The national park at the southern end of Africa’s Great Rift Valley was once considered a wildlife paradise. Hippopotamuses lolled in the lush waters of Mozambique’s Lake Urema, and thousands of antelope bounded across the park’s savannas and floodplains. Elephant herds and prides of lions drew international tourists.

At an indoor farm in Silicon Valley, California, a mobile robot carries a tray of tiny plants—curly kale, Romaine lettuce, basil—to a robotic arm, which transplants them into a bigger tray to grow to size.

With the agricultural sector seen as an epicentre of growth and development across the African continent, many (myself included) have argued that the sector needs to attract young talent in order to maximise its potential.

Recent research has revealed that lion populations in southern Africa show a significant loss of genetic diversity, and the negative trend has been traced to when European colonial settlers arrived in the area, and to the outbreak of rinderpest in the region.

Experts use many numbers when talking about climate change. However, rising temparatures, the resulting crop failures, and the consequent loss of livelihoods and destitution of millions of households are this year’s most important and urgent development for millions of smallholder farmers across the vastness of the African agro-ecological landscapes.

One out of nine people in the world endures chronic hunger now, and climate change could put as many as 175 million additional people at risk of undernourishment by 2080.

I just read an insightful, recently published paper from the International Monetary Fund titled: Is the African Continental Free Trade Area a Game Changer for the Continent?

Make agriculture “sexy” to woo youth was the main message shared at a recent meeting for business and government leaders in Africa and India.

The government would ensure that “reinstatement of hunting is done in an orderly and ethical manner” and in accordance with the law and regulations, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism said in emailed statement.

Farmers are not only our food producers, they are also guardians of our natural resources: soils, water, biodiversity and seeds. They are, in addition, innovators. Since the beginning of agriculture, farmers have had to change, adapt and create new ways of working the land, of dealing with difficult terrains and of enduring extreme climates and weather phenomena.

ZAVENTEM, BELGIUM – May 29, 2019 – Zoetis’ African Livestock Productivity and Health Advancement (A.L.P.H.A.) initiative, which aims to improve livestock health and positively impact farmers’ livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa,  is increasing access to animal health education and infrastructure in its second year.

If scientists know how particular species are responding to the realities of global climate change, they can help to recommend better conservation strategies.

The resumption of U.S. soybean sales to China has helped to buoy the market in oilseeds, although traders warn that uncertainties remain. At the same time, a developing row between Canada and China threatens to divert trade flows in rapeseed. China’s demand for soybeans has been hit by a fall in demand for meal as the country’s hog herd is affected by African swine fever.

As of June 1, travelers to Tanzania will have to pack very carefully. The countryannounced the implementation of the second phase of its plastic bag ban on May 16. Visitors are advised to avoid packing or carrying any plastic bags as they’ll have to leave these at a designated desk in the airport.

The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) says exploiting the potential in cassava can accelerate Africa’s economic transformation. 

Listeria in processed meat products from South Africa, E. Coli in romaine lettuce in the US, Salmonella in eggs across Europe and Campylobacter in chicken liver pâté in Australia.

The outcomes of the national election place one key question in the minds of all farmers — what are their likely effect on the expropriation without compensation debate? Having recently visited Luxembourg, where Agri SA represented the interests of the SA agriculture value chain at the World Farmers’ Organisation, I can safely say the rest of the world would also like some clarity, but for broader reasons.

Global economic growth is forecast to ease to a weaker-than-expected 2.6% in 2019 before inching up to 2.7% in 2020. Growth in emerging market and developing economies is expected to stabilize next year as some countries move past periods of financial strain, but economic momentum remains weak.

Industrial agriculture – farming that involves the intensive production of livestock, poultry, fish and crops – is one of the most environmentally destructive forms of land use.

A group of analysts from around the world met last week in South Africa to discuss the outlook for agricultural markets over the next 10 years. The group agreed it is hard to hit a moving target.