In The Spotlight
Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector.
Rwanda is taking a significant step in modernising its livestock sector with the arrival of the first batch of 10 high-genetic-potential Holstein-Friesian dairy bulls imported from Germany.
This initiative is designed to strengthen breeding programmes and accelerate improvements in both dairy and beef herds. A second shipment of 20 bulls is expected by April 2026, featuring additional dairy breeds including Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss, alongside top beef breeds such as Angus and Charolais.
These elite bulls will be central to Rwanda’s national bovine artificial insemination (AI) programme, producing high-quality semen distributed nationwide to enhance cattle genetics. By providing farmers with superior semen rather than requiring the purchase of costly breeding animals, the initiative aims to increase productivity, improve herd health, and raise milk yields significantly above those of many local breeds.
The project forms part of Phase II of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP-2), a US $100 million programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and running from 2024 to 2029. RDDP-2 aims to modernise Rwanda’s dairy value chain, raise milk quality standards, and boost overall sector productivity.
Rwanda’s efforts to improve livestock genetics trace back to the “One Cow per Poor Family” (Girinka) programme launched in 2006, which introduced improved dairy breeds to rural households. Since then, structured crossbreeding, artificial insemination, and veterinary support initiatives have led to notable gains in national milk and meat production, though authorities emphasise that expansion remains crucial to meet targets outlined in the country’s Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation.
By integrating high-genetic bulls and modern AI techniques, Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector, supporting farmers while contributing to the country’s broader agricultural development goals.
Cameroon expands cocoa and coffee subsidies.
Cameroon is stepping up its commitment to the cocoa and coffee sectors as the Cocoa and Coffee Development Fund announced plans to roll out CFA 4 billion (approx US$7.2 million) in farmer subsidies in 2026.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the 2025 2026 coffee season in Baditoum, located in the country’s East region, underscoring the government’s focus on revitalising two of its most important export commodities.
The funding will be delivered through the “Producer Window,” a subsidy mechanism introduced in 2021 to give farmers direct access to financial support regardless of their production zone. To participate, producers are required to register with Fodecc and contribute 60 % of their investment cost through an approved financial institution. In return, eligible farmers receive a subsidy covering 30 % to 40 % of that investment in the form of purchase vouchers. These vouchers allow farmers to obtain essential inputs including seedlings, fertilisers, crop protection products, equipment, machinery, and infrastructure, helping to modernise on farm operations and improve yields.
Fodecc administrator Samuel Donatien Nengue explained that the 2026 subsidy package is designed to address pressing challenges such as pest pressures and shortages of planting materials, which frequently disrupt production at the start of the season. He also confirmed that the balance of the 2025 subsidies will be disbursed soon, with new payments expected to commence around April 2026.
So far, nearly 60,000 producers have benefited from the scheme out of 360,000 registered farmers. Authorities aim to increase participation to 500,000 by the end of 2026, building on recent gains in marketed coffee production and improved farm gate prices for both arabica and robusta coffee.
The Producer Window forms part of a wider strategy to inject CFA 50 billion into the cocoa and coffee sectors over five years, with the goal to double production by 2030 and strengthen Cameroon’s position in global agricultural markets.
Natural Mineral Solutions elevate turf and horticulture performance. (Image credit: Pratley)
Across the turf management and horticulture sector, professionals are increasingly turning to natural solutions to overcome long standing soil related challenges.
Maintaining healthy turf and productive landscapes has become more complex as soil conditions directly affect plant performance, water efficiency and maintenance costs. Two of the most common problem soils remain sandy soils, which lose nutrients rapidly through leaching after rainfall or irrigation, and clay soils, known for poor drainage and restricted root development. These limitations often result in stressed plants, increased water use and higher ongoing management expenses, particularly in water scarce regions such as parts of South Africa.
In response, the industry is embracing naturally occurring minerals that enhance soil structure while improving nutrient availability. A growing focus has been placed on zeolite minerals, which are valued for their ability to support sustainable turf and horticultural practices. One notable example is Vulture Creek Clino, a solution derived from clinoptilolite, a naturally occurring zeolite. Zeolites are recognised for their strong ion exchange properties, allowing them to capture essential nutrients such as potassium and ammonium and release them gradually within the root zone. This process ensures plants receive nutrients when they need them most, reducing losses and improving fertiliser efficiency.
