#farming challenges in Kenya

[farmerstrend]

Baby Corn Farming: A Unique Rising Star in Kirinyaga County

A unique crop from the maize family is gaining popularity among small-scale farmers in Kirinyaga County. Known as baby corn, this crop is proving to be a viable alternative for farmers who have long struggled with challenges such as water scarcity and inadequate farming inputs. With government support, insights from agricultural experts, and increasing market demand, baby corn farming promises…

[probablyasocialecologist]

Kenyan tea pickers are destroying machines brought in to replace them during violent protests that highlight the challenge faced by low-skilled workers as more agribusiness companies rely on automation to cut costs. At least 10 tea-plucking machines have been torched in multiple flashpoints in the past year, according to local media reports. Recent demonstrations have left one protester dead and several injured, including 23 police officers and farm workers. The Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA) estimated the cost of damaged machinery at $1.2 million (170 million Kenyan shillings) after nine machines belonging to Ekaterra, makers of the top-selling tea brand Lipton, were destroyed in May. In March, a local government taskforce recommended that tea companies in Kericho, the country’s largest tea-growing town, adopt a new 60:40 ratio of mechanized tea harvesting to hand-plucking. The taskforce also wants legislation passed to limit importation of tea harvesting machines. Nicholas Kirui, a member of the taskforce and former CEO of KTGA, told Semafor Africa 30,000 jobs had been lost to mechanization in Kericho county alone over the past decade. "We did public participation in all the wards and with all the different groups, and the overwhelming sentiment we were hearing was that the machines should go," Kirui said. In 2021, Kenya exported tea worth $1.2 billion, making it the third-largest tea exporter globally, behind China and Sri Lanka. Multinationals including Browns Investments, George Williamson and Ekaterra — which was sold by Unilever to a private equity firm in July 2022 —  plant on an estimated 200,000 acres in Kericho and have all adopted mechanized harvesting. Some machines can reportedly replace 100 workers. Ekaterra's corporate affairs director in Kenya, Sammy Kirui, told Semafor Africa that mechanization was “critical” to the company’s operations and the global competitiveness of Kenyan tea. As the government taskforce established, one machine can bring the cost of harvesting tea down to 3 cents (4 Kenyan shillings) per kilogram from 11 cents (15.32 shillings) per kilogram with hand-plucking. Analysts partly attribute Kenya's unemployment rate — the highest in East Africa — to automation in industries, including banking and insurance. Some 13.9% of working age Kenyans (over 16) were out of work or long term unemployed in the final quarter of 2022.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

Most people are “very” or “extremely” concerned about the state of the natural world, a new global public opinion survey shows. 

Roughly 70 percent of 22,000 people polled online earlier this year agreed that human activities were pushing the Earth past “tipping points,” thresholds beyond which nature cannot recover, like loss of the Amazon rainforest or collapse of the Atlantic Ocean’s currents. The same number of respondents said the world needs to reduce carbon emissions within the next decade. 

Just under 40 percent of respondents said technological advances can solve environmental challenges. 

The Global Commons survey, conducted for two collectives of “economic thinkers” and scientists known as Earth4All and the Global Commons Alliance, polled people across 22 countries, including low-, middle- and high-income nations. The survey’s stated aim was to assess public opinion about “societal transformations” and “planetary stewardship.”

The results, released Thursday, highlight that people living under diverse circumstances seem to share worries about the health of ecosystems and the environmental problems future generations will inherit. 

But there were some regional differences. People living in emerging economies, including Kenya and India, perceived themselves to be more exposed to environmental and climate shocks, like drought, flooding and extreme weather. That group expressed higher levels of concern about the environment, though 59 percent of all respondents said they are “very” or “extremely” worried about “the state of nature today,” and another 29 percent are at least somewhat concerned.  

Americans are included in the global majority, but a more complex picture emerged in the details of the survey, conducted by Ipsos.

Roughly one in two Americans said they are not very or not at all exposed to environmental and climate change risks. Those perceptions contrast sharply with empirical evidence showing that climate change is having an impact in nearly every corner of the United States. A warming planet has intensified hurricanes battering coasts, droughts striking middle American farms and wildfires threatening homes and air quality across the country. And climate shocks are driving up prices of some food, like chocolate and olive oil, and consumer goods. 

Americans also largely believe they do not bear responsibility for global environmental problems. Only about 15 percent of U.S. respondents said that high- and middle-income Americans share responsibility for climate change and natural destruction. Instead, they attribute the most blame to businesses and governments of wealthy countries. 

Those survey responses suggest that at least half of Americans may not feel they have any skin in the game when it comes to addressing global environmental problems, according to Geoff Dabelko, a professor at Ohio University and expert in environmental policy and security. 

Translating concern about the environment to actual change requires people to believe they have something at stake, Dabelko said. “It’s troubling that Americans aren’t making that connection.”

[beardedmrbean]

French farming unions are taking aim at the European Union’s free-trade agreements, which they say open the door to unfair competition from products arriving from overseas. At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable – and sometimes more costly – agricultural practices, unions say these trade deals are making it hard for them to stay solvent.

French farmers say that one of their biggest fears is that Chilean apples, Brazilian grains and Canadian beef will flood the European market, thereby undermining their livelihoods. France’s farmers continued to demonstrate on the country’s motorways on Wednesday, protesting against rising costs, over-regulation and free-trade agreements –partnerships between the EU and exporting nations that the farming unions say leads to unfair competition. 

The EU has signed several free-trade agreements in recent years, all with the objective of facilitating the movement of goods and services. But farmers say the deals bring with them insurmountable challenges.

"These agreements aim to reduce customs duties, with maximum quotas for certain agricultural products and non-tariff barriers," said Elvire Fabry, senior researcher at the Jacques Delors Institute, a French think-tank dedicated to European affairs. "They also have an increasingly broad regulatory scope to promote European standards for investment, protection of intellectual property, geographical indications and sustainable development standards."

South American trade deal in the crosshairs

Some non-EU countries – such as Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland – maintain comprehensive free-trade agreements with the EU because they are part of the European Economic Area. This allows them to benefit from the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.

Other nations farther afield have signed more variable agreements with the EU, including Canada, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam and Ukraine. The EU also recently signed an accord with Kenya and a deal with New Zealand that will come into force this year; negotiations are also under way with India and Australia.    

However, a draft agreement between the EU and the South American trade bloc Mercosur is creating the most concern. Under discussion since the 1990s, this trade partnership between Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay would create the world's largest free-trade area, a market encompassing 780 million people. 

French farmers are particularly concerned about the deal’s possible effect on agriculture. The most recent version of the text introduces quotas for Mercosur countries to export 99,000 tonnes of beef, 100,000 tonnes of poultry and 180,000 tonnes of sugar per year, with little or no customs duties imposed. In exchange, duties would also be lowered on exports from the EU on many “protected designation of origin” (PDO) products. 

At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices, French unions say these agreements would open the door to massive imports – at more competitive prices – of products that do not meet the same environmental standards as those originating in Europe. French farmers are calling out what they say is unfair competition from farmers in South America who can grow GMO crops and use growth-promoting antibiotics on livestock, which is banned in the EU. 

Trade unions from various sectors went into action after the European Commission informed them on January 24 that negotiations with Mercosur could be concluded "before the end of this mandate", i.e., before the European Parliament elections in June.      

