One key driver of the expected bumper harvest is the increase in land under cultivation. According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), farmers have planted more than 162,000 hectares this season, up 42 percent from about 114,000 hectares last year.

Industry officials say improved planning, stable policies and stronger contract farming arrangements have encouraged more growers to expand production. “The increase in planted area demonstrates renewed confidence by growers in the tobacco sector,” said TIMB chairperson Patrick Devenish.

Another major factor is the shift toward domestic financing. The government says 67 percent of tobacco funding now comes from local banks and financial institutions, compared to a heavier reliance on foreign contractors in the past.

Under cooperation models such as Zimbabwe-China partnerships, both smallholder and commercial farmers have gained better access to capital and inputs.

“Zimbabwe not only surpassed production targets, but also significantly increased the localisation of tobacco financing,” said Lands and Agriculture Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri.

Favourable rainfall has also helped, but farmers are increasingly relying on irrigation systems such as the locally developed Smart Pfumvudza model, which costs under $2,000 and allows earlier planting while reducing the risks of dry spells.

In addition, new drought-tolerant tobacco varieties developed by Kutsaga Research are boosting yields. Under proper farming practices, farmers can now achieve between 2,500 and 5,000 kg per hectare.

The country has already surpassed its 300 million kg target under the National Development Strategy and is now aiming for 400 million kg by 2028. Currently, only about 10 percent of tobacco is processed locally, though that is up from just 2 percent in previous years.

“The financial picture is equally stark. At a moment of rising need, net official development assistance fell by 7.1% last year. Meanwhile, developing countries paid a record 1.4 trillion US dollars just to service external debt in 2023,” she added. 

Baerbock, however, said some progress should not be overlooked. 

“We have made some progress,” she said. “Child mortality has been halved compared to the start of the millennium. Clean energy now generates more than 40% of the world ’s electricity, part of an urgently needed shift to renewables. Nearly a billion people have gained access to safe drinking water since 2015. Social protection now reaches over half of humanity, up from less than 43% a decade ago.”

Even so, she argued that technical solutions already exist for many of the challenges the world faces. 

“The gap towards 2030, our challenge is not a lack of solutions,” she said. “It is a lack of political will and – sometimes intentionally, it is a lack of resources.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed that sentiment, insisting that momentum on the goals could still be harnessed. But Guterres also highlighted the stark contrast between military expenditure and development finance. 

“In all we do, we must make peace a priority. In 2024 global military spending was thirteen times official development assistance. That is equivalent to the entire GDP of the African continent. In other words, this is not a question of resources – it is a question of choices,” he said. 

Queen Mathilde of Belgium, serving as one of the UN’s SDG Advocates, called for renewed determination rather than resignation. 

“We cannot afford to be defeatist,” she said. “It is all the more crucial at a critical time like this to take responsibility to pool our efforts so as to realize the goals and values we signed up to in 2015.”

While fish prices soar and the population of 18 million grapples with rising living costs, Senegal is focusing on aquaculture to ease the strain. 

The coastal town of Kayar in Senegal, long reliant on the Atlantic Ocean for its fish supply, is now looking inland to supplement its production. A pioneering aquaculture farm, founded by Khadidiatou Sar Seck about 15 years ago, is part of the country's efforts to address dwindling fish stocks.

Seck, who founded the Mbawane fish and agricultural farm, emphasised the need to market aquaculture products. “There’s still work to be done to get aquaculture products accepted on the market,” she told the AFP, explaining that many Senegalese are unfamiliar with farm-raised fish. This has made it difficult for aquaculture products to gain traction, even at fishing piers, where fishmongers are hesitant to sell what their customers don’t recognise.

Demba Diop, who runs a fry farm in Tiadiaye, pointed to the need for more government investment in the sector. "The potential is immense," he said but noted that the cost of fry, feed, and electricity remains a barrier to aquaculture's growth.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in March, has made food sovereignty a key policy . Yet, aquaculture in Senegal remains underdeveloped, supplying just 1% of the country’s aquatic produce despite the establishment of a dedicated agency in 2006. 

Globally, Africa accounts for only 1.9% of aquaculture production, compared to Asia's 91.4%, according to a 2024 report by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The fire hit parts of the Huila region, affecting several lands across the mountain.

According to residents, they fear the fires may eventually drive them out of their habitats.

"None of us can stand the heat anymore, we feel like we are being driven out of our habitat, just like the animals. The vegetation, as you can see, the scenery is devastating," an affected resident, Marlenys Morales told the AFP.

Forest fires have destroyed thousands of hectares of farmlands in Colombia as the country faces high temperatures.

President Gustavo Petro, in January, declared a natural disaster and ordered for funds to be diverted from other budget items towards containing the blazes while appealing for international aid.

Isayaku Musa, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer believes that the startup’s innovative solutions hold great potential. “With drones, you can reduce the traditional method of farming, whereby you use tractors and other things, where you emit carbon dioxide and other unwanted air pollutants into the environment… You can minimise that. That is part of the mitigation aspect of climate change,” Musa explained in an interview with Global South World.

Despite their vision, Vora Robotics has struggled to thrive due to a lack of financial support. After initially raising 3 million Naira (approximately $1,920) with five co-founders, the startup has faced difficulties in securing grants or additional funding.

According to Musa, this lack of investment hampers their ability to fully realise the potential of their climate-smart agricultural technology.

The absence of government support contrasts sharply with promises made during Nigeria’s 2023 elections. President Bola Tinubu’s manifesto vowed to support innovation and entrepreneurship by transforming Nigeria into a nation of creators rather than consumers.

The commitment to fostering economic growth through manufacturing and invention raised hopes among startups like Vora Robotics. However, since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu’s administration has been met with widespread criticism over economic challenges, inflation, and unsatisfactory policies.

