Food and Agriculture

South Africa discards roughly 10 million tonnes of food annually—even as millions go without. In response to the rapid escalation of food and nutrition insecurity, FoodForward SA is urging decisive policy moves and targeted action, writes allAfrica's Melody Chironda.

Mozambique’s navy is under scrutiny after personnel were accused of unlawfully killing and injuring fishermen in Cabo Delgado on March 15, 2026, allegations detailed by Human Rights Watch that sharpen concerns over security conduct along the troubled coast. Amid ongoing security threats linked to the conflict in the region, Mozambique’s Defense and Security Forces have tightened controls on coastal movement and fishing in parts of Mocímboa da Praia and neighboring Macomia. Authorities say the restrictions are meant to curb…

South Africa has declared the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak a national disaster and will vaccinate 14 million cattle, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced, as the country confronts one of the worst outbreaks on record. "We have classified foot-and-mouth disease as a national disaster and will be mobilising all necessary capabilities within the state to deal with this crisis," Ramaphosa said, confirming the extensive vaccination campaign that authorities plan to roll out. The president's declaration elevates the…

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and OCP Group, a global leader in plant-nutrition solutions, announced a five-year strategic partnership to accelerate scientific innovation for sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. The collaboration, designed to bolster the IAEA’s Atoms4Food initiative, brings together the IAEA’s expertise in nuclear and isotopic techniques with OCP’s fertilizer science and field reach to address soil fertility, crop productivity and post-harvest safety. The agreement signals an…

GABORONE — Botswana has urged farmers and other stakeholders along its border with South Africa to be on high alert after an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was reported in Limpopo Province, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement. The ministry called on livestock owners and the public to report any signs of the viral disease — including drooling and ulcers in the mouth, on the muzzle or on the hooves — to the nearest veterinary office or to the Botswana Police Service. “Reports of suspect animals should…

Nestlé Denies Claims of High Sugar Content in African Baby Foods Nestlé has firmly denied allegations that its baby food products sold across Africa contain higher levels of added sugar compared to those marketed in Europe. This response comes in light of a report indicating that over 90% of its Cerelac baby food products available in 20 African nations reportedly contain added sugars, often exceeding levels found in similar products sold in Europe. Despite the availability of sugar-free versions in European markets, the…

Malawi is unprepared for the upcoming planting season, with limited fertilizer stocks and the procurement of other farming inputs “dangerously” behind schedule, President Peter Mutharika told an International Monetary Fund delegation on Thursday. Mutharika made the rare public admission as he laid out a string of economic pressures that he said have constrained the government’s ability to mount an adequate agricultural response: a foreign‑exchange shortage, unstable fuel supplies and rising debt repayments. He said those…

Zimbabwe’s crocodile industry inches forward, raises questions about jobs, conservation and value What sounds at first like an exotic sideline to traditional agriculture is quietly becoming a fixture of Zimbabwe’s export economy. Over the past two years crocodile skin exports have inched up from US$32 million to US$34 million, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Fisheries Davis Marapira told reporters — a modest rise that nonetheless signals a sector pushing for a larger role in foreign exchange earnings and rural…

A Culinary Triumph: Hilda Baci's Record-Breaking Jollof Rice Amidst the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture, marked by lively music, vibrant colors, and mouthwatering cuisine, chef Hilda Baci has made a mark that resonates beyond borders. Her latest achievement, recently confirmed by Guinness World Records, secures her place in the culinary world not just as a chef but as an ambassador of Nigerian culture. Baci expertly orchestrated a monumental cooking event, crafting the largest serving of Nigerian-style Jollof Rice,…

Zimbabwe’s Currency Conundrum: A Tale of Change and Skepticism In a bold yet controversial move, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced plans to unveil newly designed ZWG notes, aiming to phase out the previous versions deemed “defiled” by the public. As Zimbabwe grapples with tumultuous economic challenges, the currency change raises questions about the nation’s financial future, consumer trust, and the potential for recovery. Facing Devaluation and Distrust The journey of the ZWG notes has not been smooth.…