How Africa can benefit from a strong agri sector
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations argues that African governments need to invest more in their agriculture sectors in order to promote growth, create...
Rural safety: perception vs reality
Finding effective and lasting solutions to rural crime will require a collective response from individuals, community organisations, government structures and the police, writes Uys van der Westhuijzen, chairperson of the...
COVID-19 and the rise of organic farming
According to the 2021 statistics yearbook ‘The World of Organic Agriculture’, which presents the latest statistics and emerging trends in organic farming from 187 countries around the world, organic farmland...
Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss
Climate change is inextricably linked to the accelerating destruction of nature. This report discusses how natural climate solutions, which include land management programmes that increase carbon dioxide storage and reduce...
South Africa’s ‘real tobacco wars’
According to Shadrack Ntando Sibisi, executive chairperson of the South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance, the five-month long ban on the sale of tobacco products, which formed part of Government’s COVID-19...
Error 404: the barriers to digital inclusivity
Progress towards digital inclusivity is threatened by growing digital dependency, automation, information suppression, and gaps in regulation and capabilities, notes the World Economic Forum’s latest Global Risks Report.
How satellite data can boost agriculture
The use of Earth observation has brought about dramatic improvements in agricultural practices and access to water. A new report published by the World Economic Forum details how Earth observations...
COVID-19 and disillusionment: the impending crisis of unskilled youths
The present generation of youth has endured a number of profoundly disruptive global events during their lifetime, the latest of which is the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders need to initiate efforts...
What SA’s red meat industry must fix before scaling up exports
Export markets offer potentially lucrative trade opportunities for South Africa’s red meat industry. However, to profit fully from such opportunities, stakeholders in the industry need to take careful note of...
What hampers farm mechanisation in Africa?
Urbanisation, increased food demand, rising rural wages, and seasonal labour bottlenecks have led to the interest in promoting agricultural mechanisation in sub-Saharan Africa. A new report by the International Food...
The role of forests in global food security
The expansion of agriculture increases the risk of deforestation, which will not only have a negative impact on climate change mitigation, but also diminish food security for millions of desperately...
Understanding the role of the Maize Trust
The Maize Trust and various other boards are essential for research and development in the agriculture sector.
‘Agriculture must brag about its quality produce’
Mpumelelo Mkhabela, a political analyst, says that it is crucial for the South African agriculture sector to highlight the quality of its produce on international markets.
A return to normality beckons
Dr Roelof Botha, economic advisor to the Optimum Investment Group, explains the factors that leads him to believe that 2021 may be a return to greater normality.
Agriculture in the year ahead
The past year has been tumultuous with poor economic growth and rising unemployment. However, the agriculture sector still offers huge opportunities for risk takers, says Theo Venter, an independent political...
Agricultural Development Agency: The story continues
The Agricultural Development Agency was launched in February 2020, but is already going full steam ahead to support the black farming sector and improve national food security.
Expropriation without compensation: A looming catastrophe
A study commissioned by Agri SA shows that should land expropriation without compensation be pursued, South Africa’s economy will take a drastic turn for the worse.
Giving the environment a legal right to thrive
Global warming and climate change are expected to lead to the extinction of various forms of wildlife, as well as severe water shortages and famine, threatening the lives of millions...
Benefits and risks of a digitised farm sector
Digital technology can make food markets more efficient and inclusive. However, according to a recent report, the digital divide places farmers in some of the world’s poorest regions at risk...
Feeding Africa’s fast-growing cities
Africa’s rapidly growing urban food markets offer significant opportunities for the continent’s farmers and agribusinesses. Yet, according to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa’s ‘Africa Agriculture Status Report...
