AGP Executive Report

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Kenya: Fifteen elephants in Amboseli National Park are suspected to have died after cyanide poisoning linked to tomatoes from nearby farms, but growers dispute the claim—investigations continue as the deaths raise fears of worsening crop-raiding tensions. Labour Crunch Hits South Africa’s Farms: Anti-migrant protests and intensified enforcement have triggered an exodus of over 160,000 people, leaving fruit, sugar and grape producers scrambling as harvest teams vanish. Climate-Smart Food Security Push in Kenya: Humanitarian groups say emergency food aid must shift toward long-term climate-smart farming investments; they cite millions facing food insecurity and urge soil, seed and water-smart practices plus value addition. Export Access via Certification (Kenya): Murang’a farmers’ groups are being audited for GlobalGAP certification to sell to European retailers, with soil and water testing and documentation underway. Cocoa Prices Watch (Ghana): Cocoa futures are pressured by signs of larger Ghana supplies, with Ghana’s harvest reported up year-on-year, while disease and El Niño risks still loom. Zimbabwe Maize Seed Update: Sirdc says it will launch five drought-tolerant, high-yield maize varieties to strengthen household food security across Zimbabwe and southern Africa. ASF Policy and Prices (South Africa region): South Africa’s poultry trade dispute continues as Brazilian exporters reject dumping claims, arguing their role is supplementary during supply shocks.

El Niño Food Shock: The UN WFP warns a strong El Niño could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger by end-2027, with Southern Africa among the hardest hit. ASF Pork Policy Shift: Nigeria’s NAQS boosts US trade ties, while in the Philippines’ Oriental Mindoro officials suspended a frozen-pork import order after local hog supply improved but prices stayed high. Trade Awareness Gap: A new Afrobarometer study finds only 13% public awareness of AfCFTA across 38 countries, risking weak uptake beyond elites. Regional Industrial Push: SADC’s Industrialisation Week in Durban urged agro-processing, critical minerals transformation and infrastructure to turn regional ambition into implementation. Aviation for Growth: Africa is urged to move from declarations to real open-skies implementation to cut flight costs and speed AfCFTA trade and tourism. Agriculture & Quarantine: Nigeria’s Agricultural Quarantine Service renews cooperation with USDA’s Food for Progress to tackle productivity, financing and non-tariff barriers in poultry and aquaculture.

ASF Response in Mindoro: Oriental Mindoro in the Philippines suspended an order that had allowed frozen pork entry after local hog raisers said it wasn’t stabilising prices, with the move set to run until Aug 31, 2026. Livestock Losses: In Bukidnon, police and Farmcrest Ventures appealed for the return of 92 missing hogs after a truck crash released pigs onto roads and nearby properties, warning of biosecurity and criminal risks. El Niño Food Security: Kenya is seeking a $450m World Bank buffer (Sh58.2bn) to cushion shocks from the Iran war and El Niño, while WFP warns acute hunger could worsen across eastern and southern Africa. Fertiliser and Food Prices: South Africa’s central bank says food inflation has eased, but fertiliser availability and El Niño-linked drought risks could still push prices up later. Wildlife-Ag Conflict: Kenya’s Amboseli faces scrutiny after 15 elephants died of suspected cyanide poisoning linked to tomatoes, with farmers disputing blame. Agritech/Innovation: Nigeria and Ghana are pushing digital innovation partnerships, including agriculture mechanisation and tech skills, under broader industrialisation plans.

Food Security & Climate Risk: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could push nearly 50 million people into acute hunger as drought, heat and flooding hit harvests, livestock and farm infrastructure, while higher fertiliser and energy costs squeeze planting. Black Sea Trade Shock: Russia-Ukraine fighting is again disrupting Black Sea shipping, with Ukraine saying maritime transport to its ports is effectively frozen and war-risk insurance driving freight costs up—raising pressure on global wheat supplies that matter for Africa. Aid & Staple Supplies: The latest U.S. Food for Peace shipment—Kansas wheat and Louisiana rice—has been loaded for delivery via Mombasa to feed more than 1 million people facing starvation, following earlier sorghum and wheat aid to Ethiopia. Policy for Self-Sufficiency: A former AU agriculture commissioner urged African countries to swap experiences, deepen inter-African trade under AfCFTA (agri goods are about 70% of intra-trade), and mobilise domestic resources alongside stronger multilateral partnerships. Agricultural Data Boost: FAO says it is strengthening agricultural statistics across 47 African countries through surveys, censuses, food balance sheets and SDG monitoring to improve food-security planning. Nigeria Livestock Border Control: Nigeria’s livestock minister says new border livestock facilities in Cross River aim to keep only healthy animals crossing into the country, with plans for modern abattoir ecosystems to cut dependence on cattle trucking. Biosecurity Incident: In Bukidnon, police and Farmcrest Ventures are urging the public to return 92 missing hogs after a truck crash released pigs, warning of criminal liability and biosecurity risks.