The FNSEA, France’s biggest farming union, immediately called for a "clear rejection of free-trade agreements" while the pro-environmental farming group Confédération Paysanne (Farmers' Confederation) called for an "immediate end to negotiations" on this type of agreement.   

A mixed record

"In reality, the impact of these free-trade agreements varies from sector to sector," said Fabry. "Negotiations prior to agreements aim to calibrate the opening up of trade to limit the negative impact on the most exposed sectors. And, at the same time, these sectors can benefit from other agreements. In the end, it's a question of finding an overall balance."

This disparity is glaringly obvious in the agricultural sector. "The wine and spirits industry as well as the dairy industry stand to gain more than livestock farmers, for example," said Fabry. These sectors are the main beneficiaries of free-trade agreements, according to a 2023 report by the French National Assembly.

"The existence of trade agreements that allow customs duty differentials to be eliminated is an 'over-determining factor' in the competitiveness of French wines," wrote FranceAgriMer, a national establishment for agriculture and maritime products under the authority of the French ministry of agriculture in a 2021 report. The majority of free-trade agreements lower or abolish customs duties to allow the export of many PDO products, a category to which many wines belong.

However, the impact on meat is less clear-cut. While FranceAgriMer says the balance between imports and exports appears to be in the EU's favour for pork, poultry exports seem to be declining as a result of the agreements. Hence the fears over the planned treaty with New Zealand, which provides for 36,000 tonnes of mutton to be imported into the EU, equivalent to 45% of French production in 2022. France,however, still has a large surplus of grains except for soya. 

‘A bargaining chip’

Beyond the impact on agriculture, "this debate on free-trade agreements must take into account other issues", said Fabry. "We are in a situation where the EU is seeking to secure its supplies and in particular its supplies of strategic minerals. Brazil's lithium, cobalt, graphite and other resource reserves should not be overlooked."

The agreement with Chile should enable strategic minerals to be exported in exchange for agricultural products. Germany strongly supports the agreement with Mercosur, as it sees it as an outlet for its industrial sectors, according to Fabry.

"In virtually all free-trade agreements, agriculture is always used as a bargaining chip in exchange for selling cars or Airbus planes," Véronique Marchesseau, general-secretary of the Confédération Paysanne, told AFP.

Michèle Boudoin, president of the French National Sheep Federation, told AFP that the agreement with New Zealand will "destabilise the lamb market in France".  

"We know that Germany needs to export its cars, that France needs to sell its wheat, and we're told that we need an ally in the Pacific tocounter China and Russia. But if that is the case, then we need help to be able to produce top-of-the-line lamb, for example," she said.

Finally, "there is a question of influence", said Fabry. "These agreements also remain a way for the EU to promote its environmental standards to lead its partners along the path of ecological transition, even if this has to be negotiated," said Fabry. 

Marc Fesneau, the French minister of agriculture, made the same argument. "In most cases, the agreements have been beneficial, including to French agriculture," Fesneau wrote on X last week, adding: "They will be even more so if we ensure that our standards are respected."

Mercosur negotiations suspended? 

As the farmers’ promised “siege” of Paris and other major locations across France continues, the French government has been trying to reassure agricultural workers about Mercosur, even though President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva relaunched negotiations in December. "France is clearly opposed to the signing of the Mercosur treaty," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledged last week.

The Élysée Palace even said on Monday evening that EU negotiations with the South American bloc had been suspended because of France's opposition to the treaty. The conditions are "not ripe" for concluding the negotiations, said Eric Mamer, spokesman for the European Commission. "However, discussions are ongoing." 

Before being adopted, the agreement would have to be passed unanimously by the European Parliament, then ratified individually by the 27 EU member states.

[kenyandisclosure]

The plight of Kenya's jobless youth: A story of hope and despair.

By Emmanuel Okiru, 17 November 2023

Kenya is facing a serious challenge of youth unemployment, which affects millions of young people who are either out of work or stuck in low-quality and informal jobs. According to the World Bank, the youth unemployment rate in Kenya was 13.35 percent in 2022, among the highest in the world. The situation is worse in urban areas, where the youth unemployment rate was 19.1 percent in 2009, the latest year for which data is available.

The causes of youth unemployment are complex and multifaceted, ranging from a slow-growing economy, a mismatch between the skills of the labor force and the demands of the market, a lack of access to capital and credit, and a high population growth rate that outstrips the creation of new jobs. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exaggerated the problem, as many businesses have closed down or reduced their operations, leading to massive layoffs and income losses.

However, despite all these, there are also stories of hope and resilience among the Kenyan youth who are trying to overcome the barriers and create opportunities for themselves and others. Some of them have benefited from various initiatives and programs that aim to provide them with skills, training, mentorship and funding to start and grow their own businesses or find decent employment.

One such program is the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), which was established by the government in 2006 to support youth entrepreneurship and innovation. The fund offers loans, grants and business development services to youth groups and individuals who have viable business ideas or existing enterprises. According to the fund's website, over 12 billion Kenyan shillings has been disbursed to more than 1.4 million youth since its inception.

One of the beneficiaries of the YEDF is Mary Wanjiku, a 24-year-old who runs a poultry farm in Kiambu County. She started her business in 2019 with 100 chicks, after receiving a loan of 50,000 shillings from the fund. She has since expanded her farm to 500 birds and sells eggs and chicken to local hotels and supermarkets. She has also employed two other young people to help her with the daily operations.

"I am very grateful to the YEDF for giving me this opportunity to start and grow my business. It has changed my life and given me a sense of purpose and dignity. I am able to support myself and my family, and also create jobs for other youth in my community," this is what she had to say in an interview with the Kenyan disclosure team.

This is just an example of how some Kenyan youth are coping with the challenge of unemployment and how some programs are trying to address it. However, there is still a lot that needs to be done to create more and better opportunities for the millions of young people who are still struggling to find their place in the society and the economy.

YEDF Testimonial video. Source: https://m.facebook.com/StateHouseKenya/videos/short-video-youth-enterprise-development-fund-yedf-beneficiaries/891250118940038/?locale=ms_MY

Photo gallery depicting the state of Unemployment in Kenya.

Kenyan youth protesting over increased unemployment. Source; Business Daily Newspaper, 2020.

Jobseekers wait to hand in their documents during recruitment at County Hall in Nairobi

Source; Nation Media Group, 2019.

Job seekers queuing for interviews in Nairobi. Source; The East African Newspaper.

Kenyan doctors protest against unemployment. Source; https://www.aa.com.tr

Unemployment rate in Kenya over the years.

The graphs below give a clear depiction of Kenya's state of employment over the years;

Source: <a href='https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/KEN/kenya/unemployment-rate'>Source</a>

Unemployment rate in Kenya from Q3 2019 to Q4 2022. Source; https://www.statista.com/statistics/1134370/unemployment-rate-in-kenya/

[misstealady]

Kenya's tea pickers are destroying the machines replacing them

KERICHO, Kenya — Kenyan tea pickers are destroying machines brought in to replace them during violent protests that highlight the challenge faced by low-skilled workers as more agribusiness companies rely on automation to cut costs.

At least 10 tea-plucking machines have been torched in multiple flashpoints in the past year, according to local media reports. Recent demonstrations have left one protester dead and several injured, including 23 police officers and farm workers. The Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA) estimated the cost of damaged machinery at $1.2 million (170 million Kenyan shillings) after nine machines belonging to Ekaterra, makers of the top-selling tea brand Lipton, were destroyed in May.

