Crops

Rising costs put South African Grain farmers under pressure (Image credit: Scrolla.Africa)

South Africa’s grain farmers are facing growing pressure as the cost of diesel and fertiliser continues to climb, placing strain on production and raising concerns about the country’s food supply.

What was already a challenging environment is becoming even tougher as input costs rise at a pace many farmers struggle to keep up with.

Diesel remains one of the most important inputs in farming, accounting for around 13 to 15 percent of the cost of producing crops. Grain SA has warned that diesel prices could increase by more than R8 per litre in the next fuel price adjustment. Such a sharp rise would not only affect farmers but also transport operators and, ultimately, consumers who depend on stable food prices.

The issue is made worse by South Africa’s reliance on imported fuel. Since most diesel is sourced from global markets, local farmers are directly exposed to international price shifts. Each increase filters through the entire agricultural chain, from planting to harvesting and distribution.

Fertiliser adds an even heavier burden. It represents between 30 and 50 percent of a farmer’s production costs, making it one of the most significant expenses in grain farming. With more than 80 percent of fertiliser being imported, farmers have little control over pricing and are vulnerable to global supply changes.

Grain SA chairperson Richard Krige said farmers are dealing with one of the sharpest cost increases in recent years, especially as they prepare for winter planting while managing the harvest of summer crops. The timing makes the situation even more difficult, as cash flow is already under pressure during these periods.

There are also concerns about pricing practices within the fertiliser market. Grain SA has questioned whether some suppliers are charging higher prices despite having purchased stock at lower rates.

Grain SA CEO Dr Tobias Doyer called on companies and government to act responsibly and work together to keep the sector stable.

"Farmers cannot handle endless cost increases," Doyer said, warning that disruptions to farming could have serious consequences for the country's food supply.

As costs continue to rise, the future of food production in South Africa hangs in the balance.

Uganda strengthens smart agriculture through AI driven partnership

Uganda is placing agriculture at the centre of its digital transformation through a new partnership designed to modernise farming and improve rural livelihoods.

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has joined forces with the United Nations Health Industry Foundation and the Prince Kimbugwe Foundation to promote smart agriculture powered by artificial intelligence.

The agreement focuses on bringing practical solutions to farmers by combining technology with everyday agricultural practices. Through this collaboration, AI laboratories will be set up, research projects will be carried out and training programmes will be introduced to equip young people and agricultural professionals with modern skills.

Permanent Secretary Dr Amina Zawedde linked the initiative directly to Uganda’s economic future and the role agriculture will play in it. “This MOU falls in line with our vision of a USD 500 billion economy by 2040. Our people will gain new skills and have opportunities to visit China on exchange programmes to learn about smart agriculture and replicate those practices here,” Dr Zawedde said.

A major goal of the partnership is to transform agribusiness by improving productivity and efficiency. Farmers are expected to benefit from better farming methods, stronger systems and access to digital tools that can guide decision making and increase yields.

Chunxiao Huang, Chairman of the UN Health Industry Foundation, pointed to the wider impact of integrating AI into agriculture. “This partnership will create more than 50,000 jobs in five years and enable Uganda to develop new smart cities,” Huang said.

At the community level, the focus remains on making technology accessible. Edward Kimbugwe, founder of the Prince Kimbugwe Foundation, explained how rural farmers will directly benefit. “Through this partnership, rural farmers will receive drones to monitor their farms and learn smart agriculture practices, helping them apply technology in their daily work,” Kimbugwe said.

The partnership also introduces exchange programmes that will allow Ugandan students and agricultural experts to learn from international best practices and adapt them locally.

With a strong emphasis on smart agriculture, the initiative is expected to boost productivity, strengthen food systems and create new opportunities for farmers across Uganda.

Tanzania champions AI powered agriculture to transform East Africa

Tanzania is putting agriculture at the centre of its push for artificial intelligence adoption, seeing it as a key driver for food security and rural development across the East African Community.

The country is calling for a stronger focus on technology that directly supports farmers and improves agricultural systems.

This position was outlined by Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo during the 4th EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference held in Kigali. The gathering brought together policymakers, researchers and agricultural experts to explore how innovation can reshape the region’s farming sector.

Agriculture remains the backbone of many East African economies, and Tanzania believes AI can help address long standing challenges faced by farmers. From unpredictable weather to low productivity, the sector requires smarter solutions. AI offers tools that can guide farmers on planting times, monitor crop health and improve resource use, helping them achieve better yields with fewer risks.

Minister Kombo stressed that using AI in agriculture can improve efficiency and support better decision making at every stage of farming. With access to real time data and digital advisory systems, farmers can respond more effectively to climate changes and market demands. This shift is expected to strengthen food systems and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

Under the leadership of Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has prioritised innovation and digital growth as part of its long term development plans. A strong emphasis is being placed on empowering young people, many of whom are engaged in agriculture, by equipping them with modern skills and tools.

Tanzania is also encouraging regional cooperation to support agricultural transformation. Member states are being urged to invest in research, share knowledge and develop joint projects that can benefit farmers across borders. Strengthening digital infrastructure and supporting local innovation are seen as essential steps in this process.

By focusing on AI driven agriculture, Tanzania aims to improve productivity, support rural livelihoods and create a more resilient farming sector across East Africa. The approach reflects a growing commitment to using technology to secure the future of agriculture in the region.

US$5.81mn boost set to drive climate smart farming across Africa

Six African nations, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi, are set to benefit from a US$5.81mn grant aimed at improving climate smart agriculture across the continent.

The funding is part of efforts to strengthen food systems and boost productivity in the face of climate challenges.

The initiative is being driven by the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation with backing from the African Development Bank. A key planning meeting was recently held in Rwanda, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders including research institutions, government officials, private sector players and development partners.

Among those involved are the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, CGIAR centres, and national agricultural research systems. The goal is clear: turn strategy into action and ensure the smooth delivery of practical solutions to farmers.

The US$5.81mn grant, provided by Germany and managed through the AfDB’s Transition Support Facility, will support activities across all six countries. The focus will be on improving seed systems, strengthening institutions, encouraging youth participation in agriculture and expanding digital advisory services.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Agricultural Technologies Officer at AfDB, Mr Innocent Musabyimana, stressed the importance of collaboration. “Strong partnerships are key to scaling agricultural transformation, and this meeting is about moving from planning to accelerated action,” Mr Musabyimana said.

The Rwanda representative of IITA, Mr Matieyedou Konlambigue, highlighted the programme’s impact so far, including the distribution of over 309,000 metric tonnes of certified seeds to farmers.

“TAAT has demonstrated success in strengthening seed systems across Africa, and now we need to scale with speed, promote sustainability, and align implementation and accountability commitments to delivering measurable impact for farmers,” he added.

Ms Rachel Zozo, acting coordinator of the TAAT Programme Management Unit, outlined the priorities ahead. “Our priorities in this phase will be to strengthen seed systems and early generation seed (EGS) production, empower youth and institutions, scale digital agriculture solutions, and enhance collaboration across public and private sectors,” Zozo added.

The meeting concluded with firm implementation plans and a signed agreement to fast track activities, marking a strong step towards building resilient and sustainable agriculture across Africa.