Africa is attracting global trade and investment on a mass scale. For fast emerging and established countries alike, our continent is one full of potential, and one growing on average at 6% a year.
Incomes are rising, bringing prosperity to a burgeoning middle class. The number of households with discretionary income is projected to rise by 50% over the next 10 years, reaching $128m. Our natural and human potential is enormous, being home to over 50% of the global uncultivated agricultural land, and with a young and energetic population with a median age of 20.
But increasing trade internationally has come at a cost. Africa’s trade between its own nations is now extremely low at around 12%, half of the share 15 years ago. Trade within regional borders is 70% and 50% in Europe and Asia respectively, and even 21% in fast growing South America.
For those who work on the continent, it’s clear to see why. Moving goods and people around is extremely difficult. A small percentage of African roads are paved, rail networks are poorly interconnected and ports and airports alike have limited routes and capacity. Often, it’s easier to trade internationally than locally, with current infrastructure built around getting our goods out to global hubs and beyond. In a recent report, Ecobank found large numbers of traders in Nairobi sending goods to Dubai first in order for them to be transported to other African nations.
An array of regional trade agreements (RTAs) has brought some attempt to foster intra-regional trade, but there is still often a fairly inconsistent and cumbersome business environment across neighbouring countries. The South African Development Community, of which Angola is a member, now averages about $11bn of trade annually. However, estimates suggest that figure could easily triple if smarter and more business friendly policies were put in place. From my experience in agribusiness and construction, tackling the uncoordinated agricultural policies and the damaging combination of fluctuating import and export tariffs would be good place to start. READ MORE
Source: Álvaro Sobrinho: How it is made in Africa #IFAMAFRICA
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Agri Sector Unity Forum making history
The Agri Sector Unity Forum (ASUF), in collaboration with North West University (NWU), is hosting a conference this week on 27-28 February 2014 in Stellenbosch. The conference theme is, "Policy certainty for Agriculture". "This is a landmark occasion and we are most certainly building on a proud history for the agricultural sector in South Africa," says Ntombi Msimang, Chairperson of ASUF.
Msimang added that within ASUF, the major organisations in the agricultural sector came to realise that a united voice for the sector is of major importance and that the differences between the various stakeholders are for the most part definitely not insurmountable. "Over the past two years or so, since we started the discussions on Unity in Agriculture, our membership often had to move from entrenched positions towards an appreciation of the common good for the agricultural sector. I was amazed at the level of maturity the particular discussions were conducted at. If this is how democracy can unfold in the wider society it bodes well for the future of South Africa," she said.
In the last couple of months, ASUF has focused on reaching consensus policy positions on burning questions such as land reform, labour relations, safety and security, water and infrastructure. "These positions will be conveyed to the outside world during the conference, whilst they will obviously be subjected to further debate and scrutiny. We will also touch on many contentious but important topics, such as the philosophy behind unity and consensus, lessons learnt from history in this regard and what stakeholders will expect from ASUF in future," Msimang said.
"ASUF acknowledges the support received from NWU in the preparations for this conference and for the number of distinguished personnel and office bearers of the university that will participate in the proceedings. We trust that NWU will in time enjoy the fruits of their investment in this regard. Needless to add that we would not have been able to host the conference without sponsors, these institutions will be properly recognised during the conference."
"We are pleased that all ASUF founder organisations will be represented at executive and membership level at the conference. This is a reflection of the seriousness with which people view the future of the sector, not only for those directly involved, but also for the country at large," said Msimang.
ISSUED BY AGBIZ (ACTING AS ASUF SECRETARIAT)
CONTACT PERSON: MS NTOMBI MSIMANG, ASUF CHAIRPERSON
083 635 4860
Msimang added that within ASUF, the major organisations in the agricultural sector came to realise that a united voice for the sector is of major importance and that the differences between the various stakeholders are for the most part definitely not insurmountable. "Over the past two years or so, since we started the discussions on Unity in Agriculture, our membership often had to move from entrenched positions towards an appreciation of the common good for the agricultural sector. I was amazed at the level of maturity the particular discussions were conducted at. If this is how democracy can unfold in the wider society it bodes well for the future of South Africa," she said.
In the last couple of months, ASUF has focused on reaching consensus policy positions on burning questions such as land reform, labour relations, safety and security, water and infrastructure. "These positions will be conveyed to the outside world during the conference, whilst they will obviously be subjected to further debate and scrutiny. We will also touch on many contentious but important topics, such as the philosophy behind unity and consensus, lessons learnt from history in this regard and what stakeholders will expect from ASUF in future," Msimang said.
"ASUF acknowledges the support received from NWU in the preparations for this conference and for the number of distinguished personnel and office bearers of the university that will participate in the proceedings. We trust that NWU will in time enjoy the fruits of their investment in this regard. Needless to add that we would not have been able to host the conference without sponsors, these institutions will be properly recognised during the conference."
"We are pleased that all ASUF founder organisations will be represented at executive and membership level at the conference. This is a reflection of the seriousness with which people view the future of the sector, not only for those directly involved, but also for the country at large," said Msimang.
ISSUED BY AGBIZ (ACTING AS ASUF SECRETARIAT)
CONTACT PERSON: MS NTOMBI MSIMANG, ASUF CHAIRPERSON
083 635 4860
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
South Africa crosses fingers for corrections in grape market
With later season varieties underway, the South African table grape industry could partially close in on the supply gap in Europe and the United Kingdom in coming weeks.
A series of bad weather events across the Southern Hemisphere have meant market shortages and high prices until now. However, Safpro exporter Craig Jensen says South Africa hopes to catch up and see some market price corrections over the coming weeks.
Although South Africa will be down on estimated production volume, exports could remain on par with last year if Red Seedless varieties perform well.
“White Seedless will stay under pressure. It’s one of the items that has been heavily hit by the weather. But for Red Seedless varieties like Sunred and Crimson especially, there’s a large volume that’s on the water already,” he told www.freshfruitportal.com
“In the coming two weeks, arrivals in the market will increase quite substantially. There will be a normalizing situation, certainly for Red Seedless.”
SAPEX CEO Kobus Louw said that although exports and inputs have been down to date, he also expects Red Seedless varieties to provide a stronger showing than the White Seedless seen to date.
“I think we are out of the problems now. The Red Globes, Black Seeded and Crimson coming in now are very good. There is no problem. The quality issues for the Western Cape are mostly behind us but the Western Cape is not a big crop. It is average to slightly lower, I would say,” Louw said. READ MORE
Source: www.freshfruitportal.com #IFAMAFRICA
A series of bad weather events across the Southern Hemisphere have meant market shortages and high prices until now. However, Safpro exporter Craig Jensen says South Africa hopes to catch up and see some market price corrections over the coming weeks.
Although South Africa will be down on estimated production volume, exports could remain on par with last year if Red Seedless varieties perform well.
“White Seedless will stay under pressure. It’s one of the items that has been heavily hit by the weather. But for Red Seedless varieties like Sunred and Crimson especially, there’s a large volume that’s on the water already,” he told www.freshfruitportal.com
“In the coming two weeks, arrivals in the market will increase quite substantially. There will be a normalizing situation, certainly for Red Seedless.”
SAPEX CEO Kobus Louw said that although exports and inputs have been down to date, he also expects Red Seedless varieties to provide a stronger showing than the White Seedless seen to date.
“I think we are out of the problems now. The Red Globes, Black Seeded and Crimson coming in now are very good. There is no problem. The quality issues for the Western Cape are mostly behind us but the Western Cape is not a big crop. It is average to slightly lower, I would say,” Louw said. READ MORE
Source: www.freshfruitportal.com #IFAMAFRICA
Monday, 24 February 2014
Is Africa’s land up for grabs?
An apparent surge in the purchase of African land by foreign companies and governments to grow food and other crops for export has set alarm bells ringing on and off the continent. The headlines have been strident: “The Second Scramble for Africa Starts”, “Quest for Food Security Breeds Neo-Colonists”, “Food Security or Economic Slavery?”
The outcries reflect the continuing impact of the continent’s history, when as recently as the last century colonial powers and foreign settler populations arbitrarily seized African land and displaced those who lived on it, lending considerable emotion to the current volatile issue. Some agricultural experts have wondered whether such land deals could lead to a form of “neo-colonialism”. But immediate, practical concerns are also prominent. “This is a worrisome trend,” noted Akinwumi Adesina, the then vice president of the advocacy group Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Such foreign land acquisitions, he argued, have the potential to hurt domestic efforts to raise food production and could limit broad-based economic growth. Many deals have little oversight, transparency or regulation, have no environmental safeguards and fail to protect smallholder farmers from losing their customary rights to use land, added Adesina, now Nigeria’s minister for agriculture.
The sheer size of some of the land agreements has added to the alarm. A deal to allow South Korea’s Daewoo Corporation to lease 1.3m hectares was a key factor in building support for the ouster ofMadagascar’s President Marc Ravalomanana in March 2009. In Kenya the government struggled to overcome local opposition to a proposal to give Qatar and others rights over some 40,000 hectares in the Tana River Valley in return for building a deep-sea port. READ MORE
Source: www.howwemadeitinafrica.com #IFAMAFRICA
The outcries reflect the continuing impact of the continent’s history, when as recently as the last century colonial powers and foreign settler populations arbitrarily seized African land and displaced those who lived on it, lending considerable emotion to the current volatile issue. Some agricultural experts have wondered whether such land deals could lead to a form of “neo-colonialism”. But immediate, practical concerns are also prominent. “This is a worrisome trend,” noted Akinwumi Adesina, the then vice president of the advocacy group Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Such foreign land acquisitions, he argued, have the potential to hurt domestic efforts to raise food production and could limit broad-based economic growth. Many deals have little oversight, transparency or regulation, have no environmental safeguards and fail to protect smallholder farmers from losing their customary rights to use land, added Adesina, now Nigeria’s minister for agriculture.
