Climate change wiping out Africa’s traditional vegetables

By:
On:
In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News
General Image

By MOSES K. GAHIGI

A wide range of African vegetable varieties are threatened with extinction, while others have already disappeared as climate change, urbanisation and poor eating habits take their toll.

Speaking at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali this week, experts said many indigenous African vegetable species are already extinct and others will soon disappear if nothing is done.

“The most endangered species are the indigenous African vegetables, due to many historical events, many of the indigenous vegetable varieties have been replaced by exotic breeds, and the challenge now is where to find these materials,” said Dr Sognigbe N’Danikou, a scientist and expert on the conservation and use of traditional vegetables at the World Vegetable Centre, a non-profit involved in vegetable research.

He said, for instance, that a certain type of okra (Abelmoschus manihot), which was widely consumed in West Africa and traditionally used for medicine, is now very difficult to find.

Others, like black night shade and amaranth, are critically endangered, while a host of other edible wild weeds that were eaten in the past have disappeared. Most of these herbs are rich in minerals and vitamins that are vital to local diets.

In the last 100 years, up to 75 percent of the global diversity of African vegetables has been lost, he argued.

Advertisement

A global problem

But the problem is global. The National Geographic recently reported that that between 1903 and 1983, seed varieties shrank by about 93 percent, and 30 years later, the fruits and vegetables from those seeds diminished even more drastically.

For instance, 544 varieties of cabbage shrank to just 28, while 463 kinds of radishes were reduced to 27.

In Africa, urbanisation, climate change and poor farming methods have been some of the biggest threats.

When bushes are cleared to construct roads and expand cities, many vegetable varieties are destroyed never to be seen again, as many of their seeds are not even preserved.

In eSwatini, one of the countries with the highest rate of vegetable extinction, the indiscriminate use of herbicides has been a major cause of species destruction.

Meanwhile floods, landslides and other natural disasters, that come as a result of climate change, have led to the disappearance of some vegetable varieties.

Yet governments and private sector have not done enough to invest in sufficient seed banks and research to protect these vegetables.

Rescue project

At the AFS Forum, the World Vegetable Centre launched the Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan, which will act as a roadmap to address the threats stalking the vegetable species in order to reverse their disappearance.

“The knowledge around these species has also been lost in many traditional communities.

“Africa is also home to many vegetable species whose wild relatives are endangered and disappearing, largely due to urbanisation and climate change. For example, the wild relatives of cowpeas, which is originally domesticated in Africa have disappeared,” said Mr Sognigbe.

He noted that the rescue project will, among other things, seek to collect seeds of these wild varieties and conserve them so that they can be bred in the future.

Read: Farmers in western Kenya show how Africa can feed itself

Up to $12.5 million is required to implement the 10-year rescue plan, and a pilot was carried out with support of the Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative from 2021 to 2024, to conserve and use African vegetable biodiversity to address malnutrition.

As part of the pilot project, over 17,000 vegetable varieties have been collected in Benin, Eswatini, Madagascar and Tanzania for preservation.

So far, achievements made through the pilot phase include two newly constructed and three upgraded African genebanks, in addition to training some 174 African genebank staff.

“This is a matter of urgency. Policy makers, scientists and other stakeholders need to join hands in rescuing these endangered vegetable varieties. We are glad private sector entities like Equity Bank has come on board to support these efforts,” said Colleta Ndunguru, the World Vegetable Centre programme manager for Tanzania.

“We need to make room to promote and support farmer-managed seed systems.”

Experts say there is a need to invest in conservation infrastructure at the national level to ensure there are functioning gene banks that can preserve and replicate what farmers have, so that varieties can be preserved before they are lost.

“We need to promote inclusion of these vegetables in our diets by adopting policies that facilitate and encourage farmers to grow these materials and also consumers to integrate these in their diets,” she said.

Continue Reading

East Africa to Tackle Online Fraud and Boost Innovation

By:
On:
In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News
East Africa to Tackle Online Fraud and Boost Innovation

As online fraud and technological challenges threaten financial systems, stakeholders across East Africa are gearing up for a major collaborative effort.

