Africa must re-adopt its orphan crops in the face of a changing environment: Prickly pear is a type of orphan crop. ShutterstockA large portion of Africa’s people rely on several indigenous plant species for subsistence. These plants are often primary food sources for people and animals, and are also used for other non-food purposes. Most are farmed as food crops and are … [Read more...] about Africa must re-adopt its orphan crops in the face of a changing environment | The Conversation
Crops
Charcoal rot: a threat to staple food crops in South Africa | The Conversation
Charcoal rot: a threat to staple food crops in South Africa: Charcoal rot is a relatively unknown disease causing yield losses in crops across South Africa, including maize. ShutterstockCharcoal rot is caused by a fungus that invades various agricultural crops and gives them a charred appearance. The disease is becoming more widespread in South Africa – which is worrying, since … [Read more...] about Charcoal rot: a threat to staple food crops in South Africa | The Conversation
Crops or carats? The unattended tensions between miners and farmers | The Conversation
Crops or carats? The unattended tensions between miners and farmers: Artisanal small-scale mining in Africa competes for resources with farming ShutterstockThe interaction between artisanal (small scale) mining and agriculture in Africa still needs to be carefully considered by policy makers to ensure that people’s livelihoods and countries' export revenues aren’t threatened. … [Read more...] about Crops or carats? The unattended tensions between miners and farmers | The Conversation
Crops going uninsured
Swathes of dying cornfields and the lowest rainfall since records began have prompted South African insurers to cut cover for some crops planted by farmers. “As part of our constant negotiations with our re-insurance partners, there are some crops that will probably be excluded in certain areas as the risk is just too high,” said Andries Wiese, manager of the … [Read more...] about Crops going uninsured
