Farming & Agriculture
Covering the latest trends, news and stories across Southern Africa.
From Egg to Market: The Business Timelines of Southern Africa’s Poultry Sector
For the poultry farmer, the clock starts not when the bird leaves the shell, but when the egg first feels the warmth of incubation. The length of that journey - 16 days for a quail, 46 days for an ostrich - can determine how quickly capital returns, how often the...
How to Monetize Rural Land in Southern Africa
Rural land in Southern Africa holds untapped potential for economic development and wealth creation. With proper planning and innovative approaches, landowners can transform their properties into profitable ventures while contributing to local economies. This article...
How Agro-Processing Can Boost Zimbabwe’s Economy
Agro-processing—the transformation of raw agricultural products into finished or semi-finished goods—is a critical driver of economic growth in many developing countries. In Zimbabwe, agro-processing holds immense potential to enhance the value of agricultural...
Climate Resilience Strategies for Zimbabwe’s Farmers
Climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture in Zimbabwe, affecting crop yields, water availability, and food security. Farmers across the country are experiencing erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased pest infestations, all of which...
The Importance of Accurate Valuation for Biological Assets in Farming
In the ever-evolving world of agribusiness, biological assets—such as livestock, crops, and other living organisms—play a pivotal role in the financial health of the business. Unlike traditional assets, biological assets are dynamic, growing and changing in value over...
South Africa’s Maize Market: A Strategic Overview for Businesses in the Value Chain
The maize value chain in South Africa plays a pivotal role in food security, economic stability, and industrial production. From farmers and millers to traders and exporters, every participant contributes to maintaining a reliable supply of maize across local and...
The Rise of Organic Farming: Opportunities for Zimbabwean Farmers
Organic farming is gaining momentum globally as consumers increasingly prioritize health, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. In Zimbabwe, this trend presents significant opportunities for farmers to tap into growing local and international demand for...
Mashona Cattle: The Past, Present, and Future of Zimbabwe’s Agricultural Gem
Mashona cattle, a breed deeply rooted in Zimbabwe’s history, have emerged as a vital asset in beef and hide farming worldwide. Known for their adaptability, reproductive efficiency, and exceptional beef quality, this breed has transitioned from being a local treasure...
Agri-Tech in Zimbabwe: Tools for Modernizing Farms
Agriculture has been the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy for decades, contributing significantly to employment, food security, and exports. However, challenges such as climate change, resource constraints, and fluctuating market conditions have highlighted the need for...
Ethiopia’s Coffee Riches Brew More Than Just a Cup
Coffee lovers, raise your mugs! While your morning latte might hail from distant lands, the true coffee connoisseur knows the origin story begins in Ethiopia. This East African nation boasts a heritage intertwined with the very bean, and sipping Ethiopian coffee is...
Export Opportunities for Smallholder Farmers in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s smallholder farmers form the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security and rural livelihoods. Beyond local markets, the global demand for organic and sustainably produced goods presents untapped export...
Namibia the Rising Wine Country in Africa
NAMIBIA exported nine million 4,5kg cartons of grapes this year, more than initially expected and surpassing previous exports of 8,5 million cartoons in the 2020/21 season, FreshPlaza reported. Namibia may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking...
How Israel became the Most Advanced Country in Agriculture
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, early settlers who decided to settle in the lands of Israel faced a huge challenge: how to farm in conditions of sweltering heat and minimal rainfall. The land was catastrophically barren, but the desire to make this area...
Donkey Business in Botswana
One man’s meat is another men’s poison. This phrase came so close to its literal meaning in the donkey business recently established in Africa. While many are grossed out by just the thought of eating donkey meat, some consider it a delicacy. This phenomenon only...
Beefy Exports: Opening Up the Beef and Meat by Products Industry
According to FAO, the world has 1.468 billion head of cattle, and Botswana has 2.5 million of that herd, and it is estimated to account for less than 2% of Botswana's GDP. On the other hand, Botswana is a cattle country dating back to pre-colonialism, and its...