The sheer size of some of the land agreements has added to the alarm. A deal to allow South Korea’s Daewoo Corporation to lease 1.3m hectares was a key factor in building support for the ouster ofMadagascar’s President Marc Ravalomanana in March 2009. In Kenya the government struggled to overcome local opposition to a proposal to give Qatar and others rights over some 40,000 hectares in the Tana River Valley in return for building a deep-sea port. READ MORE
Source: www.howwemadeitinafrica.com #IFAMAFRICA
Property rights and safety must not be subject to political expediency
“Reckless statements and ill-considered actions around land ownership may be politically expedient but certainly do not support the vision of a prosperous South Africa,” says Agri SA President Johannes Möller. “In essence, such statements ultimately apply to general property rights, which form the basis of investment, job creation, the tax base and economic growth, thus impacting on the welfare of all,” according to Möller.
“Statements to the effect that agricultural land should be confiscated and the unqualified resumption of the restitution process do not offset this simple truth. This doesn’t mean that Agri SA opposes orderly land reform, subject to fair compensation, however, to continue with a dismally flawed restitution process effectively means that agricultural assets will be further sterilised,” says Möller. Möller is of the opinion that policy messages are very confusing at present; the National Development Plan makes high demands on agriculture in terms of growth and job creation, while the restitution process and lack of support for new entrants to agriculture largely attest to the contrary. “It is vital that the agricultural community and government assess this matter objectively and come up with meaningful solutions,” says Möller.
“For obvious reasons, farmers are sensitive about safety, however, this is often seen by outsiders as an excuse for inhumane behaviour towards rural communities and specifically farm workers. Visiting graves on farms is one of the aspects that is often raised and in this regard Agri SA sets compliance with the Protocol for Farm Access and/or alternative arrangements with land owners as the only prerequisite. Similarly, we would like each farm worker to have secure tenure or property rights to at least a home, but for practical reasons this cannot be the sole responsibility of the farmer, nor can farms be the only target in this regard,” says Möller.
According to Möller, cooperation between Agri SA and the South African Police Service is on a sound footing and much progress had been made at policy level with the Rural Protection Strategy and the Reservist Policy. “There are without doubt still problems at various levels in respect of the crime situation – also in rural areas – but the fact that we are working together in seeking solutions is, however, positive,” says Möller.
“In the run-up to the election, there have also from time to time been calls from extremist groups for the occupation of land. Policy guidelines in this regard are clear, namely that those who are guilty of such actions may be promptly arrested and charged with trespassing. Producers must, therefore, in the run-up to the election be aware of what is happening on their land and, without delay, report incidents of trespassing to the police.
Agri SA recently received confirmation from a senior advocate that the guidelines made available to members, via affiliations, regarding the handling of land invasions were correct. Producers must, therefore, ensure that they are informed of the content thereof and should also communicate it with the local police,” says Möller.
In the run up to the election, responsible behaviour is expected from all citizens, this is also an integral part of a democratic dispensation”, Möller said.
Source: Agri SA, Directorate: Corporate Liaison #IFAMAFRICA
“Statements to the effect that agricultural land should be confiscated and the unqualified resumption of the restitution process do not offset this simple truth. This doesn’t mean that Agri SA opposes orderly land reform, subject to fair compensation, however, to continue with a dismally flawed restitution process effectively means that agricultural assets will be further sterilised,” says Möller. Möller is of the opinion that policy messages are very confusing at present; the National Development Plan makes high demands on agriculture in terms of growth and job creation, while the restitution process and lack of support for new entrants to agriculture largely attest to the contrary. “It is vital that the agricultural community and government assess this matter objectively and come up with meaningful solutions,” says Möller.
“For obvious reasons, farmers are sensitive about safety, however, this is often seen by outsiders as an excuse for inhumane behaviour towards rural communities and specifically farm workers. Visiting graves on farms is one of the aspects that is often raised and in this regard Agri SA sets compliance with the Protocol for Farm Access and/or alternative arrangements with land owners as the only prerequisite. Similarly, we would like each farm worker to have secure tenure or property rights to at least a home, but for practical reasons this cannot be the sole responsibility of the farmer, nor can farms be the only target in this regard,” says Möller.
According to Möller, cooperation between Agri SA and the South African Police Service is on a sound footing and much progress had been made at policy level with the Rural Protection Strategy and the Reservist Policy. “There are without doubt still problems at various levels in respect of the crime situation – also in rural areas – but the fact that we are working together in seeking solutions is, however, positive,” says Möller.
“In the run-up to the election, there have also from time to time been calls from extremist groups for the occupation of land. Policy guidelines in this regard are clear, namely that those who are guilty of such actions may be promptly arrested and charged with trespassing. Producers must, therefore, in the run-up to the election be aware of what is happening on their land and, without delay, report incidents of trespassing to the police.
Agri SA recently received confirmation from a senior advocate that the guidelines made available to members, via affiliations, regarding the handling of land invasions were correct. Producers must, therefore, ensure that they are informed of the content thereof and should also communicate it with the local police,” says Möller.
In the run up to the election, responsible behaviour is expected from all citizens, this is also an integral part of a democratic dispensation”, Möller said.
Source: Agri SA, Directorate: Corporate Liaison #IFAMAFRICA
Friday, 21 February 2014
State funds will foot land claim bills
The billions of rands needed each year for the next 15 years to settle new land claims will come from state funds, says the land reform minister.
State funds will be used for the billions of rands needed each year for the next 15 years to settle new land claims, Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti said on Wednesday.
"It will be funded through the fiscus," he told members of Parliament's rural development and land reform portfolio committee.
"Treasury has actually underscored the fact that this is a government programme. It does not require a stand-alone budget; it requires a normal budget," he said.
Earlier, the committee heard that an estimated 397 000 valid land claims might be lodged when the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill, which aims to extend the cut-off date for lodging a claim for restitution, is enacted.
Chief land claims commissioner Nomfundo Gobodo told MPs: "It may cost R129-billion to R179-billion to settle these claims, if settled within a 15-year period."
This is equivalent to between R8.6-billion and R11.9-billion a year. The amendment Bill, once it has been passed into law, will re-open the land claims process for a five-year period, to end on December 31 2018. READ MORE
Source: Mail & Guardian #IFAMAFRICA
State funds will be used for the billions of rands needed each year for the next 15 years to settle new land claims, Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti said on Wednesday.
"It will be funded through the fiscus," he told members of Parliament's rural development and land reform portfolio committee.
"Treasury has actually underscored the fact that this is a government programme. It does not require a stand-alone budget; it requires a normal budget," he said.
Earlier, the committee heard that an estimated 397 000 valid land claims might be lodged when the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill, which aims to extend the cut-off date for lodging a claim for restitution, is enacted.
Chief land claims commissioner Nomfundo Gobodo told MPs: "It may cost R129-billion to R179-billion to settle these claims, if settled within a 15-year period."
This is equivalent to between R8.6-billion and R11.9-billion a year. The amendment Bill, once it has been passed into law, will re-open the land claims process for a five-year period, to end on December 31 2018. READ MORE
Source: Mail & Guardian #IFAMAFRICA
Heed World Bank advice on exports
SOMETIMES it takes outsiders to tell us what we know perfectly well ourselves — but fail to act on.
The World Bank’s latest analysis of South Africa’s export competitiveness says little that has not been said before. But it is timely, given the high current account deficit that has made South Africa so vulnerable to emerging market currency gyrations.
It frames its views in terms of South Africa’s expressed commitment, in the National Development Plan, to an export-led job-creating growth path. And it is sharper than many other analyses of our export failures and what should, in theory, be done.
In practice, it’s not clear what will be done, even though the government recognises most of the problems the World Bank identifies and claims to have policies in place to do something about these.
The Bank’s economists point out that South Africa’s export growth has stagnated in real terms over the past decade and that South Africa’s exporters have made only limited inroads into global markets.
On the upside, sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as the key destination for our nonmineral exports, but exports to these markets are still smaller and shorter-lived than exports to traditional markets. READ MORE
Source: www.bdlive.co.za #IFAMAFRICA
The World Bank’s latest analysis of South Africa’s export competitiveness says little that has not been said before. But it is timely, given the high current account deficit that has made South Africa so vulnerable to emerging market currency gyrations.
It frames its views in terms of South Africa’s expressed commitment, in the National Development Plan, to an export-led job-creating growth path. And it is sharper than many other analyses of our export failures and what should, in theory, be done.
In practice, it’s not clear what will be done, even though the government recognises most of the problems the World Bank identifies and claims to have policies in place to do something about these.
The Bank’s economists point out that South Africa’s export growth has stagnated in real terms over the past decade and that South Africa’s exporters have made only limited inroads into global markets.
On the upside, sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as the key destination for our nonmineral exports, but exports to these markets are still smaller and shorter-lived than exports to traditional markets. READ MORE
Source: www.bdlive.co.za #IFAMAFRICA
Bank invests $13.5 million in Afrifresh Group
Standard Chartered Private Equity, the investment subsidiary of British group Standard Chartered Bank, have announced investing 150 million rands (13.5 million $) into the Afrifresh Group, one of South Africa's biggest producers and exporters of fruit.
This injection of capital from the financial group follows on from a first intervention in 2011 of 20 million $ to support the group's expansion, also allowing them 30% of the company's activity.
''Afrifresh is a company that sets a good example with its 4000 employees and the revenue generated at exportation'' explains Peter Baird, Manager of Stanchart Private Equity Africa.
Afrifresh has greatly progressed since its creation about 15 years ago. In 2012 its participation in Ariston Holdings, an agroindustrial group quoted on the Zimbabwe Stock Exhange, climbed 61%, establishing its anchorage in the country. READ MORE
Source: www.freshplaza.com #IFAMAFRICA
This injection of capital from the financial group follows on from a first intervention in 2011 of 20 million $ to support the group's expansion, also allowing them 30% of the company's activity.
''Afrifresh is a company that sets a good example with its 4000 employees and the revenue generated at exportation'' explains Peter Baird, Manager of Stanchart Private Equity Africa.
Afrifresh has greatly progressed since its creation about 15 years ago. In 2012 its participation in Ariston Holdings, an agroindustrial group quoted on the Zimbabwe Stock Exhange, climbed 61%, establishing its anchorage in the country. READ MORE
Source: www.freshplaza.com #IFAMAFRICA
Thursday, 20 February 2014
Tips for addressing Africa’s diversity
The continent of Africa is so vast that India, China and the US could fit within its borders, with room left over for several European nations. It comprises 54 nations with populations ranging from less than 1m to more than 160m, and hundreds of ethnic groups speaking more than 2,100 languages.
