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In The Spotlight

Kenya’s mangrove revival stands as a compelling model of regenerative action proving that when communities, technology, and corporate commitment unite, both nature and people can thrive.

Agriculture

Kenya’s coastline is witnessing a powerful shift towards genuine sustainability through an ambitious mangrove restoration initiative supported by Husqvarna Group, veritree, and the Earthlungs Reforestation Foundation.

The programme, which involves planting more than 300,000 mangrove trees, is proving how environmental renewal can go hand in hand with community development and long-term economic resilience.

As Jonas Willaredt, Husqvarna’s Vice-President of Sustainability Affairs, said, “Sustainability is not an abstract concept. It’s something we build, protect and live every day.”

Mangroves are among the world’s most valuable coastal ecosystems. They anchor shorelines, support rich marine habitats, and store carbon at far higher rates than many inland tropical forests. Yet decades of urban expansion and land conversion have severely degraded Kenya’s mangrove belts. Restoring them is therefore not only an ecological necessity but a crucial step towards safeguarding coastal livelihoods.

What sets this project apart is its strong community foundation. Local residents from women’s collectives to youth groups  are central to the entire process. They grow seedlings, nurture mangrove nurseries, and plant the young trees across damaged coastal zones. This involvement provides much-needed income, builds environmental knowledge, and inspires a sense of guardianship over the land and sea they depend on.

veritree’s CEO and Co-Founder, Derrick Emsley, captures this vision perfectly: “Every tree we plant is verified, monitored and linked to measurable impact.… Our goal isn’t just reforestation, it’s regeneration.”

Already, the restored areas are beginning to show encouraging signs of recovery: stronger soils, richer biodiversity, and increased carbon absorption. These early shifts signal a healthier and more resilient coastal environment taking shape.

Flora Awiro, Chief Operating Officer at Earthlungs, reinforces the wider significance: “True responsible development restores both the land and the people who depend on it.”

Beyond environmental gains, the restored mangroves help revive fish nurseries, improve food security, protect coastal communities from storms, and create opportunities in eco-tourism. As Willaredt notes, “Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of healthy economies.”

For Husqvarna, this marks its first major restoration project in Africa and an important step towards its global goal of planting one million trees. Through veritree’s transparent monitoring platform, progress is shared openly, ensuring trust and accountability.

Kenya’s mangrove revival stands as a compelling model of regenerative action proving that when communities, technology, and corporate commitment unite, both nature and people can thrive.

Act 36 is central to the registration and oversight of pesticides, fertilisers, farm feeds and related agricultural inputs.

Agriculture

South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has responded firmly to what it has labelled “misleading” claims from an agricultural lobby group regarding the handling of applications under the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947).

The department maintains that, far from collapsing, the regulatory system has undergone extensive improvements designed to modernise operations and accelerate turnaround times.

Act 36 is central to the registration and oversight of pesticides, fertilisers, farm feeds and related agricultural inputs. In its latest update, the department emphasised that the backlog and delays raised in public discourse have been receiving focused attention since the appointment of Minister John Steenhuisen. “Upon assuming office, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, indicated that the backlogs and inefficiencies around the process would receive attention,” the department said.

Progress has been notable. In the current 2024/25 financial year alone, 6,617 applications have been processed and completed. Looking back over the past five years, 51,165 applications out of 56,890 received have been finalised. Despite varying processing times from two weeks to 24 months depending on the category the department says it is steadily improving efficiency.

A key milestone in this modernisation effort is the transition to digital systems. The first phase of the online registration platform, introduced in December 2023, now allows applicants to submit and track pesticide registrations electronically. This includes real-time status updates and access to publicly available lists of registered products. Steenhuisen welcomed the shift, noting: “Previously, applicants had to travel to the department's offices to file paperwork manually, a lengthy and often frustrating process. By going digital, the department is eliminating unnecessary delays and creating a 'fast track' for companies that comply with requirements from the start.”

The Minister added that full automation of the Agricultural Inputs Control System will improve accountability and ensure quicker processing for compliant applications. Manual pesticide submissions will end on 1 April 2026, with digital expansion to other input categories planned.

To further reduce backlogs, the Office of the Registrar has increased capacity, including appointing consultants to support application reviews. The current outstanding backlog stands at 5,730 applications, with the majority awaiting technical evaluation across agricultural remedies, animal feeds, stock remedies and fertilisers.

Meanwhile, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) has dismissed concerns about a Rift Valley Fever vaccine shortage, confirming healthy stock levels. OBP has already distributed hundreds of thousands of doses and forecasts the production of millions more through early 2026 to support ongoing disease-control efforts.

Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is attracting increasing attention among African feed and broiler companies. (Image credit: DDGS)

Agriculture

Africa’s poultry industry is undergoing rapid growth, driven by rising consumer demand.

