While agriculture has the potential to create jobs and ensure food security, many obstacles hamper the growth and success of the sector in Africa, says Dr Yonas T Bahta of the University of the Free State. Overcoming these challenges is the key to unlocking the true value of the sector.
Growth in Africa’s agriculture sector is estimated to have the potential to alleviate the poverty of millions across the continent. In addition, it is seen as critical to further economic development in Africa.
The National Development Plan (NDP) of South Africa states that agriculture has the potential for growth, but current output does not match this potential. From being a net food exporter in the early 1960s, Africa is now a net importer. While more than a quarter of the world’s arable land is in Africa, the continent generates only 10% of global agricultural output.
The barriers to raising production in Africa are well documented. According to the NDP, agriculture is a significant sector in the South African economy and has the potential to create up to one million jobs by 2030.
South African agriculture faces technical and structural challenges that require improved sector management, including adequate funding for research, investment in skills and training, effective communication strategies, and agricultural extension.
OBSTACLES TO GROWTH
As highlighted by KPMG in 2013, Africa’s agriculture sectors, including South Africa’s, have inherited a legacy of complex challenges and obstacles. These have hampered development and progress. The main challenges hampering progress are:
A lack of land rights;
A low level of research and development;
Political uncertainty and a lack of clear economic policies;
A lack of skill and innovation;
A low level of arable land irrigation;
Poorly developed agro-processing industries;
Limited credit availability;
Low levels of investment;
Poorly developed infrastructure and supply chains;
Low levels of interregional trade.
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