ZIMBABWE'S retail outlets continue to grapple with shortages as the economy remains on a recession path, with the manufacturing sector still battling against power outages and foreign currency shortages.

AS SOME of the mining companies report, the terrible truth is becoming clear: the electricity outages hit sentiment more than they hit production. Both Lonmin yesterday, and AngloGold-Ashanti the day before, announced production figures higher than expectations. Profits of both companies jumped, and were outside the market's expectations, resulting in two consecutive large share price jumps.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has held a consultative meeting with stakeholders, geared towards developing a national food policy. The meeting also sought to solicit feedback on the way forward, both in the short and long terms.

ZIMBABWE's tobacco auction floors opened last week after protracted squabbles between the farmers and government over price and exchange rates to be used.

Police in Kambia have arrested 5 Guinean trucks, at Bamoi Lumor close to the Guinean border, fully loaded with foodstuffs apparently meant for sale in neighbouring Guinea where an end of government subsidy triggered economic woes.

In his Labour Day speech, President Museveni is reported to have said that the rising food prices was a blessing to Ugandan farmers and advised his audience to go to their farms and produce more instead of politicking at "bimeeza."

The Minister of Finance, Dr Suruma, has strongly maintained a non-regulation policy regarding sky-rocketing commodity prices (Daily Monitor, May 5). These prices are believed to be caused by market forces triggered by increasing demand from our neighbours, especially southern Sudan and Kenya.

The Private sector in East Africa has been challenged to treat the ongoing global food crisis as an opportunity they can exploit by growing more food.

Is small the new big when it comes to agriculture in Southern Africa? As rising food prices place this sector firmly in the spotlight, there are compelling examples at hand to make the case for greater investment in small-scale farming.

Battling an array of cheap imports mainly from China and high zinc prices, battery maker Eveready East Africa Limited has had to shut down three production lines and shed 40 workers from its payroll in the past month, signalling reduced manufacturing business for the Nakuru-based firm.

THE Regional Minister, Mr. Anthony Evans Amoah, has said that a total of 89 kilometres of roads,leading to cocoa communities in the Sehwi-Juaboso District of the region, would be constructed, and tarred by the close of this year.

Sequel to the recent meeting between President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and State Governors on the global food crisis, the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday May 7 in Abuja approved measures to cushion the impact of the global food crisis on vulnerable Nigerians.

The food crisis, the problem of commodities, and how developing countries should preserve their space to choose between options in economic policies - these were some of the key issues that emerged at the recent United Nations' premier trade and development conference.

The Ethiopian government on Monday launched a new coffee brand with a view to boost income of the country's nation's 15 million coffee farmers.

ZAMBIA has this year recorded a maize surplus of 143,000 tonnes, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Sara Sayifwanda has announced.

THE risks and uncertainties associated with building deep-level mines in SA make gold explorer Wits Gold's shares suitable for a three- to five-year investment by speculative holders, Imara SP Reid analysts Percy Chiweshe and Steve Meintjes said.

President Jammeh has warned district chiefs, Alkalolu, governors and even secretaries of state to stand firmly in support and protection of poor farmers against exploitation by rice dealers and retailers or he would be forced to use his electric broom.

The Federal Operations Unit (F.O.U), Zone 'A' of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded contraband goods worth over N2 billion.

CENTRAL bank governors of the five East African Community (EAC) member states have warned that skyrocketing commodity prices and inflationary pressures posed a risk to macro-economic stability in the region.

For years, pastoralists have grazed animals in the vast, hilly and dry land of Pokot, Turkana and Marakwet districts, oblivious of what lies beneath the soil.

THE 2% improvement in the gold price to $876/oz yesterday from Monday's lows was ascribed partly to news AngloGold Ashanti would substantially reduce its large gold hedge book, but also to higher oil prices.

Elections for tea directors were yesterday marked by protests, boycotts and confusion over a change in the voting system.

PRICES of fish and farm produce have hit an unprecedented high in Kisumu due to shortages.

In responding to the current price hike of fuel and essential commodities, minister of finance and economic planning yesterday revealed that the increment was a blessing in disguise as it creates awareness among the people.

The Tjihero Meat City business is registered with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, a senior official from the Ministry of Trade and Industry has confirmed.