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Ntungamo battles to contain foot and mouth disease as markets close and tensions rise.

Livestock

Ntungamo District, a district in Western Uganda is facing mounting pressure as a fast moving outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease continues to disrupt livestock trade and strain relations between farmers and veterinary officials.

The disease, which was first detected in Nyakyera Sub county after animals were brought in from unknown sources, has lingered for nearly two months.

In a swift response, the district halted cattle markets and installed quarantine checkpoints to limit further spread. According to Dr Yake Basulira, the district veterinary officer, emergency measures were introduced as soon as the outbreak was confirmed.

“We had a challenge of Foot and Mouth Disease starting with Nyakyera area due to inflow of animals from unknown sources. We came in as a task team and set up FMD task teams,” he explained.

A District Task Team later met stakeholders in January, 2026, in Nyakyera and Rubare to agree on stricter controls, including market closures and a vaccination drive.

Foot and Mouth Disease affects animals with split hooves including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. It spreads quickly through direct contact, infected equipment and the movement of livestock.

Despite the government supplying what officials describe as enough vaccines for the entire district herd, progress has been uneven. “The vaccination campaign programs have continued, however with setbacks. These setbacks are attached to farmers not bringing all their animals for vaccination yet requesting to know where the disease is,” Dr Basulira said.

“The government has given us massive amounts of vaccine which can contain the animals of Ntungamo. If all farmers would bring all their animals in time, we would ably push out this FMD out of Ntungamo, and operations of markets would be normal.”

Tensions are rising in Itojo where some large scale farmers have resisted the exercise. “In Itojo some people have over 200 animals but have failed to vaccinate yet they are threatening the district veterinary officer. There must be penalties,” warned Denis Savimbi.

Officials insist enforcement will follow. “The farmer who doesn't want to bring his animals for vaccination is handled by those penalties. Dear farmers, let’s comply so that you know how to manage it before you are put in prison for the sake of your animals,” Dr Basulira cautioned.

Beyond animal health, the economic impact is clear. Bernard Ahabwe noted, “FMD has killed our cows and affected the district in terms of resource mobilization. The markets are not functioning, we are not collecting local revenue.”

Chief Administrative Officer Fildeus Kizza added, “Much as some farmers could be selling from their homes and they don’t bring their animals to markets, definitely we cannot collect money like market dues. There must be some sort of decline in terms of revenue collection. We might lose revenue but we are protecting income for the farmer.”

For Ntungamo, the task now is to restore order, protect livelihoods and bring the outbreak under control before losses deepen further.

Lofa Farmers Call for US$100 Million Agriculture Budget to Revitalise Liberia’s Farming Sector.

Agriculture

Farmers in Lofa County, a northernmost, mountainous county in Liberia  are urging the Government of Liberia to significantly increase investment in agriculture, calling for the national budget allocation to the sector to be raised to US$100mn.

The appeal comes from the United Farmers Association of Zorzor and Salayea Districts, who argue that stronger financial commitment is essential to close infrastructure gaps and equip farmers with the tools they need to improve productivity.

J Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, the association acknowledged ongoing support from government and development partners but stressed that current funding levels are not enough to transform the sector. “We are underserved and under-resourced, struggling to sustain production amid mounting economic and environmental challenges,” the farmers said.

Agriculture remains central to Liberia’s economy, yet many farmers continue to operate on the margins. Limited access to quality seeds, fertilisers, machinery and modern farming techniques has left producers dependent on labour intensive traditional practices. According to the petition, this has made farming less efficient and increasingly difficult to sustain, particularly in the face of climate change and unpredictable weather patterns that disrupt planting and harvesting cycles.

“We are not asking for a change in leadership,” the petition notes. “We are asking for the resources that will allow agriculture to thrive.”

At the heart of the appeal is the proposed US$100 million budget, which farmers believe would allow the Ministry of Agriculture to roll out meaningful reforms. Priorities include building storage facilities to cut post harvest losses, rehabilitating farm to market roads, developing irrigation systems for year round production, expanding rural markets, improving access to affordable credit, distributing quality inputs, and introducing mechanisation programmes.

The association commended Minister Nuetah for engaging directly with farmers despite financial constraints, noting that this approach has unsettled some who previously benefited from ministry contracts. “This is not about politics. This is about productivity,” the petition states.

Infrastructure remains a pressing concern. Poor road conditions in Tinsue Town and nearby communities are limiting access to a rice mill operated under the Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative Inc. Although IFAD recently donated a tricycle to support the transport of paddy rice, damaged roads have rendered it largely ineffective. “With improved road access, we can purchase more paddy rice, increase production, and meet growing demand,” the petition stated.

Farmers also outlined wider reforms, including stronger extension services, youth and women participation, fair pricing systems, agricultural insurance, research support and sustainable practices.

In a direct appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, they concluded, “Mr. President, your legacy will depend on the impact you make in the lives of farmers. We are ready to work with you to transform agriculture.”

newgold seed was built for growers who don’t settle for incremental gains.

Agriculture

Bayer has unveiled newgold seed, its first multi crop seed brand created specifically for low carbon intensity crops.