By integrating mineral based amendments into turf and landscape fertiliser programmes, professionals are seeing measurable benefits. These include better water retention at root level, lower reliance on frequent fertiliser applications, reduced irrigation needs and stronger, healthier turf. Developers and landscape managers report visible improvements in lawn quality alongside reduced maintenance demands.
As sustainability continues to shape modern horticulture, natural mineral based products are emerging as practical, environmentally responsible tools that support long term soil health while delivering consistent performance in demanding conditions.
Tanzania powers tea sector with clean energy.
Tanzania is taking decisive steps to strengthen its tea industry as the Tea Board of Tanzania recently brought together leading stakeholders for a high level strategic engagement.
The meeting united tea factory processors and large scale producers with a shared goal of driving higher production levels, enhancing global competitiveness and improving livelihoods for farmers across the country.
One of the most pressing issues raised during the discussions was the rising cost and unreliable supply of electricity affecting tea processing facilities. These energy challenges continue to undermine operational efficiency and reduce profit margins. Stakeholders strongly advocated for promoting the use of clean and alternative energy sources, including renewable technologies, as a practical solution. Clean energy adoption was presented as a pathway to lowering production costs, reducing environmental pressure and building a more sustainable and resilient tea value chain.
Beyond energy concerns, participants examined current pricing frameworks and identified the need to reinforce the Green Leaf Pricing system. A more responsive pricing structure that reflects regional production conditions, infrastructure availability and real operational costs was seen as essential for ensuring fair compensation for growers. Collaboration with the government to improve the investment environment and expand access to affordable financing was also highlighted as critical for sector wide growth.
Addressing the gathering, Beatrice Banzi encouraged industry players to continue investing in tea quality while tapping into emerging export markets and stimulating domestic consumption. She noted that strengthening the tea industry would generate employment, increase incomes for both smallholder and commercial farmers and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
These efforts align closely with the National Development Vision 2050, positioning tea as a strategic agricultural commodity capable of supporting Tanzania’s long term economic resilience, sustainability and inclusive growth.
IFAD and Digital Green deploy smart digital tools to Close Nigeria’s agricultural gap.
Digital Green Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to tackle the Nigeria’s long-standing agricultural extension service challenges through innovative digital solutions.
David Edimu, Country Lead for Digital Green Nigeria, highlighted the urgent need for technology-driven interventions to bridge the widening gap between farmers and extension services. He described Nigeria’s current extension agent-to-farmer ratio of one agent to 8,000 farmers as “grossly inadequate”, noting that it falls significantly below the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s recommended benchmark of one agent to no more than 600 farmers.
Edimu said,“We want extension services in the hands of every farmer, so they no longer wait five to seven days without seeing an extension agent.Our intention is to ensure farmers get the right information at the right time through a digital app."
Edimu explained that the partnership with IFAD remains central to Digital Green’s mission of enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria. By leveraging digital agriculture, artificial intelligence and mobile technology, the initiative aims to close productivity gaps and modernise extension delivery systems.
“With timely access to information, farmers can improve productivity and close existing gaps. We speak local languages to bridge literacy gaps. Not speaking English should not stop anyone from using the app,” he added.
He further stressed the importance of moving away from conventional extension models and embracing innovative, scalable approaches that reflect the realities of today’s farming communities. A key feature of Digital Green’s solution is its AI-powered, multilingual interface, which ensures inclusivity by overcoming literacy and language barriers.
In one pilot example, an extension agent responsible for 400 farmers installed the application for 100 farmers with Android smartphones, significantly easing his workload. He added that shared phone usage at household level further amplifies the reach of the digital platform, positioning technology as a powerful catalyst for nationwide agricultural development.
Tatu Coffee wins top honours at Kenya’s Taste of Harvest Awards. (Image credit: Tatu coffee)
Tatu Coffee Estates Limited has once again proven its standing among Kenya’s elite coffee producers after securing both first and third place in the fiercely contested Washed Arabica category at the National Taste of Harvest Kenya 2025–2026 Awards.
