The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for an investigation into allegations of torture committed by security forces deployed in the clash-torn Mt Elgon district in western Kenya.

The Federal Government would by next week, release N80 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, for the development and implementation of programmes designed to shore up food sufficiency.

The Grand Coalition Cabinet meeting on Thursday failed to reach a decision on how to handle Mungiki and other armed groups.

Zimbabwe's government has suspended duty on basic commodity imports for 90 days, after heavy rains and the failure to supply agricultural inputs led to a maize shortfall predicted by government at about one million tonnes.

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has told leaders of the Mano River Union (MRU) that the region must focus on the production of rice as a way to confront the global food crisis.

COMMITTEE for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Delta State, yesterday, expressed alarm at the colossal sum of N80 billion recently approved by the Federal Government for the importation of rice into the country, positing that, "it is not a solution to the impending food crisis in the country.

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has approved the utilisation of 1.65 per cent of the federation account as a special intervention fund for agricultural development.

As part of its resolve to embark on commercial agriculture in order to enhance food sufficiency both in the state and country at large, the Imo State government recently gave the go-ahead to some South African farmers billed to kick start the project. Olawale Olaleye writes on an initiative expected to change the face of farming in the country

The inauguration of the Rehoboth Urban West Constituency office marks a giant step in bringing government services to the country's people.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, Alhaji Adamu Waziri yesterday says Nigeria does not need to import food.

Armyworms have destroyed crops and pastures in 11 districts of Eastern Province.

The Federal Government has initiated plans to boost rice production as a short-term measure by providing N10 billion credit facility for the purchase of equipment for rice farmers which will attract a four per cent rate of interest and a repayment period of 15 years including a five-year moratorium.

THE Mengo establishment will set up three demonstration farms in each district in Buganda to enable locals learn modern agriculture techniques.

FCT minister, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, has flagged off the sale of fertiliser in Kuje area council.

NEW harvests have started flowing into Kampala's major markets but prices are unlikely to go down, a weekly survey has shown.

UGANDA earned $265m (about sh440b) in 2007 from coffee exports, making it the leading foreign exchange earner. A report by the Uganda Export Promotion Board, said the revenue from coffee had risen since 2001 when $97m was earned.

AS PREPARATIONS for the winter crop gathers momentum, farmers have called on the government to probe how fertilizer finds its way on to the black market when the farmers cannot access the commodity on the formal market.

THE MATOPOS Research station has started a massive indigenous drought resistant cattle and goat breeding programme to assist small holder farmers boost herds in some parts of the dry Matabeleland region.

Malawi's tobacco industry has been in turmoil after wildly fluctuating prices led protesting farmers to force the closure of the auction floors.

A crop forecast by the Zimbabwean government that this year's maize production will fall short of the national requirement by about one million metric tonnes is leading to a reassessment of the role of communal farmers in guaranteeing the country's food security.

World Vision Rwanda will not be affected by cuts in food aid programmes by its parent organisation, World Vision International.

The hospitalisation of 116 girls after consuming beans sprayed with harmful pesticides at a secondary school in northern Nigeria's Gombe State on 18 April has raised concerns about how dry foods are stored all around the country.

The FAO Director-General is currently working on all continents to deal with the global food crisis, together with Member States, development partners and other UN agencies. While duty-bound to defend an organization of 191 member countries that he was re-elected, unopposed, to lead in 2005, he has no intention of being distracted by a controversy motivated by Senegalese domestic politics with the ...

Rice production in Asia, Africa and Latin America is forecast to reach a new record level in 2008, FAO said today, warning that world rice prices could remain high in the short term, as much of the 2008 crops will only be harvested by the end of the year.

THE soaring food prices have strained the budget of Makerere University, forcing the administration to cut down on students' meals.Besides reducing the quantity of food served, the university has also revised the menu at various halls of residence.