insert_link Business / Economics We need a better understanding of how crops fare under solar panels, study shows Farmers in Bihar, India, growing crops amidst solar panels. Image by C. de Bode/CGIAR via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0). By Ruth Kamnitzer via MongaBay The dream of agrivoltaics is to generate your electricity and eat your edamame too. But a recent study in Agroforestry Systems shows that agrivoltaics — growing food beneath solar panels — is not so simple. Research published in September finds that overall crop yields decrease when paired with solar panels and offers […] today24 January, 2024
Environment South Africa’s Agulhas long-billed lark: adapting and surviving despite farming taking over their nesting grounds By Robert Leslie Thomson, University of Cape Town The Agulhas long-billed lark (Certhilauda brevirostris) is only found in South Africa. It builds nests on the ground mainly in Renosterveld fynbos, a type of vegetation filled with grasses and wild spring flowers that is critically endangered by agricultural expansion. The University of Cape Town’s FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology recently published the first study into the nesting practices of […] today23 January, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Major Belgian factory investment marks development of new harvester set to enhance arable farm efficiency World-leading combine harvester to be produced at New Holland’s Center of Harvesting Excellence in Zedelgem, Belgium Machine to be produced on completely renewed assembly line part-funded by government support alongside investment from parent firm CNH Industrial New CR11 combine extends further the productivity, efficiency and sustainability credentials of the existing world-record-holding CR10.90 In a major development in high-capacity harvesting set to help large farms gather their crops more efficiently […] today22 January, 2024
insert_link Namibia Call for youth to be given land for farming. In order to ensure food security in the country, farmers in the northern region of the country are busy ploughing their fields in anticipation of a good harvest. Local youth, Willem Amutenya, has though called on traditional authorities to allocate land to young individuals for farming purposes, saying that young people are capable of contributing to the agricultural sector if given the opportunity. Amutenya further encouraged his fellow youth to […] today18 January, 2024
insert_link Namibia Opuwo Town Council issues warning as roaming livestock hinder development The Opuwo Town Council has issued a warning to livestock owners to maintain suitable enclosures to keep their livestock from roaming within the town’s boundaries. Extensive amounts of livestock, including goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs, are currently being kept within the town’s boundaries, with some being brought in from neighbouring villages. The growth in the animal population poses unique challenges, with the town council’s technical director, Karui Rikambura, describing […] today15 January, 2024
insert_link Africa 60% of Africa’s food is based on wheat, rice and maize – the continent’s crop treasure trove is being neglected By Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine African countries have become reliant on a few food items. Just 20 plant species now provide 90% of our food, with three – wheat, maize and rice – accounting for 60% of all calories consumed on the continent and globally. This deprives the continent of diverse food sources, at the very time when research has found massive food and […] today15 January, 2024
Business / Economics The Year of Expectations: Converting uncertainty into opportunity By Josef Kefas Sheehama This time of year is always a welcome opportunity to reflect on what is most important. His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia has declared 2024 as “The Year of Expectations”. As Namibia approaches the general elections in 2024, there is immense pressure on political leaders to tackle these economic challenges and implement policies that will deliver an inclusive […] today11 January, 2024
insert_link Africa From nursing dreams to snail farmer: Ama Serwa Ennin cultivates success in Ghana’s booming snail ndustry By Sefakor Fekpe, via bird story agency Ama Serwaa Ennin squats in a greenhouse, proudly showing off her farming produce, her hands full. What she's holding is her source of pride and future income. But this is not grain or legumes or even beans of the sort usually proffered up in tales of African farming success. Instead, her hands are holding two snails - giant African snails, to be […] today9 January, 2024