Have you read the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) Aquaculture Manual for improved catfish yield?

This guide describes the following pond management practices and the underlying reasons for their application:

• Preparing the pond before stocking (including cleaning, liming and fertilizing)
• Controlling predators and competitors in the pond
• Stocking the pond with fish fry and fingerlings
• Checking pond conditions (water quality parameters)
• Feeding the fish
• Maintaining an improved pond environment
• Performing health checks on the fish
• Recognizing indicators of pond environment problems

And we are giving it to you at no charge! Want to improve your fish yield? Download the #PINDAquacultureManual here https://www.slideshare.net/PINDFoundation/pind-aquaculture-manual

NEW PODCAST!

The Review - Big For Your Boots by Stormzy.

Where are the Grime lovers? We looked at Stormzy's biggest release so far and we want to know what you think.

Click the link to listen and share your thoughts on the song!

#ShadesofUs #ShadesofUsTheReview

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ywhyv-700bed

NDLINK is bigger, better and more robust!

After months of working on the NDLINK website, we finally have a platform where you can access Niger Delta development news, jobs and opportunities, research resources, community of professionals and funding organizations.

Visit #TheNewNDLINK today!

http://ndlink.org/2017/08/22/the-unveiling-welcome-to-the-new-ndlink-website/

#TechTuesday

With improved technology, palm oil processing has become easier and more effective.

Watch the full video here and learn how modern technology is improving palm oil processing.

#PalmOil #PalmOilProcessing #PalmOilValueChain #PINDFoundation #PINDPrograms #PINDProjects #MediaForDevelopment #AppropriateTechnology


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aJH13XAwpQ

When you put the eccentricity of Kevin Hart, the sexiness of Meagan Good, Michael Ealy and Romany Malco, feistiness of Taraji P. Henson and Jennifer Lewis, relatability of Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall and Lala Anthony, a list of basketballers, a happy white guy and the goofiness of Chris Brown, what do you have?

Think Like A Man!

‘Think like a Man’ is a film by Tim Story that broke the bank at the box office. It was well received even though most critics rated it ‘average’.
Was the film average though?

We discuss in THE REVIEW! Listen here

http://www.shadesofus.co.uk/2017/08/the-review-think-like-man.html

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) conducted a training on peace building for officials of the Cross River State government today, August 16, 2017.

The objective of the training was to build the capacities of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Cross River towards peace building and management of communal violence in the state.

At least 5 MDAs were represented at the training which was facilitated by PIND's Peace Building team.

PIND believe that the economic development map charted for the Niger Delta can only be achieved through sustainable peace.

Photographs from the training below.

#TechTuesday

Do you have a fish pond? Here is an aquaculture training Video on the use of pond equipment that you should watch.

Learn more here


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmSnbVzjf0s

PIND had a 3-day mentoring exercise and hands-on coaching for staff and members of BETTER LIVING FOUNDATION team from August 1 - 3, 2017 on the development of Standard Organization’s operational manual and policies around finance, HIV and more.

BETTER LIVING FOUNDATION (BLF) is a non-profit organization based in Akure, Ondo state. It focuses on creating better livelihoods for women and young people through productive information sharing for self-dependency and small scale business support. Some of their other services include providing useful information for social, sexual and reproductive health rights and needs.

PIND’s Coaches and Mentors are working with Civil Society Organizations (like Better Living Foundation) in the Niger Delta through the Capacity Building for Local Empowerment (CAPABLE) program. The project tracks the implementation of lessons learned during various CAPABLE Training Courses.

THE REVIEW is an entertainment show where we discuss songs or movies by black artists (African, American, European, and other artists of African descent). THE REVIEW will focus on how aspects of each song or movie reflects issues in society and what can be learned generally from the song or movie. We will have facts about each song or movie, favorite and least favorite parts of the art and an avenue for you to request that we review a song.

THE REVIEW will come up every Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google+).

Are you excited? Because we are dancing like fools!

Welcome to SHADES OF US: THE REVIEW.


Listen to the first episode here.

http://www.shadesofus.co.uk/2017/08/announcingshades-of-us-review.html

Every year, we produce an annual report that reflects on the work we have done, the partnerships we have forged, the impact that has been made on this journey to improve incomes and build peace in the Niger Delta. The theme for this year’s is “Broadening Our Reach for Bigger Impact”.

