A letter to our farmers and agriculturalists
Dear farmers and agriculturalists, we are yet again approaching the end of another year. It has been a difficult year for most of us: we have battled increasing inflation and interest rates, high fuel costs and unprecedented load-shedding.
KZN farmers still reeling from the effects of last year’s floods
The flooding in April 2022 has been described as the most catastrophic natural disaster yet recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, and farmers are still recovering from the destruction. Jyothi Laldas reports.
Growing global awareness of future water insecurity
James Brand, executive for natural resources and environment at ENSafrica, and Cheri Young, senior associate of its banking and finance, say water management has to be stepped up to ensure sustainability.
The psychology of sales
At the recent Wagyu SA Conference 2023, held at Allee Bleue Wine Estate near Franschhoek in the Western Cape, Johan Strydom, the founder of Prime Wagyu, spoke about the way in which the psyche of different types of consumers affects their purchasing behaviour.
The quest for healthy food
The global food system is not broken but its resilience is threatened, according to researchers looking for answers to the problems around nutritional quality and inequalities in the food chains.
Could reptiles fill the food supply gaps?
Dr Patrick Aust, conservation scientist for People for Wildlife, looks at how reptiles can help improve food security in Africa.
Which is best: fresh or frozen meat?
Dr Kedibone Modika and Tebogo Pitse, agricultural economists at the Agricultural Research Council, look at how the flavour, colour and tenderness of beef change during the freezing and thawing process.
Five ways to make sure fermented food is safe for eating
Omololu Fagunwa, a research fellow at Queen’s University in Belfast, writes about the importance of fermented food in West African diets, and explains how to ensure that this food remains safe for eating.
Reasons for declining women numbers in agrifood systems – report
Declines in women’s employment in agrifood systems are evident in most regions, and few women are involved in the more profitable activities across various value chains, according to a new report.
Farmed meat versus lab-grown alternatives
Precision fermentation will be unlikely to disrupt the livestock industry but may provide high-value products for niche markets, says Prof Paul Wood of Monash University Clayton Campus, in Victoria, Australia.
How farmers can combat succulent poaching
The illegal trade of wild succulents, particularly Conophytum species, has left some on the brink of extinction. Glenneis Kriel reports on the situation and what farmers can do to help.
Hats off to women in agriculture!
In this segment, we speak to women in various industries of the agriculture sector about the challenges they face, and what they look forward to for the future of their businesses.
