insert_link Africa South Africa’s new agricultural leadership should focus on getting things done, not designing new policies By Wandile Sihlobo, Stellenbosch University South Africa’s primary agriculture sector accounts for nearly 3% of GDP and about 8% when considering the value of agro-processing. But it can contribute even more to economic growth that delivers benefits fairly across society and creates jobs. This can’t happen, however, if new policies and plans keep getting introduced. Fortunately, the views of the new agricultural minister, John Steenhuisen, may […] todayJuly 3, 2024 18
insert_link Environment Agriculture Ministry holds high-level talks on Stampriet aquifer mining The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform today held a high-level meeting in Stampriet regarding Uranium Mining in the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer system. Here is Agriculture Minister, Calle Schlettwein. todayJune 17, 2024 32
insert_link Entertainment This is how President Ramaphosa got to the 25% figure of progress in land reform in South Africa By Johann Kirsten, Stellenbosch University and Wandile Sihlobo, Stellenbosch University Nearly three decades into democracy, land reform remains central to South Africa’s transformation policies and agricultural policy. We have over the years pointed out that the progress on land reform has been incorrectly reported. It’s been consistently understated. We have argued that, if the statistics are treated carefully, the progress has been much better than politicians […] todayMarch 22, 2024 19
insert_link Environment In Brazil’s soy belt, community seed banks offer hope for the Amazon By Ana Ionova Not too long ago, the plot of land that Maria Ivonete de Souza inherited was barren, the soil hardened by years of cattle ranching. When the family had arrived to the Amazon from southern Brazil four decades earlier, her father had swiftly cleared the dense rainforest to make way for pasture. “He razed it all by hand, with a saw and an ax,” Souza […] todayFebruary 20, 2024 6
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Land Restitution Program Evaluation Unveiled South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, is set to present the findings of the land restitution evaluation study on financial compensation paid to beneficiaries today. This evaluation is a crucial component of the government's Land Restitution Programme. Reggie Ngcobo, the department's spokesperson, highlights that the insights derived from this evaluation will play a key role in shaping policy formulation and programmatic interventions moving forward. todayFebruary 19, 2024 3
insert_link Namibia Government’s N$2.4 billion land acquisition benefits thousands The government owns about 3.5 million hectares of freehold agricultural land acquired at more than N$2.4 billion, which makes up 494 commercial farms allocated to about 5480 beneficiaries as of July 2023 through the Resettlement Program. Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform spokesperson, Jona Musheko says that farming units have been allocated to beneficiaries. todayFebruary 6, 2024 46
insert_link Namibia Defending Land Tax Policies: Ministry of Land Reform Executive Director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata’s Response In addressing concerns about the Land Reform ministry's land tax policies, Executive Director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata emphasized the constitutional foundation behind these measures, asserting that they are not discriminatory. Rather, she framed them as a response to historical injustices. This response came during a session addressing questions about why only white farmers are subject to land tax. Nghituwamata's comments aim to contextualize the policies within the broader framework of redressing historical […] todayFebruary 1, 2024 9
insert_link Africa COP28’s commitment to transforming farming and food systems is an insult to Africans By Florian Kroll, University of the Western Cape Globally, food systems are unsustainable: 80% of the production of food is powered by fossil fuels. The food system is responsible for over one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is the primary driver of biodiversity loss. The COP28 climate change conference has issued a declaration on sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. An expert on food systems, Florian Kroll, sets […] todayDecember 13, 2023 14
insert_link 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. todayNovember 23, 2023 10
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
