The latest State of Food and Agriculture 2025 report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation warns that 1.7 billion people are living in areas where human-induced land degradation is reducing crop yields, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. The report identifies unsustainable farming practices, deforestation, and overgrazing as the main drivers of the crisis, and points to solutions such as sustainable land management, crop rotation, and soil restoration. To unpack these findings, we are joined by Andrea Cattaneo, Senior Economist at the FAO and Editor of the SOFA 2025 report.

The latest State of Food and Agriculture 2025 report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation warns that 1.7 billion people are living in areas where human-induced land degradation is reducing crop yields, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. The report identifies unsustainable farming practices, deforestation, and overgrazing as the main drivers of the crisis, and points to solutions such as sustainable land management, crop rotation, and soil restoration. To unpack these findings, we are joined by Andrea Cattaneo, Senior Economist at the FAO and Editor of the SOFA 2025 report.

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FAO report warns: 1.7 billion people threatened by land degradation

While gender-based violence has been declared a national disaster, many people, particularly women, still fear for their safety. Firearm competency tests in recent years show a noticeable shift in South Africa, with more women engaging with firearms.

On this week's GBV feature, we explore why women are taking up arms for various reasons, including self-defence. Joining us to discuss this is Ivana Ries, Founder, Director, and Head Coach of Storm Combat.

While gender-based violence has been declared a national disaster, many people, particularly women, still fear for their safety. Firearm competency tests in recent years show a noticeable shift in South Africa, with more women engaging with firearms.
On this week's GBV feature, we explore why women are taking up arms for various reasons, including self-defence. Joining us to discuss this is Ivana Ries, Founder, Director, and Head Coach of Storm Combat.

From fear to firepower: why more South African women are learning to use guns

One hundred schoolchildren were released on Monday in Nigeria's Niger State after being abducted last month from a Catholic school. It was one of the country's largest mass kidnappings in recent years. The released children arrived at the government house in Minna, the state capital, and were handed over to the governor. Some of the abducted children were as young as six.

Nigerian government officials did not publicly comment on how the rescue was carried out, and it remains unclear whether the children were freed through negotiations, ransom payments, or a security operation. The abduction has caused outrage over worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria.

We speak to Leftist Owobu Usigbe, a social worker in Edo State who works with some of the victims of kidnapping.

One hundred schoolchildren were released on Monday in Nigeria's Niger State after being abducted last month from a Catholic school. It was one of the country's largest mass kidnappings in recent years. The released children arrived at the government house in Minna, the state capital, and were handed over to the governor. Some of the abducted children were as young as six.
Nigerian government officials did not publicly comment on how the rescue was carried out, and it remains unclear whether the children were freed through negotiations, ransom payments, or a security operation. The abduction has caused outrage over worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria.
We speak to Leftist Owobu Usigbe, a social worker in Edo State who works with some of the victims of kidnapping.

Rescue of 100 children highlights Nigeria's ongoing insecurity

South Africa's Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is stepping up efforts to strengthen the integrity of academic and skills credentials across the continent. This week, SAQA is hosting a delegation from Angola's National Institute for Educational Assessment and Development for a four-day benchmarking and capacity-building programme in Pretoria.

The initiative aims to boost regional cooperation, improve the recognition of foreign qualifications, and address growing concerns around document fraud and misrepresentation.

To discuss what this partnership means for both countries and for the wider African education landscape, we are joined by SAQA's Chief Operating Officer, Dr Makhapa Makhafola.

South Africa's Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is stepping up efforts to strengthen the integrity of academic and skills credentials across the continent. This week, SAQA is hosting a delegation from Angola's National Institute for Educational Assessment and Development for a four-day benchmarking and capacity-building programme in Pretoria.
The initiative aims to boost regional cooperation, improve the recognition of foreign qualifications, and address growing concerns around document fraud and misrepresentation.
To discuss what this partnership means for both countries and for the wider African education landscape, we are joined by SAQA's Chief Operating Officer, Dr Makhapa Makhafola.

FAO report warns: 1.7 billion people threatened by land degradation

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