by Wandile Sihlobo | Dec 31, 2020 | Africa Focus
African governments should have a fresh relook at agriculture, which involves embracing technology (information technology, mechanical and biotechnology) and also private-sector partnerships. There needs to be also confidence in the citizenry to manage their land parcels. This will involve the granting of tradable long-term leases in various African countries.
by Wandile Sihlobo | Dec 3, 2020 | Africa Focus
African governments should have a fresh look at agriculture, embracing technology (information technology, mechanical and biotechnology) and also private-sector partnerships. There also needs to be confidence in the citizenry to manage their land parcels. This will involve the granting of title deeds or tradable long-term leases in various African countries. In the case of better seeds, the evidence from South Africa is there for many countries to observe and learn.
by Wandile Sihlobo | May 26, 2020 | Africa Focus
Since the pandemic started several countries have adopted restrictive trade policy approaches such as export bans and export quotas. The justification for such policies was consumer-focused, as the countries needed to ensure domestic food security during this...
by Wandile Sihlobo | Apr 30, 2020 | Africa Focus
This essay first appeared on Business Day, April 28, 2020 Global food and agricultural supply chains are taking strain from disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the case whether one looks at meat or grain supply chains. First, the US, Brazil and...
by Wandile Sihlobo | Apr 24, 2020 | Africa Focus
The COVID-19 pandemic will exacerbate an already dire situation of food shortage in some African countries. Professor Mzukisi Qobo (Head of Wits School of Governance, University of Witwatersrand), Isaah Mhlanga (Chief Economist at Alexander Forbes) and I have an essay...
by Wandile Sihlobo | Feb 8, 2020 | Africa Focus
Necessity is the mother of invention, and this rings true in Zimbabwe where the government is reformulating policy. The Zimbabwe government has for years maintained a ban on the importation or growing of genetically modified (GM) maize, but the current food shortages...