2016 was a year where our focus was to deepen the sustainability of our interventions, and strengthen our relationship with key institutions and partners. This focus is consistent with PIND’s goal to act as a catalyst for establishing an enabling environment for inclusive economic growth in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria through multi-stakeholder partnerships. We sought to tell this story by putting our partners and beneficiaries front and center, by presenting the impact our interventions are making and the partnerships we have made to achieve these milestones. 2016 also saw the blossoming of our partnerships with government at Federal and State level, and this report shows how our approach is influencing development approaches in the Niger Delta, as well as what to expect in years to come.

The report is vibrant and colorful, and showcases some of the inspiring people we are incredibly lucky to have met and worked with over the course of the year. If you have any questions about any of the stories in the report, please reach out to our Communications Officer Saratu Abiola or the Knowledge Systems Manager Chichi Nnoham-Onyejekwe.

Here is to another rewarding, challenging and successful year of working towards peace and economic development in the Niger Delta, and thank you for reading!

http://pindfoundation.org/reports/

The Appropriate Technology Enabled Development Center (ATED Center) of PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta) partnered with Hope and Dreams Initiative and Green Knowledge Foundation to host a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) camp for students in secondary schools in Warri, Delta State.

In what was tagged #ATEDSTEMCamp, students were shown the importance of STEM in the development of any nation, and in particular, the development of the Niger Delta. The strapline for the camp was 'I am smart. I am strong. I am able.' The participants discussed energy sources, fossil fuel use, global warming, renewable energy, turbine design and more.

It was a three day event which started on Monday, August 6 and ended on Wednesday, August 8, 2017.

PIND believes in the importance of technology in the development of the Niger Delta. This is why the ATED Centre was built. The ATED Centre is home to many appropriate technologies and serves as a venue for events such as this. The centre is also open for tours.

Ogoniland has long been an area symbolic in the minds of people both inside and outside of the Niger Delta for its struggle against environmental degradation caused by resource exploitation. While both the Clean-up Project and the renewed amnesty programme are an attempt to restore security and economic viability to Ogoniland, multiple overlapping and intertwined factors are still at play that could spell the success or failure of these efforts.

The following brief examines those dynamics and proposes some concrete steps for consideration by the government, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders concerned with restoring security and creating economic livelihood in the critical region of the Niger Delta.

http://pindfoundation.org/download/49511/

The NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture recently donated a mobile X-ray machine to Igbokoda General Hospital in Ondo State. This is yet another significant contribution to medicare in Nigeria by the Joint Venture. The donation took place in Igbokoda General Hospital’s complex, in Ondo State.

Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) represented by Charles Egbuedo, Community Engagement Coordinator, said the donation was in line with the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture’s ‘Tradition of Care,’ which includes a robust health programme in the pursuit of its Social Investment obligations. “The company views healthcare as a crucial social service that needs inclusive support,” he said adding that he expects the donated X-ray unit for the Igbokoda General Hospital to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of Tuberculosis especially among children, and help reduce the risk of TB in the state while also eliminating hazards of spreading and co-infection, which could increase risks or result in death of inhabitants.

More here http://ndlink.org/2017/08/04/nnpcchevron-jv-boosts-medicare-in-ondo-state/

#TechTuesday

Do you use a Mechanical Adjustable Harvester to harvest oil palm fruit bunches?

Watch this video to learn how to maintain the mechanical adjustable harvester


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHSdS19ZLsg

We have an Aquaculture Manual with best practices for fish farmers. Here are some characteristics of good pond culture (culled from the manual):

• Location: Select land with a gentle slope, and lay out ponds to take advantage of existing contour. Soil should contain a minimum of 25% clay. Rocks, grass, branches and other undesirable objects should be eliminated from the dikes.

• Pond depth: Depth of water should be about 1 meter at the shallow end of the pond, slopping from 1 meter at the inlet point to about 1.2 meters at the drain point.

• Configuration: The best shape for ponds is rectangular or square.

• Total water volume: Water should be of sufficient capacity to fill each pond within a few weeks and to keep them full throughout the growing season.

• Dikes: Dikes should be sufficiently wide to mow. Road dikes should be made of gravel. Grass should be planted on all dikes.

Read more aquaculture tips here https://www.slideshare.net/PINDFoundation/pind-aquaculture-manual

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) 2016 Annual Report is out! Before the report is unveiled, here is a message from PIND's Executive Director, Dr. Dara Akala.

