The cannabis market evolving in South Africa.

The cannabis industry is expanding rapidly across South Africa and Zimbabwe, with the plant now used in everything from medicinal oils and pain-relief creams to health drinks and supplements

Globally, the legal cannabis market is valued at US$69.78bn and is forecast to reach US$216.76bn by 2033.

However, many are asking whether this boom truly benefits the small-scale farmers who have cultivated cannabis for generations in rural Africa. Long before colonial laws criminalised it, local communities grew the plant for medicine and income. Even during prohibition, it remained vital to rural livelihoods, paying for food, school fees, and family needs.

In 2018, South Africa’s Constitutional Court decriminalised private cannabis use, while Zimbabwe legalised its cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes. Yet, despite these reforms, most smallholder farmers remain excluded from the legal market.

Researchers found that cannabis production has become “an exclusive business which only well off businesses can participate in.” High costs and strict regulations mean farmers who once sustained the industry now struggle to obtain licences or meet compliance standards.

In South Africa, the start-up cost for a medicinal cannabis farm can reach R3mn to R5mn, making it unattainable for rural growers. Similarly, in Zimbabwe, a five-year cultivation licence costs US$50,000, plus annual inspection fees and the expense of greenhouses often over US$220,000 for a five-hectare farm.

As a result, wealthy investors dominate the legal market, while traditional farmers continue to grow cannabis illicitly. Experts warn that this imbalance perpetuates rural inequality and undermines sustainable agricultural reform.

To make cannabis a true “green gold” for Africa, reforms must include affordable licensing, farmer cooperatives, and community–investor partnerships. Recognising the knowledge and resilience of traditional growers could ensure the crop benefits entire communities, not just corporations.

For farmers across Africa, this development could mean more predictable prices.

John Steenhuisen, South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, has applauded Zimbabwe’s decision to lift its long-standing ban on maize and grain imports, calling it a positive and timely step toward strengthening regional food security and agricultural growth

In a statement released on Wednesday, Steenhuisen described the move as “a vital step towards regional food security and economic stability,” highlighting that it marks a shift towards sound agricultural and trade policies that can benefit farmers and consumers across Southern Africa.

“This is an extremely welcome development that underscores the collective responsibility we share in ensuring food sufficiency. The agricultural sector thrives on predictability and efficiency, and restrictive trade measures though often aimed at protecting local producers can distort markets and harm consumers,” he said.

The minister further noted that reopening maize imports would help stabilise grain prices across the region and draw new investment into agribusiness. With many African farmers depending on maize both as a food crop and a source of income, this policy change could encourage cross-border collaboration and trade.

“By enabling the free flow of maize, especially white maize a staple across much of our continent Zimbabwe is sending a clear signal of confidence to agribusinesses and exporters. This will encourage investment and boost production to the benefit of all SADC member states,” Steenhuisen added.

The South African Department of Agriculture reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with neighbouring countries to foster open and fair agricultural trade. Officials emphasised that regional cooperation and market access are crucial for building sustainable growth, improving farmer livelihoods, and reducing rural poverty.

For farmers across Africa, this development could mean more predictable prices, better access to export markets, and renewed opportunities to diversify crops and expand production. As trade barriers fall, the region’s farming communities stand to gain through shared knowledge, improved logistics, and stronger ties among agricultural stakeholders.

Papaya is one of Kenya’s most important fruit crops.

Papaya farmers in Kenya are seeing a revival in their harvests, thanks to a tiny parasitic wasp known as Acerophagus papayae

This natural predator is proving to be a game-changer in controlling the papaya mealybug - a destructive pest that has caused widespread damage since it was first detected in the country in 2016.

Papaya is one of Kenya’s most important fruit crops, ranking fourth nationally, and is a vital source of both income and nutrition for rural families. However, the papaya mealybug infestation devastated leaves, stems, and fruits, forcing many farmers to abandon their orchards due to severe crop losses.

In response, scientists from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) adopted a biological control approach inspired by successful efforts in Ghana. According to  Selpha Miller, an invasive species expert at CABI, “We learned how to produce and distribute the wasps while they are still in their ‘mummy’ stage. That allowed us to produce more and reach about 995 farms so far.”

The wasps are bred in laboratories on potato sprouts. Once matured, the “mummies” are attached to small cards, which are then placed beneath papaya leaves. Upon hatching, the wasps begin to parasitise and reduce the mealybug population without any need for chemical pesticides.

Farmers have welcomed the intervention. One farmer shared, “We were struggling to control the pest because nothing worked at that time... When I heard about biological control using natural enemies, I was excited. It’s good news for us farmers.”

Mary, another farmer who grows papaya alongside citrus and bananas, added, “The mealybugs destroyed about half of what I was supposed to harvest... Since using this biological control, I’m now saving a lot. Buyers come to my farm to buy fruits directly.”

Miller noted, “Unlike pesticides that give instant results, this method takes about six months for the wasps to build up and control the pest population.”

The initiative, supported by organisations like KALRO, KEPHIS, and various county governments, is also expanding into neighbouring countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Burundi.

This eco-friendly solution is helping Kenyan farmers regain control of their papaya fields, reduce costs, and restore livelihoods naturally and sustainably.

The Propcom+ approach is helping to build a more food-secure future.

As part of efforts to tackle hunger and improve farming resilience, the UK Aid-funded Propcom+ project is strengthening its support for climate-smart and nutrition-rich agriculture in Nigeria

The announcement was made during the Nutritious Food Fair held in Kano, commemorating World Food Day 2025.

Adiya Ode, Country Representative and Political Director for Propcom+, explained that the project is focused on bringing long-term transformation to Nigeria’s farming sector, especially in regions affected by climate change and conflict.“We are driving transformation through market-driven and climate-smart solutions that empower smallholder farmers while promoting sustainability,” she said.

A key focus of Propcom+ is encouraging farmers to grow nutrient-rich crops such as Vitamin A maize, Iron Pearl Millet, Cowpea, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, and Groundnuts. These crops are not only resilient to climate pressures, but also essential in providing vital nutrients that help address hidden hunger - a condition caused by micronutrient deficiencies.

Dr. Ode also pointed out that partnerships with the Kano State Government and HarvestPlus have made a significant difference. From quality seeds to local markets, the entire farming value chain is being strengthened to ensure farmers earn better incomes and consumers gain access to affordable, healthy food.

Yusuf Dollah Fuad, Country Manager for HarvestPlus, said, “Most rural communities consume what they produce on their farms. By cultivating nutrient-enriched staple crops, farmers can directly provide essential vitamins and micronutrients to their families.”

This shift highlights a growing recognition of the link between agriculture and nutrition, showing that farming can be both profitable and health-focused. It also underlines the need to empower rural farmers with the right seeds, knowledge, and support.

The Propcom+ approach is helping to build a more food-secure future, where farmers are not only feeding their families but also helping tackle malnutrition across the country.

With continued support and focus on climate-resilient farming, Nigeria is taking bold steps to secure its food systems and uplift rural communities.