11 November 2010: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has launched a reference calendar that advises when to plant specific crops in a variety of agricultural zones for 43 African countries.

The crop calendar is aimed at donors and agricultural extension workers, particularly to assist in cases of drought or following emergencies. The tool is web-based and covers over 130 crops. In addition to helping farmers decide when to plant, it advises on the specific crops and seed types most suited to a particular agro-ecological zone and time of year. The release highlights that 50% of the increase in global productivity over the past decade is due to improved seed varieties. [FAO Press Release] [FAO Africa Crop Calendar]