US Farms, Inc. Hires VP Sales and Marketing for Retail Market

US Farms, Inc. (Pink Sheets: USFM), a diversified Farming, Nursery and Wellness company is pleased to announce the appointment of Victor Brandstetter to the position of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for all retail sales.


Mr. Brandstetter has a significant background in retail sales and marketing and recently served as the Director of Marketing and Sales for Orchid Hill Wines where he successfully expanded market share through innovative team leadership, national communications, and specialized events. Additionally, he played a key role in the early success of Logitech International by building their first retail sales channel and creating a company store.


As Senior Vice President, Victor Brandstetter will now lead the sales and marketing of US Farms, Inc. products on the retail side. He will be responsible for directing the retail marketing and sales strategy, leading and training affiliate retail sales teams, and developing retail marketing communications.


About US Farms Aloe Vera Juice

What sets US Farms Aloe Vera Juice apart from others is our farm fresh crop. Our Aloe Vera is hand harvested and cultivated using the best farming practices to ensure the highest quality. We blend our high-grade Aloe Vera with just the right amount of all-natural fruit juices to give it a great taste.


Aloe Vera has been known for centuries and used by people thought out the world. Aloe Barbadensis Miller (leaf inner gel) contains a wide variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. These nutrients, along with the phyto-nutrients in the fruit juices, as well as the anti-oxidants they contain, make our Aloe Vera juice the perfect complement to an active lifestyle. We know you and your entire family will enjoy the rewards of adding US Farms Aloe Vera Juice to your diet. In order to learn even more about our product, we invite you to research aloe vera online and in libraries. Please visit our website at www.usfarmsaloeverajuice.com


About US Farms, Inc.

US Farms is a diversified Farming, Nursery and Wellness company. The company grows, markets and sells ornamental plants and Aloe Vera based consumer products including Aloe Vera Juice and Aloe Vera Gel.


Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."


Such statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections at the time the statements are made and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to market and sell Aloe Vera juices and gel online in the United States; acceptance by the market of online Aloe Vera products; continued popularity in the wellness marketplace; the continued production of Aloe Vera juice and gel; ability to raise additional capital; the impact of competitive products; product demand; fluctuations in operating results and other risks detailed from time to time in US Farms, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. US Farms undertakes no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Source:Prnewswire

Aloe vera malagueño, la principal base de la ´nutrialimentación´

La empresa malagueña Santaverde, dedicada al cultivo ecológico de aloe vera, apuesta por la "nutrialimentación" con puro zumo de esta planta para el cuidado personal a través de diversos productos elaborados por ellos mismos de la manera más natural posible.
La plantación se ubica en la sierra de Estepona, en una finca en la que hace casi 20 años comenzaron a plantar aloe vera, una especie considerada "milagrosa" en la antigüedad y que tiene una alta capacidad de aportar hidratación y por sus efectos curativos.
Cuenta con una superficie de 1,5 hectáreas y sus productos cuentan con el certificado de Agricultura Ecológica (CAE) y el sello alemán BDIH, "el más importante de Europa y que exige que todos los productos sean naturales", según informaron desde la empresa.
"Llamamos a nuestros zumos y tés productos nutrialimentación, porque contienen una gran cantidad armónica de sustancias vitales que ayudan en periodos de régimen, estrés, consumo de tabaco y cargas medioambientales", señalaron, al tiempo que agregaron que en todas sus recetas renuncian al uso de sustancias individuales aisladas.
Los cosméticos naturales contienen "puro líquido aloe vera de producción propia, en lugar de agua", además de otra gran cantidad de componentes naturales como polisacáridos específicos, ácidos aminoesenciales, enzimas, sales minerales, vitaminas e antioxidantes; "que son especialmente válidos y eficientes para el cuidado de la piel".
En estos momentos, a pesar de la crisis económica que atraviesan todos los sectores, Santaverde mantiene el número de clientes puesto que es una planta con propiedades curativas y los que toman estos productos "suelen hacerlo por motivos de salud", precisaron, aunque añadieron que las dificultades económicas les están afectando, ya que les está impidiendo "ampliar mercado".
La empresa, cuyo punto de venta central se encuentra en Estepona, distribuye sus productos en tiendas naturales y farmacias y los envía directamente al domicilio de los clientes. Además, organiza seminarios informativos a lo largo del año sobre cosmética natural dirigidos a propietarios de establecimientos en Alemania, así como a estudiantes y farmacéuticos.
Fuente: La Opinon de Malaga

Soothe your summer sun-damaged skin with these home remedies

As the summer months descend upon us, scorching heat is sure to follow. We Houstonians know what hot feels like, and with the temperature as high as it has been lately, the coming summer months will only get warmer.