Frustration culminated in the #EndBadGovernance protests that swept across the country from August 1 to August 10, 2024. These protests, driven by economic hardship and dissatisfaction, had severe consequences for businesses.

For Vora Robotics, the unrest led to a complete halt in operations. “We have not even resumed to the office because of a fear of the unknown,” Musa said at the time of the interview.

Operating out of Kaduna in northern Nigeria, the team has been particularly affected by the protests, which turned violent in many areas. “The protests have gone to the level whereby you can be injured… They can even kill you, if I'm not mistaken, because a lot of people lost their lives because of this protest,” Musa disclosed.

The company continue to face significant obstacles, from financial constraints to security challenges. Yet, Musa remains hopeful that with the right support and investment, their drones could revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria.

Watch the full interview:

The turbines which support India's renewable energy goals are also affecting locals who suffer frequent power cuts, especially during the scorching summer heat.

Environmental concerns are also rising as the turbines pose a threat to biodiversity, including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.

“The big companies have come here and built the windmills, but they're useless to us," 65-year-old livestock herder Nena Ram told AFP

South Sudan, ranked as the third most fragile country globally and highly susceptible to climate change, depends heavily on agriculture, which provides 70% of jobs and up to 95% of household income. However, only 4.5% of the country’s arable land is currently being farmed. 

The AfDB's investment will focus on deploying climate-smart technologies, enhancing key value chains such as sorghum, rice, sesame, and fisheries, and promoting digital agricultural and climate advisory solutions.

The initiative, set to run from September 2024 to December 2030 in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will also prioritize skill development for women and young people, creating new job opportunities. The program aims to benefit 567,155 people across Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, and Jonglei, with half of the beneficiaries being women and youth aged 18 to 35.

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has emphasised the importance of investing in agriculture to mitigate food price volatility in his State Opening of Parliament Address. He called for increased investment in the agriculture sector to create jobs, reduce dependency on food imports, and boost economic growth. President Bio detailed his government's accomplishments and ambitious plans for sustainable development, improved public services, and enhanced governance.

Freetown Mayor distributes 25,000 tree saplings

The Freetown council, headed by Mayor Aki-Sawyerr announced on August 6 that it will be distributing 25,000 tree saplings to households of the Sierra Leonean capital from 16th to 18th of August. Residents are to plant to improve environmental and climate resilience. The initiative aims to contribute to Freetown's green spaces and beautify the surroundings, the Sierra Leone Telegraph reports.

Sierra Leonean and Malawian drug smugglers sentenced in Seychelles

A Sierra Leonean, two foreign nationals and a Malawian have been sentenced to nine years in prison by the Seychelles' Supreme Court for drug smuggling. According to the Seychelles News Agency , Sierra Leonean Francis Williams was found with 453.4 grams of cocaine while Bashiru Chande from Malawi was caught with 4,953.2 grams of heroin. Their time spent in remand will be deducted from their sentences, and no remission will be given due to the gravity of the offence.

South Korean rice donation

South Korea has donated 11,520 metric tonnes of rice to the World Food Programme for school meals and refugee support in Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. The donation is crucial as millions in these countries face acute hunger, driven by climate crises, conflicts, and high food costs. The rice will be used to support school meals for 287,000 children and provide assistance to 81,600 Malian refugees. The donation is seen as a lifeline for those affected by multiple crises and economic challenges.

Debate on reforming UNSC

Sierra Leone plans to hold a debate on reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during its presidency in August. The country's Ambassador Alie Kabba said during a UN briefing on August 1. The debate will focus on the unfair representation of the African continent at the council and will be one of the signature events of Sierra Leone's presidency.

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended the Central Bank Governor and appointed an acting successor following a compliance audit implicating several former officials in financial impropriety. The government has made several arrests and launched an audit of the previous administration, causing tension. Former officials have described the audit as a witch-hunt. President Boakai has also reactivated the government's Economic Management Team to ensure coordination of fiscal and monetary policy and propose solutions to tackle economic uncertainties. According to AllAfrica , the suspended Governor holds a tenured position but may be removed based on cause. The former president has accused the government of weaponising the judiciary to target his officials, while the government maintains it has sufficient evidence to prove its charges against the accused persons.

Police on manhunt for wife killer

Police in Nimba County are searching for a man who shot and killed his wife in the town of Gbapa. The motive for the murder is unknown. In a similar incident, a man from Mali killed his Liberian girlfriend in Guinea. He is awaiting trial in Guinea, Daily Observer reports .

Weah's allies released on bail

Three former officials of the George Weah Government in Liberia were released on bail after being imprisoned on charges of economic sabotage and theft. They were granted bail by a Resident Circuit Court Judge after intervention from their lawyers. Two of the defendants are still missing since the arrest warrant was issued. The FrontPageAfrica reports that the defendants obtained a criminal insurance bond worth $12 million from an insurance company in Monrovia. There were reported threats against judges by the Legal Advisor to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai regarding the release of the former officials.

Arrests

Former Liberian finance minister Samuel Tweah and four other officials have been arrested for defrauding the government. George Weah has vowed to resist any attempts to indict them, claiming it's a political move by the current administration. Former president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf emphasized the importance of due process. The government denies accusations of witch-hunting and promises a fair audit of corruption, according to The Africa Report . President Boakai's suspension of the Central Bank governor is criticized as a violation of the rule of law. Independent analysts support the arrests and call for accountability to address the culture of impunity.

Pest infestations cause havoc

Pest infestations are threatening agricultural livelihoods in Kpaymue, Liberia. Farmers are experiencing crop losses and struggling to support their families. The infestations are attributed to climate change and lack of knowledge about pest management practices. The New Dawn Liberia reports that experts are working on proposals to support farmers and address the issue. Similar pest infestations are being reported across the African continent.