Wealth differences are stark. Nearly three out of four people in Tunisia earn more than US$2,500 annually at PPP, a level reached by less than 1% of the population of Liberia. Compared with other emerging markets, Africa is still relatively undeveloped. Roads, ports and other infrastructure are often not up to grade. Suppliers of basic products and services may not exist or be able to deliver the desired quantity or quality.
The size, diversity, complexity and volatility of Africa raise challenging organisational and business-model questions for companies. They cannot simply import a structure and a way of doing business that work in other markets. They will need to both create and empower local organisations that are close to the market and create a regional structure that takes advantage of scale and provides consistency. In particular, companies need to do the following:
Source: How we made it in Africa #IFAMAFRICA
Wealth differences are stark. Nearly three out of four people in Tunisia earn more than US$2,500 annually at PPP, a level reached by less than 1% of the population of Liberia. Compared with other emerging markets, Africa is still relatively undeveloped. Roads, ports and other infrastructure are often not up to grade. Suppliers of basic products and services may not exist or be able to deliver the desired quantity or quality.
The size, diversity, complexity and volatility of Africa raise challenging organisational and business-model questions for companies. They cannot simply import a structure and a way of doing business that work in other markets. They will need to both create and empower local organisations that are close to the market and create a regional structure that takes advantage of scale and provides consistency. In particular, companies need to do the following:
- Prioritise their African markets, focusing on those that offer the best combination of attractiveness and competitive advantage.
- Organise for many Africas by leveraging either hubs or regional clusters of countries.
- Adjust their business model when the realities of Africa require different approaches.
Source: How we made it in Africa #IFAMAFRICA
South Africa Inflation Rate Rises in January
South African annual inflation rate accelerated to 5.8 percent in January of 2014 from 5.4 percent in December as rand’s depreciation against the dollar pushed food and fuel costs up.
Year-on-year, the transport index grew 7.8 percent from 6.3 percent in December mainly due to a 38c/litre increase in the price of petrol.
The food and non-alcoholic beverages index increased 4.3 percent from 3.5 percent in December. Within this component, the increases were reported for prices of: vegetables (4.0 percent), other food (2.4 percent), fish (2.3 percent), meat (2.0 percent), cold beverages (2.0 percent), bread and cereals (1.0 percent), sugar, sweets and desserts (1.0 percent), fruit (0.9 percent), hot beverages (0.5 percent) and milk, eggs and cheese (0.4 percent). Oils and fats decreased 0.4 percent. READ MORE
Source: Trading Economics #IFAMAFRICA
Year-on-year, the transport index grew 7.8 percent from 6.3 percent in December mainly due to a 38c/litre increase in the price of petrol.
The food and non-alcoholic beverages index increased 4.3 percent from 3.5 percent in December. Within this component, the increases were reported for prices of: vegetables (4.0 percent), other food (2.4 percent), fish (2.3 percent), meat (2.0 percent), cold beverages (2.0 percent), bread and cereals (1.0 percent), sugar, sweets and desserts (1.0 percent), fruit (0.9 percent), hot beverages (0.5 percent) and milk, eggs and cheese (0.4 percent). Oils and fats decreased 0.4 percent. READ MORE
Source: Trading Economics #IFAMAFRICA
CPI increase driven by fuel, food
The consumer price index (CPI) for January 2014 shows the annual inflation rate rose to 5,8 percent year-on-year, Statistics South Africa revealed on Wednesday.
The figure was higher than what economists had expected. The CPI shows the average price increases for consumers in urban areas and is released on a monthly basis.
In January, average prices remained within the South African Reserve Bank’s target bracket of three to six percent. CPI increased by 0,4 percent from the December 2013 CPI figure.
Stats SA says the higher rate was driven primarily by an almost across the board increase in food prices with an average rise of 1,6 percent month-on-month.
That’s a 4,3 percent increase from January 2013.
Fuel was also a major factor, with transport costs increasing by 1,2 percent since December and a massive 7,8 percent year-on-year.
FNB Chief Economist Sizwe Nxedlana notes the impact of these increases, but says they seem to have little bearing on the cost of other goods.
He says if input costs - food, energy and fuel - are excluded, the overall picture isn’t particularly negative. READ MORE
Source: Eye Witness News #IFAMAFRICA
The figure was higher than what economists had expected. The CPI shows the average price increases for consumers in urban areas and is released on a monthly basis.
In January, average prices remained within the South African Reserve Bank’s target bracket of three to six percent. CPI increased by 0,4 percent from the December 2013 CPI figure.
Stats SA says the higher rate was driven primarily by an almost across the board increase in food prices with an average rise of 1,6 percent month-on-month.
That’s a 4,3 percent increase from January 2013.
Fuel was also a major factor, with transport costs increasing by 1,2 percent since December and a massive 7,8 percent year-on-year.
FNB Chief Economist Sizwe Nxedlana notes the impact of these increases, but says they seem to have little bearing on the cost of other goods.
He says if input costs - food, energy and fuel - are excluded, the overall picture isn’t particularly negative. READ MORE
Source: Eye Witness News #IFAMAFRICA
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
SA industry, agriculture to tussle over water resources
South Africa faces a stand-off between industry and agriculture over water, Agricultural Business Chamber CEO John Purchase said at the Africa Energy Indaba in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
There is already a tussle between farmers and mining companies over water resources in the new coal mining area of the Waterberg, and there has been unhappiness over the water allocated to national power utility Eskom’s new Medupi coal-fired power station.
Industrial Development Council senior environmental specialist Lisa Pearce said 70% of available water resources globally went to agriculture, 20% to industry and 10% to domestic consumers, but people often forgot that 75% of the water used by industry went into energy production.
Energy production and pumping water are both "very water intensive" and food production depends on both, she said.
Mr Purchase said the Department of Water Affairs’ proposed National Water Resources Strategy made it clear that industry would in future be allocated a larger slice of South Africa’s available water resources. Agriculture is allocated more than 60% of the country’s water resources.
The economic growth obtainable from the use of one kilolitre of water in industry was higher than that of agriculture, Mr Purchase said.
"It will happen whether we like it or not ... South Africa will have to start looking north of the border (to countries that) are more efficient in terms of food production," he said.
The nexus between water, food and energy is troubled, and agriculture globally is drawing more water than is sustainable, said Nestlé SA economics and international relations vice-president Herbert Oberhänsli.
"We are between 40% and 60% overdrawn, and agriculture will the sector most affected by the (coming) water shortage," Mr Oberhänsli said.
South Africa is a water-scarce country, and by 2005 more than 95% of its available fresh water was already allocated. It has half the global average annual rainfall.
Mr Purchase said most of Africa was "pretty food insecure", although the situation was improving. South Africa and Botswana, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Food Security Index, were "good performers". The continent has gone from being a net food exporter up to about 1980 to being an importer of even basic foods such as grains, corn, wheat, rice, beef, pork and dairy products.
"Africa has about 1-billion people now. What will we do in 86 years when we have 3.6-billion?" Mr Purchase asked. READ MORE
Source: BusinessDay Live #IFAMAFRICA
There is already a tussle between farmers and mining companies over water resources in the new coal mining area of the Waterberg, and there has been unhappiness over the water allocated to national power utility Eskom’s new Medupi coal-fired power station.
Industrial Development Council senior environmental specialist Lisa Pearce said 70% of available water resources globally went to agriculture, 20% to industry and 10% to domestic consumers, but people often forgot that 75% of the water used by industry went into energy production.
Energy production and pumping water are both "very water intensive" and food production depends on both, she said.
Mr Purchase said the Department of Water Affairs’ proposed National Water Resources Strategy made it clear that industry would in future be allocated a larger slice of South Africa’s available water resources. Agriculture is allocated more than 60% of the country’s water resources.
The economic growth obtainable from the use of one kilolitre of water in industry was higher than that of agriculture, Mr Purchase said.
"It will happen whether we like it or not ... South Africa will have to start looking north of the border (to countries that) are more efficient in terms of food production," he said.
The nexus between water, food and energy is troubled, and agriculture globally is drawing more water than is sustainable, said Nestlé SA economics and international relations vice-president Herbert Oberhänsli.
"We are between 40% and 60% overdrawn, and agriculture will the sector most affected by the (coming) water shortage," Mr Oberhänsli said.
South Africa is a water-scarce country, and by 2005 more than 95% of its available fresh water was already allocated. It has half the global average annual rainfall.
Mr Purchase said most of Africa was "pretty food insecure", although the situation was improving. South Africa and Botswana, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Food Security Index, were "good performers". The continent has gone from being a net food exporter up to about 1980 to being an importer of even basic foods such as grains, corn, wheat, rice, beef, pork and dairy products.
"Africa has about 1-billion people now. What will we do in 86 years when we have 3.6-billion?" Mr Purchase asked. READ MORE
Source: BusinessDay Live #IFAMAFRICA
Mixed feelings over land bills’ impact
Cape Town - Two bills before Parliament mean South Africans could face Zimbabwean-style land grabs, with both agricultural and private property ownership being put at risk, says the SA Institute of Race Relations.
But the claims were poo-pooed by the government, AgriSA and the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (Plaas).
A government spokesman accused the institute of trying to “thwart the efforts of the government to correct the wrongs of the past, while AgriSA and Plaas said property rights were constitutionally protected.
Sounding the alarm bells, the institute’s Frans Cronje warned farmers in particular to “start making plans” as Parliament sets out to finalise and adopt the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill and the Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill.
Cronje said taken to their extremes, the two bills “could devastate the rural economy on a scale comparable to Britain’s scorched earth policy during the Boer War”.
If the two bills were read in conjunction, the government could expropriate commercial farming operations with zero compensation to owners.
“Together, these two pieces of legislation could spell the end of private property rights in South Africa – not just in agriculture but across the economy,” Cronje said.
