Farming & Agriculture
Covering the latest trends, news and stories across Southern Africa.
From Egg to Market: The Business Timelines of Southern Africa’s Poultry Sector
For the poultry farmer, the clock starts not when the bird leaves the shell, but when the egg first feels the warmth of incubation. The length of that journey - 16 days for a quail, 46 days for an ostrich - can determine how quickly capital returns, how often the...
How to Monetize Rural Land in Southern Africa
Rural land in Southern Africa holds untapped potential for economic development and wealth creation. With proper planning and innovative approaches, landowners can transform their properties into profitable ventures while contributing to local economies. This article...
The Importance of Accurate Valuation for Biological Assets in Farming
In the ever-evolving world of agribusiness, biological assets—such as livestock, crops, and other living organisms—play a pivotal role in the financial health of the business. Unlike traditional assets, biological assets are dynamic, growing and changing in value over...
South Africa’s Maize Market: A Strategic Overview for Businesses in the Value Chain
The maize value chain in South Africa plays a pivotal role in food security, economic stability, and industrial production. From farmers and millers to traders and exporters, every participant contributes to maintaining a reliable supply of maize across local and...
Women Transforming Farming in Rural Zimbabwe
The agricultural sector in Zimbabwe is experiencing a quiet revolution led by women. Traditionally overlooked in farming, women in rural Zimbabwe are defying stereotypes and taking the lead in innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. Their contributions not...
Exporting Agricultural Products: A Guide for Small-Scale Farmers
South Africa’s agricultural sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy, with exports such as citrus, wine, and maize leading the way. For small-scale farmers, tapping into international markets can unlock new revenue streams and ensure long-term growth....
Sustainable Farming Practices for Changing Climates
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing farmers globally, and Southern Africa is no exception. The region’s agriculture sector is vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, and water scarcity. To adapt to these challenges,...
The Rise of Organic Produce in Southern Africa
The demand for organic produce in Southern Africa has grown steadily over the past decade. Driven by consumer awareness of health and environmental sustainability, organic farming offers significant opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs in the region. This...
Agri-Business Strategies for Urban Entrepreneurs
Urbanization and the growing demand for sustainable food sources have presented unique opportunities for entrepreneurs in South Africa. As cities expand, professionals in urban areas can tap into the agri-business sector to create sustainable ventures. This article...
Ethiopia’s Coffee Riches Brew More Than Just a Cup
Coffee lovers, raise your mugs! While your morning latte might hail from distant lands, the true coffee connoisseur knows the origin story begins in Ethiopia. This East African nation boasts a heritage intertwined with the very bean, and sipping Ethiopian coffee is...
How Israel became the Most Advanced Country in Agriculture
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, early settlers who decided to settle in the lands of Israel faced a huge challenge: how to farm in conditions of sweltering heat and minimal rainfall. The land was catastrophically barren, but the desire to make this area...
Russia-Ukraine Geopolitics creates Opportunity for SA Agri-Commodities
All war affects geopolitics and has a direct impact on global economics by reshaping demand and supply. From an international trade perspective, the current Russia-Ukraine dispute has created opportunity for largest African agricultural commodity exporters like South...
Donkey Business in Botswana
One man’s meat is another men’s poison. This phrase came so close to its literal meaning in the donkey business recently established in Africa. While many are grossed out by just the thought of eating donkey meat, some consider it a delicacy. This phenomenon only...
Sidella Trading and the Sesame Value Chain in Zimbabwe
Farmers in Chiredzi district did not grow sesame under Sidella Trading contract in 2016/17 season; they only grew it in 2014/15. Some of the farmers stopped producing sesame because they failed to secure a market since Sidella Trading did not come back after maturity...
Ariston Holdings: The Farming Kingdom
Ariston business interests span a variety of crops including tea, macadamia, banana, apples, peaches, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, maize, soya beans and it has poultry and beef cattle. The operations of the tea growing units are fully integrated with the Blended Tea...