The prestigious accolades further reinforce Kenya’s reputation as a global powerhouse in premium specialty coffee and spotlight Tatu Coffee’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Widely regarded as the ultimate benchmark for coffee quality in the country, the National Taste of Harvest Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in washed Arabica – the backbone of Kenya’s international coffee success. Tatu Coffee’s winning entries stood out not as experimental micro-lots, but as coffees drawn from its mainstream production, highlighting an exceptional ability to deliver consistent quality at scale.
An international panel of expert judges commended the coffees for their refined sensory profile, noting elegant aromas of orange blossom, layered flavours of red berries, marmalade and jam, and a distinctive balance of bright acidity and natural sweetness. These attributes exemplify the flavour complexity that continues to make Kenyan washed Arabica highly sought after in global specialty coffee markets.
John Sathya, Chief Executive Officer of Tatu Coffee Estates, said,"Winning first and third place confirms that our approach delivers consistent, world-class results while supporting jobs and communitie."
Tatu Coffee manages more than 6,500 acres of coffee estates in Kiambu County and is owned by Rendeavour, the master developer behind Tatu City. Through long-term investment, the company has embraced modern agricultural techniques, advanced processing infrastructure and sustainable farming practices. Its premium washed Arabica is supplied to specialty buyers across Europe, the United States, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
Beyond cup quality, the awards underscore Tatu Coffee’s broader economic and social impact. At a time when national coffee production has faced decline, the estates continue to provide thousands of permanent and seasonal jobs, supporting livelihoods across coffee-growing communities.
All Tatu Coffee estates are Rainforest Alliance certified, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability. Initiatives include water recycling, reforestation, ecosystem conservation and responsible waste management. The company also prioritises worker welfare through fair wages, quality housing, access to education and a long-standing school meals programme for children from estate communities.
Fishmeal plant strengthens west coast fisheries.
The South African government has welcomed a major R170 million investment by the African Pioneer Group into a new fishmeal plant at Sandy Point Harbour in St Helena Bay, Western Cape.
The facility is set to boost local and export supply chains by producing a range of fish products and strengthening the small pelagic sector’s value chain.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp,said, “This facility is so much more than an expansion of processing capacity. It is a strategic intervention in the small pelagic value chain that strengthens domestic beneficiation, enhances operational efficiency, and positions South Africa to extract greater economic value from each tonne of fish harvested,” he said. He added that the project “strengthens local opportunities without increasing pressure on the resource base” and represents investment in communities and the future of South Africa’s fishing industry.
Aucamp emphasised and added, “The more than R170 million investment represented by this facility contributes directly to sustainable industrial growth in a priority coastal node,” he said, highlighting the partnership between government, science and the fishing industry as central to sustainable marine resource management.
The small pelagic sector plays a crucial role in coastal employment, food security, animal feed supply chains, and export earnings, especially along the West Coast. However, it is also highly vulnerable to environmental variability and climate-driven shifts. The Minister pointed to recent scientific assessments showing major fluctuations in biomass and recruitment, particularly the record-low anchovy recruitment in 2025 and persistently low sardine populations.
In response, the sector has been urged to diversify fishing efforts towards more abundant species such as round herring, which has shown strong biomass performance. “This species now plays a critical buffering role in maintaining throughput in the pelagic sector during periods when sardine and anchovy are constrained,” the Minister said. He explained that investments like the Sandy Point fishmeal plant support resilience by enabling efficient processing of a wider species mix, reducing waste, improving turnaround times, and stabilising supply to downstream industries.
Overall, the plant is seen as a strategic move towards sustainable industrialisation and strengthened marine beneficiation, aligning with the Oceans Economy Master Plan and the government’s industrial policy framework.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The fifth edition of the exhibition delivered strong participation, high-level networking and tangible outcomes for food security and agribusiness innovation across the MENA region.(Image Credit: VIV MEA)
VIV MEA 2025 has concluded on a high note, reinforcing its status as the leading feed-to-food B2B trade platform for the Middle East and Africa.
The fifth edition of the exhibition delivered strong participation, high-level networking and tangible outcomes for food security and agribusiness innovation across the MENA region.