The Tanzania Fintech Association (TAFINA) is leading the charge with the East African Fintech Investment Forum (EAIF) 2024, an event set to transform the region’s fintech landscape.

The two-day forum, beginning next Thursday in Dar es Salaam, will unite investors, regulators and financial institutions from across East Africa.

The forum aims to spark critical discussions and idea-sharing on combating online fraud and exploring the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing these issues. TAFINA Vice Chairperson Reuben Mwatosya highlighted the need for collective problem-solving in facing technological challenges.

“There are various technological issues that require collaboration and idea exchange from different institutions. For instance, tackling the misuse of AI in fraud needs a unified approach to develop effective solutions,” Mr Mwatosya said.

This year’s forum theme, “Invest & Partner: Leave No One Behind,” reflects the commitment to promoting inclusive growth and forging meaningful partnerships within the rapidly evolving fintech sector of East Africa. Shadrack Kamenya, Secretary General of TAFINA, expressed excitement about the event.

“We are thrilled to host this year’s East African Fintech Investment Forum. Our program is designed to address both the unique challenges and opportunities in the fintech landscape. We look forward to bringing together industry leaders, innovators and investors for what promises to be an impactful and engaging event.” Through initiatives like the EAIF, TAFINA aims to create an environment that fosters innovation, investment and sustainable economic development. The upcoming forum is poised to be a milestone event, advancing the future of fintech in East Africa.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

Raia wa Comoro kutibiwa Hospitali ya Benjemani Mkapa

By:
On:
In: Swahili News

Dar es Salaam. Raia wa Visiwa vya Comoro sasa watatibiwa Tanzania kwa huduma za afya walizokuwa wakizifuata Bara la Ulaya na Mashariki ya mbali.

Hayo yamesemwa leo Jumanne, Septemba 3, 2024 na Spika wa Bunge la Comoro, Moustadroine Abdou wakati akizungumza na vyombo vya habari baada ya kutembelea Hospitali ya Benjamin Mkapa (BMH), jijini Dodoma.

“Huduma tulizokuwa tunazifuata Ulaya na Asia kama upandikizaji wa figo kumbe tunaweza kuzipata hapa Tanzania,” amesema Abdou.

Spika huyo wa Visiwa vya Comoro ametembelea idara za magonjwa ya moyo, huduma ya upandikizaji uloto (tiba ya sikoseli), idara ya radiolojia inayotoa huduma za vipimo mbalimbali ikiwamo MRI, kliniki maalumu ya viongozi na wodi ya Rais katika Hospitali ya Benjamin Mkapa.

Kwa upande wake, Naibu Waziri wa Afya, Dk Godwin Mollel amesema ziara hiyo imempa fursa spika huyo kushuhudia mageuzi yaliyofanywa katika sekta ya afya.

“Pia, mradi wa Kituo cha Nuclear Medicine cha Benjamin Mkapa umefikia asilimia 50. Kituo hiki kitakuwa ni Kituo cha Umahiri wa Matibabu ya Saratani katika Afrika. Tutashirikiana na Chuo Kikuu cha Harvard cha Marekani,” amesema Dk Mollel.

Kaimu Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa BMH, Dk Kessy Shija amesema BMH inahudumia takribani wananchi milioni 14 katika kanda ya kati na mikoa ya jirani.

“BMH tunatoa huduma za afya za ubingwa wa kati na ubingwa wa juu kama upandikizaji wa figo na upandikizaji uloto ambayo ni tiba ya sikoseli,” amesema Dk Shija kwa niaba ya Mkurugenzi Mtendaji Profesa Abel Makubi.

Dk Shija amesema katika ushirikiano huo wa BMH na Visiwa vya Comoro, Hospitali ya Benjamin Mkapa itafanya huduma mkoba (medical outreach) katika visiwa hivyo vilivyopo Kusini Mashariki ya Afrika.

