South African News
South Africa’s Water Crisis Sparks Calls for Accountability and Reform
South Africa marks World Water Day 2026 amid mounting concern over deteriorating freshwater resources, driven by climate pressures, ageing infrastructure, pollution, and widespread mismanagement. Clean water, a constitutional and internationally recognised human right, remains unreliable for many, particularly in rural and agricultural areas. New groundwater regulations aim to strengthen oversight but raise fears of increased costs and burdens on small farmers. Critics argue that corruption, poor governance, and lack of maintenance are at the heart of the crisis, urging accountability from officials and practical reforms. The focus, they stress, must remain on fixing systems rather than damaging infrastructure needed to deliver safe water.
Read full story: Weekend Viewpoint
Date Published: March 22, 2026
Community Gardens Cultivate Food Security and Opportunity in South Africa
Community food gardens across South Africa are playing an increasingly vital role in improving food security, building skills and strengthening local economies. What begin as small plots often expand into initiatives that feed families, support livelihoods and provide agricultural training, particularly for women and young people. Highlighted by the Shoprite Act for Change Food Garden Competition, these projects range from school gardens to youth-led urban farms. Beyond food production, they reduce reliance on external supply chains and foster community cooperation. While not a replacement for commercial farming, they complement the food system by increasing access to fresh produce and creating pathways for sustainable development.
Read full story: African Farming
Date Published: March 22, 2026
African News
Sierra Leone Adopts Digital Soil Mapping to Boost Agricultural Productivity
Sierra Leone has launched a major initiative to improve soil health through digital mapping and site-specific fertiliser use, signalling a move towards precision agriculture. Supported by the World Bank-funded Food Systems Resilience Programme, the project will develop a national Digital Soil Information System to guide farmers with accurate, data-driven recommendations. The programme also prioritises capacity building through training and research to ensure long-term sustainability. By updating soil maps and improving nutrient management for key crops such as rice, maize and cassava, the initiative aims to increase productivity, strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports under the government’s “FeedSalone” strategy.
Read full story: The Guardian
Date Published: March 23, 2026
Global News
Farmers Warn of Imminent Food Price Rises Amid Fuel Crisis
Australian farmers and transport groups are warning that food prices could rise within weeks as diesel costs surge בעקבות the ongoing Middle East conflict. Fuel shortages and higher prices are disrupting farming operations and straining freight networks, with some businesses struggling to absorb costs or secure supply. Industry leaders caution that dairy, fresh produce and intensive livestock sectors will be hit first, potentially leading to shortages on supermarket shelves. Calls are growing for urgent government intervention, including emergency powers and financial relief for transport operators. In response, the federal government has announced a national food supply chain assessment to address vulnerabilities and improve resilience.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: March 23, 2026
Shrinking Farms and Job Losses Push Pakistan’s Rural Youth Towards Livestock
Pakistan’s rapidly growing population is driving the fragmentation of farmland, leaving many farmers with plots too small to remain economically viable. While high-value crops offer some potential, limited markets and weak export capacity often lead to oversupply and falling prices. At the same time, mechanisation has reduced demand for rural labour, and weak industrial growth has limited urban job opportunities, leaving many young people unemployed. Increasingly, families are turning to livestock as a more reliable source of income, with the sector now dominating agricultural output. The article argues that stronger policy support is needed to unlock livestock’s potential for employment and rural economic stability.
Read full story: Funds for NGOs
Date Published: March 23, 2026
Thai Food Prices Rise Despite Government Price Freeze Assurances
Thai consumers are facing rising costs for staple foods such as pork, chicken and eggs, despite government assurances that price controls remain in place. Prices have climbed steadily throughout March, driven by higher farm-level costs and global pressures linked to the Middle East conflict, which has increased energy prices and disrupted supply chains. Pork has seen the sharpest increases, while chicken and egg prices have also risen noticeably, placing added strain on household budgets. Consumers report paying more than official figures suggest, prompting calls for authorities to investigate and take action to ease the growing cost-of-living burden.
Read full story: The Straits Times
Date Published: March 23, 2026
Brazilian City Turns to New Biofuel to Cut Diesel Dependence
The city of Passo Fundo in southern Brazil is adopting a new biofuel as a full replacement for diesel in municipal vehicles, aiming to boost energy security amid global uncertainty. Produced from soy, animal fats and recycled oils, the fuel can be used in standard diesel engines without modification, offering a lower-emissions alternative. The move comes as rising crude oil prices linked to Middle East tensions raise concerns about supply and costs. Although currently more expensive than diesel, officials expect prices to fall as production scales, with the initiative seen as a step towards greater resilience and reduced reliance on imported fuel.
Read full story: Biofuels International
Date Published: March 23, 2026