Questioning how the state would find money to settle the ball-park figure of about 379 000 new claims at an estimated cost of R179 billion, Cronje said it was suspected the state would use the Promotion of Protection of Investment Bill to expropriate property. READ MORE
Source: www.iol.co.za. #IFAMAFRICA
Monsanto named as one of the world’s most innovative technology companies
Monsanto has been named to MIT Technology Review’s 2014 50 Smartest Companies list. The list puts a spotlight on those companies which over the past year made a difference through their innovations by filling a need or challenging others to step up their game. In selecting Monsanto as one of the world’s most innovative technology companies, editors stressed the importance of the agricultural company’s work in helping farmers meet the food and clothing demands of a growing world.
“At times it seems impossible to keep pace with important emerging technologies,” states Jason Pontin, publisher and editor in chief of MIT Technology Review. “This issue celebrates organizations at the forefront. Monsanto’s experience in both the genetic modification and cross-breeding of crops could be even more valuable in the coming years, as agriculture faces unprecedented pressures from population growth and climate change.”
When identifying the list of the 2014 50 Smartest Companies, editors noted they looked for those organizations displaying “disruptive innovation that will prove to surpass the competition, transform an industry, and change our lives.”
“It is such a great honor to be recognized by MIT Technology Review,” said David Fischhoff, Monsanto’s Technology Strategy and Development Lead, and MIT alumnus. “The challenges facing agriculture and food production are some of the greatest trials facing mankind. Collectively, the agricultural industry and farmers around the world will be called on to do more to meet growing demand in a sustainable way. For these reasons, innovation in agriculture will continue to be more important than ever and we look forward to continuing to work alongside farmers to do our part.”
Source: Monsanto media realease. #IFAMAFRICA
“At times it seems impossible to keep pace with important emerging technologies,” states Jason Pontin, publisher and editor in chief of MIT Technology Review. “This issue celebrates organizations at the forefront. Monsanto’s experience in both the genetic modification and cross-breeding of crops could be even more valuable in the coming years, as agriculture faces unprecedented pressures from population growth and climate change.”
When identifying the list of the 2014 50 Smartest Companies, editors noted they looked for those organizations displaying “disruptive innovation that will prove to surpass the competition, transform an industry, and change our lives.”
“It is such a great honor to be recognized by MIT Technology Review,” said David Fischhoff, Monsanto’s Technology Strategy and Development Lead, and MIT alumnus. “The challenges facing agriculture and food production are some of the greatest trials facing mankind. Collectively, the agricultural industry and farmers around the world will be called on to do more to meet growing demand in a sustainable way. For these reasons, innovation in agriculture will continue to be more important than ever and we look forward to continuing to work alongside farmers to do our part.”
Source: Monsanto media realease. #IFAMAFRICA
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Commercial dairy farmers not involved with controversial Free State dairy project
The Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) has noted with great concern the negative publicity surrounding the dairy project in Vrede in the eastern Free State, which is funded by the Free State Department of Agriculture. The MPO emphasises that although they welcome investment in the dairy industry the organisation believes it should be coupled with a thorough feasability study, a sustainable business plan and sound management. The Estina Dairy is not a commercial undertaking but a provincial government project. In addition, the formal dairy industry was never consulted prior to or after the establishment of the dairy farm.
Bertus de Jongh, MPO CEO says, “In view of the potential damage the controversy regarding the project can cause the image of dairy farming, I wish to confirm that commercial dairy farmers are not involved with the project.”
Source: Press release by MPO #IFAMAFRICA
Also read: http://agbizconference.blogspot.com/2014/02/free-state-dairy-project-damned-in.html
Bertus de Jongh, MPO CEO says, “In view of the potential damage the controversy regarding the project can cause the image of dairy farming, I wish to confirm that commercial dairy farmers are not involved with the project.”
Source: Press release by MPO #IFAMAFRICA
Also read: http://agbizconference.blogspot.com/2014/02/free-state-dairy-project-damned-in.html
Five questions answered on Africa’s rising economic growth
There has been a lot of talk about Africa’s rising economic prosperity and whether it is sustainable and deeply rooted in reducing extreme poverty across the continent. Amadou Sy of the Africa Growth Initiative answers some basic fundamental questions that he often get asked about Africa’s growth and development.
Why does Africa show the highest growth prospects out of any continent in the world?
What role does China play in Africa’s economic development?
What are the African countries to which we should being paying close attention?
What are key areas of opportunity to capitalize on for Africa’s development?
Is the whole continent progressing or are only a few countries?
READ MORE
Source: BusinessDay, Nigeria
About the author: Amadou Sy is a senior fellow in the Africa Growth Initiative and currently serves as a member of the Editorial Board of the Global Credit Review. His research focuses on banking, capital markets, and macroeconomics in Africa and emerging markets.
#IFAMAFRICA
Why does Africa show the highest growth prospects out of any continent in the world?
What role does China play in Africa’s economic development?
What are the African countries to which we should being paying close attention?
What are key areas of opportunity to capitalize on for Africa’s development?
Is the whole continent progressing or are only a few countries?
READ MORE
Source: BusinessDay, Nigeria
About the author: Amadou Sy is a senior fellow in the Africa Growth Initiative and currently serves as a member of the Editorial Board of the Global Credit Review. His research focuses on banking, capital markets, and macroeconomics in Africa and emerging markets.
#IFAMAFRICA
Monday, 17 February 2014
DTI sees SA as ‘well placed’ to benefit from global economic pick-up
SOUTH Africa’s economy is "well placed" to benefit when global economic growth and demand improve this year, Department of Trade and Industry chief economist Stephen Hanival says, although some economists warn that the growth in manufacturing will be modest.
While better than expected retail, mining and manufacturing production data were pointing to economic growth having improved in the final quarter of last year, the outlook among many economists is for the manufacturing sector and the economy to post modest growth this year.
Economists are looking for economic growth of about 2.5% this year — which is slightly less than the Reserve Bank’s 2.8% and the Treasury’s 3%.
Mr Hanival said recent data showing an increase in manufacturing production was positive for other sectors as manufacturing drew inputs from a range of primary and tertiary sectors such as agriculture, mining, electricity and services. Manufacturing production rose 2.5% in December compared with a year ago, from 0.3% in November.
"Given that the full-year increase in production was based on increases in seven of the 10 manufacturing sectors, this suggests that a broad-based recovery is increasingly taking hold in the manufacturing sector," he said.
With global economic demand forecast to improve and the rand expected to continue maintaining a weaker bias, local exporters were set to benefit. READ MORE
Source: BusinessDay #IFAMAFRICA
DA/ANC support for Restitution Bill risks disaster - IRR
Two pieces of pending legislation could together result in the expropriation of commercial farming operations with zero compensation.
The first is the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill of 2013 (the Restitution Bill), which will open up a new five-year window for the lodging of land claims. Some 379 000 new land claims are likely to be submitted and could cost the State about R179bn to settle, according to the Government's regulatory impact analysis. Yet in the 2013/14 financial year, the restitution budget was roughly R3bn. How, then, is the State to find the money to settle all these claims?
The answer could lie in the so-called Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill of 2013. This suggests that expropriated property owners will be entitled to ‘just and equitable' compensation, but the Bill also contains a weasel clause stating that it is not ‘an act of expropriation' if the State takes property, not as owner, but as custodian for others.
Where the State takes as ‘custodian' - as the Constitutional Court has already ruled in a case involving mining rights - the deprivation of property from an existing owner is not matched by the acquisition of that property by the State. This means that there is no expropriation - and no right to any compensation.
Under the Investment Bill, the Government could thus pass legislation (modelled on mining law) providing that all agricultural land, farm equipment, and livestock vest in the State as the custodian of the nation's land resources - and inviting black South Africans, in particular, to apply to the relevant department for the right to use a portion of these assets for a specified period.
In these circumstances, commercial farmers would be deprived of their property, but the State would acquire it as custodian rather than as owner. Hence, there would be no ‘act of expropriation' under the Investment Bill and no compensation would be payable.
Once the Restitution Bill is enacted and hundreds of thousands of new land claims are lodged, the Government could argue that it is obliged to honour these claims but lacks the money to pay compensation. Under the Investment Bill, it could then take the claimed land as custodian for land claimants - and without having to pay any compensation at all.
Says the IRR's Frans Cronje: "Together, these two pieces of legislation could spell the end of private property rights in South Africa - not just in agriculture but across the economy. We suggest that the Government and the African National Congress (ANC) may be preparing the ground to confiscate private property and distribute it to poor communities if and when they feel the need to do so. That time will come when the political pressure on the ANC is so great that it fears losing a future election. READ MORE
Source: Statement issued by Frans Cronje and Anthea Jeffrey, South African Institute of Race Relations, February 17 2014
The first is the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill of 2013 (the Restitution Bill), which will open up a new five-year window for the lodging of land claims. Some 379 000 new land claims are likely to be submitted and could cost the State about R179bn to settle, according to the Government's regulatory impact analysis. Yet in the 2013/14 financial year, the restitution budget was roughly R3bn. How, then, is the State to find the money to settle all these claims?
The answer could lie in the so-called Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill of 2013. This suggests that expropriated property owners will be entitled to ‘just and equitable' compensation, but the Bill also contains a weasel clause stating that it is not ‘an act of expropriation' if the State takes property, not as owner, but as custodian for others.
Where the State takes as ‘custodian' - as the Constitutional Court has already ruled in a case involving mining rights - the deprivation of property from an existing owner is not matched by the acquisition of that property by the State. This means that there is no expropriation - and no right to any compensation.
Under the Investment Bill, the Government could thus pass legislation (modelled on mining law) providing that all agricultural land, farm equipment, and livestock vest in the State as the custodian of the nation's land resources - and inviting black South Africans, in particular, to apply to the relevant department for the right to use a portion of these assets for a specified period.
In these circumstances, commercial farmers would be deprived of their property, but the State would acquire it as custodian rather than as owner. Hence, there would be no ‘act of expropriation' under the Investment Bill and no compensation would be payable.
Once the Restitution Bill is enacted and hundreds of thousands of new land claims are lodged, the Government could argue that it is obliged to honour these claims but lacks the money to pay compensation. Under the Investment Bill, it could then take the claimed land as custodian for land claimants - and without having to pay any compensation at all.