“Ushirikiano pia utahusisha mafunzo kwa wataalamu kutoka Comoro kuja kufanya mafunzo ya vitendo hapa BMH,” amesema Dk Shija.Continue Reading

Tanzania: General Mkunda – Major Investments Strengthen Tpdf

By:
On:
In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Jacob Mkunda, emphasised the government’s substantial investments that have significantly boosted the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), marking a pivotal point in the army’s 60-year journey.

Speaking at a grand event at Uhuru Stadium, where TPDF celebrated its six decades of service, General Mkunda highlighted the role of successive governments, particularly under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in enhancing military capacity.

The anniversary event showcased the evolution of the TPDF, featuring stateof-the-art equipment and military demonstrations that reflected the transformative impact of these investments on the nation’s defense capabilities.

General Mkunda acknowledged the importance of government support, citing crucial resources that have enabled the military to safeguard national borders effectively.

Equally, General Mkunda praised the leadership of President Samia and her predecessors, stating, “Various equipment utilised by TPDF, some showcased and others yet to be revealed, have been procured through the efforts of successive leaderships, including the sixth phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.”

He expressed deep gratitude to Tanzanians for their unwavering support over the past six decades, noting their patriotism as a driving force behind the military’s dedication.

“When we remember that we have Tanzanians backing us, our morale to perform our duties increases exponentially,” he added.

The event featured an exhibition of TPDF’s diverse arsenal, including armored vehicles and helicopters. Attendees were treated to demonstrations of TPDF’s strategic capabilities, such as the use of dogs in crime fighting and advanced commando tactics.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary, President Samia officially launched a special book detailing the history and achievements of the TPDF, highlighting the ongoing commitment to national defense.

Again, General Mkunda assured the nation that the TPDF would continue to uphold its duties with the highest level of expertise, reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting Tanzania’s sovereignty and security. CDF also commended military officers and soldiers for their unwavering professionalism and dedication over the decades.

General Mkunda assured the nation that the military will continue to uphold its duties with the highest level of expertise, adhering to the principles and oaths that define their service.

ALSO READ: Tremendous accomplishments

As TPDF looks back on its six-decade journey, the anniversary serves not only as a celebration of past accomplishments but also as a reaffirmation of the military’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty and security of Tanzania.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

East Africa: Tanzania, Brazil Bilateral Trade Reach 203bn/-

By:
On:
In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

DAR ES SALAAM: THE bilateral trade between Tanzania and Brazil has reached 74.8 million US dollars (203.2bn/-) in a decade, reflecting a steady growth of economic ties between the two countries.

The increased trade volume is equivalent to 13 per cent increase in 12 years compared to the previous record of 66 million US dollars set in 2011.

The Ambassador of Brazil to Tanzania, Mr Gustavo Nogueira, said last Friday during the Brazil-Tanzania business seminar that despite the current figures, there is potential for further expansion of the bilateral trade.

“I’m confident that this trade mission will significantly contribute to furthering our countries’ shared goal of increasing bilateral trade and investment and ensuring mutual prosperity for our businesses and citizens.

“We believe that these countries have the opportunities to share with each other, to grow with each other, to learn from each other in a partnership among equals,” he said.

The main exports from Brazil to Tanzania are poultry meat, heavy construction vehicles and raw sugar while Tanzania exports vinyl polymers and also raw tobacco.

He said due to the Tanzania’s population of 65 million people, Brazil realises how crucial it will be for locals to promote its industrial base, to promote its manufacturing base, to create wealth in order to provide jobs and opportunities for its growing population.

He added that the country’s government efforts to improve the regional transport infrastructure of ports, roads and railways to further benefit from this geographic dividend, is vital for investment.

“These important infrastructure projects will expand trade opportunities not just to East Africa and Southern Africa, but also to Asia, the Arab world and beyond,” Amb Gustavo added.

Minister for Industry and Trade Dr Selemani Jafo said the trade between the two countries remains relatively good, but need some improvement as the trade volume among the two countries remain low.

Last year, Tanzania export to Brazil was valued at 0.1 million US dollars while Brazil’s exports to the country were valued at 64.6 million US dollars.

“These statistics indicate that there is great work to be done to explore the existing potential to increase trade volume among us,” he said.

He underscored the government’s commitment to fostering business growth and enhancing investment opportunities.