When people think of sunburns, their minds wander to lounging by the pool or splashing in the surf: such a romantic vision for such a painful outcome. We should put on sunblock every time we leave the house, but unfortunately this isn't on most people's "top 10 to do" before walking out the door. Many moisturizers have a built in SPF (usually 15 or sometimes 30), and this definitely helps the face. What happens to the rest of our precious, exposed epidermis layer?

Find below a few ideas that I have run across, just in case you need to help soothe that unwelcome summer burn.

Aloe Vera - Nature's miracle burn cure! Aloe Vera not only creates a cooling effect, it also forms a thin protective layer, allowing moisture to help replenish your scorched skin. Having an aloe plant in your garden is a wonderful idea; you can snap off a stalk, split it open and apply directly to your sun-damaged parts. You can refrigerate the unused portion of the aloe vera stalk to reuse the next day. If you do not have an aloe plant on-hand, many grocery and local pharmaceutical stores (such as Walgreens or CVS) carry concentrated aloe vera gel in a bottle. This is a must have in your beach bag!

Apple Cider Vinegar - People have been keen to the cooling effects of apple cider vinegar for indigestion for years, and it works for sunburns using the same methodology, as it sooths the skin and helps to neutralize acidity and balance your skin's PH levels. A great way to help soothe your sunburn is to take a vinegar bath: add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a luke-warm bath, soak for 15 minutes and rinse. This will help to immediately reduce pain and help rejuvenate sun-damaged skin.

Baking Soda - As a staple in many kitchens, baking soda may be more readily accessible than apple cider vinegar, yet they help soothe sunburns in a very similar way. Baking soda will also help to restore your skin's natural PH balance. Taking a baking soda bath will help protect your skin and reduce the throbbing sensation: add 1/4 cup baking soda to a luke-warm bath, soak for 15 minutes, but do not rinse. Allow the baking soda residue to dry on the skin for added benefit.

Milk and Honey - No longer just an euphemism for financial stability! The fat content in milk creates a cooling effect, while honey is a antimicrobial and natural humectant (will retain moisture). For use in sunburns, create a compress mixing a 1/2 cup milk with 1 tbsp honey, apply directly to sun-effected area and cover with a warm washcloth for 20 minutes. For other natural uses for honey, read the article Local honey good source for allergy relief.

Oatmeal - Aveeno brand products have helped commercialize the healing properties of oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great product for sensitive and dry skin types on any given day. When using for a sun-damaged skin, you can use oatmeal a couple of different ways: 1) A compress of raw oats and warm water: apply soaked oats with a warm wash cloth to the affected area for 10 minutes. 2) You can also take an oatmeal bath: you can buy pre-made oatmeal 'bath bags' (Nurturing Naturals is a local vendor creating naturally-based bath products), or you can make a simplified version of your own: take 1 cup raw oats, mix with 2 tbsp honey. Scoop the mixture into the toe of an old pair of pantyhose, tie a knot at the open end and drop into a warm bath.
Source:Examiner.com

Consejos para irte de viaje

Vitamina C para mantener el sistema inmune del cuerpo. El aire seco en el avión seca las membranas del moco en la nariz, la garganta e incluso los pulmones, creando las grietas que permiten que los gérmenes entren al cuerpo.Para tus paquetes de viaje, un adaptador de electricidad para cosas electrónicas que se pueda usar en cualquier país.

Píldoras para no roncar cuando duermas si vas a compartir cuartos de hotel con amigos.

Una linterna. Si es posible una que no requiera pilas, porque nunca sabes cuando la vayas a necesitar.

Para tus paquetes de viaje, regalos pequeños como barajas, un encendedor, cigarrillos o plumas de escribir, Hacen buenos regalos para nuevos amigos, directores del viaje, conductores, o personas amables que te ayudan durante tu viaje. Esto ayuda a crear amistades, te da respeto, y puede ayudar en situaciones de tensión. Esto también es muy importante en culturas Asiáticas.

