Farmer-managed seed systems and the conservation of agrobiodiversity are increasingly recognized as important components of food and seed sovereignty. In contrast, hybrid, genetically modified (GM), and, increasingly, gene-edited crops continue to be promoted by Green Revolution proponents as a “climate smart” package that includes fertilizers, pesticides, purchased seeds, and links...

This document sheds light on the ongoing efforts in Eastern and Southern Africa to develop National Agroecology Strategies (NASs), aiming to transform agri-food systems through the promotion of agroecological production practices, and the development of markets, value chains, and consumer demand. The brief offers an unique insight into policy advancements...

The National policy dialogue on a just transition and adaptation in the food system took place in Ekurhuleni, from 20-22 September. Organisations representing the labour movement, smallholder farmers, farm workers, labour tenants, informal traders, waste reclaimers, food and land justice organisations, civil society, and policymakers came together to discuss building a...

In March 2023, civil society organisations and farmers met with thePortfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Developmentto share views on agroecology and to promote a call from 58 organisationsfor a national agroecology strategy.In support of the process, the ACB conducted a detailed review of 22 key policies across...

The resilience of KwaZulu-Natal farmers during the Covid-19 pandemic and intersecting crises is highlighted in “Stories of Resilience Built Through Agroecology”, a new book launched by Biowatch. The book includes the experiences of 24 farmers who have adopted agroecology methods. These farmers have improved household food security and nutrition and built...

In March 2023, civil society organisations and farmers met with thePortfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Developmentto share views on agroecology and to promote a call from 58 organisationsfor a national agroecology strategy.In support of the process, the ACB conducted a detailed review of 22 key policies across...

August 2022 to January 2023

“The Access Agriculture smart projector can transform farmer learning by allowing them not only to gain knowledge about good agricultural practices, but also to put into practice what they see in the videos,” said Blessings Mtembo from CARE International in Malawi, when he visited the Access Agriculture booth at the...

Agroecologie enables the improvement of agricultural production through the enhancement of local natural resources and traditional know-how. It contributes to maintaining biodiversity and restoring land in drylands, which are particularly threatened by global warming and food insecurity, while contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Within the framework of the AVACLIM...

A coalition of fishing communities, activists and lawyers has come together to keep the coasts and oceans of South Africa free of the destructive Blue Economy agenda. To Hell with Shell!” This was the rallying call of small-scale fishing communities and indigenous coastal communities in South Africa as they mobilized support...

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is a proven cost-effective approach to address interlinked societal challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. Though there is still insufficient funding for it with little funding flowing to local implementors including local communities, indigenous people, local NGOs and governments. This collection explores four distinctive but complementary finance...

After much anticipation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) published draft Regulations to implement the Plant Improvement Act (2018) (PIA) – also known as South Africa’s Seed Law – and the Plant Breeders Rights Act (2018) (PBRA), for public comment. The closing date for comments on the...

The leader of the Community Managed Natural Farming (CMNF) programme Vijay Kumar explains the Social Capital side of the story, and how women’s groups were a central part of the success of CMNF, now recognised worldwide as a model of agricultural transformation. The CMNF initiative has mobilised over a million...

This review of the agroecology debate in South Africa is part of the research project ''Transitions to Agroecological Food Systems: a case for policy support (TAFS)'' launched in 2020. Its main objective is to provide policymakers and stakeholders with convincing arguments about the importance and adapted ways of promoting agroecological transitions...

Tackling biodiversity loss is a growing priority for human survival. Introducing incentives for positive actions could play a key role in helping to reverse this loss. This paper explores the potential of using a novel approach to promote biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity credits or ‘biocredits’ are coherent units of measurement that track...

Measures that empower young agri-entrepreneurs should be a key component of a sustainable development-centred investment promotion strategy. The very realization of future generations’ food security, the sustainable transformation of food systems and the combat against unemployment and distress migration all depend upon the successful implementation of strategies that make the...

A short-term forecasting model (now adopted and implemented by the South African Development Community- SADC), predicts the movements and breeding of the Red-billed Quelea bird in southern Africa. This is to enable better mobilization and targeting of control resources by national and regional agencies, and methods for monitoring effects of...

Coffee growing is an important livelihood strategy for smallholders in East African countries, notably Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, where coffee is an important agricultural export. Smallholder production is less significant in southern countries such as Malawi and Zambia but although the smallholder sector is small, coffee is a major...

Rodents consume food in the field as well as in storage. Their contamination of stored food and ability to spread diseases causes them to cut across both the natural resources and health sectors. Research in Mozambique and in South Africa found that people have little understanding of the ecology of...

Nematode worms are significant health problems for sheep and goats throughout the world. The impact is seen in a number of ways. Parasitism causes a reduction in food intake and lower weight gains. Milk production can also be affected, and heavily parasitised animals may die. The economic consequences for livestock...