...

Notable

A BBC documentary in February uncovered widespread sexual harassment and abuse on tea farms in Kericho, with 70 women having been abused by their managers at plantations operated by British companies Unilever and James Finlay.

(image source: Adobe Stock)

[supplementsworld]

Famine Fighter Reviews – Is It Safe? Shocking Customer Complaints Revealed!

Florida, USA (25 Dec 2025): — In a world of abundance, the shadow of famine continues to loom over millions, disrupting lives and destabilizing communities. Yet, amidst this grim reality, innovative solutions and courageous efforts shine through, offering hope and resilience. The concept of the “Famine Fighter” encapsulates the global drive to combat hunger through technology, community empowerment, and sustainable practices. → Click Here to Get 50% Discount on First Time Purchase.

Understanding the Challenge

Famine is more than just a lack of food; it is a complex crisis often rooted in a combination of climate change, conflict, economic instability, and systemic inequality. According to the United Nations, over 800 million people face chronic hunger annually, with vulnerable populations in conflict zones and drought-prone regions hit the hardest.

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The impact of famine is devastating: malnutrition weakens immune systems, making populations more susceptible to disease; children miss critical developmental milestones; and economies crumble under the strain of food scarcity. Addressing this issue requires innovative solutions that go beyond short-term relief and tackle the root causes.

The Rise of Famine Fighters

A “Famine Fighter” represents more than a person or an initiative; it is a symbol of collective efforts to eradicate hunger. These efforts span multiple fronts, including:

1. Technological Innovation

Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we address food insecurity. Satellite imaging and AI-powered analytics help monitor crop health, predict droughts, and optimize resource allocation. Drones are increasingly used to deliver food supplies to remote or conflict-affected areas. Organizations like the World Food Programmed (WFP) leverage blockchain technology to ensure transparency in food distribution.

2. Community-Based Solutions

Empowering local communities to take charge of their food security has proven to be an effective strategy. Initiatives such as community gardens, cooperative farming, and education on sustainable agriculture enable individuals to grow their own food and share resources. These grassroots efforts foster resilience and reduce dependence on external aid.

3. Sustainable Practices

The integration of sustainable agricultural practices is essential to combating famine. Techniques such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and water conservation help maintain soil health and ensure long-term food production. Innovations like climate-resilient crops, which can withstand droughts and floods, are critical in adapting to changing environmental conditions.

4. Humanitarian Aid and Policy Advocacy

Emergency food aid remains a lifeline for millions in crisis situations. However, organizations also advocate for policy changes to address systemic issues contributing to famine. Campaigns for fair trade, climate action, and conflict resolution aim to create a more equitable and stable global food system.

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Inspiring Stories of Impact

Numerous individuals and organizations embody the spirit of the Famine Fighter. For instance, Farm Africa’s work in Ethiopia and Kenya has helped communities adopt sustainable farming techniques, boosting productivity and incomes. Similarly, programs like India’s National Food Security Act provide subsidized food grains to millions, ensuring that no one goes hungry.

In South Sudan, local women-led initiatives are creating food cooperatives that not only feed families but also empower women economically and socially. These stories underscore the transformative potential of targeted, community-driven efforts.

Core Components of the Famine Fighter System

Vertical Farming and Controlled Environments: The system leverages vertical farming methods to maximize crop yields in limited spaces. By growing food in controlled environments, it reduces the dependence on arable land and mitigates risks from unpredictable weather patterns. Crops are cultivated under precise conditions, ensuring optimal growth rates and minimizing resource usage.

Drought-Resistant and High-Yield Crops: Advanced biotechnology plays a crucial role in developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that thrive in challenging conditions. These crops are designed to require less water, resist pests, and deliver higher nutritional value, making them ideal for regions prone to famine.

Real-Time Data Analytics: The system integrates AI-powered tools to monitor soil health, weather forecasts, and crop performance. This data is used to predict potential shortages and optimize the allocation of resources, ensuring efficient food production and distribution.

Community-Led Distribution Networks: The Famine Fighter emphasizes collaboration with local communities to establish resilient supply chains. By empowering local farmers and distributors, the system ensures food reaches those who need it most, reducing the risk of hoarding or corruption.

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Practices: The system incorporates innovative methods to minimize food waste. Surplus or unsold produce is repurposed into animal feed, biofuels, or compost, creating a sustainable loop that supports the broader agricultural ecosystem.

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Global Impact and Challenges

The implementation of the Famine Fighter system has the potential to:

Reduce Hunger: By increasing food availability in vulnerable regions, the system can directly address the root causes of famine.

Promote Sustainability: Its resource-efficient practices align with global goals to combat climate change and preserve ecosystems.

Boost Local Economies: By involving local stakeholders, the system creates jobs and fosters economic growth.

However, challenges remain. High initial investment costs, political resistance to GMOs, and the need for extensive training in new technologies are barriers that must be addressed.

The Road Ahead

To fully realize the potential of the Famine Fighter system, collaboration among governments, NGOs, and private enterprises is essential. Investment in education, infrastructure, and policy reforms will pave the way for its widespread adoption.

In an era where the fight against hunger is more pressing than ever, the Famine Fighter food supply system represents hope — a promise that innovative thinking and collective action can create a world where no one goes to bed hungry.

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A Call to Action

While the progress made by Famine Fighters is inspiring, much work remains. Governments, non-profits, corporations, and individuals must collaborate to:

Support Research and Innovation: Invest in technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.

Strengthen Global Partnerships: Encourage international cooperation to address the interconnected challenges of famine.

Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the causes of hunger and the actions they can take to contribute to solutions.

Famine Fighter Where to Buy?

Famine Fighter is a survival food kit designed to provide long-lasting, nutritious meals during emergencies. These kits are available for purchase through various online platforms.

Official Website: You can purchase Famine Fighter directly from their official website, which offers detailed information about their products and current pricing

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Conclusion

Famine Fighters are a testament to humanity’s capacity to tackle even the most daunting challenges. By harnessing innovation, empowering communities, and advocating for systemic change, we can envision a world where famine is a relic of the past. Let us all play our part in this crucial mission, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger.

[euginemicah]

CGIAR calls for partnerships to boost agroecological transitions – Kenya News Agency

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is calling for collaborative partnerships among stakeholders to advance agroecological transitions in Kenya. While agroecological solutions exist at the farm level, scaling them to broader food, land, and water systems remains challenging due to insufficient evidence, misaligned policies, inadequate capacities, and limited…

[alcoraplant]

Broadening horizons: Connecting with Kenya's female farmers

In October, a group of 12 women including members of the UK farming community embarked on an unforgettable adventure through Kenya’s vibrant countryside. Cycling 75km over five days, they met with local female farmers, exchanging wisdom on regenerative agriculture while raising vital funds for the Grow for Good Challenge. See also: Farm Africa – a charity worth running for The challenge was…

[farmerstrend]

Kenya’s Dairy Boom: What the 13.1% Increase in Milk Processor Purchases Means for Farmers

The quantity of milk purchased by processors from dairy farmers in Kenya has increased by 13.1 per cent in the nine months to September 2024, signalling a rise in milk production and a growing demand from consumers. According to data from the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), processors bought 661.87 million litres of milk from farmers during this period, up from 585.08 million litres in the same months…

[realestatesqt321]

Investing In Tea Gardens

Investing in Tea Gardens: A Steep but Rewarding Journey

Tea is one of the most beloved beverages in the world, and its popularity spans continents. From the rolling hills of Darjeeling in India to the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka and Kenya, tea gardens have long been an integral part of many economies. Over the years, the tea industry has emerged as a lucrative business opportunity, drawing investors from various backgrounds. But while investing in tea gardens can be a rewarding venture, it comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog, we will explore the potential of investing in tea gardens, the benefits, and the risks associated with it, along with tips on how to make the most out of this unique investment.