'Dear all:

I write to present PIND’s 2016 annual report, with the theme “Broadening Our Reach for Bigger Impact.”

2016 was a year where our focus was to deepen the sustainability of our interventions, and strengthen our relationship with key institutions and partners. This focus is consistent with PIND’s goal to act as a catalyst for establishing an enabling environment for inclusive economic growth in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria through multi-stakeholder partnerships. We sought to tell this story by putting our partners and beneficiaries front and center, by presenting the impact our interventions are making and the partnerships we have made to achieve these milestones. 2016 also saw the blossoming of our partnerships with government at Federal and State level, and this report shows how our approach is influencing development approaches in the Niger Delta, as well as what to expect in years to come.

Our vision for systemic change carries with it a patchwork of stories to be told, challenges to be overcome, and partnerships to be forged. Do send any feedback on the report to our Knowledge Systems Manager Chichi Nnoham-Onyejekwe and Communications Officer Saratu Abiola, as well as any further inquiries you may have on the programs and projects written about in this report. We thank you for being with us these past six years of our journey, and invite you to continue to work with us for a more prosperous Niger Delta.

Regards,
Dr. Dara Akala
Executive Director, PIND Foundation'

Read the report here http://pindfoundation.org/read-our-latest-annual-report/

Music legend, Fela, was the one who said 'water no get enemy'. We go a step further to say 'Clean water no get enemy!'

In order to solve the crisis associated with contaminated drinking water in the Niger Delta, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) adopted the Biosand Filter as one of our appropriate technologies.

What does the Biosand filter do? And how does it work?

This video explains more. Watch here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL9wUYg1F7Q

#AppropriateTechnology #TechTuesday

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), with the National Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), helped train 5 local engineers from the pilot farming cluster in Imo State in creating the locally-invented Small-Scale Processing Equipment (SSPE) with an extraction rate of up to 15%.

With this technology, palm oil farmers and processors can better maximize their produce and increase their income. The 15% extraction rate is a significant improvement on the basic processing equipment which has an extraction rate of 11%. by up to 13,500 Naira for each person directly involved in the industry.

http://pindfoundation.org/project/palm-oil-value-chain-project/

On September 1st, 2015 the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs’ responsiveness to conflict in the Niger Delta.

As a result of this agreement, UNICEF and PIND are collaborating a five-month rural WASH project in 2 local government areas each in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Delta States, under UNICEF’s Niger Delta Support Program (NDSP). This is aimed at mitigating the conflict in the Niger Delta through improved rural water and sanitation service delivery by building in programs to boost social cohesion and improving local capacity to enhance peace building and inclusiveness.

Learn more about this initiative here http://pindfoundation.org/project/mainstreaming-peacebuilding-in-wash/

by Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

A non government organization, Partnerships Initiative in the Niger Delta ( PIND) through one of her program outlet, Partners for Peace, trained stakeholders on conflict analysis recently.

The organization organized a two day conflict analysis workshop for selected stakeholders drawn from the Asaba sub-chapter of the Partners for Peace(P4P).

Participants at the workshop were drawn from the academia, community youth leaders, media, women leaders, civil society actors and active citizens.

Training sections with slide presentations were facilitated by Dr David Udofia and Chief Amb. Lawal Africas, network coordinator, Partners for Peace.

During the workshop's participants had their capacities built around understanding conflict; perceptions and communication in conflicts; understanding conflict analysis and conflict analysis tools on the first day.

The second day's training exposed participants to practical sessions on conflict mapping; conflict analysis based intervention (mitigation); practical lessons on development of action plans; group works and role plays.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Amb. Lawal Africas, the Akeni of Ellu Kindgom in Isoko North LGA of Delta State, shared deeper insight into the PIND's history and achievements so far.

The P4P in 2013 was conceived in Port Harcourt with support from PIND to promote and implement peace building initiatives in nine states.

We also trained other stakeholders on conflict assessment in other states and most of them had further implemented lessons learnt with far reaching results, Chief Africas maintained.

He also encouraged those whose capacities were built to organize further step down trainings and pointed out that more future trainings will be organised for Asaba based stakeholders.

SOURCE: ASABA POST NEWS WIRE (ONLINE)

Why is it important to use best practices when farming Cassava? The answer is simple; the older methods are not as effective as they used to be.

