Of major concern is the condition of tens of thousands of animals as they are facing thirst and hunger in the absence of feed. Loss of animals is impacting heavily on the farmers, both subsistence and large scale, with major implications for farm labourers, farmers and the general economy. It has been stated that farmers owe in excess of 125 billion rand to banks at the … [Read more...]
Ugandan women mobilising for change
Let us recognise the various injustices inflicted upon women by extractive models of development. The WoMin, an African Gender and Extractives Alliance in collaboration with National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) launch its Participatory Action and Research (PAR) on women miners from Katwe Salt Lake, Western Uganda. The PAR is part of a seven … [Read more...]
Celebrate female farmer of the year on Women’s Day
“Closing the gender gap in agricultural inputs alone could lift 100–150 million people out of hunger,” said Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Saturday is National Women’s Day, where we commemorate contributions by women in South Africa to improving the lives of others. Sphiwe Machika, a young female farmer (29), from Rethabiseng in … [Read more...]
Let’s keep the farmers informed
Investing in agriculture over the past two decades has proven to be a sound strategy for some, but not all regions have flourished as a vicious cycle of extreme poverty and a poor understanding of market finance have stunted economic prospects in many low and middle-income countries. Africa may be on the verge of a major economic transformation but some of the greatest … [Read more...]
9 Million rands invested in water catchment
WWF-SA's Water Balance Programme recently received R9 million from Nedbank to invest in South Africa's critical water catchment areas. The Water Balance Programme aims to challenge and empower corporate South Africa to help create a water secure future by reducing demand, increasing supply and maintaining the health of the country's high water provisioning catchments. Dr … [Read more...]
Stellenbosch Organic Farmers’ Market
'Just to be is a blessing, just to live is holy, a famous rabbi once said. It was one of those days, sky-blue and bounding with life, when I drove out to Stellenbosch to visit the Organic Farmers Market. The first thing I smelled was vanilla pods; the first thing I tasted was freshly juiced carrot and ginger. How much of life lies in the details, in getting off the train track … [Read more...]