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Panama-Costa Rica border region, with a depth of 10 km. No immediate damages were reported, English Alarabiy a reports. The epicentre was located southeast of Puerto Armuelles.

Decline in agricultural production

Costa Rica's agricultural sector is experiencing a decline in production, particularly in coffee and bananas. The depreciation of the colon, climatic factors, and exchange rate fluctuations are the main causes, according to The Tico Times . The Central Bank expects a recovery in the second half of the year, but the impact on exports is significant. The coffee sector is also suffering from a decrease in income due to the exchange rate differential.

Costa Rica soccer team wins

Jamaica's Under-20 soccer team lost 3-0 to Costa Rica, ending their hopes of advancing from the Concacaf Championships Group A. They played with 10 men for the final 19 minutes and have lost back-to-back games in the tournament. Costa Rica now leads the group with four points, Jamaica Observer reports.

Anti-Drug coalition program

Costa Rica will implement the U.S.-backed Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America strategy in several districts to address drug risks. The program will start in Oreamuno, Tibás, and Mora and aims to strengthen community safety and prevention efforts. The initiative is expected to extend to the entire country with the support of the U.S. Embassy, The Tico Times reports.

Company relocations

According to the Tire Business , Goodyear is relocating 175 positions from its Akron headquarters to a new location in Costa Rica as part of its Goodyear Forward transformation plan.

The agriculture sector in Papua New Guinea is seeing increased demand for fresh onions, with prices rising to K150 ($38.32) per net. Local farmers are meeting the demand, despite challenges from weather and competition with imported onions. Chimbu Province leads in onion supply, and farmers are working to improve their product quality. The labour-intensive cultivation process is, however, required for the growth and maturity of onions over a four to five-month period, Fresh Plaza reports.

Pope Francis to visit Papua New Guinea

Most Reverend Otto Separy, President of the Catholic Bishop Conference (CBC) and Bishop of Bereina has announced that Pope Francis will be making a State Visit to Papua New Guinea from September 6 to 9, 2024, PNG National Information Centre confirms. “On the 12th of April 2024, the confirmation was made that the Pope is set to visit Papua New Guinea on the 6th – 9th of September, 2024,” stated Bishop Separy. “As PNG is a Christian country, the Pope’s visit is also spiritual. It’s not only for the Catholics, it’s for all Christians.”

Arau Project begins in Papua New Guinea

According to Stock Titan , Great Pacific Gold Corp. (GPAC) has begun drilling at its Arau Project in Papua New Guinea. The company has completed road rehabilitation and constructed nine drill pads. A reverse circulation (RC) drill rig has been mobilized to the site, marking GPAC's first drilling on its PNG projects. Concurrently, GPAC is preparing the Kesar Creek Project for a drilling program, with an ongoing phase 2 soil program nearing completion. The company has also started road rehabilitation work at the formerly producing Wild Dog Project in East New Britain Province. The Arau Project includes the Mt. Victor Prospect, where previous drilling identified a multi-phase intrusion complex hosting copper and gold mineralisation.

Papua New Guinea landslide tragedy survivors sleep on mass graves

Survivors of a devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province are still sleeping on the mass grave of their loved ones. Almost two months after the disaster, there is still no proper relocation plan for the victims and the main access road remains closed, leaving thousands in need of food and supplies. The community is calling for urgent assistance from the government and relief agencies, RNZ reports.

Earthquake at Wewak

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Wewak, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea, was reported just 9 minutes ago by Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, the primary national agency monitoring seismic activity in this region. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km beneath the epicentre in the early afternoon on Friday, July 19th, 2024, at 2:51 pm local time. According to Volcano Discovery , the exact magnitude, epicentre, and depth of the quake may be revised in the coming hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies release their reports.

Agribank, a fully state-owned bank, plans to issue 10 million bonds with a total value of $393.5 million to the public. The bonds will have a tenor of ten years with an interest rate of 2-3% higher than the average savings deposit interest rate. The issuance aims to raise capital for the economy’s loan demand, particularly for agriculture and rural development, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. Interested investors, both Vietnamese and foreigners, may register to purchase the bonds from July 11 to August 14. The bonds can also be used as collateral for bank loans at favourable interest rates, Ein News reported.

Gold smuggling

A trial has begun for a group accused of smuggling 4,830kg of gold from Cambodia into Vietnam. The gang aimed to take advantage of the price difference between the two countries, expecting to make around $700,000 from the illegal deal. The trial is expected to last three days, with the defendants accused of smuggling over six tonnes of gold bars. According to Vn Express , the group made a profit of over $697,000 from the illicit trade, with one defendant profiting over $544,000. An arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect who fled the country before prosecution began.

Investment from South Korea

Vietnam anticipates a surge in investment from South Korea, with tens of billions of dollars expected soon. South Korea is a leading investor in Vietnam and is also a major contributor to official development assistance. The Vietnamese government is focused on attracting quality and sustainable foreign investment, with a priority on key sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, and digital economy, Vietnam News explained. Korean enterprises are encouraged to participate in Vietnam's infrastructure projects. A forum and business matching event were held to promote bilateral cooperation between Vietnamese and South Korean businesses.

Media visibility for businesses

Vietnamese businesses now have easier access to global media outlets through international press release distribution services. This opportunity allows companies to expand their reach beyond local borders and build trust with customers and investors. Việt Nam News , in partnership with Media OutReach Newswire, offers reliable and expert press release distribution services, providing access to a network of over 1,500 news outlets worldwide. This collaboration aims to enhance the global visibility and credibility of Vietnamese businesses in the international market.

Securities trading

In June, the number of securities trading accounts in Vietnam increased by 106,580, mostly from individual investors. Foreign investors also opened 185 accounts. In the first half of the year, there were a total of 750,000 new accounts, bringing the total number of accounts for domestic individual investors to nearly eight million, according to Vietnam Plus . Vietnam aims to have nine million accounts for securities trading by 2025 and 11 million by 2030.

