Wandile Sihlobo
WANDILE SIHLOBO is chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Economic Advisory Council as well as the Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture
A Great Year for Global Wheat Production – EP 25
South Africa may be one of the top 40 global agricultural exporters, but when it comes to wheat, we’re still a net importer — bringing in roughly half of the wheat we consume each year.
Solid tractor sales point to positive agricultural season ahead for SA
If there were any doubts about South African farmers’ optimism for the 2025/26 summer crop plantings, strong tractor sales should provide reassurance.
Agritourism Unlocking rural potential – EP 24
As the festive season approaches, this week’s AgriView turns the spotlight on Agri-tourism — a growing opportunity to showcase South Africa’s rural beauty and agricultural diversity.
New China trade protocol for SA stone fruit – EP 23
South Africa’s agricultural exports are expanding — and October 2025 marked a major step forward.
Implementing the agriculture master plan is key to growth
Since the Department of Agriculture held its seminar on the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, which seeks to unlock inclusive growth in the sector, there has been some pushback from various corners.
Agricultural solutions for growing food poverty in SA – EP 22
In this week’s episode of AgriView with Wandile, we reflect on the urgent issue of poverty in South Africa, against the backdrop of World Food Day (October 16).
Fields of Gold: The Canola Wave in SA – EP 21
In this week’s episode of AgriView with Wandile, we turn our attention to the Western Cape - home to South Africa’s thriving canola industry.
Solid agricultural equipment sales reflect the healthy conditions of the sector
While the South African livestock industry continues to struggle with foot-and-mouth disease, and considerable work is required to resolve it, other sub sectors are performing reasonably well.
Understanding SA’s uneven agricultural recovery – EP 20
2025 has shaped up to be one of the best years yet for South African agriculture.
From seed to harvest: what awaits this season? – EP 19
Farmers are preparing their lands as the new planting season begins. From the eastern regions that start in October to the western regions in November, the soil is being ploughed and made ready for another season of growth. Agriculture remains the heartbeat of our economy and food security, and the coming months promise to be busy and full of potential.
SA has more farmers than you think – EP 17
Is South Africa really losing farmers? Think again. For years we’ve heard the claim: “Farmers are declining in South Africa.” But the numbers tell a very different story.
Global best practices driving growth – EP 18
South Africa is hosting the G20 in 2025 — but what does that actually mean for agriculture, food security, and trade on the continent and beyond?
Women in logistics, transport and supply chain take centre stage at empowerment conference
Catherine Larkin, executive director of CILTSA and CEO of CVLC Communications, speaks to Farmer’s Weekly editor Janine Ryan about the upcoming Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference 2025 on 26 September.
Zimbabwe shuts the gate on maize – EP 16
Zimbabwe has banned all maize imports – a move that shocked many across Southern Africa.
Livestock theft: fencing the problem – EP 15
Livestock theft is a growing concern in South Africa, with staggering numbers. But it's not just the numbers that are alarming - it's the impact on farmers, rural communities, and the agricultural sector as a whole.
The hidden engine of agriculture – EP 14
It All Starts with the Seed.
