According to a Report by Grace Hussain most food labels may be misleading after all . She cited many ways this may occur. ad gave some tips o playing safe Pls read on .1 Label Says “Sugar-Free” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidelines for a variety of common food labels, including sugar-free. While the […]
This is regarded as natural without any adverse effect reminiscent of chemical laden componuds
Its uses include
For preservation,
As a sweetener
Has minerals and vitamins essential form body function
Boosts immunity
Serves as a cleanser
Enhances body beauty
May guard against cancer and has been associated with the treatment of ailments like asthma, diabetes, stroke, measles, chronic sore and wounds, mouth and body odour, sleeplessness
Distinct characteristics of pure honey include
1 being inflammable
2.Slightly viscous
3 inability to freeze
The Holy Book, the Bible expresses the potency of honey in health and spirituality e.g Prov 16: 24; Ex 3:8
The Role of Genetically Modified Organisms is set to be discussed once again, this time in Kenya. It is an activity put in place by the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development, KeAWARD. A statement by Okwuosa, Elizabeth Adobi, a Kenya based soil scientist gave Thursday November 3, 2022 as the date for the debate
For more information, please contact
. BERGAMOT OIL
Derived by cold press
Colour Pale yellow to green liquid
Sweet, lemon like smell
Can blend with lavender, jasmine, Juniper, Coriander and Lemon. Long shelf life with sustained freshness
Uses
Skin care treatment . Added to creams to treat pimples, scars. Skin remains youthful
Feel good oil for management stress and anxiety
Refreshing and cooling and calming, relaxing
. The linalool content promotes less sensitivity of nerves to pain
Found in many aftershaves and perfumes
Dilute before use to prevent irritation
For further reading and comments, please visit
www.skinfoodie.com.ng
We are grateful to Skinfoodie for being an excellent resource platform for organics
July 21, 2022
CINNAMON OIL
Origin=Sri Lanka
Produced by steam distillation of the leaves of Cinammum zeylanicum
Colour- brownish yellow to dark
Can blend with Orange, rosemary, cedar wood, lemon, thyme
Uses
Spicy radiant aromatherapy
Used as spice in hot drinks, lotions, with pleasant smell
Can be added to creams , lotions and soaps
Topical application for pain and inflammation management at low concentration.
Can stimulate appetite and senses
Can restore health to muscles experiencing fatigue and stress
Improves elf assurance and enhances sexual performance, manage exhaustion
Has long shelf life
For further reading or comments, please contact
www.skinfoodie.com.ng
LEMON GRASS OIL
Origin ==India. Obtained by steam distillation
Can blend with Lavender, thyme and Rosemary
Uses
Reduces oily and greasy skin
Good as a cleansing
Promotes digestion
Controls depression
Energy boost
Aids concentration
Emotional stability
Colour= thin yellow to brown
For further reading please contact
skinfoodie.com.ng
21 July 2022
Organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields.
What are the advantages of using organic fertilizer?
1. Soil Structure
Because of the organic matter present in organic fertilizer, soil structure is improved and as a result the soil’s ability to hold onto water and nutrients increases.
>>For additional information on organic matter, read our blog: What is Humus
2. Microbes Thrive
Synthetic fertilizer consists of chemical molecules without carbon. These molecules can sometimes be disruptive and are not accessible to microbes. On the other hand, organic fertilizer is rich in organic matter, which helps microbes thrive. Organic fertilizer contains carbon as part of its chemical makeup; and it is the carbon, along with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that feeds microbes and enables them to make nutrients available for plants in a naturally occurring biological process.
3. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
Synthetic fertilizers runoff into our waterways harming marine life and water quality. Organic fertilizers do not run off as easily (if at all) and are associated with soil structure. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic fertilizer also increases species biodiversity by 30% compared with synthetic fertilizer.
4. Reduce Fertilizers and Pesticides
Although organic fertilizer can be more costly than synthetic, it can reduce the need for pesticides and the overall nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements. Because of the reductions, organic fertilizer can be cost neutral and sometimes a cost savings.
5. Plant Damage Threat Avoided
Some synthetic fertilizers can cause plant damage to leaves and roots. This is less likely with organic fertilizers
Also www.aplustopper.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-organic-farming/ lists advantages of Organic farming thus
No Genetically modified organisms – crops produced don’t have to worry about GMOs. Organic farming is a more natural way to grow food, so there is less risk of contamination, mutation or loss in crop yield.