Yet, one constant remains a key challenge: feed cost and supply risk. For broiler producers across the continent, competitiveness still hinges largely on two staples—maize and soybean meal. Both are highly sensitive to currency fluctuations, seasonal scarcity, and global price swings, leaving producers vulnerable. As a result, modern poultry operations must rely not just on formulation expertise but also on ingredient flexibility and resilient supply chains.

Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is attracting increasing attention among African feed and broiler companies. A recent commercial-scale trial in southwest Nigeria, supported by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, offers the most rigorous local evaluation of DDGS to date. The study tested phased DDGS inclusion at levels up to 20%, monitoring growth performance, carcass yield, livability, and overall economics under real-world farm conditions.

Performance: Stable Growth and Resilient Flocks

The results were promising. Broilers fed DDGS-based diets performed comparably with conventional maize–soy formulations. Final body weights at 42 days matched industry standards, feed conversion ratios remained on target, and there was no negative impact on dressing percentage or key muscle yields. Organ development appeared normal across all test groups.

Perhaps most notably, birds in the highest DDGS inclusion group demonstrated stronger early weight gain and lower cumulative mortality. This suggests potential benefits for digestive development and overall flock resilience in tropical environments. Meat pH levels at 24 hours post-slaughter were slightly higher, often correlating with improved tenderness and water-holding capacity—traits increasingly valued in modern retail markets. In short, DDGS supported consistent production, early vitality, and carcass uniformity.

The Price Perspective

The trial occurred during a period when DDGS landed in Nigeria at a temporary premium compared to soybean meal, resulting in a modest rise in feed cost. However, as the report emphasises, pricing alone does not capture the strategic value. Shadow-price modelling placed DDGS’ cost-neutral value at roughly ₦610–₦620/kg. When operational benefits such as improved livability were factored in, the break-even point rose to ₦750–₦800/kg. In practical terms, a 20–25% spike in soybean meal prices or improved DDGS logistics could rapidly bring DDGS into cost parity. Such market fluctuations are routine in West African feed markets, making DDGS an important tool for risk management.

A Strategic Option for Feed Security

DDGS’ value proposition in Africa today is twofold:

A nutritionally sound, field-proven feed ingredient that is mycotoxin-free and already ground, reducing processing challenges.

A strategic hedge against protein and energy supply shocks, offering resilience in volatile markets.

As bulk import programs expand, the economics of DDGS strengthen. Large-scale vessel shipments into regional ports, aggregation across poultry, layer, and aquafeed sectors, and improved logistics coordination help stabilise landed costs. Markets that previously relied on bagged or containerised volumes often transition to bulk economics as adoption grows, positioning early DDGS users advantageously.

A Forward-Looking Feed Solution

The Nigerian trial confirms what many nutritionists have long suspected: DDGS can be successfully incorporated at commercial scale in Africa, with up to 20% inclusion in finisher diets without compromising production. More importantly, it highlights the significance of operational readiness. Mills that adopt DDGS now will move faster and trade smarter when price cycles and logistics favour the ingredient.
As Africa’s poultry and feed sectors mature, success will favour companies that combine technical rigour with procurement agility. DDGS provides a nutritional and strategic tool that helps producers move beyond a two-ingredient dependency, reducing exposure to maize and soybean price volatility. With supply chains deepening and bulk handling improving, DDGS is not merely an alternative—it is becoming a core component of modern African broiler feed.

Meriam Ben Saad, Administrative Assistant, Africa, U.S. Grains Council,said, "In this context, Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) has attracted growing attention in African feed and broiler companies. A recent commercial-scale trial in Nigeria, conducted in partnership with Amo Byng Nig.Ltd and supported by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, provides the most rigorous local evaluation to date. The study examined phased DDGS inclusion up to 20% under real-world conditions in southwest Nigeria, monitoring performance, carcass yield, livability, and economics.''

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Event News

Africa’s leading agri investment Indaba returns to Cape Town in 2025. (Image credit: African Agri Investment)

Event News

The 8th Annual African Agri Investment Indaba, recognised as one of the continent’s foremost platforms for agricultural investment and collaboration, is set to return to the Cape Town Convention Centre from 24–26 November 2025.

This year’s gathering will focus on the urgent quest for a resilient, food-secure, and self-sustaining Africa under the forward-looking theme, “The New World Order: A Self-Sufficient Africa.”

As global supply chains continue to face disruption and geopolitical pressures intensify, the Indaba serves as a timely response to calls from the G20 Agriculture Working Group for stronger, more autonomous agri-food systems. The event is expected to draw over 800 attendees, including more than 80 industry leaders, 50+ international investors, and senior representatives from agribusiness, agro-processing, financial institutions, government departments, and agricultural technology firms representing over 50 countries.

