Bayer Crop Science Ltd will provide training to 15,000 smallholder farmers in the country on advanced agricultural practices.
The training is a continuation of its “Better Farms, Better Lives” initiative, under which 100,000 farmers already got input support last year.
The latest training initiative titled “Farmers Capacity Development Project ” was launched on Sunday at BRAC Learning Centre in the city, organised jointly by Bayer and BRAC, said a press release.
Bayer in collaboration with BRAC will train 15,000 farmers this year to build their capacities in adopting modern agricultural practices.
Farmers will receive training on seed to harvest solutions; disease, pest management and also will get support for market linkages.
In the first phase of the programme, Bayer and BRAC will train the trainers, who will eventually train smallholder farmers.
Zahidul Islam, Managing Director, Bayer Crop Science Ltd, Bangladesh, said their long-term aim is to help smallholder farmers attaining higher crop yield.
“We opt the peasantry use their farms as a source of sustainable income rather than just a means to survive,” he said.
He also said that they are going to conduct a third-party impact assessment this year to evaluate the Bayer initiatives in terms of food security and livelihood support for smallholder farming communities in Bangladesh.
In the Aman and Boro seasons last year, Bayer supported 100,000 smallholder farmers who faced challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The farmers in 242 Upazilas under 59 districts received a 1.0 kg pack of Bayer’s “Arize” hybrid rice seeds free of cost.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) was the implementing partner of the seed distribution programme in 2020.
Launched in 2020, Bayer’s global initiative – ‘Better Farms, Better Lives’ has so far supported over 2.0 million smallholder farmers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with free ‘Better Life Farming’ care packages.
These packages are tailored for farmers’ local needs which include a combination of Bayer’s hybrid seeds, crop protection products, personal protective equipment, and safety and training materials.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has set out to implement the “National Fertilizer Expansion Programme. The aim of the Ghana FertilizerExpansion Programme (GFEP) is to operationalize the existing National Fertilizer Policy and Regulations and shall build on other ongoing initiatives resulting in increased crop yield and jobs across the country.
The GFEP is hinged on four pillars which are; to develop the Fertilizer Industrial Sector of Ghana; to develop the entire fertilizer value chain through improved agronomy services, training, farmer education, and develop soil fertility maps and formulas to customize fertilizer application; to optimize or reduce the cost efficiencies along the fertilizer value chain and to drive fertilizer consumption by our smallholder farmers.
To realize this goal, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution (AGRA) recruited consultants to develop a 5-year Strategic Plan for the “Ghana Fertilizer Expansion Programme (GFEP)”.
The consultants have subsequently submitted a draft strategy to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture awaiting its validation and finalization before implementation.
Bathing has a long and detailed history. Submerging ourselves in water, whether in a bathing receptacle or in a natural body of water is something we do for both personal hygiene, leisure, and health. There is nothing more enjoyable than going for a swim in the ocean on a warm day or having a hot fragrant bath in the cooler months.
Regardless of the temperature, the benefits of taking a bath have been scientifically proven and can ensure optimal health of the mind and body.
HERE ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAKING A BATH: Bathing can improve heart health Although bathing in high temperatures can put unnecessary strain on your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition, taking a warm bath will make your heart beat faster and can give it a healthy workout.
Taking a bath may help you to breathe easier Being immersed in water past your chest with your head out can have a good influence on your lung capacity and oxygen intake. There are two factors that contribute to this; the temperature of the water and the pressure the water places on your chest and lungs. When the water is warmer and your heart is beating faster, your oxygen intake can be improved and the steam created can clear your sinuses and chest.
Your brain and nervous system can benefit from bathing Submergence in water can reduce pain and inflammation and also calm the nervous system, reducing the levels of stress and anxiety in the body and improving your mood. Hydrotherapy can help people who suffer from multiple sclerosis as the temperature and pressure of the water gently relieve the spine of pain and discomfort.
Bathing can benefit your muscles, joints, and bones Stretching and moving in water has been shown to be a low impact on the joints, muscles, and bones, but very effective in providing an adequate workout through resistance. There is also less chance of injury for people who are at risk of falls, which makes aquatic exercise ideal for the elderly.
Take care of your blood and immunity with a bath Not only does a warm bath make the blood flow easier, but it also makes it more oxygenated by allowing you to breathe deeper and slower, particularly when taking in steam. Taking a hot bath or spa can kill bacteria and improve immunity. It can relieve the symptoms of cold and flu.
