Lindi Botha
Lindi Botha is an agricultural journalist and communications specialist based in Nelspruit, South Africa. She has spent over a decade reporting on food production and has a special interest in research, new innovations and technology that aid farmers in increasing their margins, while reducing their environmental footprint. She has garnered numerous awards during her career, including The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Star Prize in 2019, the IFAJ-Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism in 2020, and several South African awards for her writing.
This is how carbon policies can prevent food insecurity
The race to net-zero carbon emissions has implications for agriculture and food security. Whether the outcome will be positive or negative for society, the environment and farmers, depends largely on how government formulates emissions policies. Lindi Botha reports on why agriculture’s role should not be underestimated.
‘African farmers need the latest seeds’
Global access to the latest seed technology will play a vital role in food security as climate change increasingly hinders food production.
Limited stocks of poultry products unrelated to bird flu, says SAPA
Low inventories of eggs and chickens at the retail level have sparked rumours that the sale of poultry products is being halted to curb the spread of avian influenza to consumers.
Murder rate in SA still disturbingly high
The crime statistics for January to March 2023, released on Tuesday, show that communities, especially agricultural communities, are left to safeguard their families, properties and businesses by themselves.
Capitalising on unused land with Boer Goats
The subtropical Lowveld is hardly prime goat country, but with good management, a farmer can add a valuable component to the crops cultivated in the area. Divan Maritz spoke to Lindi Botha about how he manages his goat stud of 300 animals for optimal farm profitability in this climate.
Inflation eases, but food prices still on the rise
South Africa’s annual consumer inflation rate slowed to 6,8% in April 2023 from 7,1% in March. Although a small change, it does represent the lowest reading since May 2022, when the rate was 6,5%.
Rand plummets, but analysts expect recovery within weeks
The rand has taken a severe tumble over the past 24 hours, reaching an all-time low at one stage of R19,51/US$1. The currency’s free fall, which has accelerated the downward trend of South Africa’s exchange rate, comes as public speculation mounts over the country’s alleged supplying of weapons to Russia for its war against Ukraine.
Commodity downturn could spur farm sales
Farmers in the Lowveld are facing severe pressure as commodity prices for subtropical crops dip while input costs rise rapidly.
Dragon fruit yields and sales on an upward curve
Increasing yields and rising local demand have resulted in a good season for dragon fruit farmers. Harvest started in November and will wrap up by May.
Free State MEC promises ‘millions’ to ramp up cannabis production
There is hope that a new focus on cannabis production in the Free State will boost job creation and economic activity in the province.
Increasing inflation sparks fear of recession
The ongoing increase in food prices has raised concern over South Africa’s growth outlook, as inflation adds to a basket of factors sending the country towards a recession.
‘Pesticide-reduction laws will increase resistance’
The global streamlining of chemicals allowed on food products will render many crop-protection chemicals illegal by 1 June 2024, heightening risk for farmers already battling pests.
Another sugar mill enters business rescue
Gledhow sugar mill has become the second mill to be placed under business rescue, thereby increasing concerns over the future viability of the sugar cane production industry in South Africa.
African horse sickness cases reportedly rising amid vaccine shortage
African horse sickness (AHS) cases are increasing in Gauteng while vaccines have been unavailable since last year, according to reports. Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), which is responsible for manufacturing the vaccines, has allegedly been without stock for several months.
‘Communal land reform lacks tenure security’
Industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the lack of tenure security provided for in a new bill on communal land.
Macadamia prices continue to fall amid oversupply
South Africa is set to deliver another bumper crop of macadamia nuts this year, surpassing last year’s total yield of 68 840t dry-nut-in-shell at 1,5% moisture, to reach nearly 78 000t.
Astute marketing drives avocado consumption
South Africa’s avocado industry has attained the holy grail in marketing for a non-essential product: getting consumers to feel they need it rather just want it. The resulting sales growth has boosted the industry despite recent economic and supply constraints. Glynnis Branthwaite, owner of Protactic Strategic Communications, and Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, spoke to Lindi Botha about this intensive and ongoing marketing effort.
Second grain crop estimate points to favourable season
The latest grain crop estimate released by the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) shows an increase in yields for most grain crops in South Africa, alleviating fears that erratic weather would have curtailed the harvest. This means South Africa will have sufficient staple food supplies in the 2023/24 marketing year.
‘Net zero isn’t feasible for agriculture sector’
Red meat production has once again come under fire, this time in a study detailing a pathway for South Africa to achieve its goal of achieving net-zero carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 2050.
No clarity yet on names for alternative proteins
The lack of regulations over terminology for alternative protein products is causing confusion about food labels worldwide and has already led to several court cases in South Africa.
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