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.
Top farm’s recipe for superior grain production
Successful grain production requires adherence to a range of non-negotiables, including optimal timing of planting, crop protection and harvest. Mpumalanga grain producers Michael and Gareth Allen spoke to Lindi Botha about the technology that drives high yields, amid so many variables.
Trial and error, good relationships: key to veggie farmer’s success
Since he started farming in 2017, Gauteng vegetable farmer Jaco Botes has gone through a process of trial and error to find the right mix of crops, the best cultivars, and market agents he can count on. Lindi Botha reports on his strategies, insights, and breakthroughs.
Incompetent contractors lead to collapse of Free State roads
Road construction projects in the Free State are grinding to a halt as political ideologies dominate procurement processes.
The collapse beneath our feet: why farmers must act now to save soils
Worldwide, the pressures on soil and water are becoming harder to ignore. As weather extremes intensify and productive land grows ever strained, farmers face a truth that science has long warned of: soil and water cannot be managed in isolation.
Shipping volatility and costs ease, but not for long
Geopolitical events have wreaked havoc on the global shipping industry over the last five years, leading to skyrocketing prices and delays that negatively affected the fresh produce industry in particular.
Clearer finance applications key to growth for essential oil producers
Rising demand for indigenous essential and vegetable oils offers small- and medium-sized producers in South Africa opportunities to expand into local and export markets. However, many struggle to access finance due to limited funding information and complex application processes.
Foreign influence threatens South Africa’s banana industry
South African banana farmers face low prices and plant diseases that could threaten the industry’s sustainability if proper safeguards are not put in place.
Smart management to revive old banana plantations
When Jacques de Villiers took over the Giba banana farm in Kiepersol, Mpumalanga, after a hurricane destroyed the plantation, he had little more than experience and determination to work with. By reviving old plantations, tightening labour management, and applying data-driven precision, he is proving that banana farming can be profitable and sustainable – even on a shoestring budget.
When agriculture thrives, countries thrive, says farmer of the year
The agriculture sector’s resilience was celebrated on Friday, 14 November, during the Agricultural Writers SA awards evening, where farmers, agriculturalists, and agricultural communicators were lauded for their contribution to the sector’s success. The event took place in Worcester, Western Cape.
Uninsured and exposed: farmers battle to survive climate losses
The increase in frequency and severity of climate disasters has meant that farmers are increasingly unlikely to recover from adverse weather events. The agriculture sector has therefore reiterated calls for government to provide subsidised insurance to maintain food production.
Unlocking the potential of SA’s hemp industry
The cannabis hype in South Africa has been dampened by the reality of pricey compliance and start-up costs. Hemp presents the solution to both, requiring low input costs while offering promising marketing opportunities. Lindi Botha visited Green Route Hemp Industries in Walkerville, Gauteng, to find out about the value chain development needed to propel the local industry forward.
Veggie farmer proves success is possible on communal land
Thulani Magida is the poster child for communal farming in South Africa, demonstrating that commercial success is possible. But his journey also highlights the challenges this segment faces, providing valuable lessons to those questioning the slow pace of transformation.
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Marketers need to rethink strategies amid consumers’ digital fatigue
Digital fatigue has far-reaching consequences for marketers. With consumers’ increasingly limited attention spans and less variation in consumed media, marketing campaigns have fewer opportunities to capture interest.
Global demand for avocados shifts SA’s fruit export game
Rising global demand for avocados is opening new frontiers for South African exports, but sustained growth will depend on quality, consumer education, and agile marketing rather than just improved market access.
Positive signs emerge for South African economy despite global uncertainty
Despite ongoing global and domestic challenges, South Africa’s economy is showing encouraging signs of resilience, according to Emile du Plessis, senior economist at Standard Bank.
Shrinking budgets, shifting consumers put wine marketers to the test
Changing drinking habits, the rise of younger consumers, and supermarket dominance are reshaping how wine is sold and enjoyed. With traditional marketing losing traction and digital competition intensifying, producers are rethinking how to reach customers and keep their brands relevant.
Grit, greens, and good business: the rise of Zandile Kumalo
Successful hydroponics farming is about more than just the ability to harvest a quality crop. As a capital intensive industry, it also requires collaboration, flexibility and negotiating skills to raise funding and establish the operation. Lindi Botha spoke to farmer Zandile Kumalo about her journey to hydroponics success.
Dragon fruit: essential tips for growing this tricky crop
Dragon fruit farming in South Africa has been fraught with challenges, resulting in many undertakings being abandoned. But perseverance pays off, and through constant fine-tuning, Freddie Steyn has triumphed. He shared his recipe for success with Lindi Botha.
Agri SA charts a pragmatic path for resilient, inclusive growth
The AgriSA Atlas Congress, held in Pretoria, set the stage for renewed focus on resilience, collaboration and practical solutions to South Africa’s most pressing agricultural challenges.
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