Balance your hormones by bathing Conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and some fertility issues can be assisted by bathing in colder temperatures. Hormones released by the pituitary gland such as an adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH and other hormones such as beta-endorphins and cortisol can become more balanced. Alternatively, warm water bathing can increase levels of serotonin, which is the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and wellbeing.
Bathing cleanses and moisturizes your skin, hair, and eyes Exposure to the fluid through bathing and steaming is a great way to ensure hydration of the body in all aspects. The human body is made mostly of water and that is why we are encouraged to drink plenty of it. But soaking in it is also extremely beneficial. We can enhance this by adding certain oils or salts to a bath or bathing in a natural body of water or pool, rich in naturally occurring minerals.
Your core body temperature will be optimal through bathing There is no quicker and more pleasant way to regulate your body temperature than through bathing. On a cold day, taking a hot bath or spa is sure to warm you up. Going for a cold ocean swim in the height of summer is undeniably the best way to cool off.
Evidence has shown that bathing, whether in cold or hot water; at home in a vessel or out in a natural body of water can have many health benefits without adverse effects. However, it is advised that a health professional is consulted if pre-existing health conditions or diseases are present before embarking on any form of hydrotherapy.
Ms. Rose Goslinga Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer at PULA, an African Agricultural Insurance, and Technology Service Provider has revealed that PULA has closed a $6m Series A fundraiser to support the expansion of PULA in Asia and Africa by providing yield and animal insurance for Smallholder farmers across Africa and Asia.
The Co-Founder said the Series A fund was raised by TLcom Capital with the support of Women’s World Banking.
“The new investment will be used to scale up operations in the company’s existing 13 markets across Africa; PULA has impacted over 4.3 million farmers on the continent and the new funding will also help propel its expansion into Asia to power resilience and profitability for Asian smallholder farmers” she indicated.
Speaking on the new fundraise, Ms. Goslinga pointed out that with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic across the globe; smallholder farmers need assurances now more than ever, and having TLcom Capital and Women’s World Banking along this resilience journey, opens up many more opportunities.
“When Thomas and I launched Pula in 2015, we had one goal in mind to build and deliver scalable insurance solutions for Africa’s 700 million smallholder farmers, and with our latest funding; it’s time to break into new grounds.
In our five years of operation, we’ve built strong traction for our products, but the fact remains that across Africa and other emerging markets, there are still millions of smallholder farmers with risks to their livelihoods that have not been covered” she said.
She added that apart from the Serie A announcement, Pula at the end of the year secured an Insure resilience Grant in partnership with Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool.
The Co-Founder indicated that the Ghana Insurance project aims to provide affordable yield risk insurance solutions to farmers by bundling insurance on inputs the farmers intend to use during the 2021 planting season.
“Our Insure resilience project will promote agricultural insurance solution among the Ghana farming communities. This will help increase the resilience of smallholder farmers vulnerable to climate change while contributing to food security which has been severely affected as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic” she added.
Managing Partner and Founder at TLcom Capital, Maurizio Caio, explained that the potential for the insurance market for smallholder farmers in Africa is huge and under the leadership of Rose and Thomas, PULA has rapidly established a strong presence throughout the continent with a number of high-profile clients on their books.
“We found a company addressing a hugely underserved market in one of Africa’s key drivers of growth, an opportunity for major economic upside. We are confident of PULA’s potential for growth in spite of the pandemic and look forward to partnering with them as they execute the next phase of their journey” he said.
Chief Information Officer at Women’s World Banking, Christina Juhasz said that Women’s World Banking is delighted to partner with PULA Advisors in providing them financial safety nets against the risks of pests, disease, and climate change.
“Given the legions of women engaged in smallholder farming; securing the food supply for communities around the globe has become difficult because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
Adding hot peppers, hot sauces and hot powders to food continues to protect us from food poisoning even though we now refrigerate food. To maximize these health benefits, eating the hottest pepper would magnify these effects.
Below are 10 health benefits of hot peppers
Benefits the Digestive Tract This may sound counter-intuitive, but the capsaicin in peppers actually acts as an anti-irritant. People with ulcers have been told for years to avoid hot spicy foods, but research has revealed that peppers are beneficial to ulcers. For example, pepper powder provides trace amounts of antioxidants and other chemicals to aid digestive issues such as healing an upset stomach, reducing intestinal gas, curing diarrhea, and acting as a natural remedy for cramps. It does this by reducing the acidity in the digestive tract that causes ulcers. It also helps produce saliva and stimulates gastric juices aiding digestion.
