Feeding Africa: Why the Conversation Must Shift From Climate Change to Fertilisers
According to Sabinet, Africa has the land and population to become a global agricultural leader, but improving productivity is essential.
On average, African farmers use just 18 kg of fertiliser per hectare, far below the global average of 135 kg/ha and the 50 kg/ha target set by the 2006 Abuja Declaration. In some countries, usage is almost negligible-for example 0.02 kg/ha in Sudan, while South Africa and Kenya exceed 50 kg/ha.
South Africa alone uses roughly 2.2 million tons of fertiliser annually, with over 95 % imported, leaving farmers highly vulnerable to global price swings, supply disruptions, and geopolitical instability. This dependence exposes African agriculture to several risk scenarios:
1. War in Europe or elsewhere, disrupting global supplies of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.
2. Shipping and logistics crises, including port congestion and rising freight costs, delaying fertiliser deliveries.
3. Global energy shortages, increasing production costs and limiting fertiliser manufacturing.
4. Export restrictions and sanctions, which can suddenly reduce global fertiliser availability
Africa’s low fertiliser use is driven less by choice than by high costs, weak infrastructure, limited access to credit, and insufficient farmer education. Without training in soil testing and nutrient management, fertiliser is often seen as a risk rather than an investment, locking farmers into low-yield cycles.
This reality calls for a mental shift, from abstract global warming debates to practical conversations about fertiliser access, soil fertility, and nutrient management that directly affect food security. As part of the solution, governments must take the lead in educating citizens on fertilisers, expanding extension services, funding farmer training programmes, and embedding fertiliser literacy into national development strategies.
At a time of rising global tension, where conflict and war may not be preventable, Africa cannot afford to leave its food systems exposed. Preparation means thinking outside the box: reducing dependence on imported inputs and investing in resilient, local solutions.
According to Sabinet, Africa has the land and population to become a global agricultural leader, but improving productivity is essential.
On average, African farmers use just 18 kg of fertiliser per hectare, far below the global average of 135 kg/ha and the 50 kg/ha target set by the 2006 Abuja Declaration. In some countries, usage is almost negligible-for example 0.02 kg/ha in Sudan, while South Africa and Kenya exceed 50 kg/ha.
South Africa alone uses roughly 2.2 million tons of fertiliser annually, with over 95 % imported, leaving farmers highly vulnerable to global price swings, supply disruptions, and geopolitical instability. This dependence exposes African agriculture to several risk scenarios:
1. War in Europe or elsewhere, disrupting global supplies of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.
2. Shipping and logistics crises, including port congestion and rising freight costs, delaying fertiliser deliveries.
3. Global energy shortages, increasing production costs and limiting fertiliser manufacturing.
4. Export restrictions and sanctions, which can suddenly reduce global fertiliser availability
Africa’s low fertiliser use is driven less by choice than by high costs, weak infrastructure, limited access to credit, and insufficient farmer education. Without training in soil testing and nutrient management, fertiliser is often seen as a risk rather than an investment, locking farmers into low-yield cycles.
This reality calls for a mental shift, from abstract global warming debates to practical conversations about fertiliser access, soil fertility, and nutrient management that directly affect food security. As part of the solution, governments must take the lead in educating citizens on fertilisers, expanding extension services, funding farmer training programmes, and embedding fertiliser literacy into national development strategies.
At a time of rising global tension, where conflict and war may not be preventable, Africa cannot afford to leave its food systems exposed. Preparation means thinking outside the box: reducing dependence on imported inputs and investing in resilient, local solutions.
A senior DIRCO official, Clayson Monyela, sparked controversy by seemingly endorsing a social media call to revive South Africa’s nuclear weapons programme. The comment was quickly deleted, and Monyela apologized, saying it did not reflect government policy.
This is the latest in a string of missteps by key officials and leaders, adding to a pattern of moves that make South Africa appear like a “loose cannon” on the international stage.
This is the latest in a string of missteps by key officials and leaders, adding to a pattern of moves that make South Africa appear like a “loose cannon” on the international stage.
The New START Treaty between the United States and Russia officially expires on February 5th. Long considered the cornerstone of nuclear arms control, the treaty limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems and provides a framework for inspections. Its expiration could lead to an unchecked buildup of nuclear weapons and delivery systems, reducing transparency and raising the risk of a renewed arms race.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Beijing this week on a high-profile diplomatic mission aimed at actively strengthening Canada’s relationship with China. The visit comes as part of a broader strategy to reduce Canada’s heavy economic reliance on the United States, particularly in light of ongoing trade tensions and tariff disputes.
Reports indicate that Trump’s team considered offering Greenland residents between $10,000 and $100,000 each to encourage a break from Denmark. The proposal remains under discussion but has been firmly rejected by both Greenlandic leaders and Denmark. Trump’s interest is strategic, given the Arctic’s resources and geopolitical importance, though no formal plan or agreement exists.
The International Court of Justice has begun proceedings against Myanmar over alleged genocide of the Rohingya Muslim minority. The case stems from the 2017 military crackdown in Rakhine State, which forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh amid reports of killings, sexual violence, and village burnings.
