Cotton farmers are seeing their livelihoods transformed through the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques.

In rural Zambia, cotton farmers are seeing their livelihoods transformed through the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques.

Thanks to a partnership involving the European Union, African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), farming communities in Magoye and Ngwezi have more than doubled their cotton yields and significantly improved their quality of life.

Prior to 2021, smallholder cotton farmers in these regions faced increasingly poor harvests, depleted soils, and little access to sustainable agricultural practices. Today, through the ITC-led EU/ACP-funded project, those same farmers are thriving. Many have reported increased cotton yields, from as few as six bales per season to as many as 30. This jump in productivity has enabled them to reinvest in livestock, education, and their future resilience.

At the heart of this transformation are two natural and environmentally sound soil enhancement methods: Biochar and Bokashi. These techniques have played a major role in regenerating soil fertility and improving crop health. Biochar enhances the soil’s ability to retain water and store carbon, while Bokashi allows farmers to convert organic waste into a nutrient-rich compost that feeds crops and reduces reliance on chemical inputs. Both approaches are sustainable, cost-effective, and well-suited to the local environment.

The project, running from 2021 to 2025, has so far trained over 130,000 farmers across three regions in Zambia. In the pilot plots, there has been 100% adoption of Biochar, Bokashi, and other climate-resilient methods. The results have been striking-not only in terms of agricultural yield but also in wider social and economic impact. Families are now investing in cows, goats, and plough animals. Household incomes have grown, and many families are now able to afford school fees and improve access to education for their children.

By adopting these climate-smart techniques, farmers have been able to secure their livelihoods and build long-term resilience in the face of climate change. The success of the project highlights the power of combining traditional knowledge with innovative, sustainable farming practices. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between international organisations and local communities.

This shift is more than just agricultural-it’s about empowerment, economic independence, and environmental responsibility. Through tools like Biochar and Bokashi, Zambian cotton farmers are not only rebuilding their soils but also their futures.

Crops are grown beneath or around the solar panels, making it possible to produce food and energy side by side.

The Federal Government has pledged its support for agrivoltaic farming as a way to increase both food and energy production across Nigeria.

This was announced by Uche Nnaji, the minister of innovation, science and technology, during the first International Agrivoltaics Workshop held in Abuja.

The event also featured the unveiling of a new book titled “Democratising the Sun: Agrivoltaics and the Future of Farming in Nigeria and Africa.” It was organised by the LIFEWS Foundation (Lichipu for Food, Energy and Water Sustainability) in collaboration with the University of Abuja and with support from researchers at Oregon State University in the United States.

Agrivoltaics, also called agrisolar, involves combining crop farming with solar panel installation on the same land. Crops are grown beneath or around the solar panels, making it possible to produce food and energy side by side.

 Nnaji described the workshop and book launch as examples of the kind of innovation-led, climate-smart, and community-focused strategies his ministry is encouraging. He said this method fits into the ministry’s broader vision of using science and technology to promote national development, improve competitiveness, and support environmental sustainability.

According to the Nnaji, agrivoltaic farming offers several practical benefits for farmers. It can improve crop yields by creating moderated microclimates, reduce water loss through evapotranspiration, and make irrigation more efficient.

He also praised the book’s authors and partners for their efforts in introducing agrivoltaic technology to Nigeria and noted that his ministry is promoting the local development and production of solar-powered agricultural technologies.

Nnaji reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovative, climate-resilient technologies like agrivoltaics, which can be scaled to reach more rural communities and help transform farming in the country.

Gabriel Ayayia, founder of the LIFEWS Foundation and author of the book, explained that agrivoltaics represents a shift in farming methods towards more sustainable and self-reliant food production.

“What we are promoting today is a new way of farming, which is climate-smart agriculture, climate-smart farming. So, instead of just farming in the traditional way, we are thinking of reimagining agricultural practices,” Ayayia said.

The workshop highlighted agrivoltaics as a promising solution to improve food sovereignty, boost energy access, and support climate adaptation efforts. Stakeholders agreed that wider adoption of this system could help Nigeria build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in the years ahead.