Promotes a Healthy Heart It also aids the circulatory system and prevents heart disease by lowering blood serum cholesterol and reduces lipid deposits, and therefore, reverses excessive blood clotting. It also dilates the blood vessels to aid in blood flow.
Mitigates Migraines Have you ever had a pain on a body part that was your sole focus until you had another pain that was even worse? The original pain simply disappeared when your brain focused on the new injury. This phenomenon is what happens to migraine when you consume hot peppers. Your body becomes desensitized to the migraine and the overall sensation of pain is lessened.
Relieves Joint Pain Due to the powerful pain-relieving properties of the capsaicin from peppers, it can be applied to the skin to reduce the chemical P, the ingredient that carries pain messages to the brain. Ultimately, the pain receptors exhaust themselves by depleting the body’s reserves. Once this happens, the capsaicin acts as a pain reliever. It is used effectively for shingles, HIV neuropathy, and other types of pain.
Improves Metabolism / Promotes Weight Loss Spicy peppers rev up the metabolic rate by generating the thermogenic processes in our body that generates heat. That process utilizes energy, and thereby, burns additional calories. In addition, if hot peppers are consumed at breakfast, the appetite has suppressed the rest of the day which ultimately helps in weight loss. It may even alter proteins in your body to combat fat accumulation. Capsaicin also has been studied as a holistic method for weight loss. It will selectively destroy nerve fibers that send messages from the stomach to the brain.
Quells Psoriasis Psoriasis is an itchy skin condition resulting in ugly skin patches. Capsaicin cream will significantly reduce the number of cells replicating and aids in the reversal of the auto-immune skin lesions.
Reduces Cancer Risk Since the capsaicin in pepper flesh has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is being studied as a cancer-fighter. It reduces the growth of prostate cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. Research also shows consumption of large quantities of peppers effective against breast, pancreatic, and bladder cancers. (8 large habaneros per week)
Fights the Flu, Colds, and Fungal Infections Hot peppers are chalked full of beta carotene and antioxidants that support your immune system and will aid in fighting off colds and the flu. Research has found that nasal sprays containing capsaicin reduce congestion.
Increased body temperature from the ingestion of hot peppers triggers the immune system into action in fighting the norovirus (cold), flu viruses. Consumption of peppers fights against 16 fungal strains by reducing fungal pathogens.
Prevents Bad Breath To keep your significant other attracted to you, eating hot pepper powder acts as a disinfectant to the air you breathe out by improving the odor of your breath.
Prevents Allergies Due to the anti-inflammatory benefits of capsaicin, hot peppers can help prevent allergies and symptoms from allergies.
Africa is a blessed continent to have such a tree of great importance because of the herbal and food benefits is associated with Dawadawa\African locust bean tree and by-product. It is a good source of income for rural dwellers in Africa as everything within the dawadawa\African locust bean tree is of great importance.
African locust bean has been put on research and tested to find the impacts and it is shown that it can control blood pressure because it helps in reducing arterial blood pressure when you eat the right quantity. It is also a good substitute for spicy or seasoning cubes and contains tannin and astringents substances found in many plants.
Good vision. Due to the natural ingredients and nutrients found in African locust bean, therefore, consuming it will help to have a better vision especially for people with eye issues like cataracts, minus eyes, and myopia.
It can treat stroke. A stroke is when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted which is fatal. Research shows that consuming a good amount of African locust bean will definitely help you against such sickness.
Reduce cholesterol. Cholesterol which can cause some blockage within the blood vessels can lead to heart issues. Eating locust beans can help your body control the amount of cholesterol found in our bodies.
Treat Diarrhea. Because of the amount of tannin found in African locust bean, it will heal diarrhea, which is a gastrointestinal disorder with the symptoms of frequent watery bowel movements. Consuming African locust beans will help you relieve diarrhea.
Treat hypertension. Hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure occurs when is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently increasing above the normal level. Therefore consuming a good amount will help people with hypertension.
Helps control blood sugar level. The human body requires sugar to produce enough energy but it should be stable otherwise if unstable of high will cause diabetes. Therefore consuming African locust bean will help you control blood sugar level.
Improve digestion. Eating a good amount of African locust beans can improve digestion. Good digestion will give you a healthy body as the excretion process in the body will be facilitated which will prevent constipation.
Healthy weight. Underweight is not healthy and vice-versa which is sometimes not easy to be normal weight or just gain weight for underweight. Eating African locust bean will help you gain weight in a natural way.
