Ailing infrastructure: a threat to SA agriculture

Agriculture has been one of very few lights glowing in South Africa’s economic gloom: the sector has managed to grow where most others have declined. However, the grim reality of crumbling transport and water infrastructure is endangering its future. Lindi Botha reports.

- Lindi Botha

FAST FACTS

• The poor state of South Africa’s infrastructure could derail the agriculture industry.
• Breakdowns and inefficiencies at the country’s ports are delaying exports.
• Dilapidated water systems waste more water than what is being used in agriculture to produce food.

South Africa’s agriculture sector has proven remarkably resilient in the face of numerous difficulties, from erratic weather and increasing input costs to service disruptions. Unfortunately, a potentially crippling challenge has been added to this already formidable list: the parlous state of the country’s infrastructure.

South Africa’s ports have been making headlines as cyberattacks, ageing infrastructure, and mismanaged funds have left export crops high and dry. Since the foreign income earned from these crops are what make the sectors viable, the lack of reliable logistics places rural economies at risk.

To take one example, as the citrus industry continues on its growth path, the revenue that it is set to earn in future will depend on the infrastructure put in place, maintained and upgraded today. However, this is now in jeopardy, given Transnet’s recent announcement that it does not have the funds to carry out the crucial maintenance needed to keep South Africa’s ports operating properly.

The problem does not stop with the ports. Crops are threatened directly due to deteriorating irrigation systems and poor water management. Congested, potholed roads and the lack of an efficient rail system make it difficult and expensive for farmers to transport their produce to the nearest port.