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Agriculture

Agriculture is the sector encompassing the cultivation of crops, the rearing of livestock and the production of food, fibre and other biological products through farming activities. It forms a foundational component of economies worldwide, providing sustenance, raw materials for industry and employment for a significant portion of the global population. The sector includes subsistence farming, commercial crop production, horticulture, viticulture, animal husbandry, aquaculture and forestry-related activities. In Africa, agriculture remains a dominant employer and contributor to GDP in many countries, with smallholder farmers producing much of the continent's food alongside large-scale commercial operations focused on export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cotton, citrus and grains. The industry is heavily dependent on natural resources, particularly water and arable land, and is vulnerable to climate variability, drought and changing rainfall patterns. Key drivers include population growth, urbanisation, technological advances in irrigation and mechanisation, and evolving trade policies. Challenges facing the sector include water scarcity, soil degradation, access to finance and markets, and the need for sustainable practices to balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Agriculture intersects with water governance, energy supply and land-use planning, making it central to broader debates on food security and rural development. The sector's resilience and modernisation are critical to economic stability and poverty alleviation across the continent.

Agriculture News


crops being irrigated
Research supports irrigation as a mine water management strategy
31st July 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

Research conducted by the University of Pretoria (UP) shows that suitable mine water can be used responsibly for irrigation, offering mining companies a productive and potentially lower-cost... 


EVOLVING MACHINERY 
Telehandlers were initially regarded as nice machines for agriculture but have now evolved across the construction, mining and industry sectors
High-capacity telehandler adds reach, efficiency
31st July 2026

Telehandlers, initially regarded by the South African market as niche machines for agriculture, have evolved over the past decade into essential units for the construction, mining and industrial... 


Seasonal rental helps Eastern Cape businesses boost productivity
Seasonal rental helps Eastern Cape businesses boost productivity
24th July 2026

As businesses in the Eastern Cape navigate fluctuating production cycles and continued pressure to maximise return on investment (ROI), forklift rental is proving to be a practical solution for... 


Steering committee formed to fast-track R14.9bn Vaal Gamagara Phase 2
24th July 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has resolved to establish a political steering committee to monitor and fast-track the implementation of the second phase of the R14.9-billion Vaal... 


A generic image of quicklime operations
Hot commissioning of third kiln at Zambia quicklime project under way
22nd July 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Aim-listed Firering Strategic Minerals has announced that the hot commissioning of Kiln 3 has commenced at its Limeco quicklime project, in Zambia, following the completion of planned renovations.... 


SEW-EURODRIVE Outlines Reliable Drive Technology
21st July 2026

As producers contend with rising input costs, increasing mechanisation and more demanding operating conditions, strong partnerships between farmers, technology providers and industry specialists... 


President Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa highlights importance of collaboration during South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission
17th July 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Given the shared geology and geographical proximity between South Africa and Namibia, there is a compelling case for closer collaboration in exploration, infrastructure development, skills... 


Autazes project rendering
Brazil Potash confirms fresh stoppage request may be served on Autezes project
17th July 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

NYSE-listed Brazil Potash Corporation has become aware through publicly available court records that the Brazilian Federal Public Defender's Office (BFPDO), acting on behalf of certain indigenous... 


A shipping container made to look like a keyring with the shape of Africa as part of it
Shipping company promotes mineral exports from Cameroon port
17th July 2026

Following its January announcement that it would strengthen its long-established intermodal capabilities, global container shipping company Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) announced in May... 


oil in recycling container
From generator to recovery: How South Africa manages used oil
14th July 2026

Lubricating oil plays a critical role in modern industry. It keeps engines running, reduces friction in machinery and helps maintain the performance of equipment across sectors ranging from mining... 


The cranes at the Lobito Port in Angola
Corridor makes significant progress
10th July 2026 By: Halima Frost

The development and use of the Lobito Corridor – a multimodal logistics corridor that spans Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia – has progressed significantly over the past 12... 


Dr Jonathan Atkinson, MD of Solidaridad Southern Africa
Jonathan Atkinson
10th July 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

This week we profile Dr Jonathan Atkinson, MD of Solidaridad Southern Africa, an international civil society organisation operating in more than 40 countries on five continents that works with... 


A generic image of a shipping port
Africa should convert global trade disruptions into industrialisation opportunity – Afreximbank
10th July 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Africa must resposition its trade infrastructure to capture greater value from global economic shifts, with industrialisation, stronger intra-African trade and improved access to finance identified... 


Image of a piping factory
Supporting infrastructure development across Southern Africa
3rd July 2026

South African manufacturer and piping solutions supplier Sizabantu Piping Systems (SPS) offers a portfolio of products and services designed for civil, mining, industrial and agricultural... 


An image of the construction works taking place at the Clanwilliam dam in the Western Cap
Dam project progressing after initial challenges
3rd July 2026 By: Halima Frost

Despite extensive delays caused by funding shortages, Covid-19 disruptions, contractor procurement issues and local land/property disputes, the Clanwilliam Dam Wall Raising Project in the Western... 


a thick clear water based sludge formed by adding DAMFIX Wet Earth Dam Sealant to water
Dam fixed without disrupting crop cycle
3rd July 2026 By: Halima Frost

The successful completion of a water-stabilisation upgrade on a commercial maize farm in Heidelberg, Gauteng, was achieved when water storage solutions provider DamPro applied its flagship DAMFIX... 


The above image depicts the Dube Cargo Terminal
KwaZulu-Natal SEZ facilitating increased market access
3rd July 2026 By: Lynne Davies

Efficient sea and air freight operations play a critical role in facilitating market access for high-value perishables. The faster growers and freight forwarders can move products from farm to... 


Spinach
Agribusiness confidence slips to two-year low on cost and climate pressures
3rd July 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Following an 18-point decline in the first quarter, the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and Industrial Development Corporation’s Agribusiness Confidence Index (ACI) fell... 


Pirtek Africa: Growing With the Continent
Pirtek Africa: Growing With the Continent
2nd July 2026

Africa is not short of opportunity, however it is short of reliability. Across mining operations, agricultural holdings, construction sites, manufacturing plants, forestry concessions and more, one... 


Kangra’s Water and Agriculture Projects cultivate change
Kangra’s Water and Agriculture Projects cultivate change
2nd July 2026 By: Haydon Whitley

Over 1200 residents of Donkerhoek, in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga, have gained access to clean tap water. The water project and other economic initiatives spearhead by Kangra, have unlocked agricultural... 


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pqt: 0.153s - ct: 0.214s - 275pq - 2rq
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