Heal Wounds. As mentioned above it can be used to treat ulcer wounds internally by eating the beans as well as external wounds. The leaves when pounded can be applied on wounds and the bean can be paste on the wound to heal the wounds.
Reduce Fever. Consuming a good amount of African locust bean can reduce fever. It was traditionally used to reduce high fever which is still practiced in some rural African communities and also send away evil spirits because of its unpleasant smell.
African locust beans consist of many vital nutrients that are cherished by the body. Therefore consuming healthy African locust beans will give you good health.
The Covid–19 pandemic has brought most countries to their knees, disrupting many economies leaving no one in its disruptive grip. These effects are severe to the extent that a lot of workers have lost their jobs and some of the countries have banned the exportation of food commodities into the international market.
However, the President of the Republic of Ghana, in the State of the Nation’s Address indicated that there was an abundance of food despite the effect of Covid-19. This postulates that Covid-19 has not necessarily affected Ghana’s agriculture as a lot of stakeholders are lamenting. This underscores the assertion by Prof. Irene Susana Egyir that the slow pace of agricultural growth is not necessarily occasioned by Covid-19.
Prof. Egyir made this revelation during her presentation at the 72nd Annual New Year School and Conference in Accra on the topic Sustainable Food Production and Resilient Agricultural Practice. Prof. Irene mentioned that the factors that are impeding agricultural growth are disregarding the several sources of food and non-food activities, non-ready workforce and responsiveness, and non-engagement of the necessary sectors to push the agenda of sustainable agricultural development.
According to Prof. Irene, last year, just before the lockdown, a survey conducted revealed that Ghanaians concentrated on few food crops such as gari, rice, and maize leaving behind the other food commodities like roots and tubers, fruits and vegetables, and the rest. “We have probably concentrated too much on too few food commodities and believe that agriculture is about these foods whilst there are a lot of unexplored sources that we could give enough attention to in terms of research, extension service, and all the things that are done for maize and rice”, she complained.
“Even in the livestock sector, the concentration has been on cattle, sheep, goat, and poultry but there are great opportunities in others like rabbit, aquaculture like catfish which I engage in. All that one needs is to have passion, a little amount of capital, and a good attitude”, she added.
She reiterated that if Ghana wants agriculture to contribute to the economic development then attention should be given to plantations such rubber, coffee, cashew, oil palm, coconut, etc which equally command huge foreign exchange just like cocoa.
Prof. underscored the availability of the needed materials for production on the market and how easily the materials that are not on the market could be imported but the issue lies with the human resource. The attitude of the agriculture training graduates on the field deters the rich and wealthy people from venturing into it.
To her, to actualize agricultural growth in Ghana, the youth who are the working force, ought to be available and exhibit the kind passion, the kind of good working attitude, and the kind of urgency towards work on the field.
“I agree that the young people are vibrant and they are available, therefore, we are calling on them to do more for they are the support system. Sometimes, it is sad to see the way the youth respond to things that ought to be done quickly on the field. On the field, there are health issues to manage: soil health, water health, plant health, post-harvest health, and food safety issues which require good human resource capacity, surprisingly, we are not seeing it in our workforce irrespective of the youth that is being trained”, She bemoaned.
Prof. is of the view that the folding of arms of the various sub-sectors that constitute agriculture is contributing to the slow pace of Ghana’s agricultural growth. She indicated that Agriculture is not only for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, therefore, but all relevant state institutions should also step up to their tasks in terms of ensuring that machinery is available, the water bodies are available to used to develop the irrigation and one district one factory policy is being pushed in order to make the sector attractive to investors.
The Paris Accord recognizes the fundamental priority of safeguarding food security and ending hunger and it is cognizant of particular vulnerabilities of food production systems to the adverse impact of climate change. The agreement has over 200 parties as signatories, all with different abilities, but all aware that each of their actions contributes to making or breaking the process of transforming global food systems. The existence of such a global effort bringing together stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure sustainable development goals are attained attest to the necessity of clustering strategy.
Clustering, processing of putting together issues and things of a similar type, must be embraced in order to solve global intricate challenges. In the world we live today, it is evident that local, national, regional, and global challenges are intertwined hence the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure collective actions by various stakeholders from the remotest part of the world count in the process of restoration.
