Archive for August 2026
The burning question – is your farm ready for the fire season?
Why Zimbabwean farmers need a community fire strategy The images coming out of Britain and Europe this August have been a sobering reminder of how quickly a dry landscape can become a wall of fire. Britain has experienced record levels of wildfire activity this year, with homes destroyed, communities evacuated and military personnel brought in…
Read MoreRethinking the fight against Tuta absoluta: Can healthier plants mean fewer sprays?
The battle against Tuta absoluta, commonly known as tomato leaf miner, is prompting an important discussion among growers: are pesticides the best long-term answer, or should farmers be putting more emphasis on plant health, nutrition and natural pest control? A recent discussion among growers and agricultural practitioners highlighted the complexity of managing the pest, with…
Read MorePreparing for the 2026–27 El Niño season: Variety selection for successful tobacco production
The forecast of a possible super El Niño during the 2026–27 agricultural season has understandably raised concerns among farmers across Zimbabwe. El Niño conditions are often associated with below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, high temperatures, and increased moisture stress factors that can significantly reduce crop productivity if farmers are unprepared. However, an El Niño forecast…
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