Harmless to the soil – Organic farmers use methods that can replace synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. They work with the soil to build healthy ecosystems and prevent erosion. Organic farmers don’t use chemicals that harm water quality or pollute the air.
More nutritious food – Farming practices that use organic methods make sure that the soil is fertile and fertilisers are not needed. These methods also produce nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium in a natural way. Organic farms can also make sure that the animals they raise are treated humanely because the farm will provide them with healthier food instead of using antibiotics to compensate for unhealthy food.
Safer and healthier work environment – Organic farming can provide a healthy working environment, which is something important when you’re constantly surrounded by workers with health problems. Organic farmers have lower rates of pesticide exposure and use fewer harmful chemicals to maintain their land and crops.
Increased resistance to pests and disease – Organic farms are resistant to pests, weeds, and diseases because they are typically kept without the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilisers. The increase in pest resistance also helps to reduce production costs for organic farmers.
Fertilisers are made naturally and on site – Organic fertilisers are made on site and use natural substances that help to enrich the crops without killing them. This type of farming is better for the earth, and it helps people who want to eat a healthier diet or make a bigger difference in the environment.
Can grow more variety of crops – Organic farming can help farmers grow more variety in a shorter amount of time through methods such as crop rotation, composting, and animal breeding to make the land more productive without using any artificial fertilisers or pesticides.
Climate-friendly and easier on the environment – Organic farming reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 25% and saves the water required to farm organic crops. Organic farms can be cultivated in a far more diverse range of eco-friendly ways, which creates a better balance between the native ecosystem, livestock and plants.
Sustainable – In contrast to conventional farming, organic farming is more sustainable for the future because it’s more environmentally friendly and less destructive to the land. Organic farmers use sustainable agricultural practices such as maintaining crop rotation, using livestock to convert weeds into nutrient-rich soil and cover crops, and minimising chemical usage.
All comments and reactions are to the sources quoted
Information here is NOT for sale
Dele Fapohunda
July 21 2022
Organic food or farming methods produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals
The USDA defines Organic farming as a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent, feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection.
Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.“
With organics, you have to let moisture and beneficial organisms break down the content of the fertilizer material in order for the plants to get the nutrients inside. In general, half of the nutrients in an organic fertilizer ingredient can be used the first year it is applied, and the rest of it is slowly released in the years to come, feeding and conditioning the soil. Different Types of Organic Fertilizer for the Garden What is the best organic fertilizer to use? There are a number of organic fertilizers
Basic Types of Organic Fertilizers:
Manure. It is made from animal excreta(cow dung & goat droppings). …
Compost. It is organic matter decomposed through composting. …
Rock Phospate. It is sedimentary rock which contains high amount of phosphate minerals. …
Chicken Litter. …
Bone Meal. …
Vermicompost.
Source
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/types-of-organic-fertilizer.htmm which to choose
We also acknowledge other sources for this not- for- sale information on organic food
Dele Fapohunda
July 21 2022
Charles Tumuhe, an expert and activist in the ‘Healthy soil healthy food’ crusade here presents an update on the use of bio fertilizers across Africa. All information and necessary links are contained in the Report.Its a must-read. Happy reading
n the 2nd June 2022, the learning and sharing group of the HSHF of AFSA and SKI conducted the second conference call. Thank you for making the time to attend. It started with great energy at 12:00 pm (East Africa), 11:00 am (South Africa), 9:00 am (West Africa/GMT) and lasted 2.25 hrs. HSHF partner organizations from east, west and southern Africa shared their experiences on how biofertilizers are made, used, benefits, costs, and challenges involved. We had 5 presentations from 5 HSHF centers as below
Organization
Topics
TSURO trust – Chimanimani Zimbabwe
Types of bio fertilizers (Bokashi, Fermented cow manure (FCM), Solid Native microbe (SNM), Super magro) used by farmers in Chimanimani, Recipes used during their production, Bio fertilizers application by farmers, Results observed, Challenges being faced by farmers
RUCID, Uganda
Focused on bokashi, but also hinted on native microbe solid and native microbe liquid.
RODI, Kenya
Costs and revenues from bocashi
BIOGI, Kenya
Biofertilizer use and field trials by farmers in Vihiga on bocash and compost on maize
Association Eco Impact, Togo
Use of biofertilizers and bio protectors
The materials for the above topics in English are here (https://we.tl/t-BS53UToXa0) and French, (https://we.tl/t-DK08JL3hBE).