“This project, worth 14 billion Tanzanian shillings (approx. $6 million USD), will help the country deal with food insecurity and reduce post-harvest loss. The modern silos have significantly increased the grains storage capacity from 5,000 tonnes to 28,000 tonnes,” President Hassan was quoted.

She further instructed that Katavi Region should be made an independent zone specifically for buying and storage of grains.

According to her, it is important that farmers are provided with fair prices during the grain purchasing season, stressing the government's commitment to upgrading the agricultural sector from subsistence to commercial farming.

President Hassan also directed the regional government to cooperate with the NFRA to find more locations for expanding food storage projects, aiming to make Katavi a key area for food storage.

She pointed out the substantial increase in the Agriculture Ministry's budget over the last three years—from 460 billion shillings in the 2020/21 financial year to 1.248 trillion shillings this fiscal year.

These funds according to the president, must be allocated to building irrigation systems, promoting extension services, purchasing fertilizers, and constructing additional food storage facilities.

Zimbabwe's tourism industry is expected to strengthen over 2024, building on a gradual recovery from the pandemic. Despite increasing over 2024, arrivals are expected to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2025. Over the medium term (2025-2028), arrivals will continue expanding, with growth underpinned by diversification in Zimbabwe's key source markets and the country's wide range of travel and tourism offerings. Over 2024, Zimbabwe's tourist arrivals are projected to increase to 2.0 million, up from 1.6 million in 2023, and growing by 27.4% year-on-year. However, they will be lower than the pre-pandemic level in 2019, with a fully recovering period in 2025.

Opposition leader and 80 youths arrested

Zimbabwean police have detained opposition leader Jameson Timba and 80 youths for participating in an unauthorised political gathering. Timba, who recently became interim leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change, alleges the party was co-opted by the ruling ZANU-PF party. The arrests are expected to result in charges of violations of public order laws, the Zimbabwe Mail reports.

Zimbabwean jailed in the UK for removing condom during sex

A Zimbabwean man based in the UK, Guy Mukendi, has been jailed for over four years for removing a condom during sex. The offence, known as "stealthing," is classified as rape. Mukendi claimed he did it because he had not had sex in a long time. The victim contacted police in May 2023 after realising the incident. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 states that someone did not consent to sex if the other person tricked them about the nature of the sex. In April 2024, Mukendi was convicted guilty of rape. A five-year restraining order has been given to the victim, according to local publication The Chronicle .

ZiG currency shows stability

Zimbabwe's Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency has shown stability, trading at 13.5 against the US dollar slightly above its initial launch price, according to the central bank. The central bank maintains this stability through strict actions against street traders and fines for transacting outside the official exchange rate. The government has also removed the 180-day holding rule for stock market transactions. However, concerns remain about the long-term viability of the ZiG currency due to Zimbabwe's history of currency collapses and the sustainability of the currency peg, the Zimbabwe Mail reports.

Wheat surplus

Zimbabwe has planted 121,769 hectares of wheat, 34% above last year, ensuring an even greater surplus over normal consumption and allowing more wheat processed foods to be manufactured and sold. The expected harvest of over 600,000 tonnes will not only meet the ordinary requirements of 360,000 tonnes but will allow a far greater range of wheat products to be manufactured and eaten, according to local media The Herald . The expected surplus of 240,000 tonnes will contribute to the Strategic Grain Reserve, which currently stands at about 400,000 tonnes, to ensure food security.

Passengers on Qatar Airways Flight QR204 were stuck on a Boeing 777 for three hours during an Athens heatwave due to a technical issue. The airline has issued an apology and stated that safety and comfort are their highest priority. The incident highlights the need for better planning, especially during extreme weather conditions. According to AviationSource News , the airline may need to investigate the incident further.

Summer centres launched

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, has launched summer centres for students aged 6-18, running from July 1 to August 8. The centres focus on personal growth and development, offering a variety of activities and workshops. Registration will be available on the "Maaref" portal after Eid Al Adha, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity, The Peninsula reports.

AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers

Qatar has been drawn in Group J for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, along with Jordan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The Qualifiers will take place between September 21 and 29, 2024, with the Finals scheduled to be played in China from February 6 to 23, 2025. Additionally, Qatar has been drawn in Group F for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, along with Japan, Mongolia, and Nepal. According to Qatar Tribune , the Qualifiers for this tournament will take place between October 19 and 27, 2024, with the Finals scheduled from April 3 to 20, 2025.

Spinner dolphins spotted

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change spotted spinner dolphins in Qatari territorial waters. The dolphins were seen playing in the water, indicating a healthy marine environment. The ministry is actively involved in research and monitoring efforts to protect Qatar's biodiversity, The Peninsula reports.

Agricultural sector boost

The Ministry of Municipality in Qatar has launched 13 new electronic services for the agricultural sector, aimed at simplifying procedures and saving time for applicants. These services include importing permits for various agricultural products and can be accessed through the ministry's website. The initiative is part of the country's digital transformation strategy and supports the National Development Strategy 2024-2030. Zawya reports that the ministry is working on developing 400 digital services to provide smart and automated services to the public and beneficiary companies. The project will incorporate advanced technologies such as blockchain, big data analytics, and machine learning to enhance efficiency and user experience.

Soilless farming also known as hydroponics involves growing plants without the use of soil. Through this method, nutrients are delivered to the roots of the plant through water. Drip or mist irrigation techniques are also used under the soilless farming method to control the use of water and prevent waste.

The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, or Estidamah, a standalone legal not-for-profit research centre based in Saudi Arabia is one company using vertical farming methods.

Their efforts have been boosted by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture which set aside SR100 million ($27 million) to promote vegetables and strawberry farming by Estidamah.