Across the three-day programme, delegates will participate in an array of high-level discussions, expert-driven panels, and practical case-study sessions designed to examine how private-sector investment can drive agricultural transformation across Africa. A key highlight again this year is the Indaba’s well-established B2B matchmaking platform, which allows delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors to pre-arrange targeted business meetings. The previous edition facilitated more than 300 high-value meetings, underscoring the platform’s effectiveness in fostering meaningful partnerships.

In addition to the knowledge-sharing sessions, the Indaba will showcase a dynamic exhibition area featuring leading agri-solution providers, ag-tech innovators, and regional investment opportunities. Exhibitors will benefit from direct exposure to decision-makers, while businesses seeking new markets will have access to a strong pipeline of potential partners across the continent.

Hosted by the Agricultural Council of Africa, the event continues to be supported by a strong network of strategic partners and sponsors committed to advancing sustainable, commercially viable, and scalable agriculture in Africa. The Indaba remains a vital meeting point for stakeholders working to enhance food systems, expand trade, and build long-term agricultural resilience across African nations.

Visitors will explore how horticulture can embed sustainable business practices. (Image credit: IPM ESSEN)

EIMA International has established itself as one of the world’s most influential exhibitions for agricultural and gardening machinery.(Image credit: EIMA)

Livestock

PRISMA project outcomes in relation to agricultural priorities across West Africa and the Sahel.

Livestock

Nigeria is grappling with a severe livestock feed crisis, with more than 50 million cattle inadequately nourished, according to Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development.

Describing the situation as a critical threat to rural livelihoods and national stability, the minister called for urgent action at both national and regional levels.

Maiha delivered the warning during the opening of a two-day Policy Dialogue Workshop convened to assess PRISMA project outcomes in relation to agricultural priorities across West Africa and the Sahel. Organised by the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food under ECOWAS, the event gathered policymakers, technical experts and development partners working to strengthen agricultural systems in the region.

Peter Alike, Director of the Technical Office of the Permanent Secretary, said, “In Nigeria, we have over 50mn cattle in the hands of rural dwellers, and these are animals that must be fed. So, for us, feeding and indeed, food is a national imperative that we cannot even leave for tomorrow. He further emphasised the wider implications of feed shortages, noting that inadequate nutrition for animals threatens incomes, food security and community stability.

Maiha reinforced the urgency, stating: “It is an emergency because the tangential effect of not being able to provide the necessary feed for our animals has a direct effect on our very existence, rural livelihood and human peace.”

During the workshop, Alike outlined the ministry’s long-term strategy for the livestock sector, referencing a 2025–2030 plan aimed at boosting productivity and resilience. He noted that livestock currently contributes around US$32bn to Nigeria’s GDP, but with effective development, the sector could generate more than US$94bn within the next decade.

Maiha also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, stressing its importance for regional cooperation. He remarked: “If you have a project of this magnitude and you exclude Nigeria, then you are not likely to succeed because I don’t know of any other country in West Africa and the Sahel that has a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development.” His comments underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in advancing livestock initiatives across ECOWAS and the Sahel.

The workshop, part of PRISMA’s efforts to link research and innovation to regional needs, is focused on improving feed quality, enhancing productivity and building resilience in agro-pastoral systems. Maiha’s intervention made clear that securing adequate livestock feed must become a top policy priority, backed by coordinated national planning and strengthened regional collaboration.

SwiftVEE specialises in digital livestock auctions, connecting buyers and sellers of cattle, sheep, goats, and game through online and live-streamed events.

An AGRA-led matchmaking platform designed to connect agribusinesses with investors and financiers. (Image credit: AGRA)

Crops

Act 36 is central to the registration and oversight of pesticides, fertilisers, farm feeds and related agricultural inputs.

Agriculture

South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has responded firmly to what it has labelled “misleading” claims from an agricultural lobby group regarding the handling of applications under the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947).

The department maintains that, far from collapsing, the regulatory system has undergone extensive improvements designed to modernise operations and accelerate turnaround times.

Act 36 is central to the registration and oversight of pesticides, fertilisers, farm feeds and related agricultural inputs. In its latest update, the department emphasised that the backlog and delays raised in public discourse have been receiving focused attention since the appointment of Minister John Steenhuisen. “Upon assuming office, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, indicated that the backlogs and inefficiencies around the process would receive attention,” the department said.

Progress has been notable. In the current 2024/25 financial year alone, 6,617 applications have been processed and completed. Looking back over the past five years, 51,165 applications out of 56,890 received have been finalised. Despite varying processing times from two weeks to 24 months depending on the category the department says it is steadily improving efficiency.

