By Rawlings Kofi, Agribusiness Specialist

In the daily hustle of managing a commercial laying hen operation, it's easy to focus on feed, lighting, and biosecurity. However, one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, nutrients for your flock is water. Providing a consistent supply of clean, high-quality water is fundamental to bird health, welfare, and optimal egg production. As the Commercial Management Guide for Cage Housing from Hendrix Genetics states, "When birds don’t drink, they won’t eat and cannot grow or produce!".

Watermelons are a cornerstone of summer, a profitable crop that can deliver impressive returns when managed with precision. But achieving those heavy, sweet, high-quality melons that the market demands requires more than just water and sunshine. It demands a strategic plan that integrates smart agronomy with sound business principles.

In an era of increasing water scarcity and a growing global population, the agricultural sector is under immense pressure to produce more with less. Drip irrigation, a method that delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, has emerged as a powerful solution, transforming how farmers manage water, improve crop yields, and enhance the sustainability of their operations. By moving away from traditional, often wasteful methods like flood irrigation, drip systems offer a precise, efficient, and economically sound alternative for farms of all sizes.

Biosecurity is the foundation of a healthy and profitable laying hen operation. It encompasses all the measures taken to protect your flock from the introduction and spread of diseases. A strong biosecurity program is not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment to safeguarding your birds, your business, and the food supply.

As a farmer, you know your inputs: seed, fertilizer, water, and labour. You calculate these costs carefully. But what if one of the most powerful factors determining your yield isn't something you're buying, but something you're managing?

p>By Miriyoni Tawonga, Head of Agricultural Development, Zimbabwe Agricultural Society

The reality of Sub-Saharan Africa today is increasingly shaped by a convergence of global and local crises, where climate variability and geopolitical conflict interact in ways that deepen vulnerability and strain already fragile systems. The ongoing tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran illustrate how distant conflicts can produce far-reaching consequences, extending well beyond their immediate geography.

If you've ever walked through a grassy field or looked closely at your garden plants, you've likely seen it: a frothy, white substance that looks like a glob of spit. For generations, many of us were told this was "snake saliva" or "snake spit," a mysterious residue left behind by a slithering reptile. But what if we told you that this common belief is a complete myth? The real culprit is a tiny, fascinating insect that has more in common with a bubble bath than a serpent.

by Rawlings Kofi As farmers, we’ve all been there: celebrating a record-breaking harvest, a bumper crop, or a new high in milk output. The sheer volume of what we produce often feels like the ultimate benchmark of a successful season. But is it? In a world of increasing input costs, volatile markets, and pressing environmental concerns, simply producing more doesn't automatically translate to more profit or greater sustainability. This common misconception can actually mask inefficiencies that erode your bottom line and long-term viability. This article aims to clarify a critical distinction that can redefine your approach to farm management: the difference between "production" and "productivity."

By Marike Brits, Netafim Southern & East Africa

Driven by favourable climatic conditions, improved market access and rising global demand, the Zimbabwean blueberry industry experienced remarkable growth in 2025. According to Charles Wright, Sales Manager for Netafim in SADC and East Africa, the sector has witnessed a significant surge in export volumes and revenue, positioning Zimbabwe as a formidable emerging player in the international blueberry market.  “The country's unique geographical location and climate play a crucial role. Zimbabwe's blueberry harvest season, which runs from May to October, allows it to supply major global markets during a niche window when other large producers in the Southern Hemisphere are not yet in full production. This strategic timing enables Zimbabwean exporters to achieve higher prices for their produce.  Furthermore, the quality and taste of Zimbabwean blueberries are gaining international recognition. The country's ideal growing conditions contribute to the production of high-quality berries that meet the strict standards of discerning international consumers.”

For generations, Zimbabwean farmers have understood the rhythm of the land. But in an era of climate change and rising input costs, traditional practices need to be supercharged with smart, sustainable strategies. One of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in a farmer’s arsenal is crop rotation. This isn’t just about changing what you plant; it’s about fundamentally transforming your farm’s health, productivity, and profitability.

By Rawlings Kofi | Zimbabwe's agricultural sector is converging this week at the Harare Exhibition Park for the 2nd Agriculture Research and Extension Symposium, held under the theme "Transformative Agricultural Technologies Accelerating the Attainment of Vision 2030." The crucial event kicked off today with the official opening by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, who delivered a compelling message on the indispensable role of innovation.

Stapleford, Zimbabwe – If you wanted to feel the pulse of Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, the place to be was the Seedco Vegetables Trials Station in Stapleford this past Friday. The air was electric as farmers, agronomists, and some of the biggest names in the industry gathered for Seedco’s highly anticipated Annual Field Day. The event was less of a formal conference and more of a bustling hub for sharing groundbreaking ideas, showcasing the latest in vegetable varieties, and sparking real conversations between those who grow our food and the experts dedicated to helping them succeed.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – In a landmark move set to bring major relief to farmers and agribusinesses, the Government of Zimbabwe has announced a comprehensive overhaul of business regulations, drastically cutting and in some cases eliminating a wide range of fees and permits burdening the livestock, dairy, and stockfeed sub-sectors.

Farming today demands more than just skill with soil and livestock. To thrive in the modern agricultural landscape, farmers need to run their operations as efficient, profitable, and sustainable farm businesses. This requires a different set of tools – the farm business tools that support planning, finances, marketing, and management off the field.

In modern agriculture, where every drop of water and every dollar counts, the rain gauge remains one of the most valuable, yet often overlooked, tools on the farm. Far from being a simple bucket, this device is a critical component of a data-driven water management strategy, allowing farmers to transition from guesswork to high-precision irrigation scheduling 

Sweet potatoes are a rewarding and resilient crop, popular on dinner tables and valuable for farmers. But moving from a few plants in the garden to a full-hectare crop requires a solid plan.

Harare, Zimbabwe – 15 May 2025 – Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape is preparing for a significant event: the 2nd Agriculture Research and Extension Symposium, scheduled to take place from May 28th to 30th, 2025, at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Society conference halls in Harare. This crucial gathering is a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, specifically its Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services (ARISS) directorate, alongside the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS).

The transition to the summer planting season is a critical time for every farmer. The success of your harvest is not determined by the seeds you sow, but by the meticulous, well-researched groundwork you lay before the first seed touches the soil. In climates characterized by intense heat and variable rainfall, a deep, comprehensive pre-season preparation is the foundation for maximizing yield, conserving precious resources, and mitigating the risks of a challenging growing period.

New System Aims to Boost Food Security and Unlock Farmer Finance Through a Market-Based Approach

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector took a monumental step towards modernization Wednesday, as the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) and the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) unveiled a landmark partnership set to fundamentally reshape how grain is traded, financed, and stored in the country.