Water in 2030
Many areas of the world that are already experiencing a shortage of water resources will see their water issues worsen, causing hardships for millions. Here are 18 projections that attempt to predict the future of the world’s water supply.
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A successful switch from grain to tea tree oil
On a quest to diversify away from the crops traditionally cultivated in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga, André de Waal shifted to the production of essential oils. By growing, distilling and marketing these products, he has gained greater control over the value chain, ensuring his business is both viable and sustainable.
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China plans to feed 80 million people with ‘seawater rice’
Scientists in China developed new salt-tolerant rice strains by over-expressing a gene from selected wild rice that’s more resistant to saline and alkali.
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Robot boosts blueberry picking efficiencies
Agritech company ARCi Technologies is in the process of developing South Africa’s first semi-autonomous agricultural robot. Three of the company’s founders spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their machine.
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Saffron: harvesting ‘red gold’ in the Karoo
Bennie Engelbrecht is breaking new ground for saffron production in South Africa through his company Saffricon. He spoke to Wouter Kriel about his journey so far and his plans for the future.
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SA pear exporters excited about finally getting access to China
South Africa’s largest exporter of apples and pears, Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, has welcomed the news that China will now allow local pears to be sold in the Asian nation.
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South African groundwater project shows the power of citizen science
This is especially so in remote areas, such as the part of South Africa’s Limpopo province where a research project called Diamonds on the Soles of their Feet is taking place.
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Integrated pest management: Taking care of crop protectors
ntegrated pest management has become an increasingly popular means of protecting crops against damage from pests such as weeds and insects, and is being driven by, among other factors, the growing resistance to a purely chemical approach to crop protection. Annelie Coleman spoke to several experts to find out more.
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Southern African nations need to up their groundwater management game
Ideally, countries should take an integrated approach to water resource management to help reduce strain on specific water resources while also extending the lifespan of a region’s water supply. Crucially, it involves efficiently managing surface and groundwater resources in tandem. Many African countries tend to mismanage their groundwater resources. In many instances it’s over exploited…
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SCA ruling allows for trade of water use entitlements
In the recent case of Lotter NO v Minister of Water and Sanitation and Others (8 November 2021), the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) found that section 25 of the National Water Act allows for the transfer of water use entitlements.
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