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.

Katsina State is prioritising agriculture and rural development.

Katsina State is preparing to roll out a major agricultural initiative as part of a broader development agenda, with the launch of a dedicated radio station for farmers taking centre stage

This key project was unveiled during the official visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday.

The new radio station, tailored specifically for farmers, is aimed at providing vital agricultural information and real-time support to help improve productivity and decision-making on the farm.

Ahmed Bakori, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock, speaking on the development said, “The radio platform will allow farmers to communicate freely and receive expert guidance, complementing the services of extension workers and the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA).”

The initiative is part of the state’s wider efforts to modernise agriculture by enhancing access to farming inputs, equipment, and specialised training. The radio station will serve as a reliable channel for advice on pest control, crop management, livestock care, market access, and government farming programmes especially for smallholder farmers in rural areas who rely heavily on radio for information.

This move reflects Katsina’s strong focus on improving agricultural extension services and ensuring farmers receive up-to-date, localised support without the need to travel or wait for in-person visits.

In addition to the agricultural initiative, the Vice President will also commission a range of infrastructure projects during his visit. This includes a newly completed 3.3-kilometre road within Katsina metropolis, linking the Central Mosque to the WTC roundabout, built at a cost of US1.9bn. Alhaji Sani Magaji-Ingawa, Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, confirmed the project’s completion ahead of the visit.

Also on the agenda is the formal opening of the 9th Expanded National MSMEs Clinic. Aisha Aminu, Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA), revealed that this initiative highlights the government’s ongoing push to support small businesses and promote economic inclusion.

With these developments, Katsina State is clearly prioritising agriculture and rural development, providing farmers with tools, training, and a voice to drive sustainable growth in the sector.