The video from TSURO that we watched at the beginning of the yesterday call is here
The link to the recording is here https://we.tl/t-1tRsupgsf5
Our next conference call will be on 16th June 09:00 GMT and will focus on the role that social mobilization/capital has played in the Natural farming programme in Andhra Pradesh, India. It will be led by the Indians on the CNFAP program. The zoom link and a detailed invitation will be shared later.
FRENCH
Le 2 juin 2022, le groupe d’apprentissage et de partage du FHSH de l’AFSA et de SKI ont organisé la deuxième conférence téléphonique. Merci d’avoir pris le temps d’y assister. Il a débuté dans une grande énergie à partir de 12h00 (Afrique de l’Est), 11h00 (Afrique du Sud), 9h00 (Afrique de l’Ouest/GMT) et a duré 2,25 heures. Les organisations partenaires du FHS d’Afrique de l’Est, de l’Ouest et d’Afrique australe ont partagé leurs expériences sur la fabrication et l’utilisation des biofertilisants, leurs avantages, leurs coûts et les défis à relever. Nous avons eu 5 présentations de 5 centres HSHF comme ci-dessous
Organisation Thèmes
TSURO trust – Chimanimani Zimbabwe Types de biofertilisants (Bokashi, bouse de vache fermentée (FCM), Solid Native microbe (SNM), Super magro) utilisés par les agriculteurs de Chimanimani, recettes utilisées lors de leur production, application des biofertilisants par les agriculteurs, résultats observés, défis rencontrés par les agriculteurs.
RUCID, Ouganda Se concentre sur le bokashi, mais fait également allusion aux microbes natifs solides et aux microbes natifs liquides.
RODI, Kenya Coûts et revenus du bocashi.
BIOGI, Kenya Utilisation de biofertilisants et essais sur le terrain par les agriculteurs de Vihiga sur le bocashi et le compost sur le maïs
Eco Impact, Togo Utilisation de biofertilisants et de bio protecteurs
Le matériel pour les sujets ci-dessus en anglais est ici (https://we.tl/t-BS53UToXa0) et en français, (https://we.tl/t-DK08JL3hBE).
La vidéo de TSURO que nous avons regardée au début de l’appel d’hier est ici.
Le lien vers l’enregistrement est ici https://we.tl/t-1tRsupgsf5
Notre prochaine conférence téléphonique aura lieu le 16 juin à 09h00 GMT et portera sur le rôle que la mobilisation/capital social a joué dans le programme d’agriculture naturelle en Andhra Pradesh. Elle sera animée par les Indiens du programme CNFAP. Le lien du zoom et une invitation détaillée seront partagés ultérieurement.
Charles L. Tumuhe
Healthy Soil Healthy Food Project Officer
Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa
www.afsafrica.org
All comments, reactions and requests should be directed to =charles.tumuhe@afsafrica.org=
Dele Fapohunda PhD
04 June 2022
On April 8, 2022, , a news report stated that the Kenyan government might have passed a law that may work against local farmers. According to the report the sale of un=indexed (?) seeds is now prohibited. Please read on
Farmers will now be heavily fined or face a jail term if found guilty of selling uncertified seeds.
This is according to the recently enacted Seeds and Plant Varieties Act of 2012, Part 2(8) on restrictions on sales of seeds of unindexed plant varieties.
This new law introduced by the government has placed restrictions on the informal seed system, in a bid to ensure that all seeds sold or distributed in the country have been certified.
Technically, the Kenyan Seed and Plant Varieties Act criminalizes the selling or sharing of indigenous seeds.
Those found guilty risk a 6-month jail term or a fine of Sh20,000 or both.
Reacting to the news, Kenyans have criticised the move with most (rightfully) viewing it as a tactic by the elite to weaponize food insecurity in Kenya.
In neighbouring countries like Tanzania and Uganda, a farmer is free to sell or share seeds as they wish.
How do some of these bills go through parliament without much debate?
You might hear them give excuses about how we will use new advanced technologies in agriculture until you read the details and shock hits you.
Just like the new legislation on data privacy that reads like an affirmation for free data mining by big tech firms like Safaricom.
Bearing in mind that in the Monsanto, Bayer or Syngenta model you are not allowed to plant seeds from your last harvest.
They sue you if you do.
You must buy seeds every season.
This law is written to create a market for seed companies.
Source =https://www.cnyakundi.com/kenya-silently-passes-law-criminalizing-indigenous-seed-sharing/
Appreciation to Mariam Mayet(Acbio)
Dele Fapohunda PhD
16 April, 2022