Latest news with #Solidaridad
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
How Nigeria's new palm oil traceability system could reclaim global dominance?
A slow but steady revolution is ongoing that could turn Nigeria's decades-old palm oil story from decline to dominance. Palm oil that once placed Nigeria on the global map in the 1960s is getting a gaining attentiononce more. A new traceability framework, known as the National Palm Oil Traceability System (NaPOTS), is being developed to transform how palm oil is produced, tracked, marketed, and exported. With production currently at 1.4 million metric tons annually, and a national demand that exceeds 2 million metric tons, Nigeria now spends more than $600 million every year importing palm oil. The gap between what Nigeria grows and what it consumes has become a major concern, not only economically, but also in terms of food security and sustainability. 'We're expecting two things, one of the key implementing partners behind the initiative. 'First, an effective traceability system. Second, a strong policy framework aligned with Nigeria's Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy from 2022 to 2027', said Kene Onukwube, Program Manager at Solidaridad Nigeria. For Onukwube and his team at Solidaridad, this isn't just about tracking palm oil, it's about restoring accountability across the value chain, from the seedling planted in Enugu to the oil-filled jerrycan in a Lagos market. For too long, Nigeria's domestic production has struggled with inefficiencies, hidden yields, untraceable processing, and questionable quality control. 'With traceability in place, efficiency will improve in production, processing, and marketing. You'll be able to know who produced what, where, and under what conditions. That visibility is transformational', Onukwube explained. Backed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Solidaridad has already piloted traceability models in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, and Kogi states. These pilots showed that with the right tools and stakeholder engagement, traceability isn't just possible, it's practical. Recognising the need for national coordination, Solidaridad partnered with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to elevate NaPOTS from a state-level experiment to a national policy. The result was the inauguration of a new inter-agency committee by the ministry, tasked with refining and institutionalising NaPOTS nationwide. 'This event is not just a launch, it is a strategic milestone in Nigeria's journey to reclaim its rightful place as a palm oil powerhouse', said Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. In the 1960s, Nigeria produced over 40 per cent of the world's palm oil. Today, that figure has fallen to less than 2 percent. The global market has surged ahead with industrial-scale plantations, climate-smart agriculture, and export-driven policies, while Nigeria's smallholder farmers struggle with poor yields, outdated tools, and fragmented data systems. A major driver of this initiative is compliance, especially with the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires exporters to prove that their palm oil is not linked to deforestation. 'Traceability is the language of the now and the future. A product without a story of origin will be a product without a market', the Minister said. But beyond compliance, NaPOTS offers something deeper: a chance to rebuild confidence in Nigerian agriculture. NaPOTS aligns with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy's vision for digital transformation. Through digital platforms, geospatial mapping, and farmer ID systems, the traceability platform will collect and verify data at every stage of the value chain. The system captures key data such as GPS coordinates of farms, producer identities, palm variety and tree age, harvest volumes and timings, processing and transportation details, environmental and ethical compliance and export destinations and transaction history. With this unified data architecture, policymakers can make informed decisions, investors gain visibility into supply chains, and consumers receive ethical assurance. Beyond data, NaPOTS holds enormous potential to spark green growth and climate-smart agriculture. By identifying yield gaps and enabling precision extension services, the system will support best management practices (BMPs) and promote eco-friendly inputs. Smallholder farmers who produce over 80 percent of Nigeria's palm oil, will finally gain access to tools and training to improve both their productivity and incomes. For global investors, a transparent Nigerian palm oil sector is a far more attractive prospect. 'We're seeing growing interest in sustainability-compliant commodities. NaPOTS opens new investment pipelines by offering transparent land-use and production records', Onukwube said. Moreover, the export landscape will shift. With NaPOTS in place, Nigerian palm oil will be better positioned to meet the requirements of high-value markets like the EU, UK, and Asia. This directly supports Nigeria's non-oil export ambitions and improves foreign exchange earnings. But achieving all this will require synchronized efforts. The newly inaugurated Inter-Agency Committee includes representatives from government ministries, NGOs, private sector processors, exporters, and research institutions. Each has a unique role, whether in data collection, regulation, capacity building, or market access. Research institutions like the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) will also benefit. With access to harmonised, real-time data, they can accelerate breeding programmes, climate adaptation research, and socio-economic impact studies. Like any major reform, NaPOTS faces challenges, data integrity, infrastructure gaps, low digital literacy among farmers, and stakeholder coordination. However, the policy document outlines a detailed roadmap supported by key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress. Some of these KPIs include number of farmers and processors registered on the NaPOTS platform, percentage of palm oil volumes traced end-to-end, reduction in palm oil imports, increase in sustainability-certified exports and investment volume in traceable palm oil projects. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE: Nigeria loses about N17.9trn annually to hepatitis — FG The system also sets clear goals for environmental monitoring and land use optimisation to support Nigeria's broader forest and climate commitments under the Forest, Agriculture, and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue. As Nigeria embarks on this new journey, the stakes are high, but so are the opportunities. If implemented effectively, NaPOTS could serve as a model for traceability in other agricultural sectors, from cocoa to cashew. It also positions Nigeria to lead the conversation on ethical agriculture in Africa. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
How tech and finance are unlocking Africa's smallholder farming future?
