Things are looking up for Zimbabwean agriculture this year
The 2020/2021 production season has so far been favourable, not just for SA but for most of Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe
New opportunities for South African agriculture: the African Continental Free Trade Area
The new African Free Continental Trade Area phases out 90% of tariffs on all goods traded between African Union member states over a 5-to-10-year period. This seeks to boost intra-African trade and investment in regional value chains. The current 41% share of SA agricultural exports that goes to Africa is concentrated in SADC. The opening of other markets presents an opportunity for further expansion in goods such as oranges, apples and wine.
Thoughts on Zimbabwe’s 2020/21 maize production prospects
Zimbabwe has not had a good maize production season since 2018/19. Since then, the country has had to import nearly a million tonnes of maize each marketing year to meet its domestic annual requirements. The 2020/21 production season started on a sound footing for...
How sub-Saharan Africa can rethink its approach to agriculture after Covid-19
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.
African governments should have a fresh look at agriculture as part of the economic recovery plan after Covid-19
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.
Namibia shouldn’t restrict maize imports during a pandemic
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...