In 2021, strawberries produced in a greenhouse in Riyadh using these farming methods generated greater yields compared to that of local farmers.

The Wadi Bin Hashbal mega farm at Asir in the southwest of Saudi Arabia also uses treated water to irrigate crops.

“This farm is the largest sustainable research demonstration or experimental farm in the world, with an area exceeding 3.2 million square meters, as is recognized by the Guinness World Records,” Ahmed Al-Mujthal, director-general of the Ministry of Environment and Water’s Asir branch, told Arab News .

The treated water is divided into municipal and industrial wastewater and is purified, removing large particles, oils, aerobic bacteria and other pollutants during different treatment phases.

The water is then transported into four main treated plants which are used for irrigating about 16,000 trees and 2,400 non-fruiting local trees.

These methods are a game changer for the agricultural sector in one of the world’s hottest countries.

According to the World Economic Forum, soilless farming saves about 98% of water compared to traditional farming. The water-treated irrigation system also promotes quality production of crops while preserving water.

Saudi Arabia has made a name for itself through the use of these methods which limit environmental harm caused by pesticides, prevent water wastage, as well as encourage year-round crop production.

Amenounve while highlighting the ongoing efforts to finalize operational mechanisms, particularly in terms of the information system remarked "We hope that we will start this year." Once all preconditions are in place, the commodities exchange will commence operations, he added.

Cote d’Ivoire, one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, is forecasted to achieve a growth rate of 6.5% in 2024, moderating slightly to 6.4% the following year, according to the International Monetary Fund. As the world's largest exporter of cocoa, agriculture serves as the backbone of the Ivorian economy, contributing approximately 22% to the gross domestic product.

"Côte d’Ivoire is the lead in our region, and the economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire has averaged 7% over the last 10 years. For the entire region, we are seeing around 6% GDP growth. With oil and gas discoveries in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Niger, as well as mining activities in Burkina Faso and Mali, we believe that the fundamentals are robust, and investors can continue to explore opportunities in the West African region,” he said.

Currently, South African investors hold approximately 5% of the BRVM, a share that Amenounve aims to expand, given the region's promising economies. While acknowledging the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) as a formidable competitor and leader in the market, he emphasized the potential for African stock exchanges to collaborate through entities like the African Securities Exchanges Association, to foster collective growth and prosperity.

Vietnam on May 7 celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu battle, which ended French colonial rule. The battle marked the collapse of colonialism worldwide. “The historic Dien Bien Phu victory is a remarkable event, not only for the Vietnamese revolution. It is also a monumental saga that inspired countries rising to fight for independence and freedom, marking the collapse of colonialism all over the world,” said Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the ceremony. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu attended the commemorations, the first time a senior French official paid a visit to the site of the battle and took part in the commemorations, according to AP News .

Sustainable agriculture collaboration with Australia

Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment has requested support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in optimising investment resources for sustainable agriculture and rural development. Vietnam's vision includes promoting efficient, sustainable agriculture with integrated multiple-value approaches, and the growth of green, organic, and circular agriculture. According to Vietnam Plus , the ACIAR has been assisting Vietnam since 1993 and is currently focused on climate change and emission reduction initiatives. The collaboration aims to ensure farmers' resilience in the face of climate change.

Highest gold demand since 2015

Vietnam's gold demand in the first quarter of the year reached its highest levels since 2015. This demand was driven by strong investment in gold bars and coins, as well as concerns about inflation and currency depreciation, Vietnam News reports. However, demand for gold jewellery declined. The global gold market also saw strong demand, driving the average gold price to a record high. According to Vietnam News, the State Bank of Vietnam's attempts to stabilise the domestic gold market have had limited success, as the price of gold continues to rise.

Three gold medals at Hong Kong Athletics Championship

Vietnam won three gold medals at the Hong Kong Athletics Championship. Nguyen Thi Oanh won gold in the women's 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m events, while Bui Thi Loan took gold in the women's triple jump. Two other Vietnamese athletes won bronze medals. The team consisted of four athletes in total, Vietnam Plus reports.

Food poisoning affects over 500

Over 500 people in Vietnam fell victim to food poisoning with 12 in critical condition after eating sandwiches from a bakery in Long Khanh a city in Đồng Nai Province in Southeast Vietnam on April 30. Local authorities reported on May 6 that around 200 people had been discharged since the incident occurred. The bakery has been shut down and suspected of using spoiled ingredients as health officials begin official investigations, according to local media.

Vietnamese movie producers face the challenge of high production costs and low profits. It costs $200,000 to $2.2 million to make a film in Vietnam, but it's difficult to make a good product with a budget of less than $800,300. Despite this, Vietnam's cinema industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. Tuoi Tre News reports that the lack of fixed film studios and cinema infrastructure contributes to the high production costs and low number of movies produced annually. Efforts are being made to invest in the cinema industry and support Vietnamese films, but the challenge remains.

Smog causes flight cancellations

Dozens of flights to northern Vietnam have been cancelled due to smog and ash from the Upper Laos region. The smog has been obstructing vision and restricting flights to Dien Bien airport. The airport often experiences fog in April, reducing vision by 2,000-4,800 metres. VNEXPRESS sources say that since its upgrade, the airport has invested in air quality monitoring systems and is now capable of serving large planes. Since December, the airport has served over 900 flights and 70,000 passengers.

Investment in agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the United States Department of Agriculture have launched the Fertilize Right Project in Vietnam. The project aims to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural production in six provinces. According to Vietnam Plus , more than 2,600 individuals will benefit from training and greenhouse gas emissions are expected to reduce annually. The project activities are based on the "four rights" of nutrient management, aligning with Vietnam's crop production law. The project is expected to improve livelihoods, soil health, and food security for rice farmers.