El Niño Hunger Surge: The UN World Food Programme warns a strong El Niño could push nearly 49 million more people into acute hunger, taking the total to about 274 million by the end of next year, with southern Africa among the hardest hit as rain-fed farming faces drought, flooding and heat shocks. South Africa Citrus Setback: Flood damage in the Western and Eastern Cape has cut South Africa’s 2026 citrus export forecast to 205.3 million cartons, while Middle East conflict is also disrupting demand and raising logistics costs. Zimbabwe Agribusiness Push: President Mnangagwa commissioned agrimilling, stockfeed and snack manufacturing plants as Zimbabwe targets resilient growth and deeper value addition. Pan-African Parliament Lawmaking: The PAP launched three Model Laws to help harmonise national rules on gender equality, labour migration and sustainable soil management under Agenda 2063. Weather Watch: South Africa’s weather service issued warnings for a cold front bringing wet, windy conditions and possible snow in mountainous areas, with localised flooding risks.

El Niño Food Shock: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could worsen food insecurity for 18 million people in East and Southern Africa, with impacts lasting through 2027 as rain-fed farming faces below-average rainfall, floods and heat. Biofortified Nutrition: A new trial highlights biofortified millet improving toddler nutrition without the supplement side effects, pointing to safer ways to tackle micronutrient gaps. ASF Risk on the Move: In the Philippines, a livestock truck accident sparked pig looting and left 100+ hogs missing, raising African Swine Fever and criminal liability concerns—an urgent reminder for biosecurity and traceability. Cocoa Governance in Ghana: COCOBOD launches a nationwide campaign to explain the new Ghana Cocoa Board Bill (2026), covering oversight, producer pricing, farm protection, traceability and a farmer pension scheme. Senegal Milling Boost: Olam Agri doubles wheat milling capacity in Senegal to support local food manufacturing and strengthen supply resilience. Climate-linked Biodiversity: A global review finds butterfly ranges shifting worldwide, driven largely by climate and severe weather—signals of wider ecosystem stress. Agribusiness Trade Push: Brazil’s beef exporters say Africa, including South Africa, is a growing long-term destination as demand rises. Citrus Export Setback: Southern Africa’s citrus growers cut this season’s export forecast by over 4 million cartons due to weaker harvests. Mobile Vet Clinics Accountability: Reports say long-delayed mobile vet clinics remain undelivered, leaving gaps in animal health services.

Nigeria Security Expansion: Nigeria plans to expand its army from eight to 12 divisions and add 28,000 troops, aiming to tackle escalating jihadist and separatist violence ahead of January elections. Morocco FX Boost: Morocco’s currency inflows rose in H1 2026, led by tourism receipts and stronger diaspora remittances, while foreign direct investment jumped as the country pushes industrial and infrastructure projects. Zimbabwe Export Warning: June trade data shows a rebound but highlights risky concentration in gold, nickel and a few markets, renewing calls for faster export diversification. South Africa Nutrition Crisis: Despite food production, South Africa faces a worsening child malnutrition problem, with stunting and obesity driving long-term health and poverty impacts. Tanzania Seed Fraud Crackdown: A new mobile seed verification system in Mwanza lets farmers authenticate packs before planting, targeting counterfeit seed losses. South Africa Vet Clinics Scandal: South Africa’s R26m mobile vet clinics remain undelivered after 11 years, with accountability stalled amid past irregularities. El Niño Food Risk: Agencies warn a strong El Niño could intensify hunger and climate shocks across Africa, stressing preparedness for farmers and food systems.

ASF Watch: South Cotabato authorities say an unknown hog illness in Surallah is contained, with no new deaths in the 5-kilometer observation zone and tests showing no confirmed African swine fever spread. Biosecurity in Action: Cebu City ordered tighter ASF controls after 19 backyard hogs tested positive, expanding inspections at ports, markets, slaughterhouses and trading areas. Climate Shock for Farming: Uganda issued an El Niño early warning for 2026/27, flagging above-normal rains, floods, landslides, disease outbreaks and livelihood disruption that can hit food production. Food Security Shift: Humanitarian groups urged a move from emergency food aid to climate-smart farming investments, including better soil, seedlings and practices for more resilient yields. AI for Agriculture: The World Bank says developing countries have a narrow window to use AI for services like agricultural extension, urging quick action on power, connectivity and skills. Regional Agribusiness Support: EIB Global and Centenary Bank say 24,000 micro-enterprises in Uganda have benefited, with agriculture among the funded sectors and women making up over 60% of beneficiaries. Trade & Value Addition: Lesotho MSMEs say they’re ready to sell “Made in Lesotho” products across AfCFTA markets after SADC Industrialisation Week exposure.

