In The Spotlight
As foot and mouth disease continues to spread across South Africa, many livestock farmers are facing severe financial strain and uncertainty.
With frustration mounting over delays and administrative setbacks, the private sector has begun stepping forward to offer practical support.
Wiesenhof Coffee Roastery has partnered with the Southern African Agri Initiative to strengthen Saai’s disaster relief fund. The fund is aimed at assisting family farmers who have been heavily affected by the outbreak and the challenges surrounding its management.
While official processes remain slow and markets unsettled, businesses are choosing to act. Four years ago, Wiesenhof pledged a portion of its profits from every cup of coffee sold, along with selected items from Wiesenhof and Dulce restaurants, to promote farm safety and modern agricultural technology. That commitment has now been expanded to address the urgent needs created by the current crisis. The focus includes improving biosecurity measures, supporting vaccine logistics and providing emergency financial relief to struggling producers.
“When you enjoy a cup of coffee with us, you stand with our farmers. Together we are building a stronger agricultural sector and protecting food security for the future,” says Kobus Wiese, owner of Wiesenhof.
Dr Theo de Jager, Chairman of Saai, highlighted the importance of family farms within the broader food system. “Family farms are the backbone of food security. When they fall, communities fall with them,” he says. “This partnership proves that the private sector is willing to take responsibility when systems fail.”
The fund is designed to offer real assistance to farmers battling to safeguard their herds, secure movement permits, retain access to markets and manage mounting cash flow pressures.
Kobus adds, “Agriculture is the heart of our country. With every cup of coffee, we choose to make that heart beat stronger.”
On Friday, Wiesenhof formally handed over a cheque to Saai at its coffee shop in Franschhoek. The gesture symbolised a shared commitment to supporting South Africa’s family farms during one of their most challenging periods.
Africa Urged to Safeguard Crop Diversity as Food Security Faces Growing Threats. (Image credit: CIFOR)
Africa is steadily losing the plant diversity that supports its food systems, livelihoods and resilience to climate change, according to the Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
The report, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, was presented during its Africa regional launch in Nairobi on 12 to 13 February 2026. The event was co hosted by FAO and the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry.
The findings paint a worrying picture. Crop varieties, their wild relatives and many wild plants gathered for food are disappearing more quickly than they are being conserved. These resources are vital for helping food systems cope with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and extreme weather.
Chikelu Mba, Deputy Director of the Plant Production and Protection Division at the FAO, said, “This report shows clearly that Africa is losing plant genetic diversity at a pace that threatens food security, nutrition and the overall resilience of agrifood systems.”
“Crop diversity — including farmers’ varieties or landraces, wild food plants and the genetic relatives of major crops — is essential for developing progressively improved crop varieties needed to climate-proof the continent’s agrifood systems. Yet many of these resources are disappearing faster than they are being protected, meaning their inherent potential may never be fully realised — not for the current generation, and certainly not for those who come after us,” he added.
Across the continent, traditional crop varieties developed and maintained by farmers over generations are fading from fields. Sorghum, millet, yam, rice and traditional cotton are among those at risk. In Sub Saharan Africa, around 16 percent of more than 12,000 locally adapted varieties recorded in 19 countries are now considered threatened.
Éliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer of CIFOR ICRAF, warned of the wider consequences, and said, “Africa’s food security and nutrition depend on the widest possible diversity of crops, trees and wild plants that farmers and communities have relied on for generations. As climate change accelerates, losing this diversity means losing the very options that allow agriculture to adapt.”
The report also highlights the decline of wild food plants such as baobab, shea and marula, as well as indigenous leafy vegetables widely consumed across Africa. More than 70 percent of assessed wild food plant diversity on the continent is under threat, largely due to habitat loss and climate stress.
Seed collections face risks too. Although about 220,000 samples are stored in 56 African genebanks, only a small share is securely duplicated. “Plant genetic resources are the foundation of sustainable agrifood systems. Without stronger policies, investment and coordination, Africa risks losing irreplaceable plant diversity that supports livelihoods, food security and nutrition, and the ability of farming systems to withstand climate shocks,” Mba said.
“It is the responsibility of governments to establish genebanks and the infrastructure needed to store plant genetic resources. We also encourage farmers to develop seed systems or community seed banks where they can store varieties that are critical to them and adapted to different ecological zones,” said Theophilus Muturi, Managing Director of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.