Legal experts say it’s the first full genocide case in years at the ICJ and could set a global precedent for holding states accountable for crimes against their own citizens. Hearings are underway, but a final ruling may take years.
Legal experts say it’s the first full genocide case in years at the ICJ and could set a global precedent for holding states accountable for crimes against their own citizens. Hearings are underway, but a final ruling may take years.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a three-year renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), restoring duty-free access for eligible African countries. South Africa has welcomed the move, which benefits sectors like automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing, but its participation is uncertain.
Trade union Solidarity warned that South Africa could be excluded, since the White House decides which countries qualify, and some U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns about South Africa’s trade and foreign policy.
Trade union Solidarity warned that South Africa could be excluded, since the White House decides which countries qualify, and some U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns about South Africa’s trade and foreign policy.
British digital bank Revolut has officially launched in South Africa, offering its full range of banking services entirely through its app. Customers can access international payments, currency exchange, cryptocurrency trading, and budgeting tools, all from their smartphones.
But there are risks. Revolut still awaits full regulatory approval, has no physical branches, and international users have reported frozen accounts and slow support. Cybersecurity threats and hidden fees are also concerns, and local integration with payroll or bills may be tricky too.
But there are risks. Revolut still awaits full regulatory approval, has no physical branches, and international users have reported frozen accounts and slow support. Cybersecurity threats and hidden fees are also concerns, and local integration with payroll or bills may be tricky too.
South Africa is facing its worst foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in history, with livestock across seven provinces affected, including pigs and cattle on commercial farms.
The government is rushing vaccines into the country and launching a decade-long vaccination campaign, but outbreaks continue to spread. Quarantines and strict biosecurity measures are in place, yet the crisis shows no immediate sign of slowing.
The economic impact is severe: meat prices are expected to surge, exports are disrupted, and the livestock industry faces tens of millions of rands in losses. Farmers and authorities are racing to contain this historic agricultural disaster, which threatens food security and livelihoods nationwide.
The government is rushing vaccines into the country and launching a decade-long vaccination campaign, but outbreaks continue to spread. Quarantines and strict biosecurity measures are in place, yet the crisis shows no immediate sign of slowing.
The economic impact is severe: meat prices are expected to surge, exports are disrupted, and the livestock industry faces tens of millions of rands in losses. Farmers and authorities are racing to contain this historic agricultural disaster, which threatens food security and livelihoods nationwide.
Russian Navy sailors took part in a memorial ceremony in South Africa to honor the memory of Russian seamen buried there. The event was held at the Simonstown city cemetery and was attended by representatives of the Russian Consulate General in Cape Town, along with crew members from the corvette Stoyky and the medium sea tanker Yelnya.
During the ceremony, participants paid tribute at the preserved graves of two sailors from the frigate Dmitry Donskoy-navigator Nikolay Petrov and sailor Petr Rashev (who were laid to rest at the cemetery in 1865), highlighting the long-standing historical ties of the Russian Navy to the region.
During the ceremony, participants paid tribute at the preserved graves of two sailors from the frigate Dmitry Donskoy-navigator Nikolay Petrov and sailor Petr Rashev (who were laid to rest at the cemetery in 1865), highlighting the long-standing historical ties of the Russian Navy to the region.
Opposition leader and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (known as Bobi Wine) was reportedly forcibly removed from his home by the Ugandan army and flown away in a military helicopter to an unknown location. His party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), made this claim in a social media post.
European NATO members (including France, Germany, the UK, Sweden, and Norway) have begun deploying forces to Greenland as part of Operation Arctic Endurance, a Danish-led military exercise focused on strengthening Arctic security. The deployment is widely viewed as a demonstration of support for Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty amid heightened tensions with the United States.
South Africa’s hosting of the multinational naval exercise “Will for Peace 2026” has triggered diplomatic friction and internal scrutiny following the continued participation of Iranian naval vessels despite reported presidential instructions to limit or withdraw Iran’s role.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is reported to have directed that Iran’s participation be curtailed to avoid diplomatic fallout, particularly with Western partners. However, subsequent reports and images indicated that Iranian vessels remained active in the exercise. This discrepancy prompted the Defence Ministry to launch a formal inquiry to determine whether the president’s orders were followed, misunderstood, or ignored.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is reported to have directed that Iran’s participation be curtailed to avoid diplomatic fallout, particularly with Western partners. However, subsequent reports and images indicated that Iranian vessels remained active in the exercise. This discrepancy prompted the Defence Ministry to launch a formal inquiry to determine whether the president’s orders were followed, misunderstood, or ignored.
Moscow has expelled a British diplomat from its embassy, citing alleged involvement in spying activities. The move marks the latest in a series of diplomatic tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom.
In response, London rejected the allegations as baseless, emphasizing that the claims are “completely unfounded.” The UK government also stated it is considering appropriate measures in response to the expulsion.
In response, London rejected the allegations as baseless, emphasizing that the claims are “completely unfounded.” The UK government also stated it is considering appropriate measures in response to the expulsion.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 10 % tariffs starting February 1, increasing to 25 % from June 1, on goods from eight European nations (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland) due to their opposition to U.S. initiatives concerning Greenland. The move is heightening tensions with key NATO and EU allies.