by Wandile Sihlobo | Mar 30, 2023 | Agricultural Environment and Natural Resource
Over the coming months, we will receive various data releases to help guide our thinking about South Africa’s agricultural growth prospects in 2023. The available soft insights suggest that near-term growth prospects of South Africa’s agricultural economy look weak after subdued growth of 0,3% y/y in 2022.
by Wandile Sihlobo | Mar 26, 2023 | Agricultural Environment and Natural Resource
Since the deal started, Ukraine has exported about 25-million tonnes of grains and vegetable oils. Global food prices have also moderated considerably over that period, partly for this reason. In February the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) global food price index was at 130 points, down 8% from July, when the initial deal was reached.
by Wandile Sihlobo | Mar 11, 2023 | Agricultural Environment and Natural Resource
Some African countries arguably closely followed the EU’s approach to GMO crop regulations by prohibiting their imports and cultivation. With this new development in the EU and China, it is plausible that some African countries might consider evaluating their current restrictions.
by Wandile Sihlobo | Feb 25, 2023 | Agricultural Environment and Natural Resource
Various government programmes could if implemented effectively boost growth, sustain employment and attract new investment.
by Wandile Sihlobo | Jan 29, 2023 | Agricultural Environment and Natural Resource
Scientists warn a transition is likely later this year after four seasons of La Niña-induced above-average rains from 2019/2020 to 2022/2023.
by Wandile Sihlobo | Jan 18, 2023 | Agricultural Environment and Natural Resource
As we start the new year, there is probably no issue more urgent than the worsening energy crisis for South Africa’s agriculture and agribusinesses. Farmers that rely on irrigation have all expressed concerns that persistent loadshedding is negatively affecting production.
by Wandile Sihlobo | Jan 16, 2023 | Agricultural Environment and Natural Resource
South Africa’s agriculture remains an important sector of the economy and holds great potential to reduce poverty. It’s also central to the political economy of the country, as evident in the governing African National Congress’s (ANC) recent policy documents.
by Wandile Sihlobo | Jan 14, 2023 | Agricultural Environment and Natural Resource
The interlinked problems of poverty, unemployment, and weak economic activity continue to plague rural towns and communities in South Africa. However, the two industries that could help ease some of these challenges — agriculture and tourism — face various constraints that limit their growth potential.