Vatican diplomat visits Vietnam

The Vatican's top diplomat, Richard Gallagher, visited Vietnam to normalise relations on April 9. The Holy See’s foreign minister's six-day visit is part of ongoing efforts to improve ties, which could impact relations with China. Catholicism is the most practised religion in Vietnam. There is speculation that Pope Francis could visit the country in the future, The Washington Post reports.

Approval of a five-day holiday

Ministries have approved a five-day holiday for Reunification Day and Labour Day. The holiday will run from April 27 to May 1, with the normal working day on April 29 being exchanged and compensated on another day. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour conducted a survey and found that 87% of trade union officials and workers are in favour of the exchange. Viet Nam News adds that the arrangement is aimed at stimulating tourism, social consumption, and promoting economic growth. Other ministries have also agreed with the proposal.

At 48 years old, the youngest billionaire according to Forbes, has a range of businesses including textiles, transport and logistics, agriculture, food and beverages, and mobile telephony among others, all through his conglomerate MeTL Group.

He also owns a popular football club in Tanzania, the Simba Sports Club, and has a 49% stake in the club.

But Dewji wants to do more with agribusiness to make an impact first in his country and other African countries on the continent.

According to Forbes, he is seeking to mechanise several hectares of agricultural lands in the country by investing $250 million.

He hopes to invest $100 million of his capital to make up the sum with which he envisions buying and mechanizing 100,000 hectares of farmland in Tanzania.

This involves the use of machines to farm and produce to reduce the need for manual labour.

From these farms, Dewji will invest in its businesses, particularly those that deal with food and beverages, and the surpluses will be distributed to other Tanzanian firms, African companies, and European customers.

“I want to make Africa, long term, a food basket for the world,” Forbes quoted the young billionaire who said that he envisioned the plan after seeing the negative impacts of the Russian-Ukraine war on African countries including his.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine led to massive food inflation, poverty, and malnutrition, also resulting in over-reliance on foreign aid which includes food aid.

The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research states that Tanzania is the second biggest receiver of foreign aid after Ethiopia, receiving $26.85 Billion between 1990 and 2010.

Dewji, through his plan, intends to transform the agricultural fortunes of Tanzania to serve as an example to the rest of the world and then replicate this success in other African countries with investment from global investors.

 A Professor of Economics at Tufts University, Magaret McMillan described the move as amazing, projecting bigger implications for the agricultural sector in Africa if the project is successful.

“This is larger than Tanzania: a success here could have implications for the continent as a whole. If he could use it as a flagship to show how {large-scale farming] can be done successfully, that would be amazing,” she was quoted by Forbes .

A flagship law requiring European countries to introduce measures to restore nature on a fifth of their lands and seas by 2030 has been approved by the European Parliament.

The law which is the EU’s biggest environmental legislation faced fierce political backlash since the European Commission proposed it in 2022 with Centre-right lawmakers attempting to scrap it completely. They subsequently won changes to weaken parts of the law with the goal of introducing more trees, ponds, and other biodiverse features to farmland.

The law was approved on February 27 despite weeks of farmers’ protests across Europe including recent protests outside the European Union’s headquarters in Brussels. Farmers among other things were protesting EU green policies which according to them impose excessive bureaucracy on them.

The law passed despite the European People’s Party lawmaker group’s last-minute decision to oppose it. It was approved with 329 votes in favour, 275 against, and 24 abstentions.

The law will need final approval from EU countries for implementation to begin.

What they said:

EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius said the policy aims to reverse a decline of the continent’s natural habitats including targets to restore peatlands so they can absorb CO2 emissions. It was the EU’s “concrete contribution to preserve biodiversity, precious ecosystems, healthy soils and waters – first and foremost for farmers,” Reuters quoted Sinkevicius.

Uganda's Energy Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa, said the plant will be located at Karuma, Kiryandogo District, within the Bunyoro sub-region to leverage its proximity with the 600 megawatt Karuma hydropower plant. Adding that the significance of the project extends far beyond the realms of agriculture.

The minister further explained that the project seeks to increase the production of nitrogen fertiliser to about 200,000 tons annually and would take up to 100 megawatts of electricity from the Karuma power station.

Speaking at the signing event, IPS CEO Galeb Gulam said that as a long-term investor, they develop businesses to be vehicles that create economic value by improving people's quality of life and restoring and protecting nature.

"This hydrogen-based fertiliser project will use Uganda's abundant renewable energy resources to produce green hydrogen to be used for the manufacture of fertiliser,” Gulam said.

He also said the project would contribute to fostering low-carbon development and promoting sustainable agriculture, as it has already been articulated.

In 2023, an International Energy Agency (IEA) review of Uganda's energy and climate policies found that the country had strong foundations for an ambitious energy and climate agenda. The review further emphasised the country's clean electricity sector, abundant natural resources, and dedication to expanding energy access.

He was also acknowledged for his innovative solutions in wheat self-sufficiency. The Prime Minister emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to achieving not just zero hunger goals but also securing food sovereignty.

The Agricola Medal honours distinguished personalities for their commitment and support to the promotion of sustainable food production and world food security.

“I express my gratitude to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for bestowing the prestigious Agricola Medal for our efforts towards the attainment of food security. Our focus on high value and industrial crops is yielding promising results and we are committed to our food sovereignty path,” the prime minister said on X.

Addressing the award ceremony where he received the award, he explained that the efforts initiated over the past five years serve as a solid foundation for the generations to come, reports local media Fana Broadcasting .

Half a decade ago, a pivotal policy shift was introduced he said, giving rise to the national homegrown economic reform agenda through which agriculture, manufacturing industries, tourism, mining, and ICTs as pivotal economic pillars and catalysts for growth.

“While all of these five pillars hold immense untapped potential, agriculture productivity is critical to our population of more than 120 million and remains the driving force of our economy," he was quoted by local media Fana Broadcasting . “Wheat in particular of seasonal irrigation has been a major focus. With innovations in our planting practices and the use of technology, we have moved from a wheat deficit to a surplus production increase of 300%,” he added.