Across Africa, smallholder farmers sit at the heart of the continent's food systems; yet, many remain trapped in cycles of low productivity, limited market access, and financial exclusion. At Solidaridad Southern Africa, we've seen firsthand how digital innovation and inclusive financing are changing that narrative - not just in theory, but on the ground. Take, for instance, in partnership with the Cotton Council of Malawi and the industry players, we have seen how the introduction of e-payment systems in the cotton sector has increased transparency, security, and farmer confidence. That's not just progress; it's transformation. From pilot to scale: A new era for agripreneurs What's remarkable is how these interventions are moving from pilot to scale. We are no longer testing concepts. We're implementing solutions across cotton fields and emerging marketing centres that are replicable, cost-effective, and inclusive. In every case, we're guided by a simple principle: farmers should not just survive; they should thrive as agripreneurs. Digital tools, especially mobile-based platforms, are proving to be powerful enablers. Farmers are now sending and receiving money across borders and districts without needing a brick-and-mortar bank. They're registering loans, accessing weather-index insurance, and tracking repayment digitally. For financial institutions, input suppliers, and impact investors, this creates efficiency, traceability, and accountability, ultimately boosting investor confidence and reducing risk. Inclusive by design: Youth, women, and the digitally underserved Critically, inclusivity is at the centre of our design. Our programmes intentionally target women, youth, and differently abled individuals, ensuring that no one is left behind in this digital shift. And while rural connectivity and the cost of high-quality devices remain challenges, we're building farmer digital ecosystems that are adaptable, inclusive, and interoperable - laying the groundwork for a broader digital transformation in agriculture. Surprisingly, when it comes to money, literacy isn't the biggest barrier. Farmers understand value, timing, and commitment. We've seen loan recovery rates that outperform traditional models, because when services are relevant and fair, farmers show up - and pay up. A call to government: Partnering for scalable impact Of course, this journey isn't without hurdles. Unreliable internet connectivity can delay payments. Capturing high-resolution, geotagged farm photos requires advanced devices that many rural agents cannot yet afford. But the path is clear: as we digitise more layers of agriculture - from planting to payment - we are making the sector more resilient, transparent, and scalable. Now is the time for governments to come on board - not just as regulators, but as partners in progress. By embracing digital finance, supporting farmer data systems, and incentivising regenerative practices, public institutions can vastly improve service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Africa's smallholder farmers are ready. With the right support, they're not just the future of agriculture; they're the future of inclusive economic growth. Let's give them the tools and trust they need to lead the way. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cascale 2024 report finds sustainability leadership opportunity in apparel
The non-profit organisation, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said 2024 was pivotal, marked by a phase of reinvention, the formation of strategic alliances, and action across the entire system. 'In 2024, we didn't just rebrand: we refocused. Our members are calling for more clarity, better alignment, and faster progress. This report highlights the steps we've taken together, how we're convening the industry in more focused, effective ways, and where we must go next,' said Cascale board chair and Solidaridad sustainable fashion senior policy director Tamar Hoek. Key developments and organisational growth in 2024 The report revealed that Cascale made notable progress in enhancing the Higg Index, with the introduction of Higg FEM 4.0 aimed at better environmental performance measurement throughout supply chains. In collaboration with Worldly, the organisation further integrated its Higg Index tools into the leading sustainability data analytics platform, facilitating improved data management. The Higg Index is a framework to measure sustainability performance in the apparel sector. Progress in decarbonisation efforts Cascale's expanded the membership of its Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) to 57, aiming to potentially reduce CO₂ emissions by 419,607.92 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Additionally, Cascale released the inaugural Industry Decarbonisation Roadmap in partnership with the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) and Reset Carbon. Progress in decent work data alignment Cascale initiated a strategic process leading to the acquisition of selected assets from Better Buying Institute in February 2025. This deal