“Conserving and using Africa’s plant genetic resources is not a luxury,” Ubalijoro added. “It is a necessity for resilient agrifood systems in a changing climate.”
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, on February 14 drew attention to the economic and cultural importance of Made in Ghana chocolate as the country marked Ghana Chocolate Day.
Addressing questions on her sector on the floor of Parliament of Ghana in Accra, the Minister used the moment to celebrate Ghana’s thriving cocoa and chocolate industry. She shared locally produced chocolate with Members of Parliament, the Speaker and parliamentary clerks, turning the session into a reminder of the value of supporting home grown products.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, she encouraged Ghanaians to make a deliberate choice to consume chocolate produced within the country. She described Ghanaian chocolate as more than a sweet treat, calling it “a brand, an identity, and an expression of love for our own products.”
The Minister explained that the local chocolate industry continues to create employment opportunities, particularly for young entrepreneurs and women working across production, packaging and distribution. From cocoa farmers to small scale processors and retailers, many families depend on the sector for their income.
According to her, the steady growth of the chocolate industry has helped households earn stable incomes, pay school fees and take an active role in national development. She stressed that supporting local businesses strengthens communities and builds economic resilience.
She further urged citizens to prioritise goods made in Ghana, noting that spending on imported products drains resources from the local economy. “Anytime you buy something produced outside Ghana, you are sending the money out of Ghana,” she stated, adding that she remains committed to strongly promoting Ghanaian products at every opportunity.
Ghana Chocolate Day is observed each year to encourage the consumption of locally manufactured chocolate, add value to the country’s cocoa and deepen national pride in one of Ghana’s most treasured natural resources.
IPM ESSEN 2026 delivered a clear message of confidence and momentum for the global horticultural industry, bringing together innovation, business and international exchange at a time of continued economic pressure.
Held from 27 to 30 January, the 42nd edition of the world leading horticulture trade fair attracted almost 40,000 trade visitors and reinforced its role as a central meeting point for the sector.
“IPM ESSEN is the central international platform for orientation, exchange and future solutions,” summarised Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “Networking within the horticultural industry is essential today – the key to identifying trends early, finding answers together to structural challenges and consistently seizing new opportunities.” Discussions throughout the event reflected uncertain markets, rising production requirements and cost pressures. At the same time, there was a strong sense of determination to shape the future, which drove exceptional interest in new technologies, innovative products and modern sales concepts.
With 1,476 exhibiting companies, IPM ESSEN 2026 recorded a three per cent increase in exhibitors compared to the previous year. This growth was widely viewed as a positive signal in challenging times and a clear indication of industry confidence. The return of several exhibitors further strengthened the fair’s reputation as an international business platform, with more than 85 per cent of exhibitors stating their intention to participate again.
International participation remained high, as 41 per cent of visitors travelled from abroad. The Netherlands formed the largest visitor group, followed by Italy and other European markets, while Great Britain Northern Ireland, Spain and the USA were also strongly represented. The fair continued to serve as a hub for decision making, with 68 per cent of visitors identifying as decision makers and many initiating purchases during the event or planning orders based on contacts made.
The supporting programme was broader than ever, addressing topics such as sustainability, climate resilient plants, peat reduction, urban greening and digital marketing. New formats, including the Woodland Arena, highlighted the growing societal relevance of horticulture. IPM ESSEN 2026 ultimately showcased the industry’s innovative strength and adaptability, setting a confident tone ahead of the next edition scheduled for January 2027.
As foot and mouth disease continues to spread across South Africa, many livestock farmers are facing severe financial strain and uncertainty.
With frustration mounting over delays and administrative setbacks, the private sector has begun stepping forward to offer practical support.
Wiesenhof Coffee Roastery has partnered with the Southern African Agri Initiative to strengthen Saai’s disaster relief fund. The fund is aimed at assisting family farmers who have been heavily affected by the outbreak and the challenges surrounding its management.
While official processes remain slow and markets unsettled, businesses are choosing to act. Four years ago, Wiesenhof pledged a portion of its profits from every cup of coffee sold, along with selected items from Wiesenhof and Dulce restaurants, to promote farm safety and modern agricultural technology. That commitment has now been expanded to address the urgent needs created by the current crisis. The focus includes improving biosecurity measures, supporting vaccine logistics and providing emergency financial relief to struggling producers.
“When you enjoy a cup of coffee with us, you stand with our farmers. Together we are building a stronger agricultural sector and protecting food security for the future,” says Kobus Wiese, owner of Wiesenhof.
Dr Theo de Jager, Chairman of Saai, highlighted the importance of family farms within the broader food system. “Family farms are the backbone of food security. When they fall, communities fall with them,” he says. “This partnership proves that the private sector is willing to take responsibility when systems fail.”
The fund is designed to offer real assistance to farmers battling to safeguard their herds, secure movement permits, retain access to markets and manage mounting cash flow pressures.
Kobus adds, “Agriculture is the heart of our country. With every cup of coffee, we choose to make that heart beat stronger.”
On Friday, Wiesenhof formally handed over a cheque to Saai at its coffee shop in Franschhoek. The gesture symbolised a shared commitment to supporting South Africa’s family farms during one of their most challenging periods.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, on February 14 drew attention to the economic and cultural importance of Made in Ghana chocolate as the country marked Ghana Chocolate Day.
Addressing questions on her sector on the floor of Parliament of Ghana in Accra, the Minister used the moment to celebrate Ghana’s thriving cocoa and chocolate industry. She shared locally produced chocolate with Members of Parliament, the Speaker and parliamentary clerks, turning the session into a reminder of the value of supporting home grown products.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, she encouraged Ghanaians to make a deliberate choice to consume chocolate produced within the country. She described Ghanaian chocolate as more than a sweet treat, calling it “a brand, an identity, and an expression of love for our own products.”
The Minister explained that the local chocolate industry continues to create employment opportunities, particularly for young entrepreneurs and women working across production, packaging and distribution. From cocoa farmers to small scale processors and retailers, many families depend on the sector for their income.
According to her, the steady growth of the chocolate industry has helped households earn stable incomes, pay school fees and take an active role in national development. She stressed that supporting local businesses strengthens communities and builds economic resilience.
She further urged citizens to prioritise goods made in Ghana, noting that spending on imported products drains resources from the local economy. “Anytime you buy something produced outside Ghana, you are sending the money out of Ghana,” she stated, adding that she remains committed to strongly promoting Ghanaian products at every opportunity.
Ghana Chocolate Day is observed each year to encourage the consumption of locally manufactured chocolate, add value to the country’s cocoa and deepen national pride in one of Ghana’s most treasured natural resources.
Global agriculture continues to expand, yet the agricultural machinery market is navigating a period of turbulence.
Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies are reshaping where and how farm equipment is bought and sold. This evolving landscape was outlined during the press conference launching the 47th edition of EIMA International, the world’s leading exhibition for agricultural technologies, set to take place in Bologna from 10 to 14 November.
Mariateresa Maschio, FederUnacoma President, said, “Protectionist policies in some countries, economic sanctions, interference with trade routes, and tariff wars have led to market fragmentation and a sharp slowdown in trade which is weighing on the performance of the agromechanical sector.”
Traditional markets are feeling the strain. The United States recorded a 10 percent fall in tractor sales in 2025, while Germany, France and the United Kingdom also posted double digit declines. In contrast, southern Europe is showing renewed momentum. Italy and Spain both closed the year with strong growth, signalling cautious optimism within the European agricultural machinery industry.
India remains the standout performer. With tractor sales exceeding 1.1 million units, the country continues to dominate the global market. According to Maschio, this growth reflects deeper structural demand rather than a short term spike. “Over the past fifteen years, output in the primary sector has grown significantly,” said Mariateresa Maschio, “but to meet the needs of the world’s population it will have to grow by a further 14% by 2034, especially in India and in those countries of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that are experiencing the highest demographic growth.”
A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation, digital farming solutions and expanding demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly increasing their presence across these regions and even gaining ground in Europe.
“In the coming years we will have a highly segmented agromechanical sector, with low-cost basic technologies alongside highly advanced technologies for complex operations,” added Mariateresa Maschio, underlining the importance of innovation, policy support and international cooperation as the sector looks ahead.