ALSO READ: How can EAC enhance intra-trade, investments

Various initiatives to improve the country’s business environment have been conducted by the government including the recent launch of the Electronic Investment Window, a new Trade Policy for 2023 and the formation of the Presidential Commission on Tax Reforms to review and advise on tax issues.

“These initiatives are designed to promote business and improve the investment climate in the country, positioning the private sector as a central player in our economic activities,” he said.

The minister added that there should be a need to expand production beyond traditional ways to the value-added products with higher profit margins and to strengthen the country’s supply chain to ensure consistent product quality and timely delivery.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

Rufaa ya Mbowe yatupwa siku 910 tangu afutiwe shitaka la ugaidi

By:
On:
In: Swahili News

Dar es Salaam. Mahakama ya Rufani Tanzania imetupa rufaa iliyokatwa na Freeman Mbowe, ambaye pia ni Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), akipinga uamuzi wa Jaji Irvin Mgetta.

Hukumu hiyo ya jopo la majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufani Tanzania, imetolewa zikiwa zimepita siku 910 tangu Mbowe na wenzake watatu wafutiwe mashitaka ya ugaidi na Mahakama Kuu Machi 4, 2022.

Hukumu hiyo imetolewa Agosti 30, 2024 na jopo la majaji Lugano Mwandambo, Issa Maige na Amour Khamis, ambao walikubaliana na uamuzi wa Jaji Mgetta wa Septemba 23, 2021 wa kutupa pingamizi la Mbowe.

Kiini cha rufaa hiyo ni kesi ya ugaidi ya mwaka 2021 ambayo Mbowe na wenzake watatu walishitakiwa kwa makosa mawili, moja la kula njema ya kutenda kosa la ugaidi, na la pili ni kutoa fedha kwa lengo la kufadhili vitendo vya ugaidi.

Hata hivyo, Machi 4, 2022, Mkurugenzi wa Mashitaka nchini (DPP), alimfutia Mbowe na wenzake Halfan Hassan, Adamu Kusekwa na Mohamed Ling’wenya, mashitaka ya uhujumu uchumi na kuwaachia huru.

Msingi wa rufaa hiyo siyo uamuzi wa Jaji Joachim Tiganga wa Mahakama Kuu Divisheni ya Makosa ya Rushwa na Uhujumu Uchumi kuifuta kesi hiyo, bali uamuzi mdogo wa Jaji Mgetta katika shauri hilo, wakati kesi ikiwa hatua za mwanzo.

Mbowe alikata rufaa dhidi ya uamuzi wa Jaji Mgetta aliyetupa pingamizi lake, moja akidai polisi hawakumfikisha mahakamani ndani ya saa 48, alipokamatwa na kushitakiwa kwa makosa ya ugaidi na wenzake watatu.

Hoja ya pili ya Mbowe ni wajibu rufaa katika rufaa hiyo ambao ni DPP, Inspekta Jenerali wa Polisi (IGP) na Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali (AG), kutompatia hati ya mashitaka na fursa ya kupata wakili wa kumtetea kortini.

Pingamizi lilivyokuwa

Kwa mujibu wa kumbukumbu za Mahakama Kuu kuhusu pingamizi la Mbowe ambazo majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufani wamezirejea, Mbowe alidai Julai 21, 2021 kwa amri ya IGP alikamatwa na Polisi akiwa jijini Mwanza.

Julai 26, 2021 ikiwa ni baada ya kupita siku sita tangu alipokamatwa alifikishwa katika Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu jijini Dar es Salaam kwa makosa mawili ambayo ni kula njama ya kutenda kosa la ugaidi na kufadhili vitendo vya ugaidi.

Akishuku haki zake za msingi zimekiukwa, Mbowe aliwasilisha maombi Mahakama Kuu akiegemea ibara ya 30(3) na (4) ya Katiba ya Tanzania akitaka Mahakama itamke DPP, IGP na Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi walikiuka haki zake za msingi.