Para tus paquetes de viaje, prepara un equipo médico que contenga lo siguiente: crema antiséptica, gel del vera del áloe (para quemadas, y cortadas), vendajes, un par de tijeras, aspirina para el dolor de cabeza y fiebre.

Para tus paquetes de viaje, has fotocopias de tu pasaporte, visa, boleto de avión, seguro medico, tarjetas de crédito y guardarlas en una bolsa de plástico. También deja copias de todo esto en casa.
Fuente:Impre.com

Casi 800 expositores de 21 países participan en la Semana Verde, que se inaugura mañana en Silleda (Pontevedra)

Un total de 788 firmas expositoras --544 directas y 244 indirectas-- de 21 países estarán presentes desde mañana y hasta el domingo en la XXXII edición Feira Internacional Semana Verde, que inaugurará a las 17.00 horas el presidente de la Xunta, Alberto Núñez Feijóo.

El evento vuelve a celebrarse este año en las fechas que habitualmente se realizaba y tras el aplazamiento de la feria en junio de 2008 para finalmente desarrollarse entre el 12 y 16 noviembre.

Así, el número de empresas que participarán en la Feira Internacional Semana Verde y el espacio expositivo dedicado --58.560 metros cuadrados-- supone un incremento del 17,2 por ciento respecto a la edición de 2008.

El evento, con más de 50 actividades programadas, tendrá una nueva orientación derivada de su carácter multisectorial ya que, aparte de los ámbitos a los que tradicionalmente se dirigía, como el agroganadero, forestal o alimentario, incluirá secciones dedicadas a la jardinería, horticultura ornamental, artesanía, caza y pesca, animales domésticos y decoración.

El objetivo de la Feira Internacional Semana Verde es abrirse a todos los públicos y, para ello, registrará un alto componente de ocio en sus cuatro días de duración. Asimismo, ampliará la superficie expositiva respecto a la pasada edición, hasta alcanzar los 58.560 metros cuadrados.

Paralelamente, se celebrará el Salón Alimentario del Atlántico (Salimat), que sí mantendrá su carácter profesional y al que acudirán 50 importadores de 12 países.

ZUMO DE ALOE VERA O CASTAÑAS EN ALMÍBAR

En Salimat y enmarcado en el espacio Alinova se exhibirán 66 nuevos productos de reciente lanzamiento al mercado, entre los que figurarán varios vinos, entre ellos un tinto desalcoholizado; zumo de aloe vera; y diversos licores, destacando un licor café elaborado con café biológico.

También los productos dulces contarán con una presencia especial, dado que se podrán encontrar distintos tipos de miel, entre ellas una con cacao; mermeladas de calabaza e higo y castañas en almíbar.

Los alimentos lácteos supondrán una proporción destacada entre los nuevos productos presentados. Así, figurará una leche con ácido linoleico y leche cruda ecológica, un yogur ecológico con fresas y diversos quesos, entre ellos uno con pimienta y otro con gusto a perejil y ajo.

Los embutidos también serán abundantes en este espacio, en el que se podrán encontrar chorizos de ciervo fritos, de 'porco' celta y fiambre de avestruz. También se verán aceites, entre los que habrá uno virgen extra con sabor a frutas. Otras innovaciones presentadas, de gran originalidad, son los brotes de bambú, y las cebollitas procedentes de la flor de Lilium para ensalada.

MÁS DE 50 ACTIVIDADES

Entre las más de 50 actividades previstas, figuran, en el ámbito ganadero, el XVIII Concurso Autonómico de raza frisona para becerras, novillas y vacas; el XXV Concurso de Xóvenes Manexadores; una competición de preparadores de ganado bovino; el XV Monográfico de Ganado Porcino; una jornada técnica sobre cunicultura --cría de conejos--; una presentación de grupos de proxenie --vacas descendientes del mismo toro--; demostraciones de ordeño y exhibiciones de diversas razas autóctonas.

Además, se celebrará una muestra de bonsais y orquídeas, un concurso de composiciones florales, demostraciones de maquinaria de jardinería y exhibiciones de poda en altura y tala controlada.

En el área canina, tendrá lugar el IX Concurso Nacional de Belleza Canina 'Feira Internacional Semana Verde'; dos pruebas de agilidad clasificatorias para el Campeonato de España, el III Campeonato de Agility del Collie Club de España, el XI Campeonato de Agility de Galicia o exhibiciones del Grupo Canino del Tercio Norte de Infantería de Marina de Ferrol.

