Climate change: alarming report predicts 30% drop in crop revenue, 50 million without water
African countries will suffer significant economic loss after 2050 if global warming is not limited to below 2°C, a new study by the Center for Global Development has found.
Potassium in our soil is running low, threatening global food security – new study proposes a way out
Will Brownlie, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Mark Maslin, UCL, and Peter Alexander, The University of Edinburgh Soils around the world are running low on potassium, a key nutrient needed for plants to grow. This ultimately means we may not be able to grow enough food for everyone. But it’s not too late: we […]
17 million South Africans live on communal land – new study of a rural valley offers insights on how to manage it
The Tyhume River, flowing from the forested Amathole Mountains in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, gives its name to a valley of 20 villages on communal land.
Medicinal plants help keep children healthy in South Africa: 61 species were recorded
In 2021, almost 33 of every 1,000 South African children under five years old died.
Wetlands are superheroes: expert sets out how they protect people and places
In the past, wetlands were often seen as undesirable landscapes – waterlogged areas that were difficult to navigate, impossible to build on or farm, and a source of pests such as mosquitoes.
Tobias Doyer: New Grain SA CEO
The Grain SA Group of Entities, the voluntary industry organisation that provides commodity strategic support and services to the grain and oilseed producers of South Africa, today announced the appointment of Dr Tobias Doyer as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 08 January 2024. Recognised as an accomplished and forward-thinking leader, Doyer brings a […]
No need for panic buying of eggs, says Didiza
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, has assured that the avian influenza outbreak is under control, with 70% of farms not infected by the disease and continuing to produce eggs and chickens. In a statement issued by the department, Didiza said the egg stock levels are replenishing steadily and there is no […]
Seeds of Change: Insights from Dr. Mike Barrow’s Quest for Resilient Maize Varieties
Written by Zylem and RegenZ We recently caught up with Dr Mike Barrow to discuss the reintroduction of maize genetics into modern breeding programmes, particularly for small-scale farmers. Dr Barrow worked as a Maize Breeder for Pannar for 37 years. His numerous hybrids were widely sold in Africa within the small-scale sector. For over three […]
South Africa and renewable energy: a 12-year old programme offers insights for countries moving to cleaner power sources
Written by Aalia Cassim, University of the Witwatersrand; Imraan Valodia, University of the Witwatersrand; Julia Taylor, University of the Witwatersrand, and Rod Crompton, University of the Witwatersrand There are many unknowns about how societies will manage the climate transition. And the associated energy transition from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable energy. The climate transition will require significant levels of investment – estimated at […]
Advanced feed mixer improves dairy cattle health
Choosing the right feeding system can mean the difference between a thriving herd or one that just exists according to Dylan Eagleston who recently made the switch to a Trioliet feed mixer. The Stockton Farm is a dairy farm based in Creighton KwaZulu Natal where Dylan has used the Trioliet Feeding Wagon for several months […]