Understanding the Tea Garden Industry

Tea gardens refer to the plantations where tea is grown, harvested, and processed. In these gardens, skilled workers pluck the tender tea leaves, which are then processed to create different types of tea – green, black, white, and oolong. The global tea industry is worth billions of dollars, and its demand is only expected to rise, driven by growing consumer interest in health-conscious drinks and the expanding markets in countries like China, India, and the United States.

The tea cultivation process is labor-intensive and requires specific climatic conditions. Tea plants thrive in regions with high altitudes, moderate rainfall, and rich, well-drained soil. Countries like India, Sri Lanka, China, and Kenya dominate global tea production, and their tea gardens are considered some of the best in the world.

Why Invest in Tea Gardens?

Steady Returns and Growth Potential: One of the most compelling reasons to invest in tea gardens is the potential for steady returns. Tea gardens are long-term investments, often requiring several years to break even, but once the plantation matures, it can yield consistent profits. Unlike other crops that are highly seasonal or prone to price volatility, tea is relatively stable in demand, making it a dependable asset for those looking for long-term gains.

Demand for Tea is Growing: Tea’s global popularity continues to rise, especially in emerging markets. As consumers shift towards healthier beverages, the demand for specialty teas, such as organic and green teas, has surged. The health benefits of tea – including antioxidants, improved metabolism, and weight loss – have fueled its consumption worldwide, making the tea industry a promising sector for investment.

Diversification of Portfolio: For investors looking to diversify their portfolios, tea plantations offer a unique asset class. They are not directly affected by the fluctuations of the stock market or the real estate sector. Furthermore, tea plantations have intrinsic value, as the land and crops are tangible assets. This can act as a hedge against inflation or economic downturns.

Sustainability and Eco-Tourism: With an increasing global focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products, tea gardens can provide a chance to invest in an environmentally conscious industry. Many tea plantations are transitioning to organic farming practices, catering to the growing demand for sustainable, chemical-free products. Additionally, tea gardens, particularly in scenic regions like Darjeeling or Nilgiris, are being developed as eco-tourism destinations, adding another revenue stream for investors.

Risks Involved in Investing in Tea Gardens

Initial Capital and Long-Term Commitment: The biggest hurdle for most investors is the large capital investment required to purchase or develop a tea garden. Tea cultivation requires significant upfront costs, from land acquisition to planting the initial crop. Additionally, it takes about 3-5 years for the tea plants to start producing commercially viable yields. Investors need to have a long-term view and be prepared for an extended wait before seeing any substantial returns.

Climatic and Environmental Risks: Tea is a highly sensitive crop that relies on specific environmental conditions. Any deviation from ideal weather – such as drought, excessive rainfall, or unseasonal frosts – can affect crop yields and quality. Climate change poses an increasing risk to tea gardens, making it essential to consider the environmental risks before investing in a region.

Labor-Intensive Operations: Tea plantations require a large, skilled workforce for tasks such as plucking, processing, and packaging. Labor shortages, labor strikes, or rising labor costs can affect the profitability of tea gardens. In some countries, labor conditions in tea gardens are under scrutiny, and investors must ensure they are operating in ethical and legally compliant ways.

Market Fluctuations: Like any agricultural business, tea prices can be subject to market fluctuations. While tea is generally in demand, shifts in global supply and demand, as well as local production changes in major tea-producing countries, can impact prices. Political instability in tea-producing regions can also create uncertainty for investors.

How to Invest in Tea Gardens

Direct Investment in Tea Gardens: One of the most straightforward methods of investing in tea is by purchasing land to establish your own tea garden. This involves finding suitable land in a tea-growing region, setting up plantations, and managing the entire cultivation and processing process. However, this route requires substantial expertise in agronomy and the tea industry, along with considerable capital investment.

Tea Plantation Investment Funds: For those not inclined to manage the day-to-day operations of a tea garden, investment funds focusing on tea plantations are an option. These funds pool money from multiple investors to finance large-scale tea plantations and other related businesses. By investing in a fund, you can benefit from the returns without having to actively run the plantation.

Stock Market Investment in Tea Companies: Another indirect way to invest in the tea industry is by buying stocks of publicly listed tea companies. These could be companies that produce, process, or sell tea. Investors can buy shares of major tea brands or companies involved in the tea supply chain. This method offers liquidity and flexibility, as investors can buy or sell shares as needed.

Private Equity in Tea Gardens: For those with deeper pockets, private equity investment in tea gardens might be a viable option. This involves purchasing stakes in private tea companies or plantation ventures, typically in regions where the industry is expanding or undergoing modernization. This form of investment might yield higher returns but often carries greater risk.

Conclusion

Investing in tea gardens is an opportunity that offers both high potential rewards and unique challenges. While it requires a long-term commitment, careful planning, and knowledge of the industry, the demand for tea, combined with its relatively stable nature, makes it an attractive asset for those seeking diversification and sustainable returns. Whether you choose to invest directly in tea plantations, through funds, or by purchasing stocks of tea companies, the tea industry can provide a profitable and fulfilling venture for those willing to navigate its complexities.

[adalidda]

Strategies for Boosting Agricultural Exports from Africa to China 

China’s ambitious goals to strengthen political and commercial ties with Africa have paved the way for African agribusinesses to explore the Chinese market. With its immense population and growing demand for agricultural products, China offers a lucrative opportunity for African exports, supported by initiatives like preferential shipping rates by COSCO and streamlined customs registration through the GACC. These efforts align with China's broader policy to diversify its agricultural imports while enhancing trade relations with Africa. 

However, navigating the Chinese market presents unique challenges, from meeting large-scale demand to adhering to strict quality standards. Drawing from successful experiences of African exporters, this guide provides actionable strategies to help agribusiness leaders establish robust export pipelines to China, leveraging the opportunities and mitigating potential risks along the value chain. 

Key Strategies for Export Success 

1. Collaborate for Large-Scale Supply 

One of the most critical lessons learned from African exporters is the necessity of scale. China's demand for agricultural commodities often requires volumes that exceed the capacity of individual firms. For example, Chinese buyers may request quantities like 100,000 metric tons (MT) of dried cassava chips monthly—volumes that are difficult for a single producer to meet consistently. 

To address this, African agribusinesses should adopt a consortium approach, where multiple firms collaborate to pool resources, standardize production practices, and share logistics infrastructure. Countries like Côte d’Ivoire have successfully employed this strategy for cocoa beans, enabling exporters to compete in high-demand markets like China. Consortia not only amplify production capacity but also enhance bargaining power, allowing African exporters to negotiate better terms with Chinese importers. 

