In The Spotlight

Farming powers the South African economy through job creation, exports, and innovation. (Image credit: ISUZU Motors)
From rugged dirt tracks to remote farmlands, ISUZU has long been part of the rhythm of South African agriculture
Known for durability, reliability, and low total cost of ownership, ISUZU trucks have helped generations of farmers move livestock, harvests, tools, and supplies across some of the country’s most unforgiving terrain. It’s more than just a business relationship — it’s a partnership rooted in shared values, trust, and a deep understanding of the land.
Agriculture is more than a market segment for ISUZU; it’s a core part of their identity. Farming powers the South African economy through job creation, exports, and innovation. ISUZU recognises this and has shaped its approach around one belief — when farmers succeed, the entire country thrives. Their vehicles are built with these realities in mind: strong, economical, and always dependable, especially in the country’s most remote regions.
This commitment stretches beyond the sale. ISUZU offers comprehensive aftersales service, reliable parts availability, roadside support, and a wide network of dealers in farming areas. It’s not just about delivering trucks; it’s about keeping farmers moving — and that means less downtime, less stress, and more productivity.
A clear example of ISUZU’s dedication to agriculture is the JCR 800 Special Edition — the brand’s most affordable 8-tonner, designed specifically for the South African market. “Named in tribute to one of our legendary models, the JCR 800 is a no-nonsense workhorse designed to deliver maximum value and performance where it matters most.” It was developed with local input from engineers and dealers to meet the everyday needs of small to medium-scale farmers. Whether it’s carrying produce, feed, tools, or livestock, the JCR 800 is built to get the job done in the field, on gravel, or out on the open road.
Then there’s the backbone of countless South African farms — ISUZU bakkies. For nearly 50 years, these vehicles have proven themselves reliable, tough, and versatile enough to handle the daily demands of farming. Whether it’s an early morning market run or navigating muddy fields, ISUZU bakkies are built to keep up. Spacious interiors, safety features, and powerful engines make them a trusted companion on any farm, big or small.
ISUZU understands that farming isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle. And in that life, every tool, including your vehicle, must earn its place. While cheaper options may seem tempting, the long-term costs of breakdowns, inefficiency, and poor resale value often outweigh the upfront savings.
With rising input costs, limited water availability, and increasing demands on productivity, farmers today are under more pressure than ever
Precision irrigation is fast becoming a powerful solution, enabling growers to use water and nutrients far more efficiently by delivering them directly to the plant's root zone—exactly when and where they’re needed.
According to David Nganga, Technical Advisor for Netafim Southern & East Africa in Zambia, precision irrigation is about “delivering water and nutrients directly to the plant's root zone, in the exact amount and at the right time.” This approach reduces waste and maximises plant growth and yield. Among the available methods, drip irrigation is especially efficient, significantly reducing water loss through evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation. This means more of the water actually benefits the plants, boosting productivity.
A common myth is that drip systems are too complex or only suited for high-value crops. In reality, many farmers who’ve switched to drip find it quite straightforward. The key lies in proper setup and regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and checking driplines for blockages. When maintained well, these systems run reliably and consistently.
One major benefit of drip irrigation is energy efficiency. Less water is needed, and it can be delivered at lower pressure, cutting down on electricity usage. As Henco Grobler of Senekal Boerdery in South Africa puts it, “Drip irrigation enables economically viable large-scale sugarcane production because of the energy savings involved.” These cost savings are often enough to make large-scale operations profitable where traditional irrigation would be too expensive.
Scalability is another strong advantage of precision irrigation. Whether you're managing a home garden or a large commercial farm, the technology can be adapted to your needs. Marco Appel, Agricultural Economist for Netafim Southern & East Africa, stresses the importance of weighing the full picture: “Farmers and project designers must evaluate factors like installation costs, ongoing maintenance, water and electricity expenses, and labour to determine if precision irrigation is a wise investment.”
Understanding your soil plays a vital role in getting the most from precision systems. Different soil types hold water differently, and even basic hands-on checks—like feeling moisture near the root zone—can help optimise watering schedules.
Choosing the right equipment is essential. Factors such as the type of crop, soil condition, field layout, water source, and even how long the system needs to last should influence your decisions. Options like pressure-compensated drippers or anti-root intrusion features can enhance performance and longevity.
The results are hard to ignore: up to 50% water savings, 30% less fertiliser used, and yield increases of between 30–50%. With better crop uniformity, lower labour demands, and reduced power costs, precision irrigation is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable agriculture.
Over time, it fosters a more observant and efficient farming culture—where growers are more aware of their soil, use inputs more wisely, and reduce waste across the board.
Marel has introduced the RoboOptimizer, a cutting-edge automation tool designed to remove the labour-intensive task of loading portion cutters in poultry processing
This intelligent positioning system works seamlessly with the I-Cut 122 portion cutter, forming a fully automated process from the moment singulated fillets are placed on the belt.
By taking full control of positioning and communication with the portion cutter, RoboOptimizer ensures accuracy and consistency throughout the operation. It doesn’t just handle the cutting—it manages the flow of products downstream as well, making it a comprehensive solution for modern processors.
Traditionally, workers have been responsible for placing chicken fillets on belts, a process that directly impacts the quality of the final product. Inconsistent or incorrect placement would often result in lower yields and poor cuts. RoboOptimizer solves this problem by organising the fillets accurately before they reach the portion cutter. Using a rapid gripper system, it can manage up to 120 fillets per minute across dual belts—an efficiency no human operator can match.
“With RoboOptimizer, we really step away from labour. If the products are singulated, portion cutting can now be done without staff. The system will do the job with much more consistency and accuracy than people could ever do. The operator who loads breast caps into the deboning system could potentially be the last person to touch the meat. RoboOptimizer comes as close to a labour-free solution as possible,” says Morten Dalqvist, Marel Product Specialist.
The system features a laser vision scanner that covers an 800 mm-wide conveyor. It measures each fillet’s size and orientation, even distinguishing between left and right fillets—a Marel-patented feature. This distinction is vital to preserve meat fibres and avoid damage during the cutting and tumbling stages.
“Optimising the angle of each individual fillet can give a significantly better yield for strips,” adds Dalqvist. “There are fewer off-cuts because we can optimise the right strip length all the time. Before, we used to cut a fixed trim of a certain size to ensure that the first strip met the requirements. By using the RoboOptimizer, we can reduce this trim to a minimum and still ensure the correct strip length. This eventually increases the overall yield.”
Faulty or misaligned fillets are also filtered out before reaching the cutter, preventing downstream issues. The system then uses strip-optimising software to determine how each fillet should be used—whether for cubes, burgers, or precise strips—maximising both yield and product quality.
Factories relying on manual loading for portion cutting, especially in QSR, food service, or retail production, stand to gain significantly from adopting RoboOptimizer. With full integration for sorting, trimming, and routing, and virtually no labour required, it redefines automation in poultry processing.

The 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria will take place in March 2026. (Image credit: Agrofood Nigeria)
The 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria 2026 will be held from 24th to 26th March at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.
This major event highlights the growing momentum of Nigeria's agrofood sector, offering a unique platform for industry leaders, suppliers, and professionals across the entire value chain to come together.
Organised by Fairtrade Messe in collaboration with Modion Communications, Agrofood Nigeria 2026 is set to be a key event, drawing thousands of participants from across Nigeria and West Africa. It will showcase innovation and provide opportunities for networking, business development, and knowledge sharing. This year’s event features focused partial fairs, offering specialised experiences in agriculture, food + bev tech, food ingredients, packaging, and food + hospitality. This allows professionals to explore specific sectors in depth.
A highlight of the 2026 edition is the Netherlands as the guest of honour, marking the strong partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands in the agrofood sector. This special designation will promote Dutch expertise and create valuable opportunities for collaboration between the two nations' agricultural stakeholders.
Key features of Agrofood Nigeria 2026 include:
- Increased regional reach with attendees from across West and Central Africa.
- Government participation, including ministries from both federal and Lagos State governments, demonstrating strong support for the event.
- National pavilions from countries such as China, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and South Africa, highlighting international collaboration.
- Over 100 global exhibitors showcasing tailored products and solutions for the Nigerian market.
- Insightful conference sessions, building on the success of 2025 with more speakers and networking opportunities.
- Co-location with WACCSE, promoting advancements in West Africa’s cold chain sector, enhancing technology and cooperation.
With support from over 20 respected organisations, including government agencies, international chambers, and trade bodies, Agrofood Nigeria 2026 cements its position as West Africa’s leading platform for innovation in the agrofood and packaging sectors.
Nigeria’s growing agrofood sector is reflected in its significant investments in food and packaging technology, making it one of Africa’s largest importers in this field. The Nigerian food market is projected to reach US$233.53bn by end of 2025, with a steady annual growth rate of over 10%, further boosting the importance of this key event.

The main goal of PigSmart is to strengthen veterinary and extension support by providing farmers with timely.
Uganda is taking a significant step towards digitising its agricultural advisory services with the launch of PigSmart, a mobile messaging platform designed to support smallholder pig farmers
Rolled out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in September 2025, the initiative is supported by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Animal Productivity.
The main goal of PigSmart is to strengthen veterinary and extension support by providing farmers with timely, practical information tailored to their needs. The platform uses a combination of voice messages and printed materials to deliver knowledge in a user-friendly and accessible way.
The pilot phase began in late 2024 across four central districts—Mpigi, Masaka, Mukono, and Wakiso. Over 1,200 farmers from 55 farmer groups participated. They received audio skits in Luganda, covering essential pig farming topics such as feeding, breeding, health care, manure management, and coping with heat stress. These messages were reinforced with printed brochures and a comprehensive herd health manual.
