Namibian hunting quotas cut 80% due to drought
The past several years’ drought in Namibia has had a devastating impact on the country’s hunting industry, and in some areas hunting quotas had been cut between 70% and 80%. This was according to Tanya Dahl, CEO of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA).
Recovery plan for grain production in Zimbabwe
For the first time in 20 years, the producer prices of small grains in Zimbabwe have been set higher than that of maize as a way of encouraging the growing of these crops.
GM maize export potential as Zimbabwe lifts ban
The decision by the Zimbabwean government to lift the ban on genetically modified (GM) maize imports to increase supplies after a poor local harvest season, could benefit South African farmers.
Coronavirus outbreak could benefit pangolin conservation
The pangolin is the world’s most trafficked mammal, being sought after for its scales for the manufacture of traditional medicine, particularly in China.
Zimbabwe boosts livestock production with pig imports from SA
Zimbabwe is finalising arrangements to import 230 Large White Landrace and Duroc pigs from South Africa as breeding stock, as part of a US$45 million (about R630 million) EU-funded project to improve the country’s livestock value chain.
Cannabis production could outpace demand – new report
A new report on cannabis production and trade is forecasting an increase in medical cannabis production this year, but warns that the existing small markets could leave growers with unsold stocks.
Severe drought in Namibia continues unabated
Despite reports of good rainfall in the north-eastern parts of Namibia, the drought in that country is still continuing.
Export tax bites into survival of Zambian crocodile farming
Representatives of Zambia’s commercial crocodile farming sector have reportedly pleaded with that country’s government to abolish the 10% duty that was introduced on crocodile skin exports in January 2019.
‘Opportunity for SA to increase grain exports to Zimbabwe’
News that Zimbabwe’s government has significantly relaxed import and pricing controls on staple foodstuffs, is an opportunity for South Africa to increase exports of maize and wheat to its neighbour, according to Grain SA.
Price collusion in Zimbabwe’s hybrid seed market
A new study in Zimbabwe has found that the high concentration of seed companies in that country is promoting price collusion, which is resulting in hybrid maize seed becoming too expensive.
Drought claims more than 10 000 cattle in Zimbabwe
About 10 500 head of cattle have died due to a lack of pasture and drinking water in three southern provinces of Zimbabwe, as the worst drought in recent years continues.
‘Struggle’ continues for Lesotho wool and mohair producers
Lesotho’s wool and mohair producers have only benefitted slightly from the government’s recent decision to allow other wool and mohair auctioneers and brokers to start competing with the Lesotho Wool Centre.
Crippling livestock losses due to Namibian drought – reports
Extreme drought conditions have reportedly claimed the lives of more than 60 000 head of livestock in Namibia so far this year. This is according to Namibian media reports citing Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Alpheus !Naruseb.
Botswana farmers want permanent ban of vegetable imports
A group of vegetable producers from across Botswana are calling for a permanent ban on imports of tomatoes, potatoes, cabbages, carrots, beetroot and green peppers from South Africa and other vegetable exporting countries.
Namibia’s small-stock export scheme suspended
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) recently welcomed a decision by the country’s authorities to fully suspend the small-stock marketing scheme to allow producers to export without restriction to South Africa.
41 million people in Southern Africa to face food insecurity
About 41,2 million people in 13 Southern African countries will suffer food insecurity between now and March 2020, following low rainfall in the 2018/2019 growing season.
Police continue to illegally occupy lodge in Zimbabwe
The Bembezi Wildlife Conservancy and Portwe farming concern in Zimbabwe remained illegally occupied by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, despite claims by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa that the country “was open for business”.
‘Heat stress to become greater threat to agricultural workers’
The agriculture sector in Africa could lose up to 14 million jobs by 2030 due to heat stress. This was according to a new report by the International Labour Organisation titled, ‘Working on a warmer planet: The impact of heat stress on labour productivity and decent work’.
Investing in Africa: a continent brimming with opportunities
Dr Rutendo Hwindingwi, also known as the ‘African Realist’, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the opportunities and pitfalls of doing business in Africa.
Lesotho wool growers march despite ‘grace period’
Several thousand Lesotho wool and mohair farmers gathered in the capital Maseru on Friday to march to the country’s parliament to hand over a memorandum.