Katika hoja ya kwanza, Mbowe aliwashutumu DPP na IGP kwa kushindwa kumfikisha kortini ndani ya saa 48 na kwamba, licha ya kukamatwa Julai 21, 2021, wajibu rufaa walimfikisha kortini Julai 26, 2021 ambayo ni siku sita.

Kutokana na kitendo hicho, mrufani (Mbowe) anadai akiwa mahabusu, wajibu rufaa walimtendea vitendo visivyo vya kibinadamu na kufikia hatua ya kulazwa kwenye sakafu ya zege na kutolewa maneno au kauli za unyanyasaji.

Katika hoja ya pili, Mbowe alilaumu Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi kwa kukiuka vifungu vya 29(2) na (3) vya Sheria ya Uhujumu Uchumi na kifungu cha 131 cha Sheria ya Mwenendo wa Makosa ya Jinai (CPA) kama kilivyofanyiwa marejeo 2019.

Alijenga msingi wa pingamizi hilo kuwa wajibu rufaa hawakumpa nakala ya hati ya mashitaka na hakupata uwakilishi wa wakili alipofikishwa mahakamani mbele ya Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu.

Katika kiapo cha majibu, wajibu rufaa walikana kukiuka haki za msingi za mrufani na wakaenda mbali zaidi na kuwasilisha notisi ya pingamizi la awali wakihoji uhalali wa maombi, wakisema kesi ya msingi ilikuwa kortini.

Jaji Mgetta aliyesikiliza pingamizi hilo, alikubaliana na wajibu rufaa akisema wakati huo kulikuwa na mwenendo wa shauri la jinai mahakamani, Mbowe akishitakiwa kwa makosa ambayo ndiyo kiini cha amri ambazo anaziomba.

“Nina mtazamo kuwa muombaji angeweza kutumia fursa ya kuibua madai hayo huko (Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu),” alisema.

Jaji Mgetta alisema Mbowe anafanya mahakama iingilie mchakato wa kesi ya jinai inayoendelea.

“Kwa hiyo katika mazingira hayo, nimeridhika kuwa Mahakama hii haina mamlaka ya kushughulikia madai yaliyowasilishwa na muombaji (Mbowe) ambaye angeweza kuwasilisha madai yake katika Mahakama inayosikiliza (Kisutu)”

Kutokana na hoja hizo, Jaji Mgetta alitupa pingamizi la Mbowe ambaye hakuridhika akaamua kukata rufaa Mahakama ya Rufani, akiiomba ibatilishe na kufuta amri ya Jaji Mgetta na kuiamuru Mahakama Kuu isikilize pingamizi.

Wakili Kibatala, wanasheria

Wakati shauri la rufaa lilipoitwa mbele ya jopo la majaji watatu kwa ajili ya kusikilizwa, Mbowe aliwakilishwa na wakili Peter Kibatala, wajibu maombi wakiwakilishwa na mawakili wa Serikali, Daniel Nyakiha na Getrude Songo.

Katika hoja zake, Kibatala alieleza kwa kuwa nafuu inayoombwa na mteja wake inahusu Katiba, isingewezekana ishughulikiwe na Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu ambayo mamlaka yake ni kuangalia hatia ya mshitakiwa.

Wakili Kibatala alisisitiza kuwa, mamlaka ya kusikiliza suala la kikatiba limewekwa pekee kwa Mahakama Kuu ambayo itakaa kwa madhumuni hayo na ni jambo lisilowezekana kwa suala la kikatiba kushughulikiwa na mahakama ya jinai.

Akijibu hoja hiyo, wakili Nyakiha alisema kwa kuwa malalamiko ya mrufani katika Mahakama Kuu ni kuhusiana na madai ya ukiukwaji wa taratibu katika utoaji haki, basi lingepaswa kushughulikiwa kwa mapitio ya mahakama.

Wakili Kibatala katika hoja ya kujazilia alisema nafuu inayoombwa na mteja wake kwa uasili wake, haiwezi kushughulikiwa kwa njia ya mapitio ya mahakama na kwamba, hoja mbele yao ni ya kikatiba ya matendo ya DPP na IGP.

