists.

 

PlantVillage Nepal has joined forces with conservationists in a collaborative effort to safeguard forests and agricultural land from invasive weeds by transforming them into valuable biochar for farmers.

PlantVillage is guiding elders in Marsabit County, Kenya, on a grazing management initiative to address overgrazing as one of the challenges that have led to a shortage of pasture for livestock.

 

The initiative aims at educating locals on the importance of managing their pastures to reduce the number of animals that die from lack of food.

 

Gudas Garawahle, one of the elders pioneering the initiative, noted that pasture inadequacy has claimed many of their livestock, especially in the dry seasons.

 

"Young pastures are depleted even before the dry season knocks in, and this leads to starvation, malnourishment, and the deaths of our animals," Garawahle pointed out.