Agribusiness Finance: ECOWAS Bank expands regional financing with an €80m facility for Coris Holding SA to fund agriculture, food value chains, energy and SMEs across West Africa. Food Security & Climate: Drought spells hunger for farmers, with water shortages and crop losses pushing households deeper into debt. Livestock & Trade Policy: South Africa’s wheat sector faces pressure as plantings hit the lowest level since 1929, prompting calls for tariff protection amid cheaper imports. Cocoa Governance: Ghana moves to jail farmers who repurpose cocoa land without approval, while parliament backs tough cocoa farm protections. Water & Farm Safety: In South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind, sewage pollution is contaminating rivers used for irrigation, raising food-safety risks for farming communities. Digital Agriculture & Markets: Nigeria’s WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urges Delta to leverage global trade shifts via investment in SEZs, digital infrastructure, agriculture and aquaculture. Policy & Institutions: Pan-African Parliament launches three model laws on gender equality, labour migration and sustainable soil management to help harmonise national legislation. Animal Welfare: South Africa’s NSPCA warns animal cruelty is rising as content creators exploit animals for likes.

Zimbabwe–Serbia Diplomacy: Zimbabwe and Serbia pledged deeper cooperation in trade, investment and agriculture after foreign ministers met in Belgrade, with Serbia inviting Zimbabwe to Expo 2027. Ethiopia Green Legacy: Peer-reviewed research says Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is restoring degraded ecosystems, boosting productivity and resilience, with reported seedling survival around 80% and forest cover gains in some areas. Ghana Cocoa Protection: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill making cocoa farms protected land, with up to 20 years in prison for converting them without approval, targeting illegal mining on cocoa land. Water & Food Safety in South Africa: Mogale City’s wastewater pollution at the Percy Stewart plant is linked to E. coli contamination concerns, raising risks for irrigation and farming near the Cradle of Humankind. Irrigation Revival via Grain Levy (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe plans to rehabilitate 24 irrigation schemes, bringing 1,796 hectares back into production as drought risks loom. EU Deforestation Rules (EUDR): Commentary highlights how EUDR could reshape Africa’s agricultural competitiveness by changing market access expectations for deforestation-free, legal supply chains. Tanzania SME Funding: NMB Bank’s London listing of an IFC offshore shilling bond aims to unlock long-term local-currency financing for MSMEs, farmers and entrepreneurs. Coffee Price Floor: Fairtrade International raised minimum prices for Arabica and Robusta, effective December 1, to improve producer predictability.

Climate Restoration: Ethiopia has launched a nationwide push to plant 800 million tree seedlings in a single day, part of its Green Legacy drive to restore degraded land and boost climate resilience. Agribusiness Skills: Africa trains 81 cashew value-chain experts in Mombasa to raise production, processing and market access, shifting the sector from raw nuts to higher-value products. Food Security & Water: Zimbabwe will add 1,796 hectares of irrigable land by rehabilitating 24 irrigation schemes funded through the Grain Levy, as El Niño-linked rainfall risks loom. Livestock & Disease: Ashanti pig farmers in Ghana are appealing for formal government recognition and support, citing ongoing African Swine Fever pressure that has shut down farms. Seeds & Resilience: Ghana deposits 422 crop genetic samples in Norway’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault to safeguard plant diversity against climate and pest threats. Regional Trade: ECOWAS Parliament urges member states to remove border bottlenecks by harmonising customs, taxes and import rules to speed up cross-border trade and MSME growth. Agriculture Education: Ghana’s Sam Jonah calls for universities to produce graduates who can do—arguing Africa needs more practical, skills-based training for agri-food transformation.

Climate & Resilience: Ethiopia is set to plant 800 million seedlings in one day under its Green Legacy Initiative, with leaders framing it as ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and livelihood support. Seeds & Biodiversity: Ghana has deposited 422 crop germplasm accessions at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault to safeguard plant genetic resources from climate, pests and disease. Livestock & Jobs: Nigeria’s livestock sector—valued at about ₦30tn but contributing under 3% to GDP—faces a push to modernize through a new industry alliance aimed at boosting productivity and food security. Water Risk: Reports warn water stress is rising on corporate agendas, with drought already hitting crop forecasts and threatening sectors beyond farming, including textiles. Agri-Tech for Women: Zimbabwean female farmers are adopting UNDP-backed tools like threshers and grinder-choppers to cut labour and improve output amid funding pressures. Horticulture Value: Eswatini is moving to add value in vegetables with a new World Vegetable Center representative focused on research and post-harvest handling. Regional Data: ECOWAS met to harmonize national statistics, approving methodological guides to improve policy-ready data across member states.

