South Africa’s coastline tells many stories, but few are as complex and valuable as that of Abalone farming. Known locally as “perlemoen”,this marine delicacy has grown into one of the country’s most lucrative aquaculture products. Yet, behind its glossy export success lies a fragile industry shaped by risk, resilience, and ongoing challenges.
Once a humble fruit used by indigenous people for medicine and food, the blueberry has become one of the most celebrated crops in global agriculture.
Macadamia farming is labour-intensive: over 10,000 permanent jobs, plus around 9,000 seasonal jobs. The industry funds training schemes like RecruitAgri, which have placed most graduates into work.
Though initially disappointed, he took this as an opportunity to create something tailored to local conditions. He assembled a team of experts and advisors, funding the research entirely on his own. The development and validation of the system took nearly four years, culminating in the registration of the PlantSap® trademark and concept in 2021.
If he could advise his younger self, it would be simple: “Trust the process. Every challenge is a chance to grow.” Darius Boshoff’s journey was more than a story of success; it was a testament to the power of purpose, resilience, and innovation.
Pumpkins, with their round, bright orange shapes, might seem like an innocent vegetable on most
A Vital Industry at Risk Honey farming, or apiculture, in South Africa plays a critical
Zoonotic viruses can arise from various origins, encompassing wildlife markets, intensive agricultural practices, and human encroachment upon natural habitats. Wherever humans and animals have close interactions, there exists a potential hazard. Enhancing surveillance and regulation within these domains could serve to forestall future outbreaks.
Livestock theft is wreaking havoc on the South African economy, causing an estimated annual loss of 1.4 billion. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, with farmers living in constant fear for their lives and witnessing the brutal and savage on-site slaughtering of their cattle. The repercussions are dire, not only for individual farmers but also for the broader agricultural landscape in South Africa.
Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa – Ten post-graduate students who were previously unemployed recently embarked on a remarkable journey from Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, to Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, as part of the SA Harvest entrepreneurial incubator initiative. Supported by Naspers Labs, this programme aims to equip young individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become self-sufficient agri-food entrepreneurs.
The king of the jungle is being dethroned and violated by the egotistical nature of the human race. Our Creator weeps due to the greed and arrogance that disrupt the ecosystem and the natural order of life on Earth.
We are almost 30 years into the idealistic vision that Nelson Mandela had for South Africa and the failure of Agricultural reform is tangible. Besides the Land Distribution, Land Restitution, and land Tenure Reform, 75% of all redistributed farms failed. Research shows that the reason for this failure is that these farms are given to individuals without preparing them for the management of the land. The lack of skills and lack of managerial and agricultural knowledge contribute to community conflict and that leads to the desertion of these farms, more and more farms become unproductive, and this spells disaster for food security in our country.
THEMED‘ The heat is on: the weird and the wonderful research in the ARC’
South Africa is a country with a strong history of agriculture, with corn being one of the most important crops grown in the country. Known locally as maize, this crop is a staple food in many parts of South Africa and is a vital part of the country’s economy.
In the spirit of Easter, chocolate Easter eggs and the fascination with the Easter bunny lets explore the agricultural origin of the wondrous decadence of chocolate.
South Africa is a major producer of dairy products, with a high estimated % of total national milk production being used to make dairy products. Dairy farming has become an important industry in South Africa, providing income for numerous rural households, and generating substantial economic benefits for the wider economy.
What you would need to know before planting your first orchid. by Marinda Sauerman
What is ultrasound?
An electronic instrument that sends out sound waves from a transducer. The waves pass through fluid and reflects to the probe once in contact with muscle or bone. It produces an image that will identify the relevant parts of an animal’s carcass.
Madiba would have turned 104 had he lived to celebrate his birthday on the 18th of July 2022. He was born into the Madiba clan as Rolihlahla Mandela in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape. By Marinda Sauerman
Floods are the overflow of large amounts of water beyond the normal limit on dry land. It is a discipline of study known as hydrology. Floods are a cause of major concern for agriculture. By Marinda Sauerman