An evaluation carried out in November 2024 showed clear results: farmers who used PigSmart demonstrated significantly better understanding and adoption of good farming practices. In fact, the platform became the main source of information for 30–50% of users, even outperforming traditional advice channels such as peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, extension agents, and printed leaflets.
In April 2025, the pilot expanded to Kalangala District, an island in Lake Victoria where fishing has long been the dominant livelihood. As part of a shift towards farming, 12 veterinary extension officers were trained to use PigSmart’s multimedia tools to help islanders make the transition to pig production.
This work led to a broader government initiative in July 2025, where 500 farmers—including 393 women and 107 men—received two piglets each. The aim was to support household incomes and promote food security, building on the practical knowledge shared via the PigSmart platform.
The early success of PigSmart shows strong promise for expanding the service nationally. With digital tools becoming increasingly vital for rural development, Uganda is setting an example of how simple, localised technology can transform agricultural support systems and improve livelihoods.
Monioluwa Omolara Olaniyi, professor and a Nematology expert at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has highlighted the growing threat plant-parasitic nematodes pose to Nigeria's agricultural sector
These tiny pests, which attack the roots of crops, are causing significant damage to food production and the livelihoods of farmers, though their impact is often underestimated.
Speaking during NOUN’s 36th inaugural lecture in Abuja, Olaniyi explained that nematodes, often hidden beneath the soil, damage crops by stunting their growth and reducing yields. Their presence also weakens plants, making them more susceptible to other diseases. The damage caused by nematodes is often confused with nutrient deficiencies or drought stress, leaving many farmers unaware of the real cause behind their declining harvests.
Olaniyi pointed out that staple crops like vegetables, cereals, legumes, and tubers are particularly vulnerable to nematode infestations. These pests not only diminish crop yields but also threaten Nigeria's overall food security. She also warned that climate change, intensive monocropping, and poor farming practices further exacerbate the problem by providing an ideal environment for nematode populations to flourish.
Drawing on decades of research, Olaniyi presented sustainable solutions for managing nematode infestations. She advocated for proper diagnosis, the use of clean planting materials, and eco-friendly pest control methods that reduce the reliance on harmful pesticides. These approaches not only help maintain environmental health but also contribute to creating more resilient and sustainable food systems, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, praised Olaniyi’s groundbreaking research, recognising its importance in bridging scientific knowledge with practical field applications. He noted that nematology offers valuable solutions to both farmers and policymakers as Nigeria works towards achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
Olaniyi, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at NOUN, expressed her ongoing commitment to advancing research in nematology. She also emphasised the importance of mentoring young scientists and integrating traditional knowledge with modern science to strengthen Nigeria's agricultural resilience.
Marel has introduced the RoboOptimizer, a cutting-edge automation tool designed to remove the labour-intensive task of loading portion cutters in poultry processing
This intelligent positioning system works seamlessly with the I-Cut 122 portion cutter, forming a fully automated process from the moment singulated fillets are placed on the belt.
By taking full control of positioning and communication with the portion cutter, RoboOptimizer ensures accuracy and consistency throughout the operation. It doesn’t just handle the cutting—it manages the flow of products downstream as well, making it a comprehensive solution for modern processors.
Traditionally, workers have been responsible for placing chicken fillets on belts, a process that directly impacts the quality of the final product. Inconsistent or incorrect placement would often result in lower yields and poor cuts. RoboOptimizer solves this problem by organising the fillets accurately before they reach the portion cutter. Using a rapid gripper system, it can manage up to 120 fillets per minute across dual belts—an efficiency no human operator can match.
“With RoboOptimizer, we really step away from labour. If the products are singulated, portion cutting can now be done without staff. The system will do the job with much more consistency and accuracy than people could ever do. The operator who loads breast caps into the deboning system could potentially be the last person to touch the meat. RoboOptimizer comes as close to a labour-free solution as possible,” says Morten Dalqvist, Marel Product Specialist.
The system features a laser vision scanner that covers an 800 mm-wide conveyor. It measures each fillet’s size and orientation, even distinguishing between left and right fillets—a Marel-patented feature. This distinction is vital to preserve meat fibres and avoid damage during the cutting and tumbling stages.
“Optimising the angle of each individual fillet can give a significantly better yield for strips,” adds Dalqvist. “There are fewer off-cuts because we can optimise the right strip length all the time. Before, we used to cut a fixed trim of a certain size to ensure that the first strip met the requirements. By using the RoboOptimizer, we can reduce this trim to a minimum and still ensure the correct strip length. This eventually increases the overall yield.”
Faulty or misaligned fillets are also filtered out before reaching the cutter, preventing downstream issues. The system then uses strip-optimising software to determine how each fillet should be used—whether for cubes, burgers, or precise strips—maximising both yield and product quality.
Factories relying on manual loading for portion cutting, especially in QSR, food service, or retail production, stand to gain significantly from adopting RoboOptimizer. With full integration for sorting, trimming, and routing, and virtually no labour required, it redefines automation in poultry processing.