Africa’s smallholder farmers have a vital role to play in the continent’s future economic growth and development, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said at the launch of the annual Africa Progress Panel (APP) Report, this week.

The 2014 report reinforces Self Help Africa’s belief that small-scale farming communities are the key to ending hunger and poverty in the region.

March marks the final month for West Africa’s cashew harvest and 2014 looks like being a very positive year for smallholder cashew growers in the region.

While the Benin harvest has been good, regional and global prices for cashew remain strong, which should lead to significant increases in incomes for farmers.

Mother-of-four Metike Abebe has watched her community in Meki Batu, Ethiopia, transform over the past two decades.

After her husband passed away 14 years ago, Metike become a member of the Meki Batu farmer’s union, an initiative set up by Self Help Africa. Through the union, she received training and credit to purchase important agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and pesticide.

New short video from Self Help Africa that looks at how village beekeepers in Uganda are making a business out of apiculture.

On Monday night (march 24th), the Irish Ambassador to London, Dan Mulhall, held a reception to mark 30 years of Self Help Africa. Before an invited audience of senior politicians, business leaders and young entrepreneurs, Mr Mulhall spoke of the close working relationship between Irish Aid and Self Help Africa.

Tuesday April 29th: Three fantastic restaurants, one unforgettable evening.

Food-lovers from Shropshire and beyond are invited to the first Shrewsbury Secret Supper on the 29th of April 2014.

Part of the 2014 Shrewsbury Food Festival, this special dining experience will take you to three secret restaurants where you will be treated to a fabulous starter, main course and dessert. The locations of the restaurants will not be revealed until the night!

As International Women’s Day is marked across the globe this weekend,  we invite you to join us in celebrating women across Africa.

These include the hard-working farmers who are increasing their income on small farms, the entrepreneurial small-scale business women creating their own on and off-farm enterprises, and the dynamic women’s groups who are working together to improve their lives and those of their families.

 80 of the world’s toughest endurance athletes will gather in Ireland this weekend for ‘The Race’, the inaugural 24-hour sports challenge taking place in Donegal as a benefit for Self Help Africa.

Competitors from across mainland Europe, the UK, United States, Canada and Australia are amongst the challengers who will gather in Donegal this Saturday, for a 260km run, kayak and cycle challenge along a specially designed route through the picturesque North-West.

After receiving a small loan of just 360birr (€14) from a local savings and credit cooperative, Meskerem Niname, resident of Buie in Ethiopia, has turned her fortunes around by plying her trade and becoming a successful entrepreneur. The loan allowed her to establish a textile shop from which she produces and sells garments for men and women as well as various other household items including bed sheets and pillow cases.