WANDILE SIHLOBO: Farmers suffer as land reform talk drags on
If the government cannot release more land there is a risk to the growth prospects of SA’s agriculture and rural economy
The SA agriculture and land policy discourse risks entering a period of stagnation like much of the country’s developmental agenda. More than three years ago we knew that government had over the years acquired about 2.5-million hectares of land through its Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy. Much of this land was previously used for various farming activities, but some is now underutilised, and some is under short-term leases to farmers who struggle to access the capital required to unlock the land’s potential.
Whenever we consider the long-term growth prospects for agriculture we assume this land will be fully used productively to boost agricultural output and add jobs. On various occasions over the past three years President Cyril Ramaphosa and then agriculture, land reform & rural development minister Thoko Didiza pushed for the establishment of a Land Reform & Agricultural Development Agency, which would drive the release of land to appropriately selected beneficiaries ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.