Farmers

South Africa faces trade fallout with U.S.

“He wants access to our markets but refuses to abide by Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies.” WINDHOEK, March 12 - Diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States have intensified following President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to sign the controversial Expropriation Act into law. The move has received strong opposition from Washington, with the Trump administration responding by cutting aid and accusing Pretoria of discrimination against Afrikaner farmers. News24 […]

12 March, 2025 52

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 56

Africa

Eastern Congo Farmers Laud U.N. Peacekeeper Support

Farmers in the conflict-ridden Djugu territory of eastern Congo rely on U.N. peacekeepers for protection as they tend their fields under challenging conditions. Reuters reports that despite criticism of the U.N. mission MONUSCO, displaced farmers near Dhendro village express strong support for its presence. Many seek refuge in camps close to U.N. bases, finding a measure of security amid ongoing violence.

20 December, 2024 14

Namibia

City of Windhoek adopts plan for Groot Aub infrastructure

The City of Windhoek has addressed concerns raised relating to issues raised by local farmers in Groot Aub. The City of Windhoek says that they acknowledge that managing a fast-growing area like Groot Aub requires a comprehensive regulatory framework addressing land tenure, zoning, and infrastructure all aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life. The Windhoek Municipal Council adopted an Action Plan that addresses a range of critical areas. The initial […]

31 October, 2024 65

Environment

Agriculture Minister supports Bank of Namibia’s drought relief policy

The Bank of Namibia has introduced a financial relief policy for farmers affected by ongoing drought, which includes loan restructuring, debt moratoriums, and emergency funding at preferential terms. Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein expressed support for the policy in an interview with Future Media, emphasising the need for financial products tailored to the agricultural sector's unique challenges. Minister Schlettwein, discussing Namibia's response to climate change, further highlighted the importance […]

29 October, 2024 32

Africa

Data protection is poor for African farmers who use digital services: Kenya and Ghana cases highlight gaps

By Heike Baumüller, University of Bonn and Bezawit Beyene Chichaibelu, University of Bonn Across Africa, agricultural producers are turning to digital solutions to get information about farming methods, market access or financial services. By 2022, there were 666 of these solutions operating on the continent, the highest number among all low- and medium-income regions. Advances in digital devices, such as smartphones, sensors and satellites, connected through the internet […]

7 August, 2024 59

Environment

Climate Change threatens Namibia’s Agricultural Sector

The agricultural sector is vital for sustaining livelihoods in Namibia but faces significant climate change challenges. Namibian farmers frequently experience adverse rainfall seasons, leading to floods, droughts, and pest and disease outbreaks. Droughts, occurring every other year with varying severity, have particularly harmed crop and livestock farmers, reducing productivity and income due to poor yields, livestock performance, and market prices. Technical Advisor of Livestock and Rangeland from […]

4 June, 2024 49

Local

Agra and Agra Staff Initiative Fund (ASIF) Heartfelt Contribution to the Droogte Hulp Namibia Fund

In the heart of our beloved country, we all feel the weight of the drought that grips our land. Every conversation seems to circle back to the desperate need for rain. Each day, we hear the stories of our treasured clients—our farmers—caught in the grip of this relentless natural disaster. They face an unyielding reality: animals perishing, school fees unpaid, and the constant struggle to […]

28 May, 2024 29

Namibia

Kunene region farmers want red line done away with

Farmers in the Kunene Region are demanding the zoning of Kunene North, claiming the area has been Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free for 50 years. According to the Namibia Press Agency, they suggest dividing the red line districts to help eradicate FMD and other diseases. Responding to the call, Natangwe Ithete, head of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Administration, said that the government plans to eliminate the red […]

15 May, 2024 35