Livestock Security: North West police in South Africa recovered four stolen calves worth about R28,000 and arrested a suspect, underscoring how stock theft keeps squeezing rural farmers. Coastal Conservation: West African stakeholders urged stronger protection of marine and coastal ecosystems using nature-based solutions and other effective area-based conservation measures, linking healthy oceans to food security and jobs. Ghana Cocoa & Policy: Ghana’s cocoa output is projected to fall 16% in 2026/27, with climate, disease and illegal mining flagged; meanwhile, Ghana passed a COCOBOD bill guaranteeing farmers 70% of the cocoa export price. AI for Food Security: Nigeria’s agriculture minister says the country will harness AI, biotech, robotics, remote sensing and genomics to boost food security. Climate Pressure: El Niño is intensifying, with higher temperatures and shifting rainfall expected to raise drought and crop-risk concerns across Africa. Livestock Breeding Push (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe plans to train vets and village officers to deliver artificial insemination to 150,000 livestock, aiming to accelerate herd growth.

Cocoa Price Guarantee in Ghana: Ghana has passed the COCOBOD Bill, 2026, making COCOBOD the statutory regulator of the cocoa value chain and guaranteeing farmers at least 70% of the FOB export price, with oversight shifting to the Ministry of Finance and stronger price-setting and quality rules. Cocoa Output Worries: COCOBOD forecasts Ghana’s cocoa output could fall about 16% in 2026–2027, citing El Niño-linked weather stress, cocoa swollen shoot disease, ageing farms, and illegal mining damage. Climate Pressure on Food Prices: A report warns “climateflation” could push food prices higher as extreme heat and weather disruptions hit crops and supply chains. Farmer-Herder Tensions in Uganda: Northern Uganda faces rising conflict as drought and shrinking grazing and water resources force herders and farmers into direct competition. Regional Trade Rules for Agribusiness: ECOWAS Parliament urges harmonised customs, import rules, taxation and business registration to help MSMEs grow—key for moving farm goods across borders. El Niño Preparedness: The AU and partners are calling for stronger preparedness ahead of potential El Niño impacts that could disrupt planting and livelihoods.

Cocoa Shock in Ghana: COCOBOD says Ghana’s 2026–2027 cocoa season could fall 16% as El Niño-linked weather swings, biennial tree cycles, disease and environmental stress hit output—especially in Western and Western North regions. Digital Inputs for Farmers: South Africa’s Nedbank is embedding finance into agribusiness platforms via its PrysWys partnership, boosting users and helping farmers buy fertiliser, seed, feed and fuel with pre-approved funding at the point of purchase. Trade, Diplomacy and Agriculture Deal-Making: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements after Gabon’s leader visited Banjul, aiming to deepen cooperation including agriculture and investment. Border Pressure on Food Systems: Spain reinforced its Ceuta border after tens of thousands crossed from Morocco; migrants returning described hunger and shortages—another reminder of how instability disrupts livelihoods. Livestock Mobility Crisis: Insecurity and blocked grazing routes are pushing Nigerian herders into Cameroon and Chad, threatening both animal production and regional food supply. Agro-Export Bottlenecks: Authorities were urged to clear logistics and other bottlenecks to help agro-forestry-fishery exports reach a US$74bn target.

Agri-tech for schools: Islamic Relief South Africa and partners are rolling out solar-powered vertical hydroponics in Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal to teach sustainable growing methods and boost women’s empowerment. Livestock health: The AU’s PPR programme says progress is real but calls for stronger funding and political commitment to eradicate “goat plague” across Africa. Climate risk planning: The AU urges countries to prepare for a likely strong 2026/27 El Niño, warning of droughts, floods, food insecurity and disease outbreaks. Cocoa squeeze: Ghana’s cocoa board warns production could fall at least 16% in 2026/27, with El Niño weather, disease and low cherelle loads blamed. Sugar revival push: Kenya forms a multi-stakeholder committee to reopen Kwale International Sugar Company, aiming to restart jobs and cut sugar imports. Dairy finance: Heifer, Mastercard and KCB launch a “Farmer Visibility” project to digitize dairy transactions and improve access to inputs and credit for smallholders. Food supply shocks: Russia’s grain lobby warns Black Sea attacks could disrupt exports and raise prices, threatening food security in Africa and the Middle East.