Zimbabwe looks to energy-efficient tobacco-curing method
Zimbabwe is evaluating the efficacy of a new, more energy-efficient method of curing tobacco with a view to switching from traditional approaches that burn too much coal and firewood.
British potatoes put roots down in Africa
A potato seed trial in Kenya has passed initial tests and the plants are now growing well in three locations in the country.
Dr Akinwumi Adesina named 2017 World Food Prize winner
African Development Bank (ADB) president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has been announced as the 2017 World Food Prize (WFP) laureate.
Zimbabwe kicks off anti-malnutrition programme
From 1 July this year Zimbabwe will enforce its mandatory food fortification programme to fight malnutrition among people, especially women and children.
Crop failure and conflict affecting food security in Africa
Low rainfall, drought, conflict, and internal displacement are affecting food security across Africa.
Wheat production gets boost in Zimbabwe
Wheat farming in Zimbabwe was projected to rebound this winter after government raised US$140 million (R1, 96 billion) to be loaned to farmers to plant 70 000ha to wheat, which...
Zim avian flu outbreak: SA farmers must step up biosecurity
Following the recent avian flu outbreak in Zimbabwe, the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) have urged SA poultry owners to implement...
Fall armyworm invades as Kenya recovers from drought
East Africa is grappling with a fall armyworm (FAW) invasion, while still recovering from the effects of a drought that had resulted in significant maize shortages.
New strategy to boost Zimbabwe’s livestock production
President Robert Mugabe's cabinet has approved a policy for the government to introduce a US$150 million (R2,5 billion) "command" approach to boost livestock production.
Zambian farmers want zero tax rating on inputs
For Zambia to become a breadbasket in Africa, it was necessary for its government to urgently implement a zero tax rate on products essential for enhanced agricultural production.
Kenya cashew nut exports decline after government ban
Kenya’s cashew nut exports decreased from 835t to 485t between 2013 and 2015.
World Bank aids Ivory Coast cocoa industry
The World Bank is set to grant funds of between US$100 million and US$125 million (R1,3 billion and R1,7 billion) to Ivory Coast to mitigate the drop in cocoa prices....
FAO hosts fall armyworm workshop in Kenya
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in Southern Africa (FAOSA) is hosting a two-day meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss the region’s response to fall armyworm (FAW). The meeting...
Zimbabwe plans to revive beef industry
Zimbabwe’s Cold Storage Company (CSC) is set to be capitalised.
5 things to look forward to at Agritech Expo Zambia
Visitors will be offered an opportunity to meet with some of the world's leading agricultural companies, and network with agricultural professionals as well as government and union officials at the...
Kenyan cashew nut industry in dire straits
The cashew nut farming industry in Lamu County, Kenya, faces collapse after years of losses. These follow a government ban on exports in 2009, according to the Daily Nation newspaper.
Zim scraps 10% tobacco tax five days after introducing it
The Zimbabwe government recently withdrew a tobacco tax less than a week after its introduction. The 10% tax on tobacco was imposed on 31 March and scrapped on 5 April.
Zim farmer wins longstanding court battle over land
Bruce Moffat, a great-great-great grandson of Zimbabwe's earliest white missionary, Robert Moffat, has won a protracted court battle over the ownership of a farm the Moffats have worked since 1910.
Tanzania hosts Commercial Farm Africa summit
The 5th Commercial Farm Africa summit in Tanzania brought together industry professionals from all over the continent to share insights into transforming Africa’s agricultural value chain.
Schweppes Zimbabwe to invest in fruit-processing plant
A joint venture between Schweppes Zimbabwe and a government parastatal, which invested US$3 million (R45m) in a fruit-processing plant near the capital Harare last year, is to spend an additional...