Held from November 25–27, 2025 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, the event welcomed 10,830 professional visitors and 144 industry leaders from more than 110 countries. A total of 505 exhibitors from 49 countries showcased cutting-edge technologies and solutions spanning animal protein production, animal health, breeding and hatching, croptech, feedtech, food engineering, feed ingredients and additives, aquaculture and allied sectors.
Over three intensive days, VIV MEA 2025 served as a dynamic marketplace for knowledge exchange, business development and strategic partnerships. Industry stakeholders explored emerging trends shaping the future of livestock, poultry, dairy and aquaculture, while decision-makers connected with innovators driving efficiency, sustainability and resilience across the feed-to-food value chain.
A key strength of the event was its strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), underscoring a shared commitment to food safety, sustainable agriculture and regional food security. Majed Musabah Almemari, Hay Supply and Storage Section Head at ADAFSA, said, “Supporting VIV MEA 2025 gave ADAFSA valuable opportunities to strengthen its role across the feed-to-food value chain. The event enabled our teams to engage directly with international experts, learn about the latest technologies, and exchange knowledge on food safety, animal health, and sustainable farming.”
He added, “It also enhanced collaboration with global and regional industry partners, opening doors for joint initiatives and innovation projects. Overall, participating in VIV MEA helped us benchmark our practices, adopt new ideas, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s leadership in applying advanced and sustainable agricultural solutions.”
VIV MEA 2025 also stood out as a world-class hub for regional food security, covering the full spectrum of animal husbandry, including poultry, dairy, fish, shrimp, eggs, cattle, goats and camels. International participation increased significantly, with major pavilions from the United States, Korea and France, which hosted the largest national pavilion. The exhibition floor was fully sold out, highlighting the event’s growing relevance.
Anne-Marie Brault, Business France - French pavilion for agriculture said,“The French Pavilion at VIV MEA 2025 embodies France’s strategic ambition to strengthen economic ties and foster trade partnerships across the MENA region. By showcasing the excellence of French agrifood companies, we aim to create synergies that accelerate growth, open new markets, and deliver sustainable solutions for global food security. This event is a cornerstone for building long-term collaborations that reinforce France’s leadership in animal production and innovation worldwide.”
HortiFlora Expo also serves as a strategic showcase for sustainable agriculture, innovation and export competitiveness. (Image credit: HortiFlora)
EIMA International promotes knowledge sharing and networking.(Image credit: eima.it)
, South Africa’s FMD outbreak underscores the urgent need for stronger government action, rapid vaccination, and strategic support for the agricultural sector to safeguard food security.
Farmers across South Africa are warning that foot and mouth disease (FMD) is spiralling out of control, with the outbreak now affecting seven provinces and leaving the agricultural sector in crisis.
The disease has spread to KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo, and the Western Cape, causing severe disruptions to livestock farming, export markets, and food prices.
The outbreak, which began in early 2025 after infected cattle from KwaZulu-Natal were sold at auction, has forced the government into the spotlight. Farmers report that delays in response and vaccine shortages have allowed FMD to spread rapidly, while regulations prevent them from vaccinating their herds independently. Even when livestock show signs of illness or die, farmers must wait for official intervention.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen initially downplayed the scale of the crisis but later admitted the situation was serious, stating, “This is a battle we are not winning.” He has promised a national vaccination programme starting February 2026. However, experts and farmers say this initiative comes too late. So far, just over 931,000 cattle have been vaccinated, a fraction of the national herd, with estimated costs to vaccinate all cattle exceeding R5.4 billion.
Testing facilities are also under pressure, leading to long delays for lab results and enabling further spread of the disease. Freedom Front Plus MP Dr Wynand Boshoff criticised weak leadership, noting that “testing delays mean animals recover while others become infected.”
The Southern Africa Agri Initiative has called for the outbreak to be declared a national disaster. Chief executive Francois Rossouw highlighted that such a declaration would enable faster funding, more staff, stricter movement controls, and improved communication. “It would allow vaccines, roadblocks, disinfectants and lab support to be rolled out quickly,” he said, emphasising that family farmers are bearing the brunt of the crisis and are largely left to cope on their own.
