Klara Fischer, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
The South African government has failed to reverse the decline in smallholder farming that began during apartheid. A different approach is needed to support smallholder livelihoods.
A subsistence farmer gathers withered maize from his farm. James Wakibia/
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Smallholder farmers are bearing the brunt of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa. Deliberate steps are required to support them and boost agricultural output,
Farming needs substantial investment in on-farm infrastructure and equipment.
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Average farm machinery use in Africa is among the lowest in the world.
Zawadi Msafiri is seen in a withered maize crop field in Kilifi County, Kenya. The drought situation started in 2021.
Photo by Dong Jianghui/Xinhua via Getty Images
James Hammond, International Livestock Research Institute ; Dan Milner, International Livestock Research Institute et Mark van Wijk, International Livestock Research Institute
Stricter measures had major impacts on farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
A consumer shops for milk products in a Nairobi supermarket. Simon Maina/ AFP via.
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Smallholder rice farmers in Ghana should be supported by the government to access finance needed to adopt modern technologies for greater productivity.
A soldier looking over a maize field where Somali farmers are tending a crop in Dollow, northern Somalia.
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For decades Somalia has been in a near-constant state of food insecurity. This is due to a combination of stagnant crop production, a rapidly increasing population and political unrest.
By looking at the evolving history of the open government data movement, scientists can see both limitations to current approaches and identify ways to move forward from them.
Charcoal is an essential fuel for most parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
AnandievanZyl/Wikimedia Commons
The new initiative reproduces the core weaknesses of post-apartheid state land and agricultural policy. These have done little to improve the livelihoods of the poor.
A woman walks past a market stall in Kliptown, Soweto.
We highlight the distressing rise in the prices of essential food products. We call for the urgent expansion of price controls, as well as an inquiry into the price-setting of major retailers.