insert_link Business / EconomicsSouth 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 […] today15 July, 2025
insert_link NamibiaNamibia 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 […] today25 June, 2025
insert_link AfricaAfrican 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, […] today7 May, 2025
insert_link EnvironmentNamWater 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%, […] today25 February, 2025
EnvironmentDrought 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. today22 February, 2025
insert_link NamibiaAgriculture 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. today14 February, 2025
insert_link NamibiaLand 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. […] today14 February, 2025