The initiative is designed to give farmers a direct pathway into the expanding biofuels market while supporting farm profitability and practical field performance.

Global demand for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel is rising quickly. As the energy transition gathers pace, the challenge lies in scaling low carbon fuels without disrupting food production or adding unnecessary pressure to farm operations. Bayer sees agriculture as central to meeting that challenge in a balanced and commercially viable way.

Chad Bilby , Biofuel Crops Innovation and Commercial Lead, said, “Innovation alone won’t make the energy transition real. Scale, execution, and market confidence matter. With newgold seed, we are connecting seed innovation, agronomic performance, and market access into one clear opportunity for farmers.”

Developed under the company’s Biofuel Crops platform, newgold seed reflects a shift in thinking. Rather than viewing biofuels solely as an end market, Bayer is building an integrated system that links growers, fuel producers and supply chains from the outset.

The focus is on oilseed crops such as camelina and winter canola. These crops are suited to fitting between main growing seasons, within existing rotations or on underused land. This approach opens the door to additional revenue streams without replacing core food crops.

At its core, newgold seed is built around field level economics. The aim is to create crops that function as a profit multiplier. Farmers can use them as a double crop between seasons, as part of a rotation that supports sound agronomy, or on marginal land to bring new value to underperforming acres. The flexibility allows growers to decide how the crops fit within their own systems while retaining control over financial and agronomic choices.

By connecting seed development with secure market access, Bayer aims to reduce uncertainty and help farmers participate confidently in the low carbon fuel economy.

African Farming

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Event News

Inhouse Farming Feed and Food Show 2026 Set to Drive the Future of Sustainable Food Systems. (Image credit: DLG)

Event News

The Inhouse Farming Feed and Food Show 2026 is gathering pace as exhibitor registration opens ahead of its return to EuroTier 2026 in Hanover, Germany.

Taking place from 10 to 13 November 2026, the show will once again form part of EuroTier, recognised globally as the leading exhibition for professional animal farming and livestock management. Organised by DLG, the event continues to strengthen its position as a central meeting point for forward thinking businesses shaping the future of agriculture and food production.

Interest is already building across the sector. Companies working in vertical farming, controlled environment agriculture, alternative protein development, aquaculture, fermentation and smart farming technologies have confirmed their participation. The show provides a practical link between agricultural production and modern food systems, bringing together expertise, innovation and commercial opportunity under one roof.

Running alongside EuroTier, the platform also complements EnergyDecentral, which focuses on decentralised energy solutions. Together, the exhibitions explore how farming, food production and energy systems can connect more efficiently. A strong emphasis will be placed on circular thinking, with many exhibitors presenting concepts that reuse side streams to create additional raw materials. The aim is to develop closed loop systems that are cost effective and resource conscious across the entire value chain.

The 2026 edition will highlight technologies ranging from insect farming and aquaculture systems to bioreactors for fungi and microalgae. Advances in cellular agriculture and innovative inhouse farming methods will also feature prominently. As global demand for reliable and sustainable protein sources grows, organisers expect visitor numbers from overseas to rise further.

Marcus Vagt, Head of Energy, Inhouse Farming and New Foods, DLG, said, “The momentum in the market is enormous. More and more companies are recognizing that inhouse farming is a key component of the food systems of the future. It supports the DLG’s new guiding principle of ‘sustainable productivity growth’, which unites growth and resource conservation. At the same time, inhouse farming enables high product safety because plants and organisms grow in closed, controlled environments – free from climate fluctuations and external influences. This ensures reliable feed and food safety standards."

“Our exhibitors benefit from a highly qualified professional audience, international visibility and an environment that actively promotes innovation. We are delighted with the strong interest already at the start of the registration phase,” Vagt adds.

Following the Hanover exhibition, the Inhouse Farming Feed and Food Convention will take place in Hamburg on 21 and 22 April 2027, continuing the conversation around the future of food and farming.

Agritec Africa 2026 Set to Drive Agricultural Innovation in Nairobi. (Image credit: Agritec Africa)

African Island Nations Unite to Shape a Stronger Agrifood Future. (Image credit: FAO)

Livestock

Getting Feed Transitions Right.

Poultry

Feed transitions are often underestimated on the farm, yet few decisions carry as much weight when it comes to how well a flock performs at the end of the cycle.

From the moment chicks arrive to the point they reach processing weight, broilers move through several distinct feed phases, each with its own nutritional profile and physical form. Managing these shifts well is what separates a high-performing flock from one that struggles to hit its targets.

As birds grow, their diet moves through starter, grower and finisher specifications, and with each change comes an adjustment in feed texture too, progressing from mash through to crumb and eventually pellet. These are not minor tweaks. Each phase is designed to match the bird's changing biological needs, and any disruption to that process can set the flock back in ways that are hard to undo.

The changeover from starter to grower feed tends to be the trickiest. It brings both a nutritional shift and a change in feed form at the same time. Offering the first batch of grower feed as a crumb or mini pellet rather than a full-sized pellet makes the adjustment far easier for the birds. When this step is skipped, intake tends to drop, growth slows and uniformity across the flock takes a hit.

