South Africa’s agricultural sector must stay focused on urgent issues like disease control and vaccine readiness, says economist Wandile Sihlobo, warning that political distractions risk sidelining key priorities for growth and food security.
Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo has once again warned that the South African government and the agricultural sector should concentrate on fixing agricultural issues, and not be diverted by local and international political disputes.
In his blog, Sihlobo referred to US president Donald Trump’s tariff wars, and to anxieties over the continuation of South Africa’s government of national unity (GNU). Both were important, he said, but the country should not allow other important domestic issue “to be drowned out by political noise”.
He highlighted control of animal diseases such as bird flu and foot and mouth disease as issues that needed urgent attention.
There were continuing foot and mouth outbreaks in cattle in KwaZulu Natal province, he said, and the poultry sector had to prepare for potential bird flu outbreaks. Regulators had to remain agile, learning from the last outbreak and ensuring efficiencies in registering the vaccines that the poultry producers had been calling for.
“The poultry industry and egg producers are key to the food security and vitality of some of South Africa’s small towns. Thus, we should observe the challenges of the U.S. with animal diseases and equally take note of the calls for agility in vaccine registration and move faster.
“The poultry industry and livestock account for roughly half of South Africa’s farming economy. Thus, ensuring the efficient operation of this subsector is key to the success and growth of the South African farming economy,” Sihlobo wrote.