También se disputará el Concurso Nacional de Saltos o el Concurso Morfológico de Pura Raza Galega o un seminario sobre salud dental equina. De igual modo se exhibirá la Lalín Pork Art y una muestra de Aperos Agrícolas de Galicia.
Fuente:Europa Press

Treating Diabetes with Aloe Vera

Diabetes is perhaps the biggest challenge that most of us face today. With each day there is an increase in the number affected by it, regardless of age.


NATURE OF DIABETES

The disease is hereditary in nature, meaning, when your great grandparents had it, you as a part of the family tree have a great tendency of acquiring the same condition. For ages, the treatment for the disease include taking in of insulin through injections. Insulin is known as a hormone regulator for glucose level in the blood and is usually produced in the pancreas.

PLANTS USED IN CURING DIABETES

Diabetes is a complex and multifarious group of disorders characterized by hyperglycemia, which has reached epidemic proportions in the present century. Several drugs such as biguanides and sulfonylureas are presently available to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus. These drugs have side effects and thus searching for a new class of compounds is essential to overcome these problems. Management of diabetes without any side effects is still a challenge to the medical community. There is continuous search for alternative drugs. Therefore, it is prudent to look for options in herbal medicine for diabetes as well. Traditional anti-diabetic plants might provide new oral hypoglycemic compounds, which can counter the high cost and poor availability of the current medicines/ present day drugs for many rural populations in developing countries. India is well known for its herbal wealth. Medicinal plants like Trigonella foenum graecum, Allium sativum, Gymnema slyvestre and Syzigium cumini have been studied for treatment of diabetes mellitus.

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. fil. (synonym A. barbadensis Miller) (Tamil – Southakathalai, Hindi – Ghikanvar), is a cactus-like plant with green, dagger-shaped leaves that are fleshy, tapering, spiny, marginated and filled with a clear viscous gel. It is also known as ‘lily of the desert’, the ‘plant of immortality’, and the ‘medicine plant’ with qualities to serve as alternate medicine. Aloe Vera is as old as civilization and throughout history it has been used as a popular folk medicine. It is believed to be effective in treating stomach ailments, gastrointestinal problems, skin diseases, constipation, for radiation injury, for its anti-inflammatory effect, for wound healing and burns, as an anti-ulcer and diabetes.

STUDIES OF ALOE VERA ON DIABETICS:

A Japanese study (published on April 11, 2006 in Pharmaceutical Society of Japan) evaluated the effect of Aloe Vera gel on blood sugar. The study revealed the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Aloe Vera gel and isolated a number of compounds from the gel. On the basis of spectroscopic data, these compounds were identified as lophenol, 24-methyl-lophenol, 24-ethyl-lophenol, cycloartanol, and 24- methylene-cycloartanol. These five phytosterols were evaluated for their anti-hyperglycemic effects in type 2 diabetic BKS.Cg-m_/_Leprdb/J (db/db) mice. In comparison with the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of vehicle-treated mice, statistically significant decreases of 15 to 18% in HbA1c levels were observed in mice treated with 1mg of the five phytosterols. Considering the ability to reduce blood glucose in vivo, there were no differences between the five phytosterols. Administration of b -sitosterol did not reduce the blood glucose levels in db/db mice. After administration of the five phytosterols mice treated with 1mg of the five phytosterols. Administration of b - sitosterol did not reduce the blood glucose levels in db/db mice. After administration of the five phytosterols for 28 days, fasting blood glucose levels decreased to approximately 64%, 28%, 47%, 51%, and 55% of control levels, respectively. Severe diabetic mice treated with phytosterols derived from Aloe vera gel did not suffer weight reduction due to glucose loss in the urine. These findings suggest that Aloe Vera gel and phytosterols derived from Aloe Vera gel have a long-term blood glucose level control effect and would be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Another study carried out jointly by Centre for Bio-Separation Technology, VIT University, Vellore 632 014, India and Diabetes Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Christian

Medical College, Vellore 632 002, India on “Anti diabetic activity of Aloe vera and histology of organs in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats (published in CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 94, NO. 8, 25 APRIL 2008) is an attempt to study the beneficial effects of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. fil. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In diabetic induced rats fed with A. vera (300 mg/kg body wt), the fasting plasma glucose levels were reduced to normal and body weight was found to be increased. In the pancreatic sections of diabetic rats fed with A. vera, the islets were comparable to normal rats. In liver, the changes caused after induction of diabetes are granular cytoplasm, dilated sinusoids, shrunken nuclei and inflammation, which was reduced after feeding with A. vera. Excess proliferation of epithelium in the small intestine was observed in diabetic rats, which was reduced after A. vera feeding. In diabetic rats and diabetic rats fed with A. vera, no change was noticed in the kidney and stomach. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that A. vera extract brings back the FPG levels to normal in diabetes-induced rats, i.e. shows hypoglycemic activity.

