Climate change and biodiversity loss are crippling agricultural production in Africa, a key exporter of staples such as cocoa, coffee, and maize, putting Europe’s food supply at risk. According to a report by UK-based Foresight Transitions, over half of EU food imports, including cocoa and coffee, come from countries that lack the resources to adapt to climate change. Many ...

Drought and insect infestations present severe risks to food security for over 300 million Africans reliant on maize as a staple crop. With climate change exacerbating these issues, maize yields have declined by 17–25% annually due to persistent drought conditions. This problem is further aggravated by pests, particularly those thriving in dry environments. In Kenya, ...

Maize is crucial to food security and economic sustainability in Nigeria and Africa. While improved maize varieties have the potential to boost agricultural productivity and profitability, their adoption is shaped by various social and economic factors. Recent studies emphasize the need for a gender-responsive approach to maize breeding to ensure that both women and men ...

Practical soil solutions for climate-smart maize production in South Africa As extreme weather events grow more common, South African farmers face a pressing challenge: producing high-yield maize crops while keeping soil healthy and resilient. In this context, sustainable agriculture practices have become critical to the survival and profitability of grain farmers in South Africa. Cultivating ...

By Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist, FNB Commercial 27 September 2024: Monitoring the 2023/24 harvest forecasts has been interesting following an El Nino-induced heat that decimated crops earlier in the year. After the initial optimism of a 14.36 million tons in the first estimate despite the drought conditions, the National Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) downgraded ...

The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, is proud to announce that Mooi River Beefmaster cattle and maize farmer, Guy English, has been awarded the title of 2024 KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year. English, 35, will go on to represent Kwanalu and all KZN farmers at the 2024 Toyota SA/ Agri SA National Young Farmer ...

TELA Maize variety on IAR Research Farm in Minjibir, Kano State. Photo: AATF Agriculture has always been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing 22.35 per cent to the country’s GDP and providing livelihoods for about 70 per cent of the population. Yet, despite its importance, the sector faces significant challenges in meeting local food demands ...

Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing 22.35% to the country’s GDP and providing livelihoods for 70% of the population. Despite its importance, the sector faces challenges in meeting local food demands and exporting products. With only 34 million hectares of arable land utilized, there is vast potential for growth. Hence, the government must ...

by Wandile Sihlobo The Southern African region continues to face climate-related challenges that place its agricultural sector and food supply at risk. The mid-summer drought of 2024 has devasted the regional maize supplies, a staple food crop for the region. So far, the focus has been on the losses farmers are experiencing, but soon, consumer pressures ...

Regulating corn growth is vital for achieving high and stable yields, enhancing the crop’s resilience, and improving its lodging resistance. Dwarfing Plants and Delaying Stem Elongation: – Prevents excessive elongation during the seedling stage. – Reduces plant height by 20-30 cm and increases stem thickness. – Enhances resistance to lodging, reducing yield losses caused by ...