Says the IRR's Frans Cronje: "Together, these two pieces of legislation could spell the end of private property rights in South Africa - not just in agriculture but across the economy. We suggest that the Government and the African National Congress (ANC) may be preparing the ground to confiscate private property and distribute it to poor communities if and when they feel the need to do so. That time will come when the political pressure on the ANC is so great that it fears losing a future election. READ MORE
Source: Statement issued by Frans Cronje and Anthea Jeffrey, South African Institute of Race Relations, February 17 2014
#IFAMAFRICA
Saturday, 15 February 2014
When China's Food Runs Out
New state guidelines from China suggest the country will soon be producing less grain than it consumes, ending a long-standing pledge to be self-sufficient in its staple foods. It might not sound much. But a China without self-sufficiency will have major ramifications around the world.
Financial Times cites new guidelines from the State Council, the most significant decision-making body in China’s national government, which set out the country’s food policy for the years ahead. It notes that, for the first time, the country has set a grains output target well below domestic consumption rates.
The guidelines suggest grain production will stabilise at around 550 million tonnes a year by 2020, which is lower than the 602 million tonnes that were harvested (and consumed domestically) last year – and presumably lower still than consumption demand will be at the end of this decade. The guidelines instead refer to an emphasis on “food safety and quality”. Meat, vegetables and fruit are being prioritised, which take less land and create more jobs, as well as reflecting changes in the typical Chinese diet. READ MORE
Source: www.Forbes.com #IFAMAFRICA
Financial Times cites new guidelines from the State Council, the most significant decision-making body in China’s national government, which set out the country’s food policy for the years ahead. It notes that, for the first time, the country has set a grains output target well below domestic consumption rates.
The guidelines suggest grain production will stabilise at around 550 million tonnes a year by 2020, which is lower than the 602 million tonnes that were harvested (and consumed domestically) last year – and presumably lower still than consumption demand will be at the end of this decade. The guidelines instead refer to an emphasis on “food safety and quality”. Meat, vegetables and fruit are being prioritised, which take less land and create more jobs, as well as reflecting changes in the typical Chinese diet. READ MORE
Source: www.Forbes.com #IFAMAFRICA
Agritech Expo, Friday 4 April 2014
Delegates will review the path agriculture has taken in Zambia and plans for the use of Zambian resources to further accelerate agricultural growth in line with the National Development Plan. The programme will focus on commercial farming, food security and agricultural diversification, corporate agribusiness partnerships, farm financing and the development of the value chain through expert-led presentations and panel discussions. Download the Expo and Conference guide: http://newsletters.spintelligent-mail.com/servlet/link/7494/42562/22768125/263751. #IFAMAFRICA
EU tightening could pose “huge danger” for global citrus industry
The direction of South Africa’s citrus industry hangs in the balance of a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessment due in 10 days, although the report has already been delayed many times since September. The topic at hand is citrus black spot (CBS) and whether it poses a risk to European growers via imports of South African fruit; an issue that led to a symbolic and temporary import ban at the end of the 2013 season.
CGA CEO Justin Chadwick
“The costs of compliance are immense but then the costs of failure are even more immense,” Citrus Growers Association (CGA) of Southern Africa CEO Justin Chadwick told www.freshfruitportal.comduring Fruit Logistica in Berlin last week.
“We know there will probably be increased enforcement, so we in South Africa are working on basically doing everything possible to comply.
“When we register orchards the department [of agriculture] goes through all of them and ensures they’ve got appropriate treatment, and then there are increased inspections of orchards, packhouses, and of the fruit at the port.”
Chadwick hopes to dispel the belief amongst some European growers, mainly in Spain, that concerns about CBS have been ignored. READ MORE
Source: www.freshfruitportal.com. #IFAMAFRICA
Dumping fees can sour EU relations
South Africa’s anti-dumping measures could cost consumers and the economy dearly.
Economists said yesterday that if the country imposed anti-dumping duties on poultry from some of the EU member countries it was investigating, it could sour already fractious relations with one of its largest trade and investment partners, but it might be necessary.
On Wednesday, the International Trade Administration Commission of SA (Itac) told Parliament that it had started investigating British, German and Dutch firms suspected of dumping poultry products in South Africa. If it finds evidence, dumping duties could be imposed and, in the worst case, the entire poultry industry in these countries could be fined.
The mood between South Africa and the EU has already been strained following the Department of Trade and Industry’s decision to phase out bilateral investment treaties with about 13 European nations last year.
The EU later banned imports of South African citrus fruits over fears that they were contaminated with the fungal black spot disease, a move that some people said reflected a simmering trade war.
“It [the atmosphere] is not good. We’ve introduced tremendous risk to the equation. No country or investor likes it when rules change,” said Nicky Weimar, a senior economist at Nedbank.
But she said as South Africa pursued its New Growth Path strategy, a degree of interference was expected because that was what this growth roadmap suggested.
“It is for the development of the local industry but it is not something an economist can agree with. It imposes costs on the economy and removes competitiveness that would have encouraged local producers to think innovatively.”
A trade relations analyst said the problem was that countries were not treated with the same degree of scrutiny. The EU had been treated differently and if dumping allegations ended in the imposition duties, the trade bloc was bound to take notice even though its own problems had directed people’s attentions away from lesser concerns. READ MORE
Source: www.iol.co.za. #IFAMAFRICA
AgriBEE funds drained as farmers are left in the cold
It’s been more than six years since the AgriBEE Fund, a grant initiative by the government to help black farmers purchase equity in farms or invest in agro-processing and value-adding of their produce, but only one deal has been funded.
Part of it could be understood, as the AgriBEE Charter Council and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries argued because the fund was suspended for two years.
It was suspended because of fraudulent activities at the Land Bank which manages the AgriBEE Fund. But even today, three years since those activities prompted the fund’s suspension, the matter is “still hanging” as the department’s director-general, Edith Vries, put it in Parliament yesterday.
But although suspended, annual allocations from the Treasury continued to flow into the fund, R35 million every year since the 2006/07 financial year. Allocating funds to a course that is under investigation for fraud and whose activities are suspended does not make much sense.
But the funds continued to flow and the chairman of Parliament’s portfolio committee on agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Lulu Johnson, said farmers had been reporting to him that they were rejected left, right and centre by the fund.
Last year, the department received 67 applications for AgriBEE funding. The department recommended only six to go through the Land Bank’s screening and due diligence processes.
The fund excludes the purchase of farms, farming, forestry or fishing infrastructure at primary level making it difficult for previously marginalised farmworkers, who never owned anything, to buy equity even if they practically ran the farm operations themselves. READ MORE.
Source: www.iol.co.za #IFAMAFRICA
South Africa: agriculture key for jobs, says Zuma
Agriculture is a key job driver and a provider of opportunities for entrepreneurship, South African president Jacob Zuma has said in his state of the nation address yesterday (13 February) in Cape Town.
The country’s agricultural support programme is producing new exporters, Zuma said. For example, the first 88 smallholder farmers in the programme supplied the United Nations World Food Programme with 268 tonnes of maize and beans, which were sent to Lesotho at the end of 2012.
“We expect this number to increase,” he said.
Also on the agenda is the South African government’s plan to continue to promote the country’s fisheries sector, Zuma said. Fisheries provide 27,000 jobs to the national economy. READ MORE
Source: www.recruiter.co.uk
The country’s agricultural support programme is producing new exporters, Zuma said. For example, the first 88 smallholder farmers in the programme supplied the United Nations World Food Programme with 268 tonnes of maize and beans, which were sent to Lesotho at the end of 2012.
“We expect this number to increase,” he said.
Also on the agenda is the South African government’s plan to continue to promote the country’s fisheries sector, Zuma said. Fisheries provide 27,000 jobs to the national economy. READ MORE
Source: www.recruiter.co.uk
Friday, 14 February 2014
Agriculture Innovations Could Boost Global Rice Production by 43%, Reduce Food Prices by 50% by 2050, IFPRI Says
A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has found that new agricultural practices and technologies could increase global rice production by up to 43% and reduce food prices by nearly half by the year 2050.
The IFPRI study is published in the book, "Food Security in a World of Natural Resource Scarcity: The Role of Agricultural Technologies," and examines 11 agricultural practices and technologies and how they could help farmers globally to improve the growth sustainability of the world's main staple crops - rice, maize and wheat - in developing countries.
The 11 agricultural innovations identified by IFPRI include: crop protection, drip irrigation, drought tolerance, heat tolerance, integrated soil fertility management, no-till farming, nutrient use efficiency, organic agriculture, precision agriculture, sprinkler irrigation, and water harvesting. For instance, the study says that nitrogen-use efficiency could increase rice crop yields by 22% and irrigation could increase crop yields by another 21% by 2050.
IFPRI Director and lead author of the book says farmers in the developing world could adopt a combination of technologies according to their crop schedules and regional preferences to improve global rice production by 43%, maize production by 49% and wheat production by 45%. He however, adds that improvement in agricultural education would ensure better use of available technologies according to different regions and availability of resources. READ MORE
Source: www.oryza.com. #IFAMAFRICA
The IFPRI study is published in the book, "Food Security in a World of Natural Resource Scarcity: The Role of Agricultural Technologies," and examines 11 agricultural practices and technologies and how they could help farmers globally to improve the growth sustainability of the world's main staple crops - rice, maize and wheat - in developing countries.
The 11 agricultural innovations identified by IFPRI include: crop protection, drip irrigation, drought tolerance, heat tolerance, integrated soil fertility management, no-till farming, nutrient use efficiency, organic agriculture, precision agriculture, sprinkler irrigation, and water harvesting. For instance, the study says that nitrogen-use efficiency could increase rice crop yields by 22% and irrigation could increase crop yields by another 21% by 2050.
IFPRI Director and lead author of the book says farmers in the developing world could adopt a combination of technologies according to their crop schedules and regional preferences to improve global rice production by 43%, maize production by 49% and wheat production by 45%. He however, adds that improvement in agricultural education would ensure better use of available technologies according to different regions and availability of resources. READ MORE
Source: www.oryza.com. #IFAMAFRICA
Meat export ban plays havoc with agriculture
The red meat export ban that has been in place for over two years because of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease is a “major crisis” which has had a ripple effect on a host of associated industries, according to organised agriculture.