is expected to promote responsible purchasing practices and help achieve Cascale's goal of Decent Work for All. Cascale CEO Colin Browne said: '2024 was about unity in purpose. Through industry-wide initiatives, deeper stakeholder engagement, and policy innovation, we laid a foundation for the next phase of impact.' Global policy presence and advocacy Cascale saw its global policy influence grow with the publication of its Global Policy Priorities paper and active participation in policy roundtables in Brussels, Copenhagen, and Paris. The organisation also worked alongside the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) to craft a joint vision statement and initiated a secondment with the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), contributing to the development of new sustainability reporting standards. Strengthening industry collaboration Cascale established independent partnerships with BGMEA and Open Supply Hub, while also formalising an agreement with ZDHC to harmonise sustainability protocols. The co-publication of the Apparel Alliance Supply Chain Taxonomy with industry partners aimed to standardise reporting frameworks for enhanced transparency. Cascale Higg product tools director Joël Mertens said: 'The development of a shared perspective of the apparel supply chain tiers will provide clarity to our industry and enhance future communications and tool alignment strategies. We look forward to the continuation and release of this work with our apparel alliance partners.' Member engagement and educational initiatives With over 300 members worldwide, Cascale saw active member participation in various programmes, including the Fashion LEAP for Climate e-learning initiative and the GIZ PDP Solar Rooftop Initiative. In addition to these initiatives, the organisation launched the "Source of Good" podcast to share practical applications of sustainability tools and leadership stories from around the world, reaching listeners in 51 countries. In a separate development, Cascale appointed Harsh Saini as interim CEO, effective 1 August 2025, replacing Colin Browne, who will step down from his role on 31 July, in a decision made out of 'personal choice'. Saini previously held senior executive roles at The Fung Group and Nike and currently serves on Cascale's board of directors. "Cascale 2024 report finds sustainability leadership opportunity in apparel" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
GMA Network
01-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
F. Sionil Jose's Solidaridad bookshop has been sold
F. Sionil Jose's famed Manila bookshop Solidaridad has been sold. The news was confirmed to GMA News Online in a text message by the national artist's son, Antonio "Tonet" Jose on Tuesday afternoon, July 1. "The deal was closed this noon," he says, adding it was acquired "very close to the [family's] asking price." News of the family selling Solidaridad went viral over the weekend but Antontio said they started selling the bookshop "about a month ago." "After me, wala na kasing mag-manage ng book shop. We decided we had to let it go," he explained, calling it "a very sad decision." Located on Padre Faura in Ermita, Manila Solidaridad has become something a of cultural and even a historical landmark. "Ermita's biggest little bookshop" has even amassed quite the following online, too. On Facebook it boasts of 15,000 avid followers. Established by F. Sionil Jose in 1965, Solidaridad is turning 60 years old in July. Congratulations to the new owners and long live Solidaridad! — LA, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
30-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
F. Sionil Jose's Solidaridad bookshop is for sale
F. Sionil Jose's Manila bookshop Solidaridad is up for sale. The news was confirmed to GMA News Online by Antonio 'Tonet' José, the eldest child of the national artist's brood of seven and who is in-charge of running the shop. "It's not fake news," he confirms on a phone interview. "After me, wala na kasing mag-manage ng book shop. We decided we had to let it go," he explained calling it "a very sad decision." According to Antonio, none of the family members is interested to run the bookshop. "Even my nephews, walang may interest. They are all in the States. I only came home to take care of my parents and the bookshop," he said. The Jose family has actually started sellling Solidaridad "about a month ago." "Meron nang mga prospective buyers, may mga interested buyers," Antonio continues, calling the process "a bidding war." Located on Padre Faura in Ermita, Manila Solidaridad has become something a of cultural and even a historical landmark. "Ermita's biggest little bookshop" has even amassed quite the following online, too. On Facebook it boasts of 15,000 avid followers. Solidaridad will turn 60 years old in July. If you're interested to own the bookshop started by a National Artist, Tonet recommends you swing by their Facebook account and drop them a message. Solidaridad is located at 531 Padre Faura Street, Ermita Manila. Facebook. — LA, GMA Integrated News
