The current research system – and the funding it receives – is just not achieving this. As a result, the productivity, growth and competitiveness of SA agriculture are being compromised.
This was according to Prof Johann Kirsten from the University of Pretoria, speaking at the 2014 SA Stud Book symposium in Bloemfontein recently.
“There’s no stability in funding allocations to the respective South African research institutions, which causes internal conflict,” said Kirsten.
“The problem is exacerbated by a lack of collaboration between universities and the Agricultural Research Council.
“The redeployment of funds also caused a decline of research capacity.”
By 2050, more than 75% of SA’s population will be urbanised and need affordable, healthy and safe food, said Kirsten.
The current research system was fragmented and uncoordinated. It was also unlikely to assist farmers in improving productivity, he added.