2. Focus on Quality, Logistics, and Reliability 

Experiences from exporting coffee and tea to China highlight the importance of quality and consistency. Chinese buyers place a premium on reliable delivery and adherence to quality standards, often rejecting shipments that fall short of specifications. 

Exporters must implement rigorous quality assurance systems, from farm-level production to post-harvest processing. For instance, Kenya's tea exporters have gained a foothold in China by consistently delivering premium-quality products, backed by certifications and traceability. Additionally, partnering with dependable logistics providers is vital to ensure shipments arrive on time and in optimal condition. Meeting these expectations fosters trust and lays the groundwork for long-term partnerships. 

3. Secure Favorable Payment Terms 

A recurring challenge for African exporters is managing the financial dynamics of international trade. Delayed payments, currency fluctuations, and access to working capital can strain operations. Lessons from exporters of cashew nuts and sesame seeds show that negotiating favorable payment terms with Chinese buyers is crucial. 

For example, securing letters of credit or partial advance payments can ease cash flow challenges. Collaborating with banks to secure export financing or credit guarantees further enhances financial stability. These measures allow exporters to maintain operations smoothly while meeting the stringent demands of the Chinese market. 

4. Implement Robust Risk Management Practices 

Exporting to China involves navigating complex risks, including fluctuating commodity prices, regulatory changes, and logistical challenges. Insights from the palm oil and cotton industries underline the importance of proactive risk management. For instance, exporters in Nigeria have successfully mitigated risks by diversifying their buyer base, insuring shipments, and employing forward contracts to lock in prices. 

Additionally, maintaining compliance with Chinese import regulations—such as those for packaging, labeling, and pesticide residue limits—minimizes the risk of shipment rejections. Continuous monitoring of market conditions and regulatory updates ensures that exporters can adapt swiftly to changes, reducing potential disruptions in the supply chain. 

5. Tailor Products to Chinese Consumer Preferences 

Beyond meeting basic export requirements, understanding Chinese consumer preferences can significantly enhance market penetration. For instance, the growing popularity of African coffee in China has been driven by targeted marketing campaigns that highlight its unique flavors and origins. Similarly, packaging innovations and certifications like organic or fair trade can add value and attract discerning Chinese consumers. 

Engaging with local partners in China, such as distributors and trade associations, provides valuable insights into market trends and helps African exporters tailor their offerings to align with consumer demands. 

Lessons from Experience 

Successful African exporters have highlighted several critical lessons that others can emulate: 

Collaborative Models Work

Countries like Ethiopia and Côte d’Ivoire have demonstrated that pooling resources through cooperatives and consortia significantly improves their ability to compete in high-demand markets like China. 

Adaptability is Key

Regulatory landscapes and consumer preferences in China are dynamic. Exporters who proactively monitor these changes and adapt their strategies—such as switching to organic certifications or refining logistics—have consistently outperformed their peers. 

Relationship Building is Essential

Establishing trust with Chinese buyers takes time and requires a commitment to quality, reliability, and transparency. Long-term success hinges on building relationships that extend beyond transactional trade. 

Conclusion 

Exporting agricultural products to China presents African agribusinesses with unparalleled opportunities to scale and grow. By adopting collaborative supply models, prioritizing quality and logistics, securing favorable financial terms, and implementing robust risk management, exporters can meet the demands of this dynamic market. 

Drawing on lessons from successful exports of cocoa beans, coffee, sesame seeds, and other commodities, African businesses can align their strategies with China’s import needs while addressing challenges with resilience and innovation. In doing so, they not only contribute to their own growth but also strengthen the broader trade partnership between Africa and China, driving mutual prosperity for years to come.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and learned something new and useful from it. If you did, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might be interested in Agriculture and Agribusiness.

Mr. Kosona Chriv

Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

Solina / Sahel Agri-Sol Group (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Deko Group (Nigeria, Cambodia)

Photo: Cocoa Beans (AI-generated Image)

[officialprimeawards]

From Nomination to Victory: Success Stories from International Prime Awards in Africa

The International Prime Awards and Events in Africa have become a beacon of excellence, showcasing the continent's most innovative, impactful, and trailblazing individuals and organizations. Behind every win lies a journey of determination, vision, and persistence. This blog delves into the inspiring stories of those who turned nominations into victories, offering valuable insights for anyone eager to embark on this rewarding journey. If you’ve ever wondered how to nominate for international business awards in Africa, this beginner’s guide is your perfect starting point.

1. The Journey from Nomination to Triumph

Every great achievement starts with a bold decision to participate, and for many, the International Prime Awards in Africa has been a game-changer.

For businesses and individuals across Africa, the decision to nominate for these awards signifies a commitment to excellence. Nominating is not merely about competition—it’s about gaining visibility, showcasing your achievements, and affirming your place among the continent’s best.

Many winners reflect on how their journey began with a simple yet powerful step: submitting their nomination. By choosing to participate, they opened doors to opportunities they never imagined, from partnerships to global recognition.

2. The Power of Recognition: Why Nominations Matter

A nomination is more than just an entry—it’s a statement of belief in your potential to make an impact.

Understanding the significance of a nomination is crucial. The process of how to nominate for international business awards in Africa involves presenting your achievements in a way that aligns with the award’s values. However, even before results are announced, the act of nominating itself brings benefits:

Visibility: Nominees are often featured in pre-award communications, increasing exposure.

Credibility: Being recognized as a nominee boosts your reputation.

Networking: Participating in the nomination process connects you with like-minded professionals.

For instance, several small businesses that began as nominees have reported a surge in inquiries and collaborations—even before the awards ceremony.

3. What It Takes to Go from Nominee to Winner

Winning isn’t just about luck—it’s about preparation, excellence, and authenticity.

Winning an award as prestigious as the International Prime Awards in Africa requires more than ticking boxes. Past winners share common traits and strategies that set them apart:

Preparation: Understanding the criteria and tailoring their submissions accordingly.

Excellence: Demonstrating tangible results backed by strong evidence.

Authenticity: Sharing their unique journey in a way that resonates with the judges.

Take the case of a tech startup that won the “Innovation in Business” category. Their submission highlighted a groundbreaking product, supported by metrics on how it solved a major societal challenge. What made them stand out, however, was their story of perseverance, showcasing the human element behind their success.

4. Inspiring Success Stories: Lessons from Past Winners

The stories of past winners reflect the diversity and brilliance of African talent.

Let’s look at some real-life examples that illustrate the journey from nomination to victory:

Case Study 1: A Small Business with Big Dreams

A family-owned agribusiness in Kenya took a leap of faith by nominating itself for the “Sustainability Excellence” award. Despite operating on a modest scale, their innovative farming techniques and commitment to reducing waste caught the judges’ attention. Winning the award not only boosted their credibility but also led to partnerships with international NGOs.

Case Study 2: An Innovator’s Breakthrough

An inventor from South Africa created a low-cost water purification system aimed at rural communities. Although initially hesitant to nominate, they were encouraged by peers. The award brought their innovation into the global spotlight, attracting investors who helped scale their production.

Case Study 3: A Nonprofit’s Transformational Journey

A nonprofit focused on empowering women in Ghana submitted their nomination under the “Community Impact” category. By showcasing testimonials from beneficiaries and measurable outcomes of their programs, they secured a win. The recognition led to increased funding and collaboration opportunities, allowing them to expand their initiatives.

5. Overcoming Challenges: Turning Setbacks into Success

Success often comes with its share of hurdles, but perseverance is key.