HORSCH has launched the new Fortis LT designed for medium-sized farms.

HORSCH has launched the new Fortis LT, expanding its successful range of universal cultivators.

Designed for medium-sized farms, the Fortis LT is made for tractors with up to 500 hp and comes in four working widths, ranging from 4.60m to 6.75m. It offers flexibility for both shallow and deep cultivation, working at depths of up to 30cm.

Built with strength and efficiency in mind, the Fortis LT meets the demands of modern tractors and heavy crop residues. The robust 4-bar frame, combined with 27cm tine spacing and 85cm frame height, ensures a large clearance for smooth operation without blockages. This design allows for a strong mixing effect and reliable incorporation of materials during soil preparation.

The Fortis LT features HORSCH’s proven TerraGrip tine system, designed with large shaft radii for lower power requirements. Compared to the existing Fortis AS model, the LT version is shorter and more compact, improving handling and manoeuvrability.

One standout feature is the positioning of the levelling tools close to the final tine row. This design guides the soil flow directly into the levelling discs, resulting in improved levelling and soil finish. The chassis is located outside the working area, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with soil movement or performance.

HORSCH offers several customisation options to suit different farming needs. The well-known MulchMix coulter system is compatible with a variety of coulter and wing types, increasing the machine's versatility. Farmers can also choose from a wide range of packer options, depending on soil type and conditions.

The angle of the double packers can be adjusted using HORSCH’s unique aluminium clip system, which is a standout feature in this class of equipment. This adjustment lets users set the right contact pressure for the packer roller, improving soil consolidation in dry weather and load-bearing in wetter conditions. It ensures better results and stability across different field conditions.

With its compact build, strong performance, and flexible setup, the Fortis LT is a practical solution for medium-power tractors. It brings together proven technology with new features to meet the evolving demands of modern agriculture.

Created for today’s mid- to high-powered tractors. (Image credit: Trelleborg)

Trelleborg Tyres has introduced the new TM800 PowerFlex, a high-performance agricultural tyre designed to deliver top results both in the field and on the road.

Created for today’s mid- to high-powered tractors, the TM800 PowerFlex aims to improve efficiency, versatility, and productivity—key needs for modern farmers.

The tyre features a combination of VF-PFO (Very High Flexion - Pressure Field Operations) technology and Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction lug design. Together, they offer excellent grip and flotation in challenging field conditions. A new central rib, based on road tyre designs, improves driving comfort, stability, and steering on long road journeys, all without compromising strength or grip.

In field tests, the TM800 PowerFlex provided up to 20% more traction than other premium tyres, which helps reduce slippage and boosts efficiency on wet or soft soil. Its 5% wider footprint helps lower soil compaction, supporting better crop yields and sustainability. New interlug terraces also improved self-cleaning by 5%, maintaining performance and cutting downtime.

On the road, the tyre showed a 6% drop in rolling resistance, leading to lower fuel use. It also improves handling and offers up to 20% longer tyre life, supporting cost savings and daily comfort.

The VF-PFO design allows more weight at lower speeds—17% more constant load at 10 km/h, and up to 40% more load at the same pressure—all while keeping durability, safety, and comfort intact.

Each tyre includes a QR code for quick access to digital product information, technical details, and user tips—right from the field.

Like the rest of the Trelleborg agricultural tyre line, the TM800 PowerFlex is made for maximum traction and durability, using high-quality materials and advanced tread design. Trelleborg now backs this model with a certified tread wear performance of up to 5,000 hours, available through its Premium Care Portal, offering extra confidence and peace of mind to farmers.

Luca Sabelli, Brand Director at Trelleborg Tyres, said: "With the TM800 PowerFlex, we've reimagined what farmers can expect from a tyre. It's the result of our deep understanding of real working conditions, where product innovation and real field results deliver practical benefits every day. It is how we turn innovation into value, helping agri professionals achieve more, with less."

Currently offered in two sizes (650/65R38 and 540/65R28), four more sizes will be available soon.