Hukumu ya majaji

Kwa kuanzia, majaji waliosikiliza rufaa hiyo walianza kwa kuelezea Ibara ya 30(3) ya Katiba ambayo inatoa haki kwa mtu yeyote anayedai kifungu chochote cha ibara ya 13 hadi 29 ya Katiba imevunjwa, atawasilisha maombi Mahakama Kuu.

Wakirejea kesi ya mchungaji Christopher Mtikila dhidi ya AG, walisema nafuu inaweza kutolewa katika shauri linalohusu haki za msingi na wajibu upo katika Ibara ya 30(4(5) ya Katiba ambayo imefafanuliwa katika kifungu cha 31(1) cha Sheria ya Haki za Msingi na utekelezaji wa wajibu au kwa kifupi Bradea.

Kifungu hicho kinaeleza wakati wa kufanya maamuzi ya shauri lolote na kama Mahakama Kuu inafikia hitimisho haki za msingi, uhuru na wajibu ulizuiwa kinyume cha sheria, ina mamlaka ya kutoa amri yoyote ili kulinda haki hizo.

Hata hivyo, majaji walisema kifungu cha 8(2) cha Bradea, kinaeleza maombi kuhusu kukiukwa kwa Ibara ya Katiba chini ya sehemu ya II haiwezi kusimama pale mtu huyo anapokuwa na fursa ya kushughulikia ukiukwaji huo wa Katiba.

Majaji walisema, ieleweke kwamba madai ya mrufani yanahusiana na kukiukwa kwa taratibu za sheria ya uhujumu uchumi na CPA ambayo yanataka kulindwa kwa haki za msingi ambazo zimetamkwa na ibara ya 13 ya Katiba.

Kwa mtizamo wa majaji na kwa lengo la kupima jukwaa sahihi la kushughulikia hoja hizo, ni vyema kutofautisha kati ya matendo ambayo ni batili kisheria na yale ambayo yanahusu ukiukwaji wa Katiba ya Tanzania moja kwa moja.

“Tunasema hivyo kwa sababu katika nchi kama ya kwetu ambayo inaongozwa kwa utawala wa sheria na Katiba, kitendo chochote cha vyombo vya Serikali lazima kiwe na msingi katika Katiba,” inaeleza hukumu ya majaji hao na kuongeza:

“Ikiwa hii inachukuliwa halisi, inaweza kumaanisha kuwa kila ukiukwaji wa sheria unasababisha mapitio ya katiba ili kuchukua hatua na hii itafanya mamlaka ya mapitio ya Katiba kuwa sawa tu na mamlaka za jumla za mahakama.”

Majaji walisema dhamira ya watunga sheria ilikuwa ni mamlaka ya mapitio ya Katiba ni mamlaka maalumu kwa ajili ya masuala ya Katiba tu na kufafanua kuwa matendo yanayolalamikiwa yanadaiwa kutokea kabla na baada ya kufikishwa kortini.

“Kwa hiyo ni wazi matendo hayo ambayo yanadaiwa kufanyika kabla ya mrufani kupelekwa mahakamani na yanaweza kuwa tayari yalimuathiri na yangeweza yasishughulikiwe na mahakama ya jinai,” wameeleza.

“Vyovyote iwavyo, kwa kuwa kinacholalamikiwa kutendeka kinakatazwa na sheria, kama kitathibitishwa, basi ni matumizi mabaya ya mamlaka kiasi kwamba yanakiuka sheria ambayo yanaweza kushughulikiwa na mapitio ya mahakama,” wameeleza majaji katika hukumu.

Kwa mujibu wa majaji hao, lengo hilo la mapitio ya kimahakama ni kusimamia watunga sheria na watawala pale wanapozidisha matumizi ya mamlaka yao yaliyoainishwa kwa mujibu wa sheria zilizotungwa na Bunge.

Walisema madai ya mrufani ni ya kunyimwa nakala ya hati ya mashitaka na kutokupewa fursa ya kutafuta wakili, madai ambayo yangeweza kushughulikiwa na sheria za kawaida hivyo Jaji Mgetta alikuwa sahihi kutupa pingamizi la Mbowe.Continue Reading