This is why we make it our priority to educate cassava farmer in the Niger Delta on the best new farming practices to ensure they get an increase in their yield, which in turn will lead to an increase in their income.

In this video, you see highlights from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in The Niger Delta (PIND)'s Cassava Demonstration Plot Intervention at Ubulu-Ukwu in Delta State and the results that were achieved.

Watch more to improve your cassava farming practices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w_jgZAPzHU

We have an opportunity for you!

If you are a Business Support Provider and are seeking an opportunity to be trained, check this out.

Request for application to participate in a Training Program for Business Support Providers on SME Diagnostics and Upgrading organized by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND).

http://pindfoundation.org/request-for-application-to-participate-in-a-training-program-for-business-support-providers-on-sme-diagnostics-and-upgrading-organized-by-pind/

Curbing conflict in the Niger Delta is a collective effort all stakeholders in the affected communities. Until indigents and residents take ownership of their communal peace, almost nothing can be done.

It is with this mindset that Honorable Fortune Tari Dorgu founded the 'Women Development Partnership', an NGO geared at curbing conflicts through value reorientation.

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND)'s Advocacy team spoke with her and she shared why her work is so important. Watch more here


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djWyV2ZWJhQ

June is coming to an end and we are officially counting down to #NDDF2017.

NDDF - Niger Delta Development Forum - is held annually in October and is our advocacy event where we bring together stakeholders from across the Niger Delta to chart the course of the region's development; using the forum to highlight deeply rooted issues hindering development and proffering solutions these problems.

Missed #NDDF2016? Watch this documentary here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p732Cp2KLM8

#NDDF #PINDFoundation #NigerDelta

#PINDPhotooftheDay:

Farmers in Mba, Mkpuka and Ozu Abam in Abia State being trained on improved Agronomic practices in cassava production on May 18, 2017.

In 2015, the Foundation for Partnerships Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) started a demonstration plot intervention in Ubuluku Uku farm cluster in Aniocha LGA of Delta State for Cassava farmers and having seen how well it turned out, scaled up the intervention to farmers in Abia state.

PIND is working through input companies to improve the knowledge, attitudes and practices of cassava farmers. This includes the use of improved cassava stem varieties, fertilizers, herbicides and tractor for land preparation to boost productivity and increase income of household farmers.

#Cassava #CassavaValueChain #CassavaFarming #CassavaFarmers #DemonstrationPlot #Agriculture #AgricultureValueChain #PINDProjects #PINDPrograms #PINDTraining #PINDFoundation #NigerDelta #DeltaState

The #PeaceBuilding team of Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) organized a 'Conflict Analysis and Mediation Workshop' for the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) between the 12th and 14th of June, 2017 in Tai, Rivers State.

The objectives for the workshop included;

1. To enhance participants understanding of conflict, conflict analysis, and mediation approaches;

2. To institutionalize acquired knowledge within NYCOP's organization and;

3. To utilize the knowledge gained in effective and efficient management of conflict within their communities.

Members were given certificates after the workshop.

Want to be a part of some of these training? Send an email to info@pindfoundation.org.

#PINDPhotooftheDay:

Stakeholders in #CassavaValueChain in Abia State engaged in an interactive session to share experiences, build synergy, leverage resources and build better understanding of the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND)'s demonstration plot model in the state. This event happened on April 25, 2017.

In 2015, we developed an Agro-input company led demonstration farm concept to help address some of the challenges affecting farmers productivity. This process involves practical demonstration of improved Agronomic practices to farmers in order to improve their knowledge, attitudes and practices. This includes the use of improved Cassava stem varieties, fertilizers, herbicides, and tractor for land preparation.
The pilot was carried out in 2016 in Ubuluku Uku farm cluster in Aniocha LGA of Delta State. Farmers recorded an increase in their Cassava yield; an increase that went up from 8.5 tons/ha to 19.1 tons/ha.

Having seen the results from the pilot, we decided to scale up the intervention to farmers in Abia state by working through CANDEL, an input company.

