South African News
Gulf Conflict Sparks Fears of Rising Fuel and Food Costs in South Africa
Escalating hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran, including Iran’s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have rattled global oil and fertiliser markets, raising concerns over higher fuel and food prices in South Africa. The strait carries around 20% of global oil supplies and a third of fertiliser trade, making prolonged disruption a serious risk to agricultural input costs. While South Africa has limited direct trade with Iran, rising oil prices are already pushing up diesel costs, affecting transporters and farmers. Industry leaders warn that sustained instability could fuel inflation, increase shipping expenses and ultimately drive-up consumer prices.
Read full story: Farmer’s Weekly
Date Published: March 3, 2026
SES Partnership Brings Satellite-Powered IoT to South African Farms
SES has partnered with Advannotech and other service providers to roll out satellite-enabled IoT connectivity for farmers in South Africa. Using LoRaWAN sensors linked via satellite to a cloud-based platform, the system monitors soil moisture, temperature, water levels and environmental conditions in real time, even in remote areas. The initiative supports the Enterprising Africa Regional Network (EARN), which recently completed a proof-of-concept trial in Centurion. The project aims to promote data-driven agriculture, helping young farmers conserve water, cut costs and improve yields despite unreliable rural mobile connectivity.
Read full story: Developing Telecoms
Date Published: March 4, 2026
African News
West African Farmers Harness TikTok to Boost Sales and Modernise Agriculture
Farmers in West Africa are increasingly using TikTok to market produce, share expertise and reshape agriculture’s image. In Senegal, growers such as Pape Fall now sell most of their crops through short videos, while agri-influencers like Nogaye Sene use social media to attract clients and promote modern farming methods. Research by Caribou highlights how digital platforms are widening access to information and markets, improving yields and incomes. However, limited smartphone access, high data costs and online scams remain significant barriers, raising concerns that the poorest farmers risk being left behind.
Read full story: The Independent
Date Published: March 4, 2026
Global News
Erratic Rains Devastate Java’s Kromo Durian Harvest
Unpredictable and heavy rainfall has severely reduced durian yields in Banyumas, central Java, leaving farmers counting heavy losses. Growers of the prized Kromo variety, first cultivated locally in the 1980s, report harvests falling dramatically after extreme weather caused flowers and young fruit to drop. Research and data from Indonesia’s meteorological agency warn that increasingly erratic conditions linked to climate change threaten future production across Java. Despite adopting organic fertilisers and improved cultivation methods, many farmers face production costs far exceeding income this season, placing household finances under strain in communities heavily reliant on durian sales.
Read full story: Mongabay Indonesia
Date Published: March 4, 2026
US Agriculture Urged to Rethink Strategy as Global Trade Share Shrinks
The United States must adjust to a diminished role in global agricultural trade, according to policy expert Mary Kay Thatcher. Speaking in Missouri, she noted the US share of global trade has fallen from 50% in 1980 to just 18%, amid rising competition from Brazil and Argentina and shifts in US trade policy. Rather than relying solely on new free trade agreements, Thatcher advocates expanding value-added opportunities, particularly through year-round E15 ethanol sales and clearer Renewable Volume Obligations for maize and soya beans. However, she cautioned that commodities such as rice and cotton face greater challenges due to overseas processing dominance.
Read full story: Brownfield Ag News
Date Published: March 3, 2026
Certified Fruit Saplings Distributed to Boost Farming in Khyber
The Agriculture Department in Khyber district has distributed certified saplings of guava, orange, apricot and pear to farmers in Jamrud to promote modern orchards and improve productivity. Officials said the initiative forms part of wider efforts by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to modernise agriculture in the merged districts, strengthen food security and ensure stable incomes for growers. Speakers at the ceremony pledged continued provision of certified seeds, technical guidance and scientific farming methods. Representatives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling farmers’ challenges while encouraging tree planting to support environmental sustainability and long-term economic stability.
Read full story: The News Pakistan
Date Published: March 4, 2026
Improved Guava Varieties Drive Prosperity in Khulna
Farmers across Bangladesh’s Khulna region are reporting rising incomes after switching to improved guava varieties, particularly Thai and Egyptian strains. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), more than 1,500 hectares are under guava cultivation with a production target exceeding 21,000 tonnes. Growers say the fruit’s year-round yield, strong market prices and relatively low costs have transformed their livelihoods. Officials provide training in eco-friendly pest control and modern orchard management, while encouraging intercropping to diversify income and promote sustainable farming practices.
Read full story: The Business Standard
Date Published: March 4, 2026
