South Africa started the 2023-24 summer crop season with optimism, but the outlook is now lower because of the excessive heat and limited rainfall across major crop-growing regions
Area plantings for maize and sunflower seed are above the five-year average
We are in for another good agricultural season, especially if January and February present favourable rainfall
There are weaknesses in the country’s biosecurity system, including the measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases
During El Niño spring rainfall will be above-normal for most of the country and below-normal summer rainfall over the central to western regions and above-normal rainfall in the northeast
The non-renewal of the Black Sea Grain Deal and India’s rice ban continue to weigh heavily on production
Refining wheat, maize and rice removes their nutritional value, which contributes to preventable diseases such as strokes, diabetes and obesity
Zimbabwe, once regarded as the breadbasket of Southern Africa exporting agricultural produce to the region and beyond, is on the verge of famine and chronic malnutrition is endemic throughout the country. Unlike other countries, where food insecurity is viewed as mostly a rural problem, Zimbabwe has a history of food security issues in the urban […]
Sixty percent of of Zimbabweans face acute food insecurity — about 5.5 million in rural areas and 2.2 million in urban areas
The maize yield is above the 10-year average even though the area planted is lower than last year
The weather remains topical across the Southern Hemisphere but has resulted in mixed fortunes
Supply constraints in fertiliser-producing countries, coupled with rising shipping, oil and gas costs has pushed up the price of imported commodities such as fertiliser, herbicide and insecticide prices
Though there is no going back and fixing what we have done, we can certainly all take responsibility for our corner of the world to ensure we have a fighting chance
But higher international commodity prices will keep input costs elevated for the livestock and poultry sector
In a recent study, the authors examined the climate change risk to 1 190 species used by 19 indigenous language groups in Southern Africa
Climate change not only affects the nutritional value of food crops, but also leaves the food supply system vulnerable to production shocks, study finds
Low fees are attracting investors to a range of listed exchange-traded products
The planting season started with predictions of a record crop but the weather had other plans
Senakhomo is recognised for her outstanding maize yields
Post-harvest management will reduce losses and improve food availability
The prospect of a bumper crop has caused prices to plummet and debts still have to be paid back.
Maize is a tough sell – but Lawrence Mtsweni and his daughters are keeping the dream alive.
The recent rains might ameliorate a bleak picture but there appears to be no silver lining to the problems ahead, including food supply.
Maize harvests are tipped to be lower, threatening food security and inflation in the entire region.
Wema was developed for dryland farmers, particularly smallholders, who are dependent mainly on rainfall.
While the impact is looking serious for Zimbabwe, the drought could also hit southern Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Namibia.
Given the agricultural potential in former homelands and the challenges of communal land policies, this may be the time to review them.
Talks between the South African and Chinese governments have concluded and the plan awaits political signing before first exports to China can begin.
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The Crop Estimates Committee’s forecast expects 2014’s maize harvest to be the largest in over three decades.
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The price of maize has slumped in expectation of a bumper crop and the biggest in over three decades.
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South Africa, Africa’s biggest maize producer, has had to import yellow maize for the first time since April 2012 as stocks remain tight.
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Escalting tensions in Ukraine are causing cereal supply disruptions to South Africa and pushing up food prices.
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