Continued instability and uncertainty in South Africa could change farmers’ optimistic outlook for the future of agriculture in the country according to AgriSA senior economist, Hamlet Hlomendlini.
He highlighted, in a statement released yesterday (Thursday), that this projection came on the back of president Jacob Zuma’s recent cabinet reshuffle.
“The farming community has noted with great concern the recent cabinet reshuffle by president Zuma,” said Hlomendlini.
“Although the ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was not affected, changing the Minister of Energy for the second time this year is concerning for the farming community and many businesses that are heavily reliant on energy for their operations.”
He pointed out that the reshuffle had undermined efforts made by business and farmers to bring about economic stability and job creation.
Hlomendlini observed that currently the agricultural sector was already confronted by challenges such as the recent drought, avian flu, uncertainty around land, and disruptions as a result of the lack of good governance from government’s side.
He added that all of these issues together could have an enormous adverse impact on the sustainability of the whole agricultural value chain.