The United Nations, an organization formed to ensure global peace and security epitomizes clusterization strategy. The body is on the frontline urging collective actions from all levels by all stakeholders in order to achieve the 17 sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This validates the need for massive aggregation of issues, policies, and regions, working on local national, and global challenges that could inhibit sustainable production of food.
For Kenya to achieve sustainable food production while transforming the food systems, the clustering must be considered in different areas, issues and policies.
One, the clustering of Counties must be given priority. The 47 counties in Kenya are unique in their own ways but some share similar ecological zones. This could allow amalgamating counties in terms of the production of particular products. For instance, Counties in the rift valley are known to produce maize grain, a reason the region is referred to as Kenya’s food basket; it will be critical therefore for them to be grouped and be given the necessary assistance to improve and enhance productivity.
Two, there is a need to cluster products and comparative advantage. Even though maize is an important food staple in Kenya, there is a need for diversity, if food security is to be experienced. Cassava and Potatoes and many others could be the alternative to reduce dependence on maize crop. Grouping counties with suitable ecological conditions to grow different crops will promote specialization and diversity which in the end will enhance food availability and accessibility.
Three, clustering of research institutions is important in order to generate specific findings and recommendations on different issues to the right audience. One monumental failure in Kenya has been disharmony between scientific research and policy formulation and implementation. It will be important to ensure that research organizations and think tanks are aligned to different national issues and challenges. For example, with the impact of climate change, better varieties of crops that can withstand different environmental stress becomes critical; but this requires constant research to develop new varieties as environmental conditions change.
Four, clustering government departments and institutions is another critical exercise that Kenya must urgently undertake to ensure better cooperation and collaboration. It is a fact that the working of government departments and institutions has for long been structured in silos. This means that what happens in one ministry/ institution is not understood by another. This phenomenon creates serious bottlenecks in sharing of data and other important information, hence hampering progress in economic development.
Taking devolution as a nuclear clustering strategy, it is now time to start looking into how to transform policies to facilitate sustainable clusterization and specialization to transform food systems. The fourth schedule of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya as the guiding post, a comprehensive working formula must be set out to ensure all actions and policies are synchronized to ensure an effective working relationship between the two levels of government.
The national Government must ensure the development of key infrastructures like roads, water, and electricity. Further, the National government must embrace research as a key driver of economic transformation hence must allocate a substantial national budget to fund research institutions and foundations. However, counties must also play a role by identifying critical issues and products that need to be addressed to ensure harmony with the national government agenda.
Symbiotic relationships between the National and County government must be supported by the active public participation of citizens. Development projects in various regions must be informed by local needs. This means that researchers must also be able to translate and articulate their scientific findings and recommendations in a manner that could inform the decisions of both citizens and governments on the best path to development.
Prekese or tetrapleura tetraplera is a species of the pea family and is native to West Tropical Africa. The fruits of the plant have a strong aromatic smell with insect repellant properties. This medicinal plant belongs to Ghana and African countries. Several diseases can be treated with the use of prekese such as inflammation, leprosy, rheumatoid arthritis, convulsions, etc.
Prek3s3 also contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Its bark, fruits, and leaves are also packed with medicinal agents.
Nutritional Facts of Prekese. Aridan is highly nutritious as it is packed with essential phytochemicals and nutrients that are essential for our body. It is also rich in iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and phenolic compounds.
Other Local Names of Prekese. Prek3s3 is originally from West Africa. Hence the tribes and various countries around Africa have different names of the plant. For instance, In Twi, Ghana prek3s3 is referred to as prɛkɛsɛ. Nigerians in Igbo refer to it as oshosho or osakirisa, while Nigerians in Yoruba refer to it as aidan and ubukirihu. The English name for the plant is Aidan fruit.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS of PREK3S3. Control Diabetes. According to a study conducted on rats, Tetrapleura tetraptera is beneficial for treating Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The fruit extract of prekese is said to lower glucose levels during fasting and non-fasting hours.
Acts As Mosquito Repellant. The plant has a strong fragrance and is, therefore, acts as a mosquito repellant. The properties present in prekese are attributed to the essential oils present.
Postpartum Care. The plant pod is used as a soup additive and is best served to postpartum mothers to prevent contractions. The pods are said to be packed with calcium, iron, and potassium. These three components are said to be important for postpartum woman. The prekese soup is said to produce milk in feeding mothers and restore lost blood.
Fever. Prekese is a great remedy when one is suffering from a cold. The best way to use the plant is to soak it in warm water. Bathe using the infused water. This is said to greatly relieve fever and body temperature. You can also try this remedy when suffering from the enema, constipation, and emetic.
