Cyclone Dineo has passed, but above average rain is still expected for most of Southern Africa in the next few days. “Heavy rainfall looks like it will be a big story again for the outlook period between 23 February and 1 March. Enhanced rain, possibly more than 100mm is forecast…
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a problem year-round in the tropics and sub tropics, and seasonally in regions with cold winters. After good rains, when temperatures are still high, ticks are rampant. Dipping is the key to prevention of tick borne diseases. REDWATER Redwater is carried and transmitted by blue ticks…
Farmers should prepare for an increase in vector borne diseases after the widespread and persistent rain in Southern African countries since January. The rainy season means an increase in disease carrying vectors like midges, ticks and mosquitoes. According to Dr Moetapele Letswenyo, regional coordinator for the World Animal Health Organisation,…
Lawmakers in Zambia are to scrutinise the controversial maize export deal to Malawi. The Zambian government denied any wrongdoing following allegations by Saviour Chishimba, an opposition leader without parliamentary representation. Malawian president Peter Mutharika has however fired his agriculture minister George Chaponda, over the import of 100 000 tons of…
Kleinjan Gasekoma is the first black farmer in South Africa to be named Cattle Farmer of the Year. He went from communal farmer to successful commercial farmer in just 13 years. There is no shortage of success stories when it comes to emerging South African farmers making the difficult transition…
He stopped to admire a field of healthy looking tomatoes. And that gave Jones Shimbela (34) the idea to grow it himself. More than 12 months later he has his own thriving agriculture enterprise, harvesting nearly 2 000 crates of 25kg of tomatoes on a 50m by 100m piece of…
In a move aimed at protecting the local poultry industry, the Zambian government has now barred foreigners from selling live birds. Minister of commerce Margaret Mwanakatwe says the sale of live birds will be reserved for Zambians. “Any foreigner who undertakes business in the reserved category will be guilty of…