SOME FACTS ABOUT ALOE VERA FOR DIABETES

Several studies have shown efficacy of Aloe Vera to lower the glucose level of a person with diabetes. However, Aloe Vera is yet to be proven as an

treatment for the disease though it is to some extent administered for type2 diabetes. Despite many research findings prove the efficiency of Aloe Vera for hypoglycemia treatment; it is still necessary to perform more experiments to establish the plant’s effectiveness. It may help to lower down the glucose level which is the main cause associated with the disease. Sometimes administration of Aloe Vera may result in sudden hypoglycemic condition in patients and more so if taken along with allopathic treatment. It always advisable to consult your medical practitioner before taking Aloe Vera as a solo drug in this era of personalizededicine.
Source:expressBuzz

The perfect ingredients for the best psoriasis treatment

When a disease affects a big part of our lives, there are many things we would do to get rid of it. I don’t know if you have ever met people struggling with a chronic illness, but I have. Someone that suffers from psoriasis will take a severe blow in most aspects of their lives, because this wretched disease affects the way a person looks, and because of this, the way they feel.

Because I have met people suffering from this disease, I started to do a little research. I was interested in what would make the sufferer better on any plain. Since doctors prefer to test a lot of creams on you until they find what is best suited for your body in order to get better, I focused on general ingredients the effects of which everyone could benefit from.

Since I started my research, I have found out a few interesting things. There are a few ingredients that should be included in any psoriasis treatment because of their effects on the patient. These ingredients are metals such as silver or platinum, the ever popular Aloe Vera, a liquid obtained from a certain flower in North America and urea, a urine compound widely used for skin products.

All these ingredients must seem highly unlikely to be used for obtaining the best psoriasis treatment, yet they are used for other related purposes for a long time now. Let me explain what each of these wondrous ingredients does for your body.

The first step in how to treat psoriasis is to calm the patient’s reactions, like itches or pain. Silver and platinum have been used for quite some time now in every hospital at the burn unit, because they have a calming effect on the patient.

Aloe Vera is one of the most widespread ingredients for skin care products, and because of this it should be included in the best psoriasis treatment. It consists of a thick juice from the plant with the same name, which has incredible soothing qualities. This has also been used in medicine for various abrasions of the skin and minor burns.

As it was mentioned afore, flowers can also be helpful. A major breakthrough in how to treat psoriasis is with the discovery of a liquid obtained from the seeds of a flower indigenous to North America. The flower is called Oenothera Biennis and the liquid is obtained from its seeds.

This brings us to urea, the extract from urine. Just as penicillin was obtained from mould and revolutionized medicine, the same thing applies to urea. It was used, among other things, for the re-hydration of the skin and now it offers a helping hand on how to treat psoriasis.

Another important ingredient of the perfect psoriasis treatment is blue chamomile. An ingredient that comes from the plains of Tibet and a well-know skin care product, this ingredient also has the amazing effect of calming the mind, which all of the psoriasis sufferers need.

I found all these ingredients brought together in a single cream called Platysol. If you want more information on how to treat psoriasis with this amazing cream, all you need to do is log on to the internet and visit the website platysol.com.

If you don’t know how to treat psoriasis, you should the ingredients presented afore. If you want to benefit from the effects of each without using them in particular, all you need to do is try the best psoriasis treatment available on the market.
Source: pitchengine.com

Aloe warning: Naturally dangerous

While we have always looked to herbalism in numerous ways, the last few years have seen a tremendous growth in the number of unqualified people practicing this at home in the mistaken belief that just because plant ‘parts,’ or a manufactured plant product, are obtained from a natural source, they must be one hundred per cent safe, aloe vera gel is a prime example in this regard. This is most certainly not the case as some of the most toxic poisons known to man are natural plant extracts, too.


