The Nation in Conversation platform brings leaders together to discuss issues that influence agriculture, food security and rural development
Tough decisions ahead for humankind, if we hope to save the planet
South Africa faces an impending food security crisis if there isn’t urgent action to correct unsustainable practices
The 2.2% growth in the gross domestic product in the third quarter equates to an annualised 1.1% improvement from a year ago
Attempts at agricultural transformation in Africa have failed largely because of revenge and populist and ideologically driven reforms
The country has initiatives to create jobs, but this is hampered by poor co-ordination and education — ultimately failing to match people to employers
The economy is looking shakier than ever after Stats SA announced that it had shrank by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter
Agricultural entrepreneur and co-founder, Green Terrace
Brian Whittaker explains how expropriation without compensation will require careful management by the state
Women farmers produce 80% of Africa’s food, but only own 1% of the land
Land tenure determines who can use land, for how long and under what conditions
‘We empower other farmers, especially the youth and women’
The cost of producing and transporting agricultural crops will come under pressure, as 80% of grain is transported by road
Although Africa has the highest proportion of young people, it has the highest prevalence of hunger
Weak annual growth will put the 2018 fiscal targets outlined by the treasury in the February Budget under strain
Looking at Kenya’s rainwater harvesting, the government favours runoff systems in the form of dams because they can serve a larger population
Africa’s declaration to boost agriculture on the continent has seem some progress but a lot still needs to be done
‘The people of the province must put their shoulders to the wheel’
Millions have been allocated to develop smallholder black farmers
The system of dams that supplies the City of Cape Town is at an average of 23.23% full, compared to last week’s 23.7%
In periods of water stress, farmers need support, research assistance and empathy from governments and competing water users
To stimulate innovation in the agriculture sector, education and training is in dire need of substantial reform.
Higher borrowing costs will hurt farmers who need credit to operate and are just getting over the drought
"If we all just changed our methodology to one that is agro-ecological, which mimics nature, we could save up to 70% of our water consumption."
With investment in agriculture and data, African states could end famine — and reap the reward
More extreme variations between wet and dry seasons will make life harder for Egypt’s farmers
Innovative joint ventures are one way in which land reform can complement agricultural production
A productive farm has gone to ruin because of official ineptitude and a lack of planning.
GreenAgri —
Runner-up: Innovations for Climate Change Adaptation
There is a shortage of farmers and the occupation is ageing. The UK alone needs 60 000 newcomers in the sector in the next ten years.
Farmers are leaving in droves and land is lying fallow in the face of the worst drought in 23 years.
Africa’s farming potential is huge and the continent has a hungry and ballooning population to feed.