From Daily Maverick · Wandile Sihlobo · · 1m 50s
South Africa's farm plan needs action, not more talk
The Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan has sat unimplemented since 2022. Government, farmers and business must commit to it now or watch growth slip away.
In brief
The Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan has sat unimplemented since 2022. Government, farmers and business must commit to it now or watch growth slip away. South Africa's farming sector has a detailed growth plan launched in May 2022, but poor implementation and stakeholder fatigue threaten its success unless…
A plan exists but sits idle
South Africa's farming sector launched the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan in May 2022. It identified key growth constraints and how to address them. But it was never fully implemented.
Stakeholders are losing faith
As time passed without implementation, fatigue set in among government, farmers, business and labour. Stakeholders doubt whether the plan can take off, not because of its promise but because of commitment.
Clear paths to growth exist
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The avenues to grow agriculture are clear: boosting exports, addressing port congestion, embracing new seed cultivars, partnering on land reform, addressing animal and plant health challenges and fighting stock theft.
The plan is not ideologically driven
The Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan was created through collaborative, extensive consultation with broad input. It is backed by academic and deep value-chain insights for each commodity.
Results will rebuild trust
To convince stakeholders still unconvinced about the plan, implementation must deliver results. Stakeholders will then see their views and challenges reflected in efforts to address them.
Revive the plan, don't restart
A fresh start to any new plan may take more time and end up with the same conclusions as the existing plan.
Crises will test commitment
The coming year will probably present challenges like El Niño-induced drought. These events shift focus away from long-term plans. Government and stakeholders must avoid using crises as an excuse to delay policy interventions.
The big picture
South Africa's farming sector has a detailed growth plan launched in May 2022, but poor implementation and stakeholder fatigue threaten its success unless government, farmers and business partners commit to action.
