Final Report: Climate change threatens sub-Saharan food supplies, but action now could avert shock and dramatically increase yields, modelling finds 

Crop failures, economic shocks and loss of livelihoods will intensify in sub-Saharan Africa as a result of climate change unless urgent action is taken, according to the most comprehensive study to date on how to strengthen food systems in the region. However, with the right climate-smart policies in place, crop production can increase by more …

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COVID-19 lowered food production, quality and access in South Africa, study finds

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 …

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Food insecurity intensifies amid COVID-19

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 …

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Research moves online as coronavirus lockdowns take effect

By Mantoe Phakathi The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organisations in South Africa and Zambia implementing the AFRICAP programme to change their strategies. Following the outbreak of the virus which has since been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), citizens were compelled to stay at home or avoid gathering in large groups in …

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Will the Free State Province Still be South Africa’s Bread Basket in 2050?

Dr. Ndumiso Mazibuko, a senior agricultural economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), says there is need to help farmers in South Africa’s food basket, the Free State Province, build up crop resilience. This follows a household survey under AFRICAP which indicated that farmers are experiencing climate change impacts such as changes in rainfall …

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