After two decades of positive growth and a relatively stable policy environment, the agriculture sector is confronted with policy ambiguities, slow progress on transformation, climate change, rising farm debt, market-distorting disease outbreaks, and farm-safety problems. This is not a complete list, but these are arguably the top six agricultural problems today.
It is also worth noting that all of these issues are equally important; you cannot prioritise one over the other. To do so would lead to weak agricultural growth, job losses, food insecurity and low investment.
This article focuses on the transformation problem; subsequent columns will address other strategic areas.
Apartheid laws were designed and implemented in a manner that decimated black farming capabilities. Since the end of apartheid, the democratic government has achieved very little to restore farming competency and improve access to factors of production for black farmers.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 11, 2020-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 11, 2020-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.
In it for the win and so much more
The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
Changing the potential of your soil
By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.
