South African News
Lithium Mining Expansion Sparks Farmers’ Environmental Concerns
South Africa’s drive to expand lithium mining to support the global transition to green energy is facing growing opposition from farmers and rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Campaigners warn that prospecting licences covering around 73,000 hectares of mainly productive farmland could threaten 30,000 agricultural and related jobs, while residents report cracked homes, dust pollution and the loss of farmland due to mining activities. SA Lithium says its operations comply with environmental regulations, have created more than 1,000 jobs and that relocated residents have been compensated. Although renewable energy requires far less mineral extraction than fossil fuels overall, concerns remain over the local environmental and social impacts of lithium mining.
Read full story: CNBC Africa
Date Published: August 4, 2026
Collaboration Key to Unlocking South Africa’s Aquaculture Potential
South Africa has significant potential to expand its aquaculture industry, but stronger collaboration between government, researchers, industry and communities will be essential to achieve sustainable growth. Speaking at the Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa’s 16th Biennial Conference, officials highlighted the sector’s role in improving food security, creating jobs and supporting climate resilience. The Department also announced nearly US$5 million in Global Environment Facility funding to help develop sustainable aquaculture systems over the next five years. Ongoing investments in research, innovation, skills development and international partnerships are expected to strengthen production, diversify the sector and improve access to domestic and export markets.
Read full story: Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa (Conference Address)
Date Published: August 5, 2026
African News
Global Hunger Falls but Africa Remains Worst Affected, UN Warns
Global hunger has declined for the third consecutive year, but Africa continues to experience the highest levels of food insecurity, according to the UN’s latest food security report. Around 20% of Africans faced hunger in 2025, compared with 6% in Asia, while the total number of hungry people on the continent reached a record 309 million due to population growth. The UN attributes the challenge to conflict, climate change and reduced development aid. Agricultural experts argue that African governments should prioritise support for small-scale farmers, improve soil health, diversify crops and reduce dependence on imported fertilisers and pesticides to strengthen long-term food security.
Read full story: Mongabay https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/global-hunger-levels-fall-but-africa-still-lags-behind-un-report-finds/
Date Published: August 4, 2026
Global News
India Urged to Shift Towards Agri-Food Value Chains to Boost Farm Incomes
India should move beyond a production-focused farming model and adopt an agri-food value chain approach to increase farmers' incomes, encourage agricultural diversification and create more rural jobs, according to M L Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR. Speaking at an agricultural leadership forum, Jat said greater emphasis on value addition, entrepreneurship and integrated supply chains would strengthen the sector. He also highlighted the importance of women in agriculture, calling for more female leadership in Farmer Producer Organisations and noting significant growth in women's participation in agricultural education, research and government-supported initiatives.
Read full story: The Tribune
Date Published: August 4, 2026
Strong Export Demand Boosts Grain Market Outlook
Growing export demand from China and Mexico is raising optimism for US grain markets, with economists expecting stronger prices if current buying trends continue. China has resumed purchasing soybeans and sorghum, helping to support prices, while Mexico is on track for another record year of US corn imports as demand from its livestock sector remains strong. Economists also believe wheat exports could exceed current forecasts due to drought in Europe and a smaller US wheat harvest, potentially lifting prices later in the season. The upcoming USDA supply and demand report is expected to provide a clearer picture of export prospects.
Read full story: Brownfield Ag News
Date Published: August 4, 2026
Record Dry July Raises Crop Loss Fears In Southern Western Australia
Parts of southern Western Australia have recorded their driest July on record, raising concerns over crop losses, livestock water supplies and the upcoming growing season. Farmers say the lack of winter rainfall has left crops under pressure at a critical stage, with some warning that grain yields could be well below average unless significant rain arrives during August and September. The Bureau of Meteorology expects dry conditions to persist over the next two months, although wetter weather may arrive in October. Vineyard owners have also reported early vine growth, increased the risk of spring frost damage and potentially extended the bushfire season.
Read full story: ABC News
Date Published: August 5, 2026
Forestry Conversions Continue to Threaten New Zealand Farmland
The conversion of New Zealand sheep and beef farms into forestry has slowed, but industry group Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says productive farmland remains under significant pressure. New research shows nearly 330,000 hectares of whole farms have been sold for afforestation since 2017, including an additional 30,000 hectares since mid-2025. Although recent Emissions Trading Scheme restrictions have reduced the pace of conversions, B+LNZ warns that up to 27,000 hectares could still be converted annually, risking the loss of one million hectares of productive farmland by 2050. The organisation says continued conversions could reduce food production, employment and the long-term viability of rural communities.
Read full story: Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ)
Date Published: August 5, 2026
