Organic Africa

Establishing a new citrus orchard Selecting suitable growing conditions Citrus trees can be grown in a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. But proper site selection remains the key to succe

122. Introduction

Introduction Citrus is widely cultivated in tropical as well as subtropical African countries. While fresh fruit for the market is produced preferably in subtropical climates (e.g. South Africa) and

123. Marketing and organic certification of coffee production

Marketing and organic certification of coffee production Many coffee companies have well established supply chains directly linked to farmer groups or cooperatives. Under such schemes, the companies

124. Minimizing postharvest losses

Minimizing postharvest losses The final quality of coffee depends a lot on how well the coffee has been picked, processed, dried, packed and stored. In order to minimize contamination until safe stor

125. Improving productivity of coffee gardens

Improving productivity of coffee gardens In a given situation, the productivity of a coffee garden may be limited by the high age of the coffee trees, poor coffee husbandry practices or neglected soi

126. Selection of good planting material

Selection of good planting material Selection of good quality planting material begins with the selection of suitable coffee species for the local climate. Arabica coffee does well at higher altitude

127. Introduction

Introduction Coffee is a major commodity on the global market. In Africa the crop is grown in many sub-Saharan countries and mainly by small-holder farmers. Although many species of coffee exist, com

128. Reducing harvest and post-harvest losses

Reducing harvest and post-harvest losses Harvesting of fonio is often staggered to suit the immediate needs of the farmer’s family. But late harvesting can result in important grain losses due to bir

129. Introduction

Introduction White Fonio (Digitaria exilis), also known as ‘acha’ or ‘fundi’, is a minor cereal crop cultivated throughout West Africa from Senegal to Lake Chad. It is a common staple food as well as

130. Post-harvest management

Post-harvest management Storage Farmers in Cameroon have limited access to improved storage facilities to extend the shelf life of potato, although this may not be a big challenge currently as most