The ban is affecting the export of stud animals, horses, game, milk, and the animal feed industry.
In addition, agriculture says the government is not helping the country find new markets that will take local red meat exports – despite the outbreak.
Outbreaks of the disease are restricted only to certain regions, particularly near the country’s borders.
Carl Opperman, head of Agri-WesCape, said yesterday: “It is a crisis. We need exports. Our trade balance is going for a loop, we need to create jobs, but government red tape is a big stumbling block. READ MORE.
Source: Business Report #IFAMAFRICA
Thursday, 13 February 2014
Busa CEO resigns
Business Unity SA
chief executive Nomaxabiso Majokweni has resigned, the organisation said on
Thursday.
"The Busa board has accepted the resignation of CEO Nomaxabiso Majokweni, who is leaving to pursue other interests, having spearheaded a restructuring of the organisation over the past three years," the organisation said in a statement.
A process to appoint a new CEO has already begun.
Fergus Marupen, who had been assisting Busa president Jabu Mabuza, would act as chief operating officer and oversee the daily operations.
"Majokweni will continue to act as CEO until 28 February and will be available to provide support to Busa thereafter to ensure an orderly handover," the organisation said. READ MORE #IFAMAFRICA
"The Busa board has accepted the resignation of CEO Nomaxabiso Majokweni, who is leaving to pursue other interests, having spearheaded a restructuring of the organisation over the past three years," the organisation said in a statement.
A process to appoint a new CEO has already begun.
Fergus Marupen, who had been assisting Busa president Jabu Mabuza, would act as chief operating officer and oversee the daily operations.
"Majokweni will continue to act as CEO until 28 February and will be available to provide support to Busa thereafter to ensure an orderly handover," the organisation said. READ MORE #IFAMAFRICA
DuPont Food Security Thought Leadership in 2014: Building Momentum
Just weeks into the new year, DuPont food security activity is building momentum. The 2014 plans are underway to continue engaging with our NGO, industry and government partners around the globe in our commitment to put science and collaboration to work in pursuit of food security. Watch for more news about how you can join in our efforts in the coming months.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently announced that global food commodity prices rose slightly in the last quarter of 2013, decreasing food affordability in the majority of the 107 countries covered in the EIU's Global Food Security Index. The Index, commissioned by DuPont to deepen the dialogue on food security, is prepared annually and evaluates the affordability, availability and quality of food across 107 countries. Each quarter, the Index is adjusted to reflect the impact of global food price fluctuations on each country's food security. READ MORE #IFAMAFRICA
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently announced that global food commodity prices rose slightly in the last quarter of 2013, decreasing food affordability in the majority of the 107 countries covered in the EIU's Global Food Security Index. The Index, commissioned by DuPont to deepen the dialogue on food security, is prepared annually and evaluates the affordability, availability and quality of food across 107 countries. Each quarter, the Index is adjusted to reflect the impact of global food price fluctuations on each country's food security. READ MORE #IFAMAFRICA
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
Government reneging on commitment to transform sector
Government is reneging on its commitment to transform the agricultural sector, the agriculture department conceded on Wednesday.
Briefing parliament's portfolio committee on agriculture, department chief director Kwena Komape outlined the problems facing the Agri-BEE fund.
The fund was established to help black beneficiaries acquire ownership equity in white commercial agricultural businesses. The Land Bank is managing the fund.
Komape said six projects had been recommended for approval but only one would receive funding.
"Once the disbursement for the approved transaction [tropical mushrooms] takes place the balance of the fund will sit at zero for the current financial year [2013/14]," Komape said.
"Once the disbursement for the approved transaction [tropical mushrooms] takes place the balance of the fund will sit at zero for the current financial year [2013/14]," Komape said.
This followed a directive by the National Treasury that the Land Bank return all uncommitted funds.
"A total of R229 million was returned," she said.
"A total of R229 million was returned," she said.
The Land Bank was not at the committee meeting to explain why it did not disburse funds to other projects approved by the department.
MPs suggested the Land Bank should be summoned to parliament to explain the situation.
Source: Moneyweb.co.za #IFAMARICA
Nigeria Poised For 2014 WEF On Africa
Having being tasked with preparing the country for the World Economic Forum Africa since it last held in South Africa in 2013, chief economic adviser to Nigerian president, Nwanze Okidegbe is rest assured of the country’s readiness to host the forum.
Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan had last year appointed his economic adviser, Nwanze Okidegbe and Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as co-chairs of a steering committee to prepare the country for the huge gathering of over 800 delegates from 70 countries all over the world which will hold in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital from the 7th – 9th of May, 2014.
Okidegbe said the 24th World Economic Forum on Africa will be an opportunity for Nigeria to show the world the abundance of opportunities in the country.
“We are going to use the WEF to maximise the benefits by getting both international global and Nigerian companies to get together, share information that will further showcase that Nigeria has a lot of opportunities.
“Investment funds are limited and every country is doing whatever they can to grab a part of it. That is one of the reasons some countries go to road shows and try to woo investors to come,” Okidegbe said.
He added that the forum would also be an opportunity to let investors see beyond oil.
“There are lots of investment opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and so on. READ MORE
Source: Ventures-Africa.com #IFAMAFRICA
Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan had last year appointed his economic adviser, Nwanze Okidegbe and Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as co-chairs of a steering committee to prepare the country for the huge gathering of over 800 delegates from 70 countries all over the world which will hold in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital from the 7th – 9th of May, 2014.
Okidegbe said the 24th World Economic Forum on Africa will be an opportunity for Nigeria to show the world the abundance of opportunities in the country.
“We are going to use the WEF to maximise the benefits by getting both international global and Nigerian companies to get together, share information that will further showcase that Nigeria has a lot of opportunities.
“Investment funds are limited and every country is doing whatever they can to grab a part of it. That is one of the reasons some countries go to road shows and try to woo investors to come,” Okidegbe said.
He added that the forum would also be an opportunity to let investors see beyond oil.
“There are lots of investment opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and so on. READ MORE
Source: Ventures-Africa.com #IFAMAFRICA
South Africa’s Distell Acquires 26% Of Kenya Wine Maker
Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has finally approved the sale of 26 percent of its shares to Distell, South Africa’s largest wine and spirit maker.
The sale, which should have been concluded June 30 last year was finally concluded in December and negotiations are underway as to how much Distell, will pay per share.
“We are now in the final stages, we concluded the negotiations in December and the transaction is close to completion,” Solomon Kitungu, the commission’s chief executive told The Standard last week.
According to the terms of agreement, KWAL will have sole distributorship of Distell products in East Africa while still exercising control over the development and production of its own products. READ MORE
Source: www.ventures-africa.com #IFAMAFRICA
The sale, which should have been concluded June 30 last year was finally concluded in December and negotiations are underway as to how much Distell, will pay per share.
“We are now in the final stages, we concluded the negotiations in December and the transaction is close to completion,” Solomon Kitungu, the commission’s chief executive told The Standard last week.
According to the terms of agreement, KWAL will have sole distributorship of Distell products in East Africa while still exercising control over the development and production of its own products. READ MORE
Source: www.ventures-africa.com #IFAMAFRICA
Young entrepreneurs rewarded for hard work
The winners of the
Senwes entrepreneurs competition for primary schools were announced in
Bloemfontein on 4 February. No fewer than 187 entries had been received, seven
of which had gone through to the final round.
This year’s first prize of R5 000 was awarded to Arno Muller from Jim Fouché Primary School in Bloemfontein for his product ‘night lights’. Ju-Marie Swanepoel from the Sentrale Volkskool in Kroonstad walked away with the second prize of R3 000, and Suné du Plessis, also from Jim Fouché, received the third prize of R2 000. The other four entries in the final round each pocketed an amount of R1 000.
The winning project of the competition was LED lights that had been installed in cardboard containers. The aim was to use them in the home in a passage, on stairs, in rooms and even in grocery cupboards. Arno also showed that this way of providing light was much more cost-effective than using electric lights.
Dr Johan van Zyl (Head of the Unit for Entrepreneurship: University of the Free State) was the guest speaker and encouraged the young entrepreneurs not to become discouraged if their first attempts failed. ‘Learn from your mistakes. Failure gives you a chance to start again. Think innovatively and outside the box,’ he said.
He also mentioned that of the 50 countries participating in the Global Entrepreneurial Monitor (GEM), South Africa performed the worst in entrepreneurship. ‘Development in a country demands entrepreneurial businesses with the potential of growing, that can remain innovative and that set strategic goals,’ he said.
Source: Senwes #IFAMAFRICA
This year’s first prize of R5 000 was awarded to Arno Muller from Jim Fouché Primary School in Bloemfontein for his product ‘night lights’. Ju-Marie Swanepoel from the Sentrale Volkskool in Kroonstad walked away with the second prize of R3 000, and Suné du Plessis, also from Jim Fouché, received the third prize of R2 000. The other four entries in the final round each pocketed an amount of R1 000.
The winning project of the competition was LED lights that had been installed in cardboard containers. The aim was to use them in the home in a passage, on stairs, in rooms and even in grocery cupboards. Arno also showed that this way of providing light was much more cost-effective than using electric lights.
Dr Johan van Zyl (Head of the Unit for Entrepreneurship: University of the Free State) was the guest speaker and encouraged the young entrepreneurs not to become discouraged if their first attempts failed. ‘Learn from your mistakes. Failure gives you a chance to start again. Think innovatively and outside the box,’ he said.
He also mentioned that of the 50 countries participating in the Global Entrepreneurial Monitor (GEM), South Africa performed the worst in entrepreneurship. ‘Development in a country demands entrepreneurial businesses with the potential of growing, that can remain innovative and that set strategic goals,’ he said.
Source: Senwes #IFAMAFRICA
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Fish farms to produce nearly two thirds of global food fish supply by 2030
Aquaculture will provide close to two thirds of global food fish consumption by 2030 as catches from wild capture fisheries level off and demand from an emerging global middle class, especially in China, substantially increases.
