Crops

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.

Rising costs and imports put South Africa’s sugar farmers under pressure

Sugar farmers in South Africa are facing growing challenges as rising production costs and an increase in cheap imports continue to threaten the survival of the local industry.

Many small scale farmers, particularly in KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga, are struggling to keep their operations running as expenses climb and profits shrink.

One of the biggest concerns is the sharp rise in fuel prices. With global oil prices climbing above 108 dollars per barrel due to tensions in the Middle East, the cost of essential inputs has increased significantly. Fertiliser, which already makes up a large share of farming expenses, is expected to double in price. At the same time, diesel costs have surged, placing additional pressure on farmers who rely on transport to deliver their crops to processing mills.

For many growers, transport alone takes a considerable portion of their budget. Fuel related expenses continue to rise, making it harder for farmers to maintain productivity. These financial pressures are particularly severe for small farmers who operate on limited resources and have little room to absorb rising costs.

At the same time, the local market is being flooded with low priced sugar imports from countries such as India, Brazil, and Thailand. These products are often heavily subsidised, making it difficult for local producers to compete. Large volumes of imported sugar have entered the country in recent months, leading to significant financial losses for the domestic industry.

Another major concern is the uncertain future of Tongaat Hulett, a long standing company that plays a key role in the sugar sector. The company supports thousands of farmers, and its closure would leave many without a reliable buyer for their crops. This could have serious consequences for rural communities where sugar farming provides vital employment.

Switching to alternative crops is not a simple solution, as it requires time, investment, and resources that many small farmers do not have. Without stronger support and updated trade measures, the future of South Africa’s sugar industry remains uncertain.

Nigeria and FAO collaborated to advance climate smart agriculture

Nigeria is taking firm steps to deepen its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization as part of a broader effort to improve food security and promote climate smart farming.

This renewed commitment was highlighted by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, following a strategic meeting in Abuja with an FAO delegation led by Country Representative Hussein Gadain.

The collaboration is expected to support farmers through the adoption of climate resilient practices, better access to quality seeds, and the use of modern agricultural technologies. It also aims to strengthen value chains, helping farmers move beyond basic production into more sustainable and profitable systems.

Abdullahi noted that Nigeria has maintained a strong and productive relationship with the FAO over the years. This partnership has supported key areas such as technical assistance, financial support, and the development of agricultural data systems. However, he stressed that more needs to be done, especially in improving irrigation. Expanding and modernising irrigation systems, he explained, is essential for year round farming and increased food production.

He also pointed to plant health and pest control as urgent priorities. Addressing these challenges effectively will not only protect crops but also improve yields and support long term sustainability in farming practices across the country.

In a related view, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the role of structured market systems in transforming agriculture. He explained that better organised markets can help shift farming from subsistence to a more competitive and profitable sector. This change would increase farmers’ incomes while strengthening the overall economy.

Kyari also highlighted the importance of digital tools and improved market information. These tools can help farmers access fair prices and reduce dependence on middlemen. He referenced growing agribusiness platforms that are already making a difference by connecting farmers to essential services and opportunities.

The FAO, through Hussein Gadain, acknowledged Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential and reaffirmed its commitment to continued support. With a shared focus on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships, both sides are working towards building a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.