Not every nominee wins on their first try, but many use the experience as a stepping stone to future success. For example:

A fashion designer from Nigeria nominated her business for three consecutive years. While she didn’t win initially, the feedback she received helped her refine her submission. When she finally won, her designs were featured in international media, propelling her brand to new heights.

A tech entrepreneur in Rwanda who didn’t make the shortlist used the nomination process to identify gaps in his business. By addressing those gaps, he became a finalist the following year and eventually won.

These stories highlight the importance of persistence and the value of learning from every experience.

6. Celebrating the Ripple Effect of Victory

Winning at the International Prime Awards creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the stage.

The impact of winning goes far beyond the immediate recognition:

Media Exposure: Winners are often featured in major publications, attracting clients and investors.

Networking Opportunities: The awards create connections that lead to collaborations and partnerships.

Community Inspiration: Many winners use their platform to inspire others, becoming role models in their industries.

One such example is a logistics company from Tanzania that won the “Excellence in Service Delivery” award. The victory not only increased their customer base but also inspired other businesses in the region to strive for higher standards.

7. Conclusion: Your Success Story Awaits

Every success story starts with a first step—your nomination could be the beginning of yours.

The journey from nomination to victory at the International Prime Awards and Events in Africa is filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and recognition. Whether you’re a startup, an established corporation, or a nonprofit, the awards provide a platform to showcase your achievements and inspire others.

If you’re ready to take the leap, start by exploring how to nominate for international business awards in Africa. Visit the Official Prime Awards website, gather your best achievements, and craft a compelling nomination.

Your success story could be the next one to inspire countless others across the continent. Take that first step today—your moment of triumph awaits!

[brookston]

Holidays 10.31

Holidays

All Souls’ Day (Ecuador)

American Indian Day (Tennessee)

Bitcoin Day

Cavalry Day (India)

Crillo Music Day (Peru)

Dark Matter Day

Day of Local Songs (Peru)

Day of the 7 Billion

Día de la Canción Criolla (Peru)

Girl Scout Founder’s Day

International Black Sea Action Day

John Candy Day (Toronto, Canada)

King Father’s Day (Cambodia)

Martyr’s Day (Burkina Faso)

Medusa Day

Mount Rushmore Day

National Bug Busting Day (UK)

National Evangelism Day

National Prince Day

National Unity Day (India)

Non-Working Day (Russia)

Pal-O-Ween (from “Kevin Can F**k Himself”) [Every 31st]

Phi Day

Plough Tree Day (French Republic)

Rabbit Rabbit Day [Last Day of Every Month]

Reformation Day (Chile; Germany; Slovenia)

Saci Day (Brazil)

Senior Absurdity Day (Bronx, NY)

Spider-Girl Day

Trixie Day

World Cities Day (UN)

World Savings Day

World Thrift Day (India)

Youth Honor Day (Iowa)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Billy Beer Day (Plains, Georgia)

Brewtopia (NYC)

International Day of Rice

Japanese Tea Day (Japan)

National Caramel Apple Day

National Keg Day

The United Nations of Beer (New York)

Independence & Related Days

Edan (Declared; 1999) [unrecognized]

Nevada Statehood Day (#36; 1864)

Wellington (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

Old Celtic New Year’s Eve

5th & Last Thursday in October

International Carignan Day [Last Thursday]

Punkie Night (Somerset, England) [Last Thursday]

Thirsty Thursday [Every Thursday]

Three-Bean Thursday [Last Thursday of Each Month]

Three for Thursday [Every Thursday]

Thrift Store Thursday [Every Thursday]

Throw Away Thursday [Last Thursday of Each Month]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 31 (Last Week of October)

None Known

Festivals Beginning October 31, 2024

The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival (Big Sur, California) [thru 11.2]

A BOO-tiful Downtown Halloween (Los Altos, California)

Dragon of Shandon Parade (Cork, Ireland)

Halloween Trick or Treat! (Mystic, Connecticut)

Hillsborough County Fair (Dover, Florida) [thru 11.11]

JazzFest Berlin (Berlin, Germany) [thru 11.3]

Living History Farms Annual Farmstasia (Urbandale, Iowa)

MichiganFun' Convention (Port Huron, Michigan) [thru 11.2]

New York’s Village Halloween Parade (New York, New York)

Rakfisk Festival (Fagernes, Norway) [thru 11.2]

Ringneck Festival & Bird Dog Challenge (Huron, South Dakota) [thru 11.2]

Saga International Balloon Fiesta (Saga, Japan) [thru 11.4]

Thessaloniki International Film Festival (Thessaloniki, Greece) [thru 11.10]

Treat Street (Chico, California)

Feast Days

Abaidas (Coptic Church)

Alphonsus Rodriguez (Christian; Saint)

Ampliatus (Christian; Saint)

Begu (Christian; Saint)

Bob Crane Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Diwali Begins (Hindu, Jain, Sikh), a.k.a. ... 

Deepavali (Guyana, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka)

Deepawali (Sikkam, India)

Divali (Fiji, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Suriname)

Diwali Amavasya (India, Trinidad and Tobago)

Èugene Fromentin (Artology)

Festival of Lights (Celebrating the Indian god Laxmi)

Gai Tihar (Nepal)

Kag Puja (Day of the Crows)

Kag Tihar (Day of the Crows)

Kali Puja (Assam, Odisha, West Bengal; India)

Laxmi Pooja (Nepal)

Laxmi Puja (Sikkim, India)

Naraka Chaturdashi (Assam, Odisha, West Bengal; India)

Tihar Festival (Nepal)

Yam Panchak (Nepal)

Erc of Slane (in Cornwall; Christian; Saint)

Feast of Sekhmet Bast Ra (Ancient Egypt)

Felix the Chicken (Muppetism)

Festival of Inner Worlds

Foillan (in Namur; Christian; Saint)

Gerbil Caressing Day (Pastafarian)

Hallowe’en (also celebrated as ... 

Allantide (Cornwall, UK)

All Hallows Eve

All Saints’ Eve

Apple and Candle Night (Wales)

Beggar's Night

Beltaine [Southern Hemisphere; begins at sunset]

Books For Treats Day

Caramel Apple Day

Carve a Pumpkin Day

Chiang Kai-Shek Day (Taiwan)

Day of the Dead begins (Mexico) [until 11.2]

Dookie Apple Night (Newcastle, UK)

Duck Apple Night (Liverpool, UK)

Fright Night (Pastafarian)

Ghostwriter’s Day

Halloween

Hello-Wiener (Pastafarian)

Hop-tu-Naa (Isle of Man)

Increase Your Psychic Powers Day

National Doorbell Day

National Dress Like a Slut Day

National Keg Day

National Knock-Knock Joke Day

National Magic Day

National UNICEF Day

Night of a Thousand Screams (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Nut-Crack Night (UK)

Out of the Broom Closet Day

Saci Day (Brazil)

Samhain [Northern Hemisphere; begins at sunset]

Samhain Eve (Celtic, Pagan) [7 of 8 Festivals of the Natural Year]

Scare a Friend Day

Sneak Some of the Candy Before the Kids Start Knocking Day

Thump-the-Door Night (Isle of Man)

Trick or Treat Night

Hello-Wiener (Pastafarian)

Hokusai (Artology)

Isis/Osiris Mysteries IV (Pagan)

Johannes Vermeer (Artology)

John Keats (Writerism)

Kant (Positivist; Saint)

Makoshe’s Holiday (Asatru/Pagan Slavic celebration of Mother Earth)

Marie Laurencin (Artology)

Martin Luther (Anglican Communion)

Meindert Hobbema (Artology)

Neal Stephenson (Writerism)

Old Celtic New Year’s Eve

Paul du Toit (Artology)

Paul Shinji Sasaki and Philip Lindel Tsen (Episcopal Church)

Reformation Day (Germany, Slovenia, Lutheran Church)

Quentin (Christian; Saint)

Susan Orlean (Writerism)

Theodore Romzha, Blessed (Ruthenian Catholic Church)

Vetmaetr (Norse beginning of winter, start of Odin leading the Wild Hunt)

Wolfgang of Regensburg (Christian; Saint) [Germany]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because it’s Xt'Tapalatakettle's Day.)

