A 22-minute audio podcast to explain the importance of combining organic resources mineral fertilizer and improved varieties in ways that are adapted to local conditions. Practical examples are shown from various agro-ecological zones in Mali, Niger, Nigeria, DR Congo, Burundi and Kenya.

Fruit flies inject their eggs in fruit. A single fruit fly can lay hundreds of eggs, which turn into white worms that eat the inside of fruit. If no action is taken, fruit flies quickly increase in numbers and can destroy your entire crop. Always combine different methods: • Place traps; • Use food baits; • Encourage weaver ants; and • Collect and destroy any fallen fruit.

Download the full audio podcast in different languages at: www.AccessAgriculture.org

What steps can be taken to make sure that locally grown rice can compete against imports? Improving quality which can lead to increased profits for farmers.

Download the full audio podcast in different languages at:  www.AccessAgriculture.org 

Farmers in northern Nigeria are changing the way they intercrop their sorghum and millet with cowpea. By planting both crops at higher densities and in separate rows, and by applying some organic and mineral fertilizer, they harvest more and reduce damage by the parasitic weed striga. It is one of the strategies of integrated striga and soil fertility management.

Download the full audio podcast in different languages at: www.AccessAgriculture.org

What is plankton, and why does it matter to stimulate plankton growth? Experienced farmers in Bangladesh explain how they manage water quality in ponds, and why supplementary feeding is crucial to boost fish production.

Download the full audio podcast in different languages at:  www.AccessAgriculture.org

Compost is more powerful than manure. What is less known is that the micro-organisms in compost attack striga seeds in the soil. Compost also decreases the amount of striga that will sprout, and reduces its negative effect on cereal crops. Let us look at how farmers in northeast Mali make compost as one of the strategies of integrated striga and soil fertility management. 

Although rice is highly nutritious, a lot of the quality is lost during processing. This results in poor-quality rice on the market, so consumers turn to imported rice. Parboiling, a way to improve the quality of rice by treating the paddy with warm water and steam. There are many good reasons for parboiling rice. The market for quality rice is growing.

Download the full audio podcast in different languages at :  www.AccessAgriculture.org