A.barbadensis, as it is botanically called, is one of over 300 members of this particular genus and originated in Africa, the Arabian peninsular and Cape Verde Islands. Its medicinal properties were known to the ancient Egyptians, ancient Greeks, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and the Chinese… as were its equally adverse effects as well.


This clump forming perennial plant with its slightly serrated, fleshy green leaves streaked and spotted with white, is now widely naturalised around the Mediterranean, the subcontinent and the southern regions of North America and South America where indigenous herbalists have learnt its many uses.


Its variance ‘officinalis’ is also widely sold and used for exactly the same purpose as ‘A.barbadensis.’


The plants contain a varying amount of a substance called ‘aloin,’ the amount depending on both soil and climatic conditions. This substance is dangerously irritant to the digestive system and, in some countries, is subject to legal restrictions. The internal use of aloe vera extracts, unless correctly formulated, can cause miscarriages, violent stomach cramps, severe diarrhoea and worse. Therefore, it should never, in any form, be given to either young children or to elderly patients.


The use of aloe vera gel externally is another matter as it is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and speeds up the healing process. It can be safely applied to burns, scalds, cuts and abrasions, in the relief of sunburn and for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne.


A popular ingredient of hair care and skin products, aloe vera is also an ingredient of countless pharmaceutical preparations which are made under stringently applied scientifically controlled conditions and under the supervision of highly qualified pharmacists.


It is safe to use aloe vera gel on your skin but always follow the exact instructions of a fully qualified herbalist or medical practitioner, before putting it in your mouth!

Source:dawn.com

DEVELOPMENT:

KMA is an initiative of the Development Bank of South Africa, which seeks to build networks that facilitate the sharing and use of knowledge across Africa. This takes place via an online hub linking five regional chapters on the continent - each chapter has a particular focus; the West African hub focuses on technologies for development for example - as well as regular conferences and meetings.

"Networking takes place at the continental level, through KMA chapters," Dr Snowy Khoza, the initiative's chairperson, told IPS ahead of the conference opening. "Individual members can request or respond to issues by posting them online. Conferences create an environment for interaction at a personal level."

Researchers and practitioners will present on a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from safeguarding intellectual property rights and indigenous African plants like aloe vera to discussions of the importance of open access to scientific and research publications and strengthening rural communities' responses to climate change around Lake Victoria.

"Our activities and programmes are formulated to support and empower communities in Africa. For example, the aloe vera plant which is used for medicinal purposes: we need to review and acknowledge the way Africans have used this plant for generations. We need to support the notion that indigenous African knowledge can be a solution to the continent’s problems," says Khoza.

The emphasis on building, enhancing and applying knowledge at the local level using various technologies runs parallel to similar initiatives such as AgCommons, which focuses on providing location-specific information to smallholder farmers to help them make better decisions.

One scheme in Uganda uses cellphones to get precise information about crop diseases and appropriate measures against them to farmers, while allowing farmers to report symptoms of diseases to the authorities - simultaneously improving data collection and giving farmers advice and early warning and advice on how to avoid potentially devastating losses.

Another project poised to begin later this year will put very high resolution images taken by satellite in the hands of smallholder farmers in four West African countries. The pictures reveal the presence of trees, as well as "stress pockets" - associated with depleted soils - and areas of high productivity.

"My belief is that farmers in most cases are the experts, and they know their land very well," says Pierre C. Sibiry Traore, a scientist with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. Traore concedes that small farmers already know almost everything that these images show, yet they have shown keen interest in the printouts.

"I'm tempted to think that maybe the value of the information is not at the level of an individual farmer, but more at the smallholder community level, where they can use it as arbitration tool, or as a way to deploy new resources," he says.

Traore envisions the information being used to highlight issues of land tenure, serve as a tool in conflict resolution or guide implementation of conservation measures like contour-ridge tillage, which maximises water retention and protects soil from erosion, but requires resources and expertise beyond the reach of an individual farmer.

The pictures could both clarify the potential of joint efforts among neighbouring smallholders and provide hard data that will help them make their case to find external support for such projects.

The conference in Dakar, however, has a strong focus on looking within the continent for solutions.

"The idea behind KMA is to make use of African skills for development, instead of only seeking assistance from America or European professionals. There is an online database, ‘Who’s Who in Africa’, which provides contact details of African experts in the fields of media, medicine, technology, engineering, law and other sectors," says Khoza.
Source:Inter Press Service News Agency