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Opinion

The farmer’s weekly team gives their opinions on all aspects of the farming, sparking conversation and providing insights.

The importance of global trade

With countries adopting more protectionist policies due to rising fears of a global food crisis, this report discusses the importance and need for world trade in agricultural commodities.

‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030: a goal becomes a mirage

The number of people affected by hunger and undernourishment around the world is expected to remain high even up to 2030, largely due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19...

Can alternative food sources feed the world’s growing population?

A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations looks at alternative food options that could be used to feed the world’s growing population. However, as the...

How to boost innovation in African agriculture

While sub-Saharan Africa is ready and willing to adopt digital solutions to improve agricultural production, this region still needs to overcome many barriers.

Regenerative farming’s role in food security

By implementing regenerative practices, South African maize farmers have the power to help prevent a food security crisis, say researchers Mary Maluleke and Prof James Blignaut.

The trends driving global tea production

Innovation and premium brands characterise the tea market, which is attracting a growing number of young buyers, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

‘Free’ the private sector – and watch SA thrive!

The buck stops with government, whose policymakers should stop scapegoating and allow South Africa’s economy to flourish in a free market, writes Temba Nolutshungu of the Free Market Foundation.

Logistics: the weak link in SA’s raisin industry

Ideal climatic conditions and access to irrigation have helped to propel South Africa’s raisin industry to ever-greater heights. But deficient logistics infrastructure and a lack of processing capacity are hampering...

How Namibia’s farmers have fared amid COVID-19 and other challenges

In a recent report, the Namibia Agricultural Union outlined the state of that country’s agriculture sector, and how it has been affected by COVID-19 and other factors.

Groundwater: key to Africa’s agri potential

Groundwater is an essential tool in agricultural production. However, it remains an untapped resource in Africa, as this recently published report shows.

Energy storage can enhance SA agriculture

Energy-related challenges pose a significant obstacle to the agriculture sector’s continued growth in South Africa, says Abraham Cambridge, founder and CEO of The Sun Exchange, which specialises in solar-energy projects.

Captive breeding and wildlife trafficking

According to a UN report, there is evidence that captive breeding is being used in some instances as a guise for the illegal trafficking of wildlife and their body parts.

Managing the risk of wildfires

A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme says wildfires will become an increasing reality for the world due to climate change and other factors. Thus, fire management and...

Climate change: why the world cannot afford a disorderly transition

A new report states that the lack of coordinated action on climate change poses profound dangers to society. Amongst these is an increase in already stark inequalities.

Welcome back to SA’s agri shows!

The year is certainly flying by at lightning speed, and it’s incredible that we are already entering the annual cycle of agricultural shows in South Africa.

Alternatives to using plastics in agricultural production

While the use of plastics has helped farmers to produce more with less, the material presents an enormous environmental issue. This report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the...

The scandal of food wastage: prepare for regulatory pressure

In South Africa, about 30% of local agricultural production is wasted every year, which is equivalent to an estimated R60 billion, or around 2% of GDP. In a country where...

Combating the effects of soil pollution

Soil pollution is a serious challenge worldwide, resulting in environmental damage and potential health hazards to people and animals. This report examines affordable ways in which farmers can limit its...

Why SA dairy farmers are failing to compete with imports

It is often argued that the ability of the local dairy industry to grow or even survive will depend on the extent to which it can compete with imported dairy products....

How civil society can help SA’s fight against food insecurity

A new study on emergency food relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, by researchers Camilla Adelle and Ashley Haywood, shows how civil society groups can help to restore South Africa’s...
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