Courteenhall is now seen as a leading example of forward-thinking land management.

Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, run by former doctor Johnny Wake, has been recognised for its outstanding approach to sustainable and regenerative farming

Johnny recently won Sustainable Farmer of the Year 2024 at the British Farming Awards and has now achieved another milestone. Courteenhall has become the first landholding in Northamptonshire, and one of only five nationally, to receive Wildlife Farms & Estates (WFE) England and Wales Level Two accreditation. This prestigious award was presented to Johnny Wake, Rosie Davis, and Jack Rawson at Groundswell, the annual regenerative agriculture festival in Hertfordshire, by Mark Tufnell, Chair of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.

WFE Level Two accreditation is considered a gold standard in promoting wildlife and biodiversity. It is awarded to farms that show a clear commitment to environmental, economic, and social sustainability through independent assessment.

Johnny said, “We’re really thrilled to have been presented with our Level Two accreditation, and to be the first estate in Northamptonshire to receive this prestigious award for our excellence in land management and nature. At Courteenhall we’re committed to continuous improvement and to making sure the business is as sustainable as possible for both the bottom line and the environment. Our strategy is to go above and beyond when it comes to farming and for working for nature, because everything we do on the land is about leaving a legacy to be proud of.”

Tom Leicester, The Earl of Leicester and Chairman of WFE, praised the estate’s approach. “Courteenhall Farms has embraced the start of its environmental journey with ambition and pace. From native cattle grazing and woodland regeneration to rewetting parkland and restoring historic ponds... Courteenhall embodies a strong sense of place, with the value of nature deeply woven into its ethos.”

Courteenhall is now seen as a leading example of forward-thinking land management.

Collaborative strategies aim for a resilient Africa that proactively addresses risks. (Image Credit: AU)

In a significant move for public health and environmental sustainability, the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have jointly launched two key frameworks: the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Control Strategy (2025–2030) and the Africa CDC Strategic Framework on Climate Change and Health (2025–2029)

These strategies represent a unified, cross-sectoral approach to combating the intertwined challenges of zoonotic diseases and climate change across the continent.

Speaking at the launch event in Addis Ababa, Huyam Salih, director of AU-IBAR, called for action, urging stakeholders to move beyond mere declarations:“Let us move beyond declarations—now is the time for united, cross-sectoral action. I call on all stakeholders to embrace the One Health Strategy as a continental imperative. Together, we must forge a new era of health security, where animal, human, and environmental health are protected as one. Africa’s resilience depends on it, and our future demands it.”

The strategies were developed through a collaborative and evidence-based process that involved Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical partners, and civil society organisations. The overarching goal is to create a resilient Africa that addresses risks proactively rather than reactively.

Raji Tajudeen, the deputy director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of moving from rhetoric to results: “These frameworks are more than strategy documents; they are Africa’s collective commitment to protecting our people, our ecosystems, and our future. We must move from rhetoric to results. The time to act is now, and the responsibility rests with all of us.”

Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, Ethiopia highlighted the interconnectedness of health, ecosystems, and economies across Africa, stating: “Our health, ecosystems, and economies are deeply intertwined. We cannot protect one without investing in all. This is a call for action, not another declaration.”

With more than 75% of emerging human diseases originating from animals and climate change intensifying health risks, the new frameworks seek to strengthen surveillance, improve early warning systems, and integrate public, animal, and environmental health responses. These strategies offer both a roadmap and a call for decisive, coordinated action for a healthier, more resilient Africa.

Nigeria is working to make the agriculture sector globally competitive.

The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has pledged to remove all obstacles limiting Nigeria’s agricultural potential, especially in livestock production, as part of his administration’s goal of achieving food sovereignty and boosting exports

During a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on Saturday at Copacabana Forte, Tinubu emphasised the need for urgent agricultural reforms. “Excessive bureaucracy has delayed progress,” said Tinubu, assuring Nigeria is working to make the sector globally competitive. "All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration," he added. 

He praised Brazil’s leadership in agricultural research, calling the country a model in food production and exports. He also highlighted Nigeria’s investment in livestock, including poultry, fisheries, and cattle, which aims to create jobs and enhance food supply.

Tinubu pointed to Nigeria’s blue economy as a new frontier for collaboration in marine and aquatic resources. “State governments must act swiftly to drive food production nationwide,” he urged.

Lula da Silva echoed Tinubu’s urgency, promising to update all bilateral agreements and cut through red tape. “Our institutions will work with Nigeria to improve livestock farming systems,” he assured. 

Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to food security through global partnerships, noting Nigeria’s fertiliser production advantage.

Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, highlighted animal health, sanitation, and genetic research as key areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation.

Governors from Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos, along with Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mohammed Mohammed, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, were present, underscoring strong national backing for Tinubu’s agricultural reforms.

South Africa’s agricultural sector remains a vital contributor to both food security and employment. (Image Credit: WACO Modular)

South Africa’s agricultural sector remains a vital contributor to both food security and employment, with over 950,000 people working across farms nationwide

However, during critical planting and harvesting periods—particularly in remote or rural regions—many farms struggle to scale their infrastructure quickly and affordably. Traditional brick-and-mortar construction often proves too time-consuming, costly, or impractical, especially when speed and flexibility are non-negotiable. This is where modular infrastructure is reshaping the sector, offering fast, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions that align with the modern demands of agriculture. Prefabricated off-site and designed for rapid deployment, modular units can be installed within days, allowing operations to scale efficiently without significant downtime. More than just temporary structures, these buildings provide long-term value, as they can be relocated, reconfigured, or repurposed between seasons—for example, shifting from worker accommodation to storage or training facilities.

Designed to withstand tough environmental conditions, modular units are especially suited to rural farming contexts, requiring minimal site preparation while offering durability and low maintenance. They have become increasingly popular for use in staff housing, cold storage, mobile clinics, sanitation facilities, and maintenance workshops. Beyond meeting operational demands, modular infrastructure also enhances worker well-being—a factor often overlooked in seasonal planning. Comfortable, climate-controlled accommodation with access to sanitation and healthcare improves morale and productivity, encouraging seasonal workers to return year after year and reducing recruitment challenges. From a sustainability perspective, modular buildings also offer clear advantages, with lower on-site labour requirements, reduced material waste, and features such as solar readiness and smart climate monitoring. These innovations make it possible to extend essential services even to the most remote locations, all while reducing environmental impact. As agricultural operations grow more complex and face increasing pressure to adapt to shifting environmental and economic conditions, modular infrastructure offers a future-ready approach. It enables farms to remain productive, resilient, and competitive—whatever the season—by combining speed, adaptability, and sustainability in a single, practical solution.

Article by Zharn-Pierre Nel, Branch Manager at Waco Modular