The simplest and most effective way to handle any transition is to blend the outgoing feed with the incoming one, layering the new on top of the old so birds ease into the change naturally rather than encountering it all at once.

Done properly, feed transition management keeps intake steady, limits wasteful flicking behaviour, protects carcass quality and supports consistent flock health throughout the cycle. These are not just welfare considerations. They translate directly into better returns for the producer.

Planning feed transitions carefully is not optional. It is fundamental to running a productive, profitable broiler operation.

Ntungamo battles to contain foot and mouth disease as markets close and tensions rise.

Vaccine arrival strengthens South Africa’s fight against foot and mouth disease.

Crops

Lofa Farmers Call for US$100 Million Agriculture Budget to Revitalise Liberia’s Farming Sector.

Agriculture

Farmers in Lofa County, a northernmost, mountainous county in Liberia  are urging the Government of Liberia to significantly increase investment in agriculture, calling for the national budget allocation to the sector to be raised to US$100mn.

The appeal comes from the United Farmers Association of Zorzor and Salayea Districts, who argue that stronger financial commitment is essential to close infrastructure gaps and equip farmers with the tools they need to improve productivity.

J Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, the association acknowledged ongoing support from government and development partners but stressed that current funding levels are not enough to transform the sector. “We are underserved and under-resourced, struggling to sustain production amid mounting economic and environmental challenges,” the farmers said.

Agriculture remains central to Liberia’s economy, yet many farmers continue to operate on the margins. Limited access to quality seeds, fertilisers, machinery and modern farming techniques has left producers dependent on labour intensive traditional practices. According to the petition, this has made farming less efficient and increasingly difficult to sustain, particularly in the face of climate change and unpredictable weather patterns that disrupt planting and harvesting cycles.

“We are not asking for a change in leadership,” the petition notes. “We are asking for the resources that will allow agriculture to thrive.”

At the heart of the appeal is the proposed US$100 million budget, which farmers believe would allow the Ministry of Agriculture to roll out meaningful reforms. Priorities include building storage facilities to cut post harvest losses, rehabilitating farm to market roads, developing irrigation systems for year round production, expanding rural markets, improving access to affordable credit, distributing quality inputs, and introducing mechanisation programmes.

The association commended Minister Nuetah for engaging directly with farmers despite financial constraints, noting that this approach has unsettled some who previously benefited from ministry contracts. “This is not about politics. This is about productivity,” the petition states.

Infrastructure remains a pressing concern. Poor road conditions in Tinsue Town and nearby communities are limiting access to a rice mill operated under the Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative Inc. Although IFAD recently donated a tricycle to support the transport of paddy rice, damaged roads have rendered it largely ineffective. “With improved road access, we can purchase more paddy rice, increase production, and meet growing demand,” the petition stated.

Farmers also outlined wider reforms, including stronger extension services, youth and women participation, fair pricing systems, agricultural insurance, research support and sustainable practices.

In a direct appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, they concluded, “Mr. President, your legacy will depend on the impact you make in the lives of farmers. We are ready to work with you to transform agriculture.”

Kenya Goes Digital: New Electronic Warehouse Receipt System Set to Reshape Agricultural Trade. (Image credit: State Department for Trade)

Empowering Zambia’s farmers through digital innovation. (Image credit: World Bank Group)

Technology

Understanding the shifting landscape of global agriculture.

Technology

Global agriculture continues to expand, yet the agricultural machinery market is navigating a period of turbulence.

Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies are reshaping where and how farm equipment is bought and sold. This evolving landscape was outlined during the press conference launching the 47th edition of EIMA International, the world’s leading exhibition for agricultural technologies, set to take place in Bologna from 10 to 14 November.

Mariateresa Maschio, FederUnacoma President, said, “Protectionist policies in some countries, economic sanctions, interference with trade routes, and tariff wars have led to market fragmentation and a sharp slowdown in trade which is weighing on the performance of the agromechanical sector.”

Traditional markets are feeling the strain. The United States recorded a 10 percent fall in tractor sales in 2025, while Germany, France and the United Kingdom also posted double digit declines. In contrast, southern Europe is showing renewed momentum. Italy and Spain both closed the year with strong growth, signalling cautious optimism within the European agricultural machinery industry.

India remains the standout performer. With tractor sales exceeding 1.1 million units, the country continues to dominate the global market. According to Maschio, this growth reflects deeper structural demand rather than a short term spike. “Over the past fifteen years, output in the primary sector has grown significantly,” said Mariateresa Maschio, “but to meet the needs of the world’s population it will have to grow by a further 14% by 2034, especially in India and in those countries of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that are experiencing the highest demographic growth.”

A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation, digital farming solutions and expanding demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly increasing their presence across these regions and even gaining ground in Europe.

“In the coming years we will have a highly segmented agromechanical sector, with low-cost basic technologies alongside highly advanced technologies for complex operations,” added Mariateresa Maschio, underlining the importance of innovation, policy support and international cooperation as the sector looks ahead.

Inchcape and NCBA collaborated to boost farm mechanisation in Kenya.(Image credit:

Africa steps up drive to transform farming through mechanisation. (Image credit: FAO)

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