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.
Grim legacy
My heart aches for every person in South Africa who has lost a child, