Emerging information on the interactions between the COVID-19 pandemic and global food systems has highlighted how the pandemic accentuates food crises across Africa. But there is little clarity on how the impacts differ between farming systems. In this paper, AFRICAP researchers present results based on interviews with 50 farmers, village leaders and extension officers in …
Since primary school, Agatha Kiama has been fond of the environment. Though some childhood passions fade over time, Kiama’s love for nature was a launch point for her career tackling climate change, sustainability and food systems in Tanzania. “My passion is about opening people’s eyes to the impact we have on the environment,” she says. …
By Mantoe Phakathi for GCRF-AFRICAP Mavis Motlokoa, a farmer from Harrismith in the Free State Province, South Africa, is still trying to recover from the loss she made during the COVID-19 lockdown imposed by the government in March last year. From the 463-hectare farm she runs with her husband, Phori, she sells eggs and chickens …
There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has had significant effects on Africa’s food systems. The real question is how we can work together to mitigate threats that the pandemic poses for food security and nutrition, while building resilience to future shocks. Researchers from the GCRF-Agricultural and Food System Resilience: Increasing Capacity and Advising Policy (AFRICAP) programme …
By Lindi Botha Vegetable farmer, Solly Letsoalo, cannot wait for the national lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic to be lifted. It has brought down his business. Letsoalo (47) grows tomatoes, butternuts, green beans and baby marrows which he sells to informal market traders who collect from his farm and sell on road sides. “With …