Dr Sifiso Ntombela, a trade economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, argues that, contrary to some of the suggestions in the National Development Plan, the grain and livestock industries have greater potential than the horticultural industry to create better-paying jobs and alleviate poverty.
Poverty, unemployment and water scarcity are arguably the top developmental issues that threaten social and economic stability in South Africa. Between 2011 and 2018, the unemployment rate grew from 25% to 27% and the percentage of the population living under the poverty line increased from 36% to 40%. In 2018, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) warned that the water deficit in the country could increase to 17% by 2030 due to poorly maintained water infrastructure and the effects of climate change. The DWS added that South Africa had lost 50% of its wetlands due to inadequate management of water resources.
Most developmental challenges were meant to be addressed through the National Development Plan (NDP), particularly Chapter 6, when it was adopted in 2012. This chapter envisaged an inclusive agriculture sector where substantial investment was channeled towards high-value, export-oriented and labour-intensive agricultural crops such as fruit, sugar and nuts. It also acknowledged the importance of investing in non-labour-intensive industries with significant value-chain linkages such as grains, oilseeds and livestock.
Horticultural crops (fruits, nuts, flowers and vegetables) have been praised for their potential to create jobs and generate foreign earnings for South Africa. The State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa in February also called for greater focus on high-value and export-oriented products to boost economic growth.
TARGETS
In the land seminar organised by the Mail & Guardian in March 2018, Prof Ferdi Meyer, director at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, presented his assessment on the progress made to attain NDP targets over the previous five years. He argued that the country had met its
Esta historia es de la edición June 28, 2019 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 28, 2019 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
