Crops

South Africa raises alert as goss’s wilt spreads across maize regions

South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has issued an important update on the spread of Goss’s Wilt, a serious bacterial disease affecting maize

The announcement is directed at farmers, growers and the wider public, highlighting a change in the distribution of the disease and the need for continued awareness.

The disease was first identified in 2024 in four provinces, namely Free State, North West, Gauteng and Eastern Cape. After a detailed survey carried out in 2025, it has now been confirmed in additional regions including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Western Cape. At present, KwaZulu Natal remains the only province where no cases have been reported.

Efforts to manage the disease are ongoing, with the department working closely with research bodies and industry partners. Current work includes building a collection of local bacterial strains, improving testing and monitoring systems, and identifying maize varieties that can better tolerate or resist the disease. There is also a strong focus on sharing knowledge between farmers, scientists and policymakers, as well as developing practical guidance suited to different regions.

Goss’s Wilt is regulated under national agricultural laws, with measures in place to limit its spread. These rules are aimed at protecting unaffected areas by controlling the movement of plant material and farming equipment from infected zones. Maize remains the only crop of economic importance that is known to be affected.

The disease can spread in several ways. Within fields, it can move from plant to plant through direct contact. Over longer distances, it may travel through infected seeds, although this is considered rare. A more significant risk comes from farm equipment such as harvesters and planters, which can carry infected plant material between fields if not properly cleaned.

There are currently no chemical treatments available to control Goss’s Wilt. Farmers are therefore encouraged to rely on good farming practices, such as crop rotation, use of resistant varieties and careful handling of equipment. Strong hygiene and biosecurity measures remain essential to limit further spread and protect maize production across the country.

Cameroon invests in modern farming to boost local production

Cameroon is moving forward with plans to strengthen its agricultural sector through a government subsidy of US$650,000

The funding, provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is aimed at improving productivity and encouraging the use of modern farming methods across the country.

The support has been directed to the National Center for Studies and Experimentation of Agricultural Machinery, known as CENEEMA. This public institution plays an important role in adapting farming equipment to suit local conditions and helping farmers adopt better tools. The effort forms part of a wider national plan for 2026 that focuses on reducing food imports while increasing local production.

A key part of the programme is the creation of mechanisation hubs in areas such as Meiganga, Tibati and Andjeck. These centres are expected to give farmers easier access to machinery and services that can replace time consuming manual work. Alongside this, the government is investing in land development and basic infrastructure, including wells and solar powered systems that can support farming activities in rural areas.

The funding will also go towards purchasing essential equipment. This includes seeders, surveying tools and motorcycles that will help improve movement and coordination in the field. Such additions are expected to make farm management more efficient and allow farmers to work on larger areas of land.

Another important feature of the plan is the development of at least 50 hectares of demonstration sites. These areas will be used to test modern techniques and train farmers in practical ways. At the same time, existing facilities like the mechanisation centre in Yoko will be restored to improve their performance.

Through this initiative, the government aims to strengthen CENEEMA and place it at the centre of agricultural progress in the country. By making modern tools more accessible and supporting local farmers, Cameroon hopes to increase yields, improve food security and support long term economic growth.

Belarus strengthens Ghana’s farming future with major machinery deal

Belarus is set to deliver around 3,000 agricultural machines to Ghana in 2026, marking a strong step towards improving farming practices and food production in the country.

This move highlights a deepening partnership between the two nations, with agriculture at the centre of their growing economic ties.

The equipment shipment will feature modern tools such as tractors, seeders, and ploughs. These machines are expected to ease the heavy reliance on manual labour that still dominates farming in Ghana. With a large share of agricultural work currently done by hand, the introduction of mechanised solutions could significantly improve both speed and efficiency on farms.

This agreement goes beyond simply delivering equipment. Belarus is also planning to set up service centres across Ghana to ensure that the machinery is properly maintained. These centres will provide technical support and help farmers keep their equipment in good working condition. In addition, training programmes will be introduced so that farmers and machine operators can learn how to use the new technology effectively and confidently.

The initiative fits into Ghana’s wider plan to modernise its agricultural sector. The government aims to expand mechanised farming nationwide by distributing equipment across different regions. Farmer Service Centres will also be established, giving farmers access to shared machinery, farming inputs, and expert guidance. This approach is expected to make modern tools more affordable and practical for small scale farmers.

The project also supports Ghana’s Feed Ghana Initiative, which focuses on boosting food production, improving farmer incomes, and strengthening food security. By increasing access to modern equipment and support services, the country hopes to expand cultivated land and reduce the physical demands of farming.

Beyond machinery, the partnership reflects Belarus’s focus on sharing knowledge and skills. There is also potential for future collaboration in local assembly and industrial development. Overall, this initiative is a meaningful step towards a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector in Ghana.

Liberia and Jigawa State collaborated boost to rice production (Image credit: FrontPageAfricaOnline)

Liberia is stepping into a new phase of agricultural development through a growing partnership with Jigawa State in Nigeria, with a shared focus on boosting rice production and improving food security.

The meeting, held in Monrovia, brought together key officials and marked the beginning of what many see as a practical and forward looking collaboration.

The visit by Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State highlights the importance of shared experience in driving progress. Jigawa has built a strong reputation in rice farming, with a large portion of its population involved in agriculture. Through careful planning, investment, and better market connections, the state has managed to increase both its production capacity and efficiency.

Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr J Alexander Nuetah, welcomed the partnership and stressed the country’s commitment to making agriculture more effective and rewarding for its people. “We are committed to ensuring that agriculture works for Liberians, but it requires the right systems, investments, and strong partnerships,” Minister Nuetah said.

While Liberia has made progress, including the development of 12,000 hectares of lowland for rice farming, there are still gaps to address. Issues such as irrigation, mechanisation, and access to markets continue to limit growth. The collaboration with Jigawa is expected to help bridge these gaps by introducing practical solutions and proven methods.

Governor Namadi underlined the importance of building a complete agricultural system that supports farmers at every stage. “Agriculture only works when all the pieces come together extension, inputs, mechanization, and markets,” he said. Drawing from Jigawa’s success, he explained how the state expanded its cultivated land and significantly improved yields.

He also emphasised the need for reliable markets, noting, “Production without a market is failure. Farmers must be assured that what they produce will be sold.”

As part of this partnership, a technical team from Jigawa will visit Lofa County to assess current systems and offer guidance. “We are ready to work with Liberia to ensure agriculture delivers real results food security, jobs, and economic growth.”

This partnership signals a hopeful path for Liberia’s agricultural future.