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.
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.
Agriculture sector steps up as state falters
The agriculture sector has again proven its resilience this year, tackling the challenges of government failure and finding opportunity in adversity, a theme highlighted at the Agri SA Atlas congress as industry leaders showed how farmers are shaping their future.
Quality food, not empty calories, is key to solving food insecurity
Food insecurity in South Africa is increasing, despite the country being a net exporter of food and achieving a bumper maize crop this year.
Pigs of the future: genetics shaping a more resilient herd
Advances in pig genetics are rapidly changing breeding and herd management. With digital phenotyping and artificial intelligence, breeders can now select pigs not just for growth and efficiency but also resilience, behaviour, and adaptability to changing climate and management conditions.
Denny closure: those who act fast to fill supply gaps will score
The closure of the Denny Mushrooms farm in Phesantekraal in the Western Cape has sparked speculation over the feasibility of mushroom farming and whether the local market will now face a supply shortage.
Pork industry poised for growth in coming decade
Pork consumption has experienced steady growth in recent years amid rising global demand for meat. However, as much of this is attributed to pork’s relative affordability compared with other proteins, pork producers have little room to expand already tight margins.
No confirmed cases of pesticide resistance in tomato leaf miner
The tomato leaf miner moth is becoming increasingly challenging for tomato farmers to combat. However, CropLife SA says that although some pesticide applications have been ineffective, the pest has not yet shown resistance to any active ingredients.
Have your say in new stock theft study
A newly approved national study aims to investigate the role that community engagement plays in preventing livestock theft.
