In a recent, widely published statement, Agbiz economist Wandile Sihlobo said South Africa’s agriculture sector would grow by between 10% and 15% by 2027, provided land reform were carried out properly. By that, he meant that productive land should be given to the proper beneficiaries.
According to him, only 10% of commercial farmers were black, and this imbalance should be addressed.
He estimated that the sector would then be able to create one million jobs. Unfortunately, he did not explain how the transfer of productive land to the previously disadvantaged would result in higher production.
Our agriculture sector has, over time, illustrated its ability to grow despite natural and other limitations. An annual target of 2,4% to 3,6% seems reasonable. In the decade from 2011 to 2022, the sector grew by 3,8% a year in real terms.
Growth slowed to a marginally positive growth of 0,3% in 2022, and first-quarter growth in 2023 was 5,4% down year-on-year. This trend will probably continue, with negative growth for the sector being likely in 2023.
INTERVENTIONS
Government has instituted various land-reform programmes since 1994. Sadly, many have failed. This is unsurprising in an environment where experienced commercial farmers are finding it difficult to survive.
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Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 21 July-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Syngenta Seedcare celebrates a decade of innovation
Syngenta's ambition is to enable their customers' investments to grow in healthy soil from treated seeds to young plants through innovation and collaboration, writes Magda du Toit.
Agri workers shine at Western Cape awards
Lindie-Alet van Staden, a garden and olive orchard manager at L’Ormarins Wine Estate in Franschhoek, was crowned as the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of 2024 at a gala event recently held near Paarl.
Small and large farmers recognised at grain awards
The annual Grain SA/Syngenta awards ceremony bears testimony to the quality of farmers in the grain industry.
Growing partnerships: Fedgroup's flexible and innovative approach
Janine Ryan spoke to Warren Winchester, general manager of impact investing at Fedgroup, about why the company became involved in agriculture, and what it offers farmers and their immediate communities.
Why fish farms fail, and how to avoid becoming a statistic
The popularity of launching fish farms is not matched by their success. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, explores the factors that cause most of these businesses to go under.
Where history and modernity meet in a luxurious setting
Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.
THE HITCHING POST
I'm a stylish elderly lady with a radiant glow and a good sense of humour that keeps me young at heart.
Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!
Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.
Does high-density grazing mimic grazing patterns of game?
In their paper on high-density grazing in Southern Africa, professors Angelinus Franke and Elmarie Kotzé from the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State say high-density grazing systems may not accurately reflect natural ecosystems. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Global grain outlook: 2024/25 marketing season
In its latest summer crops report, the Crop Estimates Committee says South African farmers intend to plant 4,47 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds in the 2024/25 season, up 1% from the previous season. As South Africa exports maize and soya bean, Annelie Coleman reports on the latest trends in the international grain and oilseed markets, amid fluctuations in weather conditions and ongoing armed conflicts.
