COVID-19 ‘perfect storm’ for African food security
COVID-19’s arrival in Africa has exacerbated pre-existing major challenges to the continent’s food production and nutrition security.
Namibian farmers harvest country’s first blueberry crop
The first-ever commercial harvest of blueberries in Namibia recently commenced on the banks of the Okavango River between Mashare and Mupapama villages in Kavango East, northern Namibia.
Concern about ‘mysterious’ elephant deaths in Botswana
The cause of death of hundreds of elephants in the northern part of Botswana’s Okavango Delta remains a mystery, with more than 400 carcasses having been discovered since May this year.
Relief funds dry up as Namibian drought continues unabated
Large parts of Namibia remain in the grips of a brutal drought, with the last significant rainfall reported in the far southern region a decade ago.
Second locust wave could dampen East Africa’s harvest hopes
Despite significant gains in the battle against desert locust infestations in 10 countries, mostly in East Africa, food security remains at risk, especially as a second wave of locusts now threaten what could otherwise be a promising crop harvest for the region.
Subsidies can support food production during COVID-19 crisis
Africa is coming up with its own solutions to the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a statement by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Strict social distancing rules for Zim tobacco auctions
This year, Zimbabwe will decentralise tobacco selling in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Africa agripreneur competition to award two US$50 000 prizes
Applications are now open for the second annual GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition.
Lockdowns must not disrupt food supply chains – FAO, AU
With statistics prior to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic suggesting that one in five people in Africa suffers from hunger, it is important that agriculture be recognised as an “essential service” on the continent.
Mitigating impact of COVID-19 on Africa regional trade
There has been a slight uptick in trade on the African continent as some restrictions on the movement of food products have been lifted.
African farmers lose market access as COVID-19 crisis widens
Millions of family farmers across Africa are facing economic devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts exports and global food supply chains.
R2,2 billion in food aid needed to combat hunger in Zimbabwe
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic could worsen the food shortage currently being experienced in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe to import maize due to erratic harvest prospects
Zimbabwe’s maize harvest is likely to differ substantially from region to region this season, with some areas realising a below-average harvest and others an above-average harvest, due to erratic rainfall during the growing period, industry officials have said.
African states urged not to restrict cross-border food trade
The widespread negative socio-economic impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic globally is likely to include a 2,6% to 7% contraction in sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural production.
UN warns of worsening locust invasion in East Africa
The African Development Bank has approved more than R28 million in emergency relief funding to assist nine countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa to control vast swarms of desert locusts.
Botswana beef farmers fear market losses due to Covid-19
The public emergency declared by Botswana’s president Mokgweetsi Masisi, to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic, has had a direct impact on the country’s beef cattle production industry.
Food security at risk as African countries lock down
Fears are growing about the impact the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic could have on food supplies in some of South Africa’s neighboring countries, as citizens there have also been ordered to stay indoors.
Zimbabwean tobacco auctions expected to be delayed
The Zimbabwean tobacco industry is being hard hit by the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has resulted in President Emmerson Mnangagwa closing the country’s borders and banning gatherings of more than 50 people, among other measures.
Artificial insemination project in Zimbabwe goes countrywide
Chinhoyi University of Technology, a university in Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe, recently took its national artificial insemination (AI) project for cattle countrywide.
Questions about Zim government’s land restoration plans
The Zimbabwean government has announced a legal framework to restore ownership rights to individuals and companies that lost farms over the past 20 years, in terms of the Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreements.
