Locust Attack

Desert Locusts are swarming parts of Africa. They are causing threats that have not been seen at these magnitudes for years. Below you will find links to a written story and video highlighting the situation. We encourage you to explore both links and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations around the globe.

Article: Alarm Over Desert Locusts Increases

Video: Alarm Over Desert Locusts Increases in Horn of Africa

Discussion Points

• What is the impact that desert locusts are having in Africa currently? What is the outlook?
• What information shared in the article and/or video is most alarming in your opinion and why?
• The last thirty seconds of the video highlights action items. Of the action items shared which do you feel could have the greatest potential impact to combat the locusts and why?
• How might this locust infestation in Africa impact you in your local region?

Fukushima Dairy

When people think about the Fukushima area in Japan they often remember the earthquake and tsunami that caused a nuclear crisis in 2011, but one couple is trying to change that reputation with their Jersey cattle. Linked below is a story about Daisuke and Nana Shimizu's farm. They discus their challenges and successes in the article. Within the article there is a six minute video that showcases their farm and how it operates. We encourage you to read through the article, watch the video, and utilize the discusion points to guide conversations around the globe.

Couple Dreams of Revitalizing Fukushima with Jersey Milk

Discussion Points

• What challenges do the Shimizu's face on their farm and with consumers? What are they doing to overcome these challenges?
• What are the similarties and differences when you compare dairy production at Farm Tsubasa compared to your home region?
• What did you find most interesting from this story? What is your big take away? Explain.

Fighting Desertification

There is a need in different parts of the world to restore drylands and degraded lands. There is a project being orchestrated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that is tackling this challenge. The linked video below explains what is being done and some of the results. We invite you to view the video linked below and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe!

Action Against Desertification

Discussion Points

• Explain desertification.
• What is being done to stop desertification across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific?
• Why is it important to stop desertification? Is it only beneficial at a local level or to all around the globe? Explain your thoughts.
• Even if you are not from Africa, the Caribbean, or the Pacific are their techniques and lessons that you can take from this video in your home area? What are your takeaways?

Soybeans Across Africa

Soybeans are a crop growing around the world with great potential over the continent of Africa. Linked below is a blog post from The Chicago Council on Global Affairs regarding soybean production and maximizing yields across Africa. We encourage you to read the linked post and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the globe.

Maximizing the Yield Potential of Soybean in Africa

Discussion Points

• How has soybean production across the world and Africa changed in the past 30 years?
• What is "input bundling" and why is it important?
• What pests and challenges face soybean production across Africa? Do you find the same pests/challenges in your home region?
• If you were the leader of an initiative to increase soybean production across Africa what initiatives and plans would you implement? How would you increase yields and production in Africa? What challenges might you face and how would you overcome them?