Wound Healing Properties. The wet extract of the plant has wound-healing agents. According to a study done at Uyo University, the low concentration (200 mg /ml) is more effective than the higher concentration (200 mg/ml). So it is recommendable to use the lower concentration of the plant to heal wounds.
Has Antibacterial Properties. The plant contains antibacterial and microbial agents. Because of these properties, the extract of the plant is used for making soap. The soap can be used to heal skin diseases, inflammation, and bacterial infection. Apart from that, prekese can also add foam, fragrance, and harden the soap.
Contraceptive Properties. The stem and bark of the prekese plant contain saponin and ethanol extract. These properties release a luteinizing hormone which is said to serve as contraceptives.
Treats Leprosy. According to a study, the aridan plant is also used in leprosy treatment. The disease greatly affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves which leads to lumps and skin blemishes. The more serious leprosy cases can also cause mutilation and abnormalities.
Management of Convulsion. The stem, fruit, and leaves of the prekese are used for creating herbal concoctions in folk medicine. This can help to manage convulsion. Studies reveal that the plant aqueous extract leads to anticonvulsant activities and affects the central nervous system.
Anti-inflammatory Properties. The plant extracts have anti-inflammatory agents and create an impact on several human pathogens. This can lead to lowering body inflammation, arthritis, and rheumatoid pain.
Culinary Purposes. The dried Taub plant has an aromatic fragrance and is often used as a spice for adding flavor to several dishes like white soup, meat pepper soup, kernel soup, and fish pepper soup. This spice can be either crushed or broken into small portions while cooking.
Treats Cardiovascular System. Prekese is beneficial for the cardiovascular system because of its addition of essential phytochemicals. It can also be used for treating heart-related diseases.
Contain Molluscicidal Properties. According to studies, the aqueous extracts of the leaves, stalk, stem, roots, and bark of the plant have molluscicidal agents. This reveals why it serves as a pesticide for treating pests. Prekese is mostly used for gardening and planting flowers to get rid of gastropod pests like slugs and snails.
Dermatological Care. The prekese fruit can be dried in direct sunlight and blended into a fine powder. This extract is then used as an ingredient in soaps. It serves as a dermatological care product because of the presence of antibacterial and antimicrobial agents. The dried powdered extract can be used with other ingredients like palm kernel oil and shea butter for external use. You may look for these ingredients while looking for soaps.
Hypertension. The stem and bark of the plant can be used for the treatment of hypertension. Studies reveal that the plant is helpful for healing high blood pressure and check oxidation levels of hypertension patients.
Supports Immune System. The plant is a rich source of vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. It helps in strengthening the immune system.
The presence of iron in the plant help in the regeneration of lost blood, zinc provides protection against the virus that leads to respiratory tract infections, while potassium and calcium help in managing, preventing, and controlling muscle disorders and bone strengthening.
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. The plant can be used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain due to its presence of phytochemicals.
Has Antibacterial Properties. Studies suggest that the water extracts and alcohol presence of the plant can lead to staphylococcus aureus. The presence of tannins and glycosides in prekese can also help in preventing bacterial growth.
The Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) has issued guarantee cover for loans of about GH¢66 million given by financial institutions to agribusinesses.
This was made known by Ken Ofori -Atta, the President’s nominee for Minister of Finance, in a speech read on his behalf by the former Minister of Planning, Prof. George Gyan-Baffour, at the 72nd Annual New Year School and Conference in Accra.
GIRSAL, which was established by the Bank of Ghana in 2016 and is now owned by the Ministry of Finance, has signed agreements with 14 financial institutions through which the guarantees were issued to secure loans for the agricultural sector.
GIRSAL’s catalytic role in mobilising private sector financing for agriculture is projected to be critical to the success of government initiatives such as the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme.
Given that a key precursor for the 1D1F is the production of agricultural raw materials, GIRSAL’s financing guarantees stand as vital to securing the volumes of agricultural commodities required to power the initiative.
GIRSAL’s support is expected to enable 1D1F to champion agro-processing through promoting the setting up of factories or revamping underperforming factories.
According to the 1D1F Secretariat, the initiative has yielded about 170 factories at different stages of completion. Out of this number, a total of 28 factories have been completed and are operating fully as direct 1D1F projects, while 31 factories are under construction.
Additionally, the government has partnered with the private sector to either revive or expand 48 existing factories, bringing the total number of operational factories to 76.
