In political economy, there is something called “flooding the zone”. Roughly explained, this is when there is a deluge of information that takes people’s attention away from what should be the priority. This is not helped by the fact that during crisis periods, there is the proliferation of “experts” with untested opinions.
We saw this snake-oil behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current environment has its fair share of instantaneous trade policy “expertise”. In South Africa’s agriculture, we are fortunately not under such an attack through the flood of information. Still, we must continuously be vigilant and reflect thoughtfully on risks affecting the sector.
In recent weeks, the focus has primarily been on trade matters and the U.S. tariffs, understandably so, because the U.S. is a valuable market for South Africa’s agriculture. The US reciprocal tariffs are imposed at a time when the citrus industry is at its export season; therefore, our focus on these issues should be paramount.
Equally, concerns about the sustainability of the Government of National Unity and the fiscal problems that dominate the domestic conversation are warranted as these place under sharp spotlight South Africa’s political futures and the plight of economic renewal.
Yet still, we must not allow other important domestic issues affecting the sector to be drowned out by political noise. One such area is the continuous effort to control animal diseases. South Africa has made enormous progress following challenging years of avian influenza, African swine fever, and foot and mouth disease.
However, we continue to learn about the foot and mouth disease outbreaks in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and some lingering cases in the Eastern Cape. This means animal health should remain a priority for South African agricultural authorities and organised agriculture.
Equally, while South Africa does not suffer from the rife avian influenza we are witnessing in the U.S. and parts of the UK, there should be increased work to prepare the sector for potential outbreaks. This would involve learning from the last outbreak and efficiencies in registering the vaccines that the poultry producers have been calling for.
Admittedly, we cannot know when and how the new outbreak will be. Still, ensuring that South Africa’s regulators are agile is key. The poultry industry and egg producers are key to the food security and vitality of some of South Africa’s small towns. Thus, we should observe the challenges of the U.S. with animal diseases and equally take note of the calls for agility in vaccine registration and move faster.
The poultry industry and livestock account for roughly half of South Africa’s farming economy. Thus, ensuring the efficient operation of this subsector is key to the success and growth of the South African farming economy. If South Africa succeeds in resolving and preparing for the animal disease challenges, the subsector will be on a better path in some of its operational conditions.
Last year, the resumption of various export markets also ensured that South Africa continues to build its exports of red meat and livestock products. To sustain this momentum, the continuous collaboration between the government and organised agriculture on animal health is vital. In addition to animal health matters, the South African authorities must focus on livestock theft, which remains a challenge in some communities and financially burdens farmers.
Overall, while we must focus on significant themes shaping the country and the global environment, the officials at various government departments and industry groups must not lose sight of the importance of the day-to-day operational matters that are key to the success of agriculture. In this case, animal health is one such aspect that requires consistent focus.
Written for and first appeared on Business Day.
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