These are among the key findings of "Fish to 2030: Prospects for Fisheries and Aquaculture," a collaboration between the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). The report highlights the extent of global trade in seafood which tends to flow heavily from developing to developed countries.
According to FAO, at present 38 percent of all fish produced in the world is exported and in value terms, over two thirds of fishery exports by developing countries are directed to developed countries. The "Fish to 2030" report finds that a major and growing market for fish is coming from China which is projected to account for 38 percent of global consumption of food fish by 2030. China and many other nations are increasing their investments in aquaculture to help meet this growing demand. READ MORE
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. #IFAMAFRICA
These are among the key findings of "Fish to 2030: Prospects for Fisheries and Aquaculture," a collaboration between the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). The report highlights the extent of global trade in seafood which tends to flow heavily from developing to developed countries.
According to FAO, at present 38 percent of all fish produced in the world is exported and in value terms, over two thirds of fishery exports by developing countries are directed to developed countries. The "Fish to 2030" report finds that a major and growing market for fish is coming from China which is projected to account for 38 percent of global consumption of food fish by 2030. China and many other nations are increasing their investments in aquaculture to help meet this growing demand. READ MORE
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. #IFAMAFRICA
Zimbabwe: Climate Change Will Hit Agriculture Hardest
AGRICULTURE and climate change in Africa are like the Siamese twins, inseparable. Whenever the impact of climate change is discussed, its corrosive attack on agriculture and food production systems is always mentioned first.
This is because most African economies are agro-based.
More than 70 percent of the continent's one billion people, or 700 million people, survive by tilling the land or are indirectly dependant on agriculture.
The sector supports 67 percent of jobs in Africa and accounts for 40 percent of the continent's foreign currency earnings.
Recurrent disruptions from climate change manifesting through disasters such as droughts or floods can result in widespread famine and hunger, sometimes death.
Agriculture is key to Africa but the sector remains highly vulnerable to changing climatic conditions. READ MORE
Source: Allafrica.com #IFAMARICA
JSE announces sunflower location differential and storing costs
The JSE has announced the sunflower location differentials and storing costs for the new marketing year (2014/2015), which commenced on 1 February. They use a formula-based method to determine the location differentials for sunflower.
RPT = (Distance * RLF * RPK)/Payload Distance
RLF — return load factor
RPK — rand per kilometre
Payload — load is 30 tons.
The average increase in the location differential in relation to the previous marketing year, amounts to 7,29%. Against this, the wholesale price for diesel has increased with more than 16% year-on-year. The complete list of differentials is available on Grain SA's website.
The standard storing costs for the period from 1 February 2014 to 28 February 2015 are raised with the PPI figure that was published by the end of November 2013. The PPI figure amounts to 6,3% and therefore the new storing costs involved in the completion of futures, amount to R1,22 per ton. The JSE henceforth receives sunflower only on a clean basis. Take note that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' regulations in this regard has not yet been adjusted accordingly.
JSE maize location differential
The JSE is currently waiting until 7 February 2014 for transport tariffs and road:rail outloading percentages in order to determine the new tariffs according to the formula approach. The proposed differentials should be published for commentary within the next week, whereafter revision can be done. The new maize location differentials should be announced mid-March.
Additional JSE sorghum contract
The JSE has implemented an additional sorghum contract for Class GH sorghum and specifically GH1 sorghum (bitter sorghum). The following eleven delivery points are involved: Derby, Gerdau, Hibernia, Koster, Battery, Libertas, Northam, Arlington, Potchefstroom, Raathsvlei and Ventersdorp.
With effect from Friday, 24 January 2014, the July 2014 and September 2014 contracts were available for trading. Both quality types can now be traded on the JSE. A further investigation has been received to allow the delivery of sweet sorghum on the GM1 contract, and the JSE is currently still awaiting commentary hereon. For any further enquiries or contributions regarding the abovementioned matters, please contact Wessel Lemmer on 086 004 7246.
Source: Wessel Lemmer, senior economist, market research, Grain SA.
RPT = (Distance * RLF * RPK)/Payload Distance
RLF — return load factor
RPK — rand per kilometre
Payload — load is 30 tons.
The average increase in the location differential in relation to the previous marketing year, amounts to 7,29%. Against this, the wholesale price for diesel has increased with more than 16% year-on-year. The complete list of differentials is available on Grain SA's website.
The standard storing costs for the period from 1 February 2014 to 28 February 2015 are raised with the PPI figure that was published by the end of November 2013. The PPI figure amounts to 6,3% and therefore the new storing costs involved in the completion of futures, amount to R1,22 per ton. The JSE henceforth receives sunflower only on a clean basis. Take note that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' regulations in this regard has not yet been adjusted accordingly.
JSE maize location differential
The JSE is currently waiting until 7 February 2014 for transport tariffs and road:rail outloading percentages in order to determine the new tariffs according to the formula approach. The proposed differentials should be published for commentary within the next week, whereafter revision can be done. The new maize location differentials should be announced mid-March.
Additional JSE sorghum contract
The JSE has implemented an additional sorghum contract for Class GH sorghum and specifically GH1 sorghum (bitter sorghum). The following eleven delivery points are involved: Derby, Gerdau, Hibernia, Koster, Battery, Libertas, Northam, Arlington, Potchefstroom, Raathsvlei and Ventersdorp.
With effect from Friday, 24 January 2014, the July 2014 and September 2014 contracts were available for trading. Both quality types can now be traded on the JSE. A further investigation has been received to allow the delivery of sweet sorghum on the GM1 contract, and the JSE is currently still awaiting commentary hereon. For any further enquiries or contributions regarding the abovementioned matters, please contact Wessel Lemmer on 086 004 7246.
Source: Wessel Lemmer, senior economist, market research, Grain SA.
#IFAMAFRICA
Monday, 10 February 2014
What the agricultural sector expects from government
In the advent of the state of nation address and whilst political parties
are gearing up for the general election, the farming community wants to remind
political leaders about this sector’s potential to further contribute towards
development and also indicate areas of vulnerability as well as solutions
required to elevate the performance of the sector.
The National Development Plan and other government policies acknowledge the
current and potential contribution that agriculture is making towards job creation
in rural areas and along the value chain. Apart from its valuable
contribution towards trade and the generating of foreign income, local food
production was and still is essential for maintaining national food security, a
situation that should be treasured and enhanced. In most rural areas
commercial agriculture is still the dominant economic activity around which
secondary development takes place. It is foreseen that this situation
will prevail for the foreseeable future. South Africa is, however, not
endowed with an abundance of high potential agricultural land and water
resources. This dictates circumspection with policy decisions which
influence the allocation and utilisation of such resources.
The most important challenge for government is to foster confidence amongst
all stake holders in the sector to invest or participate in the growth and
expansion thereof. Policy certainty and coherency were up to now areas of
concern and in various circumstances experienced as being contradictory.
This situation was, unfortunately, exacerbated by unsatisfactory service
delivery.
The sector acknowledges the need to address the skewness in participation
in the sector derived from policy interventions of the past. Sector
roleplayers are looking forward to a constructive partnership with government
to effect such changes. There are, however, areas of concern, i.e. the
re-opening of land claims will inhibit investment due to uncertainty of future
ownership; collateral values will be negatively affected if government deviate
from paying market values for land; and statutory arrangements with regards to
the labour market accelerate the use of labour saving practices. Agri SA’s
views on these matters are on record, namely that less direct intervention and
an assisted market approach is the preferred option to find solutions for these
challenging issues.
Agriculture also experiences increasing competing demands on natural
resources from other sectors, impeding on the availability and quality
thereof. Water quality management and the protection of high potential
land deserve more recognition. The effective management thereof by
relevant authorities at all levels should be a priority.
Sustaining and enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector should
be at the core of policies and programmes aimed at growing the future
contributions of the sector. The competitive edge of the sector depends inter
alia on its cost of doing business, access to efficient and reliable
infrastructure, access to cutting edge technology and information and efficient
disaster risk management. Agri SA has identified deficiencies and
backlogs in this regard and engages with government on approaches and solutions
thereto. The same applies with respect to trade matters where issues such
as an appropriate trade and tariff policy; complying with international norms
and standards with regards to animal and plant health; and the review as well
as optimal utilisation of existing and future trade agreements are
interrogated. In the light of this, Agri SA welcomes the recent progress
that was made with the drafting and consultations around an Agriculture Policy
Action Plan (APAP) which will serve as an important implementation mechanism,
aligning agricultural initiatives with the National Development Plan.
Notwithstanding a good working relationship between the farming community
and safety and security structures of government, the continued prevalence or
crime and violence in rural areas remain unacceptably high. Agri SA
acknowledges the complexity of the phenomenon and will lend its full support to
the implementation of all the elements of the rural safety strategy and the
reservist policy in particular. With regards to a wider concern about
disrespect for law and order, we appeal to government to strengthen their
resolve in seeking and implementing appropriate solutions and also to set an
example in this regard.
Agri SA believes that the restoration of acceptable levels of economic
growth represents the ultimate solution for South Africa. At the same time, a
social development model should be developed and implemented to provide
training to prospective entrepreneurs in order to ensure the establishment of a
larger small business sector as well as high- quality employees. Our view is
that such an approach will ensure a more even distribution of wealth and reduce
the number of households primarily dependent on government grants.
It is of cardinal importance that everyone in South Africa unites behind a
common vision for the country and supports an economic strategy that will lead
to growth and job creation with a view to securing a better life for all
citizens.
Source: Agri SA
http://www.agrisa.co.za/ #IFAMAFRICA
Farmers fight landmark Oz GMO case
SYDNEY - Two neighbouring farmers, a field of canola and a gust of wind are at the centre of a landmark court case in Australia that could have consequences for the controversial growing of genetically modified crops in the country.
Steve Marsh is suing former childhood friend Michael Baxter after harvested seed heads from Baxter's genetically modified canola crop blew onto Marsh's farm in the state of Western Australia, court documents said, contaminating land used for his organic oat and wheat crops.
Marsh, stripped of his organic certification and export license for his oats, is claiming unspecified damages for loss of income in the civil negligence case, which opens on Monday in the West Australian Supreme Court.