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [51 of 57]

Premieres

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle (Novel; 1892)

All Wet (Ub Iwerks Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Disney Cartoon; 1927)

Ash vs. Evil Dead (Film; 2015)

Bohemian Rhapsody, by Queen (Song; 1975)

The Boys of Summer, by Roger Kahn (Baseball Memoir; 1972)

Catty Cornered (WB MM Cartoon; 1953)

The Country Cousin (Silly Symphony Disney Cartoon; 1936)

Explosive Situation or Don’t Make It Worse — It’s Badenov (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 121; 1961)

Foul Hunting (Disney Cartoon; 1947)

Girls! Girls! Girls! (Film; 1960) [Elvis Presley #11]

I Only Have Eyes For You, recorded by The Flamingos (Song; 1958)

Kitty from Kansas City (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1931)

Like a Virgin, by Madonna (Song; 1984)

Livin’ on a Prayer, by Bon Jovi (Song; 1986)

A Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift (Essay; 1726)

Ninety-Five Theses, by Martin Luther (Pamphlet; 1517)

Period of Adjustment (Film; 1962)

The Red Sea Sharks, by Hergé (Graphic Novel; 1958) [Tintin #19]

The Secret Teachings of All Ages, by Manly P. Hall (Book; 1928)

Slap Happy Hunters (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

Somebody Stole My Gal, recorded by Count Basie (Song; 1930)

Spellbound (Film; 1945)

Star Dust, recorded by Hoagy Carmichael (Song; 1927)

Strategy, by B.H. Liddell Hart (Book; 1929)

Two Weeks Vacation (Disney Cartoon; 1952)

Unplugged MTV Show, recorded by Squeeze Live Show; 1989) [1st Unplugged Show]

The Walking Dead (TV Series; 2010)

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (Film; 1962)

A Witch’s Tangled Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1959)

You’ve Got Me in Switches or Suture Self (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 122; 1961)

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Film; 2008)

Zot, Parts 1 & 2 (Underdog Cartoon, S1, Eps. 9 & 10; 1964)

Today’s Name Days

Christoph, Quentin, Wolfgang (Austria)

Alfons, Volfgang, Vukmir (Croatia)

Štěpánka (Czech Republic)

Louise (Denmark)

Ardo, Ardu, Arti, Arto, Artur (Estonia)

Arto, Arttu, Artturi (Finland)

Quentin (France)

Melanie, Quentin, Wolfgang (Germany)

Ablia, Apellis, Aristovoulos, Narkisos, Stratoniki (Greece)

Farkas (Hungary)

Lucilla (Italy)

Rinalds, Smilga, Valts, Volfgangs (Latvia)

Alfonsas, Liucilė, Tanvilė (Lithuania)

Edit, Edna (Norway)

Alfons, Alfonsyna, Antoni, Antonina, August, Augusta, Godzimir, Godzisz, Lucylla, Łukasz, Saturnin, Saturnina, Urban, Wolfgang (Poland)

Amplie, Afelie, Aristobul, Narcis, Stahie, Urban (Romania)

Aurélia (Slovakia)

Alonso, Quintín (Spain)

Edgar, Edit (Sweden)

Maura, Moira (Ukraine)

Cruz, Flint, Flynn, Kruz, Trent, Trenton (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 305 of 2024; 61 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of Week 44 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 29 (Wu-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 29 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 27 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 5 Wood; Fryday [5 of 30]

Julian: 18 October 2024

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 25 Descartes (11th Month) [Ferguson / Condercet]

Runic Half Month: Wyn (Joy) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 39 of 90)

Week: Last Week of October

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 8 of 30)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 10.31

Holidays

All Souls’ Day (Ecuador)

American Indian Day (Tennessee)

Bitcoin Day

Cavalry Day (India)

Crillo Music Day (Peru)

Dark Matter Day

Day of Local Songs (Peru)

Day of the 7 Billion

Día de la Canción Criolla (Peru)

Girl Scout Founder’s Day

International Black Sea Action Day

John Candy Day (Toronto, Canada)

King Father’s Day (Cambodia)

Martyr’s Day (Burkina Faso)

Medusa Day

Mount Rushmore Day

National Bug Busting Day (UK)

National Evangelism Day

National Prince Day

National Unity Day (India)

Non-Working Day (Russia)

Pal-O-Ween (from “Kevin Can F**k Himself”) [Every 31st]

Phi Day

Plough Tree Day (French Republic)

Rabbit Rabbit Day [Last Day of Every Month]

Reformation Day (Chile; Germany; Slovenia)

Saci Day (Brazil)

Senior Absurdity Day (Bronx, NY)

Spider-Girl Day

Trixie Day

World Cities Day (UN)

World Savings Day

World Thrift Day (India)

Youth Honor Day (Iowa)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Billy Beer Day (Plains, Georgia)

Brewtopia (NYC)

International Day of Rice

Japanese Tea Day (Japan)

National Caramel Apple Day

National Keg Day

The United Nations of Beer (New York)

Independence & Related Days

Edan (Declared; 1999) [unrecognized]

Nevada Statehood Day (#36; 1864)

Wellington (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

Old Celtic New Year’s Eve

5th & Last Thursday in October

International Carignan Day [Last Thursday]

Punkie Night (Somerset, England) [Last Thursday]

Thirsty Thursday [Every Thursday]

Three-Bean Thursday [Last Thursday of Each Month]

Three for Thursday [Every Thursday]

Thrift Store Thursday [Every Thursday]

Throw Away Thursday [Last Thursday of Each Month]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 31 (Last Week of October)

None Known

Festivals Beginning October 31, 2024

The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival (Big Sur, California) [thru 11.2]

A BOO-tiful Downtown Halloween (Los Altos, California)

Dragon of Shandon Parade (Cork, Ireland)

Halloween Trick or Treat! (Mystic, Connecticut)

Hillsborough County Fair (Dover, Florida) [thru 11.11]

JazzFest Berlin (Berlin, Germany) [thru 11.3]

Living History Farms Annual Farmstasia (Urbandale, Iowa)

MichiganFun' Convention (Port Huron, Michigan) [thru 11.2]

New York’s Village Halloween Parade (New York, New York)

Rakfisk Festival (Fagernes, Norway) [thru 11.2]

Ringneck Festival & Bird Dog Challenge (Huron, South Dakota) [thru 11.2]

Saga International Balloon Fiesta (Saga, Japan) [thru 11.4]

Thessaloniki International Film Festival (Thessaloniki, Greece) [thru 11.10]

Treat Street (Chico, California)

Feast Days

Abaidas (Coptic Church)

Alphonsus Rodriguez (Christian; Saint)

Ampliatus (Christian; Saint)

Begu (Christian; Saint)

Bob Crane Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Diwali Begins (Hindu, Jain, Sikh), a.k.a. ... 