The sector's evolution has resulted in a more than 50% expansion of our overall farm area, and there is still a considerable amount of land available for cultivating crops, he indicated.

President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina explained that ACRIFA aims to mobilize $1 billion in concessionary financing, high-risk capital, and grants to support the African insurance industry , the AFDB announced.

“We have to support farmers, not abandon them, in the face of rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like drought, floods and pest infestation…We need to ensure that farmers and actors along the agricultural value chain are covered by insurance at scale,” the Bank President said.

“The eyes of more than 40 million smallholder farmers in Africa are on us. Let us make ACRIFA the answer to their prayers…ACRIFA will systematically support the African insurance industry to unlock financing for investments in climate-smart and green technologies,” he added.

The facility received widespread acclaim from entities such as the World Food Programme (WFP), development agencies, insurance companies, and the private sector during a side event at COP28 in Dubai.

The Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain added, “The climate crisis is affecting agricultural communities across Africa. This programme will play an important role in protecting smallholder [farmers], pastoralists and small businesses from climate shocks.”

“The climate crisis is affecting agricultural communities across Africa. This programme will play an important role in protecting smallholder [farmers], pastoralists and small businesses from climate shocks…We are excited about our growing partnership with the African Development Bank, which is allowing us to offer more support to governments, as they respond to the climate crisis,” said McCain.

Dubbed Pfumvudza (which means “new season” in the main local language), it is a meticulously applied form of conservation agriculture in which farmers prepare a prescribed piece of land (16m by 39m) and are supplied with specific packs of inputs and produce a specific yield per plot.

“The primary objective of this initiative is that a family should feed itself. It removes the burden of excessive labour in terms of field preparation and collection of mulch material. It provides all the inputs required to produce a crop, yet is so simple that once farmers are envisioned they are no longer reliant on the inputs to be successful,” says the Pfumvudza concept note .

The bulk of Zimbabwe’s 16 million people live in rural areas but there has been a proliferation of urban poor in recent years due to climate change. Zimbabwe experiences a drought every three years leading to rural urban drift. The El Nino phenomenon is set to worsen the situation this cropping season. 

“For resource-poor folks, Pfumvudza is a lifesaver in a number of respects. First, it entails establishing planting stations manually using simple hoes, which are accessible to the very poor. Second, Pfumvudza practices make maximum use of available moisture, making it ideal in drought seasons,” a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, Department of Community and Social Development, Taruvinga Magwiroto said in an interview.

The uptake has been impressive and the national expansion can only be described as ambitious.

“We are targeting 500,000 beneficiaries in towns and 3 million in rural areas. If we do that on 9.5 million plots, we have around 400,000 hectares of Pfumvudza leading to food security,” said the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Obert Jiri.

Due to the fact that conservation agriculture is initially very labour intensive, many farmers are discouraged from continuing the practice threatening its sustainability but the free inputs are an incentive.

“It’s backbreaking work but we have no choice because we have no draught power,” said an elderly woman beneficiary of Pfumvudza. Rural households lost their livestock to the frequent droughts due to climate change.

“The classic Pfumvudza involves hard manual work. But its popularity can be traced to the fact that it was promoted as a package including free inputs. So, people didn't really have much choice because they love free inputs. In that sense, it's a necessary evil,” Magwiroto said.

An agronomist supervising the project in one of the country’s 10 provinces said the sustainability of Pfumvudza depended on people seeing its “vision”. 

“We envision a situation where the beneficiaries will meet the vision and buy their own inputs in the near future.

“The inputs are supplied under the Presidential Input Scheme whose longevity is debatable considering the unstable economy.”

Initially concentrating on farming the staple maize, Pfumvudza is expanding to include other food crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, groundnuts, sunflower, soya beans and sugar beans .

The decision came a year after the government announced in September 2022 discontinuing irrigation subsidies on avocado and watermelon cultivation following demands from NGOs and experts.

Avocado crops consume a substantial amount of water such that one kilo or about five fruits requires up to 700 litres of water. Meanwhile, watermelon is made up of 99% of water.

The proliferation of small-scale unregulated farming practices exacerbated the trend. In April 2023, the Water and Logistics Minister, Nizar Baraka, revealed that 90% out of the 372,000 wells in Morocco are unauthorized. Given Morocco’s climate, which is characterized by unpredictable rainfall, farmers rely on groundwater they access by digging wells.

“We cannot continue to allow people to dig up wells in their fields at random,” economist Mohammed Jadir told The Global South World.

“Underground water reserves are over-exploited in addition to the unregulated exploitation of river water; over 1 million cubic meters of water is stolen every day from rivers,” he added.

Irrigation consumes around 80% of Morocco’s water annually, according to estimates, making it a primary factor in the water scarcity crisis.

Water scarcity is emerging as a significant challenge for the North African kingdom. The increased frequency of droughts has made Morocco a “climate hotspot” and one of the world’s “most water-stressed countries,” the World Bank maintains. The country is approaching the absolute annual threshold of 500 cubic meters of water per person by 2030.

Like many other experts, Jadiri pointed out that cultivating water-intensive crops is a threat to the country’s water security. “We can’t continue to export water to the European Union,” he stressed.

Small farmers bear the brunt of water scarcity policies

While government policies to preserve the dwindling water resources are applauded by environmentalists and economists, agriculture workers worry that only smallholder farmers are bearing the brunt of the climate policies.

Official data indicates that 70% of land used for agriculture is less than five hectares, reflecting that the vast majority of agriculture activities are carried out by smallholder farmers.

“Tightening the noose on the farming of watermelon and avocado is simply pushing big farmers to move their operations down to Mauritania where they found fertile soil and water,” a professional working in a produce export and import company in Agadir told Global South World.

