Latest Resources

New to Genetically Modified (GM)? Fact sheets

Grab these short, easy reading factsheets and share it with your friends.

South Africa’s Competition Commission gives conditional approval for Bayer-Monsanto merger

In December 2016 Monsanto shareholders voted in favour of the sale of the company to Bayer for US$66 billion, making it the largest-ever foreign corporate takeover by a German company. The deal requires approval from about 30 regulatory agencies around the world. The Competition Commission of South Africa (CCSA) was the first to be officially […]

Impacts of Seed Laws on farmer managed seed systems

Seed laws often overlook the vital role of farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS), sidelining smallholder farmers and their locally adapted varieties, which don’t meet formal criteria. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the ACB for smallholder farmers in Africa. The materials are available in several languages and cover a range […]

What are the DUS criteria?

DUS stands for Distinct, Uniform and Stable. The DUS criteria aims to supply industrial-scale commercial farming systems while smallholder farmers plant seed that is not distinct, uniform or stable. This third factsheet gives more information on this system and the potential impact on smallholder farmers. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the […]

What is quality declared seed?

The quality declared seed (QDS) system is part of the formal seed system and also controls seed quality and purity. The QDS has several benefits, including the system being a good employment opportunity for farmers who produce improved seed. It does, however have drawbacks such as the limited access to basic seed for seed multiplication. […]

What is a seed law?

Seed laws were developed by governments and industry and are used as instruments to replace and undermine the farmer-managed seed system. Learn more about these and other topics in the factsheets produced by the ACB for smallholder farmers in Africa. The materials are available in several languages and cover a range of topics dealing with […]

Green Revolution factsheet 8: Soil health and soil fertility

The final factsheet in this series looks at what it means for soil to be healthy. Chichewa | English | Nyanja | Portuguese | Sesotho | Setswana | Shona | Siswati | Swahili | Xhosa Download all the factsheets in a single PDF in the language of your choice: Chichewa | English | Nyanja | […]

Green Revolution Factsheet 7: Organic fertilisers

The seventh factsheet in this series looks at how organic fertilisers promotes plant growth and improves the health of the soil over time. Chichewa | English | Nyanja | Portuguese | Sesotho | Setswana | Shona | Siswati | Swahili | Xhosa For the final factsheet in the series, click here.

Green Revolution Factsheet 6: The effects of synthetic fertilisers on nutrition

Synthetic fertilisers may increase yields for farmers but do not enhance the nutritional quality of the food produced. Factsheet 6 looks at the effects of synthetic fertilisers on nutrition. Chichewa | English | Nyanja | Portuguese | Sesotho | Setswana | Shona | Siswati | Swahili | Xhosa To read factsheet 7 click here.

Green Revolution Factsheet 5: Impacts of synthetic fertilisers on the environment

Part 5 in this 8-part factsheet series unpacks the long term impact of synthetic fertilisers on the environment. Chichewa | English | Nyanja | Portuguese | Sesotho | Setswana | Shona | Siswati | Swahili | Xhosa For factsheet 6 click here.