Deepavali (Guyana, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka)

Deepawali (Sikkam, India)

Divali (Fiji, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Suriname)

Diwali Amavasya (India, Trinidad and Tobago)

Èugene Fromentin (Artology)

Festival of Lights (Celebrating the Indian god Laxmi)

Gai Tihar (Nepal)

Kag Puja (Day of the Crows)

Kag Tihar (Day of the Crows)

Kali Puja (Assam, Odisha, West Bengal; India)

Laxmi Pooja (Nepal)

Laxmi Puja (Sikkim, India)

Naraka Chaturdashi (Assam, Odisha, West Bengal; India)

Tihar Festival (Nepal)

Yam Panchak (Nepal)

Erc of Slane (in Cornwall; Christian; Saint)

Feast of Sekhmet Bast Ra (Ancient Egypt)

Felix the Chicken (Muppetism)

Festival of Inner Worlds

Foillan (in Namur; Christian; Saint)

Gerbil Caressing Day (Pastafarian)

Hallowe’en (also celebrated as ... 

Allantide (Cornwall, UK)

All Hallows Eve

All Saints’ Eve

Apple and Candle Night (Wales)

Beggar's Night

Beltaine [Southern Hemisphere; begins at sunset]

Books For Treats Day

Caramel Apple Day

Carve a Pumpkin Day

Chiang Kai-Shek Day (Taiwan)

Day of the Dead begins (Mexico) [until 11.2]

Dookie Apple Night (Newcastle, UK)

Duck Apple Night (Liverpool, UK)

Fright Night (Pastafarian)

Ghostwriter’s Day

Halloween

Hello-Wiener (Pastafarian)

Hop-tu-Naa (Isle of Man)

Increase Your Psychic Powers Day

National Doorbell Day

National Dress Like a Slut Day

National Keg Day

National Knock-Knock Joke Day

National Magic Day

National UNICEF Day

Night of a Thousand Screams (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Nut-Crack Night (UK)

Out of the Broom Closet Day

Saci Day (Brazil)

Samhain [Northern Hemisphere; begins at sunset]

Samhain Eve (Celtic, Pagan) [7 of 8 Festivals of the Natural Year]

Scare a Friend Day

Sneak Some of the Candy Before the Kids Start Knocking Day

Thump-the-Door Night (Isle of Man)

Trick or Treat Night

Hello-Wiener (Pastafarian)

Hokusai (Artology)

Isis/Osiris Mysteries IV (Pagan)

Johannes Vermeer (Artology)

John Keats (Writerism)

Kant (Positivist; Saint)

Makoshe’s Holiday (Asatru/Pagan Slavic celebration of Mother Earth)

Marie Laurencin (Artology)

Martin Luther (Anglican Communion)

Meindert Hobbema (Artology)

Neal Stephenson (Writerism)

Old Celtic New Year’s Eve

Paul du Toit (Artology)

Paul Shinji Sasaki and Philip Lindel Tsen (Episcopal Church)

Reformation Day (Germany, Slovenia, Lutheran Church)

Quentin (Christian; Saint)

Susan Orlean (Writerism)

Theodore Romzha, Blessed (Ruthenian Catholic Church)

Vetmaetr (Norse beginning of winter, start of Odin leading the Wild Hunt)

Wolfgang of Regensburg (Christian; Saint) [Germany]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because it’s Xt'Tapalatakettle's Day.)

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [51 of 57]

Premieres

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle (Novel; 1892)

All Wet (Ub Iwerks Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Disney Cartoon; 1927)

Ash vs. Evil Dead (Film; 2015)

Bohemian Rhapsody, by Queen (Song; 1975)

The Boys of Summer, by Roger Kahn (Baseball Memoir; 1972)

Catty Cornered (WB MM Cartoon; 1953)

The Country Cousin (Silly Symphony Disney Cartoon; 1936)

Explosive Situation or Don’t Make It Worse — It’s Badenov (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 121; 1961)

Foul Hunting (Disney Cartoon; 1947)

Girls! Girls! Girls! (Film; 1960) [Elvis Presley #11]

I Only Have Eyes For You, recorded by The Flamingos (Song; 1958)

Kitty from Kansas City (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1931)

Like a Virgin, by Madonna (Song; 1984)

Livin’ on a Prayer, by Bon Jovi (Song; 1986)

A Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift (Essay; 1726)

Ninety-Five Theses, by Martin Luther (Pamphlet; 1517)

Period of Adjustment (Film; 1962)

The Red Sea Sharks, by Hergé (Graphic Novel; 1958) [Tintin #19]

The Secret Teachings of All Ages, by Manly P. Hall (Book; 1928)

Slap Happy Hunters (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

Somebody Stole My Gal, recorded by Count Basie (Song; 1930)

Spellbound (Film; 1945)

Star Dust, recorded by Hoagy Carmichael (Song; 1927)

Strategy, by B.H. Liddell Hart (Book; 1929)

Two Weeks Vacation (Disney Cartoon; 1952)

Unplugged MTV Show, recorded by Squeeze Live Show; 1989) [1st Unplugged Show]

The Walking Dead (TV Series; 2010)

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (Film; 1962)

A Witch’s Tangled Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1959)

You’ve Got Me in Switches or Suture Self (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S3, Ep. 122; 1961)

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Film; 2008)

Zot, Parts 1 & 2 (Underdog Cartoon, S1, Eps. 9 & 10; 1964)

Today’s Name Days

Christoph, Quentin, Wolfgang (Austria)

Alfons, Volfgang, Vukmir (Croatia)

Štěpánka (Czech Republic)

Louise (Denmark)

Ardo, Ardu, Arti, Arto, Artur (Estonia)

Arto, Arttu, Artturi (Finland)

Quentin (France)

Melanie, Quentin, Wolfgang (Germany)

Ablia, Apellis, Aristovoulos, Narkisos, Stratoniki (Greece)

Farkas (Hungary)

Lucilla (Italy)

Rinalds, Smilga, Valts, Volfgangs (Latvia)

Alfonsas, Liucilė, Tanvilė (Lithuania)

Edit, Edna (Norway)

Alfons, Alfonsyna, Antoni, Antonina, August, Augusta, Godzimir, Godzisz, Lucylla, Łukasz, Saturnin, Saturnina, Urban, Wolfgang (Poland)

Amplie, Afelie, Aristobul, Narcis, Stahie, Urban (Romania)

Aurélia (Slovakia)

Alonso, Quintín (Spain)

Edgar, Edit (Sweden)

Maura, Moira (Ukraine)

Cruz, Flint, Flynn, Kruz, Trent, Trenton (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 305 of 2024; 61 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of Week 44 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 29 (Wu-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 29 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 27 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 5 Wood; Fryday [5 of 30]

Julian: 18 October 2024

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 25 Descartes (11th Month) [Ferguson / Condercet]

Runic Half Month: Wyn (Joy) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 39 of 90)

Week: Last Week of October

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 8 of 30)