“For smallholder farmers who gain only enough from selling crops to make a living, the new policies mean that licensing wells is getting harder, and they won’t have access to water,” he explained.

Since 2008, the government launched multiple programs to help farmers integrate irrigation grids to replace the use of unregulated wells and help them access funding to boost production, including a $12 billion seven-year roadmap in 2020 to increase water supply and regulate its use.

“Unlike commercial farmers, smallholders usually use unregulated wells, so when financing institutions ask for documents they can’t provide, they don’t get approved for a loan,” the agriculture professional added.

Severe droughts were already pushing many farmers to abandon the trade, which in turn affected market supply and raised the prices of produce in the local market, a 2022 report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned.

Climate policies in Morocco are much needed as the country is already well below the international water poverty line of 1000 cubic meters per capita. However, unless government policies balance climate policies against effective support programs for smallholder farmers, water scarcity will aggravate poverty and potentially lead to food security issues.

According to the EastFruit report , Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports are currently growing faster than any other country in the world. Over the past five years, the African country has increased blueberry exports by 63% annually. In 2022, the country’s exports grew by 85% which allowed Zimbabwe to enter the top 15 countries in blueberry exports.

In November 2023, the country boasts of being the world leader in the growth rate of blueberry exports, exporting to South Africa, the UK, the EU, and Middle East countries, as well as to Russia.

EastFruit experts expect that in 2023, blueberry exports from Zimbabwe could grow by another 30-40%.

EastFruit is an international team of analysts that is the leading international information and analytical platform for the fruit and vegetable business in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

This record follows Zimbabwe’s resounding wheat harvest record of 467,905 tonnes compared to 375,000 tonnes last season. This is the largest harvest since Zimbabwe started growing wheat in 1966. Also, the first time Zimbabwe achieved self-sufficiency and a surplus in wheat. This has saved Zimbabwe up to US$300 million in import costs.

The country also recently broke tobacco production records of 294 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf with 210 million kg sold so far earning Zimbabwe over US$1 billion. This 294 million kg output marks a historic achievement for Zimbabwe, surpassing the previous 2019 record of 261 million kg.

Zimbabwe is now Africa’s largest producer of tobacco and exports to China, the Middle East, and Europe.

Zimbabwe is now targeting a US$13.75 billion agriculture sector economy by 2025 after it surpassed the initial US$8.2 billion target last year.

Citing the UN World Food Programme, the report notes that factors including localized conflict-driven displacement have also contributed to the food security situation the state is experiencing.

Warrap which has an estimated population of 1,222,397 people within six counties has experienced harsh climatic conditions since 2019, leading to the loss of livelihood with farms being submerged under flood waters and livestock being killed.

Eye Radio indicates that the World Food Programme Field Office in Kuajok has supported 60% of the population, about 233 beneficiaries including Sudan returnees through the provision of relief items, food and cash.

Through their intervention, farmers have also been introduced to alternative farming methods that are resistant to the current weather conditions in the area.

The agricultural move has not only helped in sustaining families who depend on farming for their livelihoods but also helped improve productivity.

The shift to rice production began in 2021 with 18 participating farmers but by 2022, the number of farmers increased to 700 and in 25 more locations in Warrap state.

Aside from rice, farmers are also growing crops like sweet potatoes and cassava which can still flourish in flooded areas.

Horticulture exports in Zimbabwe are expected to increase in the coming days following investment from the United Arab Emirates. Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga on November 2, met with Dubai-based investors, Ali Gholami Vegetables and Fruits LLC over plans to produce horticulture products targeted at the export market. The cooperation is expected to boost the country’s agricultural prospects, The Herald reports.

Vaccine production

Zimbabwe Government has indicated plans to ramp up the production of Bolvac Vaccine for Theileriosis, also known as January disease from 300,000 doses to 900,000 doses next year. The Chronicle reports that the move forms part of efforts to curb the disease which has claimed over 500,000 cattle in the last five years. It will also contribute to the growth of the country’s agriculture sector which will significantly improve the economy.

World Cup Qualifiers

The Zimbabwe National Footbal team, The Warriors are set to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the 2026 World Cup Group C qualifiers in Rwanda. According to local media outlet, News Day , the match is expected to come off later this month after The Warriors play against the Rwandan National team on November 15 at the 10,000-seater Huye stadium.

Abduction reports

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has indicated that they are yet to receive any official reports of an alleged abduction of opposition lawmaker, Takudzwa Ngadziore. Ngadziore was reportedly found near mine shafts in the village of Mazowe naked and badly assaulted after being abducted by unknown armed men on Wednesday. According to The Herald , police say they only got hint of the abduction reports via social media.

Revenue decline

Zimbabwe has experienced a decline in revenue by 29% to US$2.6 billion in the first half of this year, News Day has reported that the revenue falls are resultant of some challenges including softening commodity prices, foreign currency shortfalls, and capital constraints. The development was confirmed by Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ) president, Thomas Gono during the Mining Industry Suppliers Forum held in Bulawayo on Wednesday.

According to Tiwasing, this is a result of modifications to EU regulations that allow farmers to feed insects to fish, poultry, and pig farms.

The UK's regulations for the use of insects in animal feeds are mostly based on those of the EU, but since Brexit, there have been certain deviations that may impede the market's expansion. However, the UK has not reflected more recent EU amendments. According to Tiwasing, silkworms were added to the EU list in 2021, although they are still not allowed in the UK.

The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) asserts that deregulating the UK market has the potential to be revolutionary. The WWF estimates that, with deregulation, the demand for insect protein by 2050 may be well over 500,000 tons, with half of it coming from within the nation.

Many farmers, as highlighted in the article, find it objectionable to give live insects to their cattle. According to him, interviews have brought to light a few understudied topics, like the treatment of farmed insects and their impact on the animals that eat them.