Humans - the very “carriers” who can spread dangerous microbes unthinkingly from their equipment and shoes - can instead become the first line of defence against a possible microscopic invasion.
Land ownership patterns in South Africa have not really changed since the advent of democracy.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings
Health investments raise worker productivity, but firms may not observe changes in worker effort. Technology that measures physical activity demonstrates these potential gains.
More carbon stays in the soil when farmers leave their fields alone between harvesting and planting.
(AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
The Paris climate agreement aims to limit global warming to 2C above pre-industrial levels. We need to curb greenhouse gas emissions, but we can also make gains with carbon farming.
South Africa has the ability to meet national food requirements but for this to happen serious reforms in its agriculture sector are needed.
Paulo Whitaker/Reuters
To stimulate innovation in the agriculture sector education and training is in dire need of substantial reform for greater integration, cooperation and accountability.
Years of political instability and economic mismanagement under the rule of ZANU-PF have left Zimbabwe’s financial system in chaos. The country is living on borrowed time and borrowed money.
Producing fresh fruit and vegetables year-round has a hidden cost.
Dean Hochman/Flickr
Would you be shocked by a supermarket without carrots, potatoes or broccoli, at any time of year? But harvesting in the off-season does serious damage to our soil.
Africa has focused on tackling undernutrition caused by low calorie diets.
IFPRI
Policy choices made by Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Togo over the past 15 years have led to significant reductions in child undernourishment.
‘Dig For Victory’, first time around on an allotment in London’s Kensington Gardens.
Imperial War Museum
According to the UN, world hunger is rising for the first time in 15 years. The answer is not only growing more food, but also buffering small-scale farmers against climate change and armed conflicts.
Balinese farmers with Mount Agung in the background. Areas with high volcanic activity also have some of the world’s most fertile farmlands.
Reuters/Darren Whiteside
Volcanic ash can cause a nuisance to farmers, burying agricultural lands and damaging crops. But in the long term, this ash will create highly productive soil that can support huge populations.
In 2011 famine spread to six out of eight regions in southern Somalia.
REUTERS/Feisal Omar
The distinction between food insecurity and famine is artificial and unhelpful. Hungry people are suffering however their situation falls below the radar.
Rural poverty affects a growing number of people in South Africa.
REUTERS/Mike Hutchings
South Africa should review its rural development strategy and land reform policy to win the fight against rising poverty.
A trade official from the United States walks past a sign Monday where Canadian, American and Mexican officials are holding North American free trade talks in Ottawa.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Dian Spear, University of Cape Town e Chandni Singh, Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS)
There is increasing evidence from across many African and South Asian countries that contextual, timely climate information, helps farmers manage the risks they face.
Whiteflies - Africa’s main cassava pest causes damage to crops.
Maurice/Flickr
Crop losses in African countries due to insect pests are estimated at 49%. However, with some species losses can climb up to 100%.
A banana on the salt lake plain at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, hints at themes of genetics, food and human journeys in three books recommended by fly scientist Thomas Merritt.
Shutterstock
The urgency of an agreement to reasonably and equitably share benefits on the Nile Basin can’t be overstated. It would create a a transparent atmosphere in the countries that depend on the Nile.
Managing Director, Triple Helix Consulting; Chief Executive Officer, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research; Professorial Fellow, ANU Fenner School for the Environment and Society, Australian National University