It is the first time in Australia one farmer has sued another for negligence over contamination of organic crops by genetically modified organisms (GMO) and will set a precedent for future cases, lawyers said. READ MORE
Source: Business Report #IFAMAFRICA
Steve Marsh is suing former childhood friend Michael Baxter after harvested seed heads from Baxter's genetically modified canola crop blew onto Marsh's farm in the state of Western Australia, court documents said, contaminating land used for his organic oat and wheat crops.
Marsh, stripped of his organic certification and export license for his oats, is claiming unspecified damages for loss of income in the civil negligence case, which opens on Monday in the West Australian Supreme Court.
It is the first time in Australia one farmer has sued another for negligence over contamination of organic crops by genetically modified organisms (GMO) and will set a precedent for future cases, lawyers said. READ MORE
Source: Business Report #IFAMAFRICA
US farmers unite against GMO labelling
US farmers have joined the food industry to launch a united front against labelling of genetically modified products, amid mounting consumer pressure.
More than half of US states introduced bills aimed at requiring GMO labelling last year, in a country where 80% of the food contains ingredients that were made with genetically modified organisms.
While only two states have passed such measures, and none have yet implemented any labelling requirements, farmers are concerned about the prospect.
"If each state had a different label requirement, our farmers just couldn't adapt to that and really economically grow safe, affordable food," said Ray Gaesser, president of the American Soybean Association, which represents 600 000 US farmers. READ MORE
Source: News24 #IFAMAFRICA
More than half of US states introduced bills aimed at requiring GMO labelling last year, in a country where 80% of the food contains ingredients that were made with genetically modified organisms.
While only two states have passed such measures, and none have yet implemented any labelling requirements, farmers are concerned about the prospect.
"If each state had a different label requirement, our farmers just couldn't adapt to that and really economically grow safe, affordable food," said Ray Gaesser, president of the American Soybean Association, which represents 600 000 US farmers. READ MORE
Source: News24 #IFAMAFRICA
Savannah Fund looking for ‘the winners’ among Africa’s tech startups
Kenya is positioning itself as Africa’s technology hub with the construction of multi-million dollar Konza Technology City about 60km south of Nairobi. This is one of many efforts by the government and private sector to transform Kenya into Silicon Savannah.
The success of mobile money transfer service M-Pesa and crowd sourcing platform Ushahidi, as well the establishment of iHub, a co-working space that has become Kenya’s unofficial tech headquarters, have helped to propel Kenya’s technology industry. The sector has overshadowed that of other African countries, attracting numerous foreign entrepreneurs, investors and international media attention.
Mbwana Alliy, founder and managing partner of Savannah Fund, an African focused early stage tech seed fund and accelerator, says that while Kenya holds a lot of potential, it has a “noisy ecosystem” that and can be “distractive”. READ MORE
Source: How we made it in Africa #IFAMAFRICA
The success of mobile money transfer service M-Pesa and crowd sourcing platform Ushahidi, as well the establishment of iHub, a co-working space that has become Kenya’s unofficial tech headquarters, have helped to propel Kenya’s technology industry. The sector has overshadowed that of other African countries, attracting numerous foreign entrepreneurs, investors and international media attention.
Mbwana Alliy, founder and managing partner of Savannah Fund, an African focused early stage tech seed fund and accelerator, says that while Kenya holds a lot of potential, it has a “noisy ecosystem” that and can be “distractive”. READ MORE
Source: How we made it in Africa #IFAMAFRICA
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Land of opportunity
THE popular view is that economics is known as the “dismal science” thanks to historian Thomas Carlyle, who started using the phrase in response to the "dismal" prediction of 19th-century scholar Thomas Malthus.
Malthus predicted that the rate of growth in the population would outstrip the rate of growth in the food supply, and so mass starvation would result.
The efficient markets hypothesis suggests that where assets are traded in organised markets, prices take account of all available information.
Thus, I believe it logical that when the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) conducted a global survey on 647 executives in November 2013 about their expectations for business conditions in 2014, the executives took account of all available information.
Of respondents in the survey, 29% were based in Europe, 24% in Asia, 22% in North America, 13% from the Middle East and Africa and 12% from Latin America. The results of the survey show that South Africa ranks tied third (with America) in terms of where the greatest growth opportunities lie. READ MORE
Source: Fin24.com. #IFAMAFRICA
Malthus predicted that the rate of growth in the population would outstrip the rate of growth in the food supply, and so mass starvation would result.
The efficient markets hypothesis suggests that where assets are traded in organised markets, prices take account of all available information.
Thus, I believe it logical that when the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) conducted a global survey on 647 executives in November 2013 about their expectations for business conditions in 2014, the executives took account of all available information.
Of respondents in the survey, 29% were based in Europe, 24% in Asia, 22% in North America, 13% from the Middle East and Africa and 12% from Latin America. The results of the survey show that South Africa ranks tied third (with America) in terms of where the greatest growth opportunities lie. READ MORE
Source: Fin24.com. #IFAMAFRICA
Saturday, 8 February 2014
African agricultural technology foundation (AATF) receives Feed the Future funding to improve maize production in East Africa
The livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers in East Africa are set for transformation with the launch of a new project that will upscale the commercialisation of StrigAwayTM – an herbicide-resistant seed and treatment that controls the infestation of Striga – a parasitic weed that often results in total crop loss and even abandonment of arable land
NAIROBI, Kenya, 3 February, 2014: The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) today launched a partnership with Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation through a programme funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation funds off-the-shelf technologies to increase the productivity and competitiveness of smallholder farmers. With this grant, AATF will scale commercialisation of StrigAwayTM – an herbicide-resistant seed and treatment – to improve productivity for maize, one of the most important food crops in East Africa. Funding provided through the award will help AATF and its partners, BASF, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and six local seed companies, promote the technology package in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“This partnership is really about increasing the food security of thousands of smallholder farmers in East Africa. Farmers who have access to this technology will have better maize yields and higher earnings from the sale of excess produce,” said Denis T. Kyetere, the Executive Director, AATF. READ MORE
Source: African Agricultural Technology Foundation. #IFAMAFRICA
NAIROBI, Kenya, 3 February, 2014: The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) today launched a partnership with Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation through a programme funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation funds off-the-shelf technologies to increase the productivity and competitiveness of smallholder farmers. With this grant, AATF will scale commercialisation of StrigAwayTM – an herbicide-resistant seed and treatment – to improve productivity for maize, one of the most important food crops in East Africa. Funding provided through the award will help AATF and its partners, BASF, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and six local seed companies, promote the technology package in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“This partnership is really about increasing the food security of thousands of smallholder farmers in East Africa. Farmers who have access to this technology will have better maize yields and higher earnings from the sale of excess produce,” said Denis T. Kyetere, the Executive Director, AATF. READ MORE
Source: African Agricultural Technology Foundation. #IFAMAFRICA
ANC can't deliver on land claim promises - DA
The government will need as much as R179bn to settle outstanding land claims, but only a small fraction of this amount is available, the DA said on Friday.
"We sincerely hope that the re-opening of land claims will not create false hopes and unrealistic expectations among land claimants," Democratic Alliance MP Kevin Mileham said in a statement.
While the DA supported the re-opening of land claims - as enabled through the restitution of land rights amendment bill - it hoped this was a genuine commitment by government to return land, rather than "an election ploy" to garner the support of land claimants. READ MORE
Source: www.fin24.com. #IFAMAFRICA
"We sincerely hope that the re-opening of land claims will not create false hopes and unrealistic expectations among land claimants," Democratic Alliance MP Kevin Mileham said in a statement.
While the DA supported the re-opening of land claims - as enabled through the restitution of land rights amendment bill - it hoped this was a genuine commitment by government to return land, rather than "an election ploy" to garner the support of land claimants. READ MORE
Source: www.fin24.com. #IFAMAFRICA
Die gewilde Vra vir Faffa-afdeling op Landbou.com het deur die grens van 7 miljoen besoeke gebars
Die gewildheid van die Vra vir Faffa-afdeling op Landbou.com is pas benadruk toe meer as 7 miljoen besoeke aan dié indeksblad aangeteken is.
Dit is ’n groot prestasie vir Landbouweekblad én vir dr. Faffa Malan, wat dié vraag-en-antwoord-afdeling sedert Januarie 2005 vir Landbou.com behartig. Malan is ’n bekende veearts en geniet hoë aansien onder boere en in die veebedryf. Die Landbouskrywers SA het hom in 2008 aangewys as die nasionale Landboukundige van die Jaar.
Malan is die skepper van die Famacha-stelsel, wat internasionaal erkenning geniet as dié metode om vas te stel of skape inwendige parasiete het. Dié stelsel is ontwikkel met die samewerking van die bekende veeartse prof. Gareth Bath en dr. Jan van Wyk.
Volgens Malan is die Vra vir Faffa-indeks van artikels die omvattendste bron van inligting oor vee- en dieresiektes in Suid-Afrika. Dit bevat meer as 2 000 artikels – almal geskep uit vrae van boere, en beantwoord deur kundiges.
Van dié inligting is ook in boekformaat beskikbaar. Verskeie boeke is reeds deurLandbouweekblad gepubliseer wat artikels bevat wat in die indeks verskyn het. Dié boeke is deur Malan opgestel.
www.landbou.com/nuus. #IFAMAFRICA
Free State dairy project damned in treasury investigation
A controversial R570-million Free State dairy project was riddled with irregularities, investigators for the national treasury have found.
Exclusive material from the investigation shows that the treasury launched a full-scale investigation of the Estina dairy following several Mail & Guardian exposés about it in mid-2013. The reports suggested the deal with Estina – a company without agricultural experience and led by a computer sales manager – flouted treasury rules and was designed to milk provincial government coffers.
The articles also flagged allegations of the Gupta family’s proximity to the project and several of the role players.
Until recently, the treasury would not confirm that an investigation was taking place.
Now a document obtained by amaBhungane shows that in October last year a forensic team was dispatched by the treasury to Bloemfontein to question officials about the bizarre contract to develop a large dairy and milk processing plant in the northeastern Free State town of Vrede.
Investigators were shocked by what they heard... READ MORE
Source: M&G Centre for Investigative Journalism #IFAMAFRICA
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