Veld fires – why we need to know more
Much more research is required to understand the effect of fire on Africa’s savannas, according to Prof Winston Trollope, a fire ecologist and Working on Fire International associate. Trollope’s recommendations, contained in the Grassland Society of Southern Africa’s 2014 congress publication, centre on the use of fire as a management tool for livestock production and wildlife management.
Citrus ban still a risk unless all stakeholders take action
The EU’s threat to ban South African citrus should serve as a wake-up call for all parties involved, says Zhann Meyer, Africa Head, Global Commodity Finance at Nedbank Capital.
How to promote effective land reform in South Africa
Michael Lyne, associate professor at New Zealand’s Lincoln University and honorary professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, recently presented the 2014 FR Tomlinson Memorial Lecture to the Agricultural Economics Association of SA. Here are excerpts pertaining to land reform.
Land reform proposal: a disaster in the making
Minister Nkwinti’s radical 50:50 land reform proposal will put food security at risk and lead to increases in prices, interest rates and inflation, according to Grain SA chairperson Louw Steytler.
Small farmer, big problem
Theoretical ideas about growing the smallholding agricultural sector sound uncomfortably like trying to re-invent the wheel, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Small-scale farmers can contribute to food security
Some commentators might believe otherwise, but SA’s policymakers need to focus on small-scale farming. It’s pivotal to the sustainability of the country’s economy, says Nico Groenewald, Standard Bank’s head of agribusiness.
Hunting is not poaching
Repressing hunting will only increase poaching, says Adri Kitshoff, CEO of the Professional Hunters’ Association of SA.
Growing communities through small-scale farms
Afasa president Mike Mlengana was educated on the proceeds of his father’s surplus produce. Deeply in touch with his roots and South Africa’s current challenges, he describes a solutions-based approach to the problems of food security, community and unemployment.
Accelerated land reform in the wildlife ranching industry
The wildlife industry is committed to advancing land reform through partnerships, says WRSA’s Cobus du Toit. Annelie Coleman spoke to
him at Nampo.
Is SA still the gateway to the continent?
Dr Theo de Jager, a frequent visitor to Africa in his unofficial capacity as roving agricultural ambassador, says SA may not quite live up to its reputation as the obvious route to the continent.
Nkwinti flying a dangerous land reform ‘kite’
The recent ANC policy proposals around land reform made by the minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti pose a constitutional dilemma that would serve no good purpose other than to destroy the already precarious Rural and Agricultural economy of South Africa.
Aquaculture legislation quagmire
The development of the aquaculture industry in South Africa is hampered by obstructive bureaucracy, warns ichthyologist and hatchery owner Nicholas James.
