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.
Optimal macadamia production requires an investment in soil
Macadamia farming is a long-term investment that could keep paying off for decades to come if a solid foundation has been laid. Farmer Johan Swanepoel spoke to Lindi Botha about establishing new orchards, and the benefits to be reaped from managing soil health from the start.
Data: hoard it and lose it, or share it and advance
In an increasingly digital world, data is as much an asset as physical resources are. As applications develop, the need to collect mass data to provide personalised solutions is becoming more prevalent. This leaves producers with an uneasy choice of whether or not to share data. Feroz Sheikh, chief information and digital officer at Syngenta, spoke to Lindi Botha about why farmers should share their data, and how to do so safely.
Biological crop protection: it’s tricky but possible
Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm’s uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.
Blueberry production: a steep learning curve but worth the effort
Blueberries have been identified as an ideal crop for boosting agriculture’s contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product. Given the labour-intensive nature of this crop and its lucrative export market, investing in it was an obvious choice for Pan African Resources and Primocane Capital as a means of supporting rural communities near Barberton in Mpumalanga.
Food trends increase scope for value-adding opportunities
From veganism to upcycling, new food trends present avenues for value adding and exploring new markets. After a recent visit to Switzerland, Lindi Botha reports on two companies making headway in that country.
South African farmers ahead with climate resilience – COP29
Finance talks at the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) offered up an increase in the funding for developing countries to adapt to climate change and put mitigation measures in place.
COP29 finance talks off to a shaky start
As the world gathers in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), climate change financing and mitigation seems more uncertain than ever.
Avocado market access overshadowed by high import barriers
While South Africa faces stiff competition for its avocados in export markets, it is import tariffs and non-tariff barriers that result in the biggest hindrance to our export growth.
Essential oils: the secret to a Gauteng farm’s success
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
Court says GMO regulator didn’t follow proper procedure
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has put the brakes on the commercial release of Bayer’s drought-tolerant maize variety MON87460, citing that the Department of Agriculture and the Executive Council (EC) for Generically Modified Organisms (GMO) did not follow due diligence in their risk assessment when they approved the permit.
Macadamia growers urged to not rely on China only
The macadamia industry is at risk of repeating past mistakes by once again becoming overly reliant on the Chinese market, which could lead to further disruptions.
Taking the guesswork out of crop production
Balancing a short- and a long-term payoff in crop farming requires careful consideration of inputs. Johann Pistorius, who farms maize and soya bean in the Nigel area, spoke to Lindi Botha about how he doubled his yield by reducing his inputs.
Poor policies in the spotlight on World Food Day
Despite the fact that South Africa is an agricultural powerhouse, over 20% of its population is food insecure, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). With World Food Day commemorated on 16 October, agricultural organisations are turning their attention to policies that hinder food security.
Pomegranates: easy to grow in the right climate
As unfussy as they come, pomegranates are a relatively easy crop to cultivate. With market conditions picking up, the fruit offers first-time, part-time and long-time farmers an attractive option should they find themselves in the right climate. Lindi Botha reports on the success of a farm in Gauteng.
World Cotton Day highlights importance of GM technology
South African cotton farmers’ yields are double that of the average in Africa, highlighting the importance of having access to genetically modified (GM) seed.
The real reason fresh produce transformation has stalled
Transformation in the fresh produce sector faces a significant challenge in that small-scale producers are unable to stay the course. Lindi Botha reports on how overwhelming obstacles, such as defunct government infrastructure and the high cost of food safety compliance, are shattering these farmers’ prospects for success.
Surplus piles up for cannabis farmers due to market challenges
Government has expedited hemp permits for farmers and has issued 1 100 since cannabis was declared an agricultural crop in 2021. However, little attention is being paid to the rest of the value chain, resulting in an abundance of biomass for which there is no market.
Interest rate drops marginally, but signals better times ahead
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has lowered the policy rate by 25 basis points to 8% per annum. This will take effect from 20 September, bringing relief to debt-laden consumers and farmers.
Award-winning farmer achieves success through diversified business
The Agricultural Writers SA National Farmer of the Year 2023, Dewald te Water, runs a diversified agriculture and construction business in Mpumalanga. Growing the business from scratch, he has proved the value of hard work, perseverance, and not being afraid to take risks.
South Africa’s fruit exports at risk as carbon tax looms
Coal-based power is the main source of carbon emissions in fruit production. With the carbon tax looming over South Africa’s export markets, the shift to renewable energy is all the more urgent. However, as Lindi Botha reports, Eskom has few such plans in place.
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