Agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal is growing at around 12 percent per annum, driven by diversification, but there are risks to the sector posed by land expropriation, climate change and cheaper imports, First National Bank said.
The regional rainfall pattern for the 2019/20 agricultural season is encouraging as parts of Southern Africa are expected to receive adequate rainfall in the first half of the season.
It has become fashionable in conferences to say “let’s make agriculture sexy in order to attract the youth”.
Droughts and increased water risks are the new normal in Africa and many farmers and role-players in the agricultural sector have already started to adapt and innovate.
Billionaire businessman Dr Patrice Motsepe says there are high-level discussions with, amongst others, the Motsepe Foundation and banks to launch a multi-billion rand fund focused on agriculture, farming and related industries.
Although the past few months have been a struggle to secure grain supplies for Southern and East Africa, other parts of the world are in better shape and could help offset the shortfall.