#Cassava #CassavaFarming #CassavaFarmers #EconomicDevelopment #Agriculture #AgricultureValueChain #PINDFoundation #PINDProjects #PINDPrograms #DemonstrationPlot #Nigeria #NigerDelta #AbiaState

Dr. Eris Jewo is the CEO of Working Fingers International Initiative (WOFII), a non-governmental organization in Asaba, Delta State focused on health, agriculture, peace, environment and sanitation and areas affecting Government and Gender. She is also the President of Working Fingers Multipurpose Cooperative Society and the Coordinator, Ending Female Genital Mutilation Network. She believes in the promotion of women and children’s rights, with a personal slogan reading, ‘Together, we are better’.

Dr. Eris attended a Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) training in 2014 and says, ‘I became more focused in my NGO work after attending the training’. She went on to attend PIND’s International Women’s Day 2016 event in Asaba, Delta state; an event titled[b] ‘’Pledge for Parity: Support women in Agriculture in the Niger Delta.” [/b]The event drew participants from the academia, the private sector, financial institutions, stakeholders in agriculture, partners of PIND, policy makers and influencers, as well as the women involved in agriculture in the Niger Delta.

She expressed her excitement at being at the event. “One key takeaway for Working Fingers Initiative International (WOFII) from the International Women’s Day Forum in Asaba is that women can earn decent living from farming activities and women can engage in big time farming. With this realization, after the Forum, WOFII leadership decided to rent ponds at Ugboroke Fish Farm and Area 74 Fish Farms…some personal homes will be used too. It was also agreed there and then to rent a 15 acre land at the Abraka Reserve Farm Land. We have done these. The fifteen acre we leased at Abraka, WOFI has only been able to plant six acres with all our resources pulled together. We have bought a bike to reduce cost of moving helpers to farm. The society has opened account with Bank of Agriculture at Asaba and Ughelli, though we have not received any loan from them yet. During the inspection of our farms, because of our partnership with PIND to organize the IWD Forum, we were well treated and recognized by the Delta State Ministry of Agriculture’’

PIND ensures that women are mainstreamed in all its programs because PIND believes empowering women and men in the Niger Delta advances the economic development of the region.

Here are details through which you can contact Dr. Eris Jewo;

Organization: Working Fingers International Initiative

Address: 29 Ogagifo Street, off DBS Road, Core Area, Asaba. Delta State.

Email: Workingfingersinternational@gmail.com.

Website: www.workingfingers.org.

For similarly inspiring stories of women doing great things in the Niger Delta, click this link http://pindfoundation.org/pinds-iwd-forum-inspires-action-for-women/.

Weeds compete with cassava for space, light, and water and can reduce cassava yields by about 40%. Therefore, keep the farm weed-free by either manual weeding or application of
herbicides. Cultural method can also be used.

Find out how to manage weed on your Cassava farm in the #PINDCassavaManual here https://www.slideshare.net/PINDFoundation/improved-agronomic-practices-for-sustainable-high-yield-of-cassava-in-nigeria

Another week, another #TechTuesday!

Have you heard of the Mechanical Adjustable Harvester (MAH)? It is a device used to harvest oil palm fruit bunches. With the MAH, you can harvest as much as double the quantity harvested when you climb trees.

Watch how the MAH is maintained here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHSdS19ZLsg.

#AppropriateTechnology #MechanicalAdjustableHarvester #PalmOil #OilPalm #PalmOilValueChain #PINDFoundation #PINDPrograms #PINDProjects #PINDTechnology #TechnologyTuesday

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in The Niger Delta (PIND) partnered with a Lagos-based ICT innovation center Wennovation Hub in 2016, as well as e-TriLabs and Woelab (ICT innovation centres in Benin and Togo respectively) through their Appropriate Technology Enabled Development (ATED) program on the Youth-Enabled Fish Farming AgriHack (YEFFA) project, which aimed to support ICT innovations and entrepreneurship in agriculture by young people.

Here are excerpts from an interview with PIND's Program Coordinator on Value Chain Appropriate Technologies, Dr. Nabeel Adeyemi, on his work with Wennovations Hub on AgriHack, how technology can improve agriculture, and his expectations from this program.

Read more here http://pindfoundation.org/bringing-fish-farming-to-the-21st-century/

Our #WomanCrush is Tonia Orevba!

Tonia is an actor and model and we just cannot help but gush about her today!

Find our why we love Tonia!

#WomanCrushWednesday #Acting #BlurredShortFilm #Directing #Filmmaking #RoyalArtsAcademy #ShadesofUs #ToniaOrevba

http://www.shadesofus.co.uk/2017/06/tonia-orevba-roberts-dropping-her-pretty.html