A key milestone in this modernisation effort is the transition to digital systems. The first phase of the online registration platform, introduced in December 2023, now allows applicants to submit and track pesticide registrations electronically. This includes real-time status updates and access to publicly available lists of registered products. Steenhuisen welcomed the shift, noting: “Previously, applicants had to travel to the department's offices to file paperwork manually, a lengthy and often frustrating process. By going digital, the department is eliminating unnecessary delays and creating a 'fast track' for companies that comply with requirements from the start.”

The Minister added that full automation of the Agricultural Inputs Control System will improve accountability and ensure quicker processing for compliant applications. Manual pesticide submissions will end on 1 April 2026, with digital expansion to other input categories planned.

To further reduce backlogs, the Office of the Registrar has increased capacity, including appointing consultants to support application reviews. The current outstanding backlog stands at 5,730 applications, with the majority awaiting technical evaluation across agricultural remedies, animal feeds, stock remedies and fertilisers.

Meanwhile, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) has dismissed concerns about a Rift Valley Fever vaccine shortage, confirming healthy stock levels. OBP has already distributed hundreds of thousands of doses and forecasts the production of millions more through early 2026 to support ongoing disease-control efforts.

The investment goes beyond cassava production.

Kenya’s mangrove revival stands as a compelling model of regenerative action proving that when communities, technology, and corporate commitment unite, both nature and people can thrive.

Technology

NECO’s innovative drying technology offers a more effective, consistent, and efficient way to dry grain. (Image credit: ABC Africa Group)

Machinery & Equipment

When it comes to drying grain, maintaining the right kernel temperature is crucial to ensuring the final product meets high-quality standards.

Overheating the grain during the drying process can lead to irreversible damage, affecting the overall quality. Studies have shown that even kernel temperatures as low as 60°C (140°F) can significantly harm the grain’s quality. This is why many buyers of grain, especially those dealing with specialty crops, insist that their suppliers use lower drying temperatures to prevent heat damage.

Traditional dryers often struggle to maintain uniform drying conditions. In these systems, while some grains are exposed to temperatures that do not exceed the critical threshold, many others are subjected to temperatures far beyond what is ideal. This inconsistency can result in significant quality issues, including heat damage, stress cracks, and a decrease in test weight. Unfortunately, lowering the drying temperature to avoid this damage comes at a cost: it negatively impacts the dryer’s efficiency and capacity.

However, NECO dryers address these challenges by offering a solution that delivers consistent and even drying throughout the grain batch. With their innovative design, NECO dryers ensure that each kernel receives the same level of exposure to the heated air, preventing overheating and preserving the grain’s integrity. This process results in higher-quality grain with fewer stress cracks, no heat damage, and better test weight, all while maintaining optimal drying efficiency.

The Science Behind Grain Drying

Grain is typically dried by passing heated air through it, allowing the air to flow around each kernel. Because the air starts with low humidity, it has a strong capacity to absorb moisture. As the air flows through the grain, it absorbs moisture from within the kernels, and the evaporative cooling effect reduces the temperature of the wetter kernels. This process helps ensure that the grain doesn't heat up too quickly, preventing potential damage.

However, as the grain becomes drier, less moisture evaporates, and the temperature of the kernels rises closer to the temperature of the heated air. In traditional dryers, especially crossflow dryers (often called screen dryers), this process leads to uneven drying. Grain in the centre of the drying column is exposed to heated air for an extended period, resulting in over-drying and overheating. Meanwhile, the grain on the outer edges of the column remains under-dried due to inadequate exposure to the hottest air. This inconsistency not only compromises grain quality but also reduces the efficiency and capacity of the drying system.

How NECO Mixed-Flow Dryers Offer a Better Solution

NECO's mixed-flow dryers tackle these issues head-on by constantly moving the grain past a series of unique hot air ducts. This ensures that every kernel is exposed to the hottest air at different points throughout the drying process, promoting even drying across the entire batch. The continuous movement of the grain, combined with the gentle mixing, helps prevent overheating and ensures that no kernels are exposed to excessive heat for too long.

Additionally, the design of the NECO dryer improves airflow through the grain, enhancing both drying efficiency and capacity. The even exposure to hot air ensures that all grain is dried uniformly, with none of it being over-dried or under-dried. As a result, kernel temperatures remain consistently low, preserving grain quality, reducing stress cracks, and eliminating heat damage. The outcome is a higher-quality product with improved test weight, making NECO dryers an ideal choice for farmers and grain processors who value both efficiency and superior grain quality.

NECO’s innovative drying technology offers a more effective, consistent, and efficient way to dry grain. With uniform exposure to heat, these dryers eliminate the risks associated with traditional systems, ensuring that every batch of grain meets the highest quality standards.

South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and the DRC, the platform continues to expand opportunities for women shaping Africa’s digital future.(Image credit: Naspers and Prosus)

GEA’s new water-saving solution is a game-changer for dairy farmers looking to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs.(Image credit: GEA)

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