With rising meat and dairy prices, export bans, and the livelihoods of countless farmers at risk, South Africa’s FMD outbreak underscores the urgent need for stronger government action, rapid vaccination, and strategic support for the agricultural sector to safeguard food security.
Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector.
Fishmeal plant strengthens west coast fisheries.
Tanzania powers tea sector with clean energy.
Tanzania is taking decisive steps to strengthen its tea industry as the Tea Board of Tanzania recently brought together leading stakeholders for a high level strategic engagement.
The meeting united tea factory processors and large scale producers with a shared goal of driving higher production levels, enhancing global competitiveness and improving livelihoods for farmers across the country.
One of the most pressing issues raised during the discussions was the rising cost and unreliable supply of electricity affecting tea processing facilities. These energy challenges continue to undermine operational efficiency and reduce profit margins. Stakeholders strongly advocated for promoting the use of clean and alternative energy sources, including renewable technologies, as a practical solution. Clean energy adoption was presented as a pathway to lowering production costs, reducing environmental pressure and building a more sustainable and resilient tea value chain.
Beyond energy concerns, participants examined current pricing frameworks and identified the need to reinforce the Green Leaf Pricing system. A more responsive pricing structure that reflects regional production conditions, infrastructure availability and real operational costs was seen as essential for ensuring fair compensation for growers. Collaboration with the government to improve the investment environment and expand access to affordable financing was also highlighted as critical for sector wide growth.
Addressing the gathering, Beatrice Banzi encouraged industry players to continue investing in tea quality while tapping into emerging export markets and stimulating domestic consumption. She noted that strengthening the tea industry would generate employment, increase incomes for both smallholder and commercial farmers and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
These efforts align closely with the National Development Vision 2050, positioning tea as a strategic agricultural commodity capable of supporting Tanzania’s long term economic resilience, sustainability and inclusive growth.
Cameroon expands cocoa and coffee subsidies.
Natural Mineral Solutions elevate turf and horticulture performance. (Image credit: Pratley)
Agri-IoT Leaf Temperature and Humidity Sensor into modern farming practices (Image credit: Agri-Tech)
Agri-IoT (Africa) has developed an innovative Leaf Temperature and Humidity Sensor designed to monitor plant health and stress.
This sensor is part of Agri-IoT’s growing suite of smart farming solutions, tailored specifically to support African farmers in optimising crop growth and sustainability.
Functionality:
The sensor accurately tracks leaf temperature and humidity, providing critical insights into plant health. By detecting water stress and offering early warnings for potential diseases or pest infestations, it empowers farmers to make informed decisions on irrigation, disease management, and crop protection. Such precise monitoring promotes sustainable agricultural practices and enhances farm productivity.
Design & Durability:
Engineered to mimic the surface of a real leaf, the sensor ensures accurate readings that reflect true plant physiology. Its robust and waterproof design, often IP67 rated, guarantees reliable performance even in harsh outdoor conditions, making it a durable solution for diverse African climates.
Data Access & Connectivity:
Collected data is transmitted to a cloud platform and is accessible through a user-friendly web-based dashboard, allowing farmers to monitor conditions remotely in real time. This IoT-enabled approach offers actionable insights, enabling proactive decision-making and improving crop yield and quality.
By integrating the Agri-IoT Leaf Temperature and Humidity Sensor into modern farming practices, African farmers gain a powerful tool for smarter, data-driven agriculture, supporting precision farming, crop sustainability, and resilient food production systems.
GrainMate stands out as an affordable and user-friendly solution with a measurable impact on food systems.(Image credit: Sesi Technologies)
These wireless temperature and humidity sensors are ideal for a wide range of uses. (Image credit: MultiTech )
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Latest News
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Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector.
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Cameroon expands cocoa and coffee subsidies.
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Natural Mineral Solutions elevate turf and horticulture performance. (Image credit: Pratley)
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Tanzania powers tea sector with clean energy.
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IFAD and Digital Green deploy smart digital tools to Close Nigeria’s agricultural gap.
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Tatu Coffee wins top honours at Kenya’s Taste of Harvest Awards. (Image credit: Tatu coffee)
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Fishmeal plant strengthens west coast fisheries.
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The initiative targets Ghana’s long-standing challenge of tomato scarcity and price volatility.
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