Agriculture

South Africa’s beef industry under pressure due to FMD outbreak

Photo: The Herald South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in Moqhaka Local Municipality, near Kroonstad in the Free State. The farm was placed under quarantine on 8 July after livestock exhibited clinical symptoms and positive test results were confirmed. As of July 2025, a staggering 270 outbreaks across five provinces have been recorded, with 249 still unresolved. KwaZulu-Natal […]

15 July, 2025

Namibia

Namibia lifts maize seed import ban from South Africa

Maize field Photo: Namibia Agronomic Board The Agriculture Ministry has lifted its temporary ban on maize seed imports from South Africa, after confirming that the recent outbreaks of Goss’s Wilt found in imported seeds pose a limited threat to grain quality. The restriction, initially implemented as a precaution following reports of Goss’s Wilt, has now been lifted following a rigorous review and update of phytosanitary import measures. The new protocols […]

25 June, 2025

Africa

African Union launches agricultural strategy to increase food security

A farmer applies conservation agriculture techniques, emphasizing soil cover, minimal disturbance, and crop diversity.Photo:Berthold Malyata / GIZ Namibia The African Union (AU) has launched the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035, aiming to enhance food production, increase agricultural trade, and reduce post-harvest losses across the continent. Speaking at the launch in Kempton Park, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, […]

7 May, 2025

Environment

NamWater Reports Positive Inflows in Key Dams Across the Country

NamWater has reported significant inflows into major dams across the country following recent rainfall, boosting water security for agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption. According to the 24 February dam bulletin, Omatako Dam saw a substantial increase, now at 24.8% capacity, while Friedenau Dam reached 46.8%. The Otjivero Main and Silt Dams also recorded inflows, improving supply in the Gobabis region. In the south, Neckartal Dam, Namibia’s largest, rose to 81.2%, […]

25 February, 2025

Environment

Drought Puts 1.26 Million at Risk of Food Insecurity

A severe drought has disrupted farming, placing over 1.26 million people—40% of the population—at risk of food insecurity. The delayed rainy season and insufficient rainfall have worsened planting conditions. Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein has provided an update on the crisis.

22 February, 2025

Namibia

Agriculture Ministry to Cancel Unused Stock Brands

The Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform ministry through the Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System, has issued a notice that all unused stock brands will be cancelled by April 30. Farmers must verify and update their registrations before the deadline. Simon Nghipandulwa is the Ministry’s spokesperson.

14 February, 2025

Namibia

Land Expropriation Without Compensation Proposed in Parliament

A heated debate is expected in the National Assembly as LPM's Utaara Mootu tabled a motion calling for the expropriation of land from foreign absentee landlords without compensation. Mootu argues that the current resettlement policy benefits the wealthy elite, leaving many landless Namibians without access to agricultural land. The motion challenges Article 16 of the Namibian Constitution, which protects property rights, and has sparked strong reactions from various political factions. […]

14 February, 2025

Namibia

Agriculture Ministry lifts ban on maize and palm product imports

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has lifted the ban on the importation and transit of maize, maize products, and palm products from South Africa with immediate effect. However, restrictions remain in place for maize seeds intended for planting. The ministry has not provided further details on when or if these restrictions will be reviewed. Ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa confirmed the decision, stressing that the […]

31 January, 2025

Namibia

Zambezi Residents Alarmed by Armyworm Damage

Residents of Zambezi’s Kongola area are worried about armyworms damaging their crops. According to One Africa TV's NewsOnOne journalist, Ellen Shihepo, Kongola headman Maino George Manyando expressed concerns over the threat to food security in the community. Despite the damage, a resident shared satisfaction with the Mahangu yields. Catch NewsOnOne on One Africa tv weeknights at 7 on GoTv 84, DSTv 284 or stream free on oneafrica.tv

28 January, 2025