Zimbabwe emerges as global leader in blueberry exports

Zimbabwe emerges as global leader in blueberry exports

In a noteworthy development, Zimbabwe is making strides in reclaiming its status as Africa's breadbasket, with a recent report by East Fruit Analyst highlighting a remarkable increase in blueberry exports. Contrary to prevailing challenges, this positive trend shows a potential economic turnaround for the country. According to the East Fruit Analyst report, Zimbabwe has outpaced global competitors in blueberry exports, experiencing an impressive 63% annual growth over the past five […]

November 28, 2023 17

Namibia

Schlettwein wants improved agricultural practices for Green Schemes

Following a tour of the B2Gold Mine’s Agricultural farm in the Otjozondjupa region, the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein suggested integrating the farm's production practices into Government Green Schemes for an increased yield.

November 23, 2023 23

Environment

A Basic understanding of farm enterprise diversification

By Erastus Ngaruka, Technical Advisor: Livestock Agricultural production involves growing crops and rearing livestock, in order to produce a range of commodities or end-products. Farm enterprise diversification is simply the practice of producing a range of commodities as opposed to a single commodity on farmland. Diversification constitutes the process of allocating farm resources or the factors of production land, labor and capital) to different enterprises. This process identifies valuable or […]

November 22, 2023 21

Africa

UN declares 2023 as International Year of Millet

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet/Mahangu, with the aim of increasing public awareness of the health benefits of millets and their suitability for cultivation under tough conditions marked by climate change. Here is the Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Sabine Böhlke-Möller.

November 21, 2023 20

Africa

Climate change and farming: economists warn more needs to be done to adapt in sub-Saharan Africa

Abeeb Babatunde Omotoso, North-West University and Abiodun Olusola Omotayo, North-West University Sub-Saharan African countries strongly rely on the agricultural and forestry sectors. Agriculture contributes up to 60% of some countries’ gross domestic product. But the sector is highly vulnerable to climate change because it relies heavily on climatic factors. This vulnerability is particularly marked in the region because of its slow rate of technological advancement. As agricultural economists we carried […]

November 17, 2023 20

Environment

The Basics of Fruit Tree Production

By Hanks Saisai, Technical Advisor: Crops & Poultry Growing fruit trees can be a very rewarding business venture; however, it requires farmers to possess essential knowledge and understanding to profitably grow trees of high value. Farmers need to understand that growing fruit trees requires knowledge of basic land preparation, seedling purchase and caring for the trees until they reach maturity. Namibia‘s semi-arid environment offers an opportune environment for fruit tree […]

November 17, 2023 15

Environment

An Overview: Impact of rural urban migration on agriculture

By: Erastus Ngaruka, Technical Advisor: Livestock and Rangeland Management Rural-urban migration refers to the movement of people from rural to urban areas, or simply from villages to towns or cities. This migration is triggered by several socioeconomic factors, such as employment, business, education, and health, among others. In Namibia, the phenomenon is particularly conspicuous, as evidenced by the influx of people from rural to urban areas in recent years in […]

November 15, 2023 10

Africa

“Do not overlook Africa’s multi-trillion food and agribusiness sector” African Development Bank chief tells investors at World Food Prize Dialogue

Africa’s food and agribusiness will be worth an estimated US$11 trillion by 2030, African Development Bank President Dr Akinwumi Adesina told participants of the World Food Prize Foundation’s Norman E. Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday. The annual event in America’s agricultural heartland, revolved around this year’s theme of “harnessing change,” with delegates and panellists exploring innovative ideas to shore up innovation, adaptation, and diversification, and mechanisms for improving resilience, recovery from […]

October 30, 2023 5

Environment

Fruit Production an untapped Agribusiness with many Opportunities

By Hanks Saisai, Technical Advisor: Crops & Poultry According to a study conducted by the Namibian Agronomic Board, Namibia ‘s fruit production sector accounts for about 4% of local production (a mere 732 tons) compared to an estimated 20 282tons imported from other countries to meet local demand. Most fruits consumed in Namibia such as apples, pears and bananas are seldom produced in Namibia. To this end, oranges and grapes […]

October 30, 2023 17