farminglatest news & developments
The protagonist Mkhondwana, portrayed by Thembekile Komani.
Photo: Mzansi Magic

A love letter to AmaMpondo

Mpondoland brings the rich history, spirituality and resilience of AmaPondo to screen, exploring identity, community and the fight for economic freedom

Studies estimate that if women had equal access to resources, their yields could increase by 20% to 30%.

Pilot programmes are over – Africa’s agriculture must scale, with women at its heart

Ask African governments how they feel about agricultural innovation and their answer might surprise you. “They’re tired,” says Vanessa Adams, Founder and CEO of Level4International, an organisation that aims to improve the adaptation of agri-food and farming systems to climate change. “They don’t want any more pilot programmes. Innovations that benefit 5 000 people are […]

The data released by Statistics South Africa showed that agricultural gross value added expanded by 15,8% quarter-on-quarter (seasonally adjusted) in the first quarter of 2025.

South Africa’s agricultural performance so far this year is not all doom and gloom

The outbreak of animal disease is a concern but there’s good news from the field crops, horticulture and poultry sectors

The ban comes on the back of improved domestic production in Zimbabwe. Photo: File

Reasons for optimism about farm harvest prospects In South Africa

Estimates for maize and oilseeds are up, boosting predictions of a recovery year in agriculture

The current shortage of avocados should not be a primary concern for consumers but rather a temporary inconvenience.  (Mariana Greif Etchebehere/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

South Africa’s avocado export agreement with Japan could boost economy

Recent export agreements with Asian countries are a balm for South Africa, after Botswana and Namibia’s ban on the country’s citrus.

Botswana has banned the imports of certain fresh produce including oranges and lemons. (Phill Magakoe/Getty Images)

Botswana’s ban on local citrus produce will hurt farmers and the economy

The ban on South Africa produce is contrary to international rules of trade, economists said

As voters, we have to scrutinise policies carefully and use our voting power to force parties to address the climate crisis. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Elections 2024: Consider the climate when making your cross

Climate change needs to be front and centre of party manifestos

Tim Nectar Farms is an accredited training academy headed up by agroecologist Tim Abaa. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

There’s nectar in Orange Farm’s urban gardens

Tim Nectar Farms, an accredited training academy that consists of a three hectare organic farm and a backyard garden, is transforming residents’ ideas about food

A new report predicts that the effect of climate change will cause a 4% drop in visitors Kruger National Park by 2050. (Photo by Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Climate change threatens livelihoods in South Africa

A new report predicts that the effect of climate change will cause a 4% drop in visitors Kruger National Park by 2050

The Jolly Good Farm  in Albertskroon, run by Anique and Jonathon Pinkhard, is next to the Alberts Farm conservancy and produces a variety of vegetables in what was once a parking area. Photos: Derek Davey

Urban farms in Joburg are a jolly good idea

Anyone can grow their own food. It may be hard work, but you learn as you go and it is rewarding

A protest on the Taliep Petersen Bridge on Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Cape Town on Monday against live animal export and the cattle ship in Cape Town Harbour on 19 February 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / ER Lombard)

End the practice of shipping livestock by sea

Cows on a ship in Cape Town in a horrible situation lead to more calls for it to end

El Niño is expected to cause a loss of rainfall

El Niño, news and reflection

Taking a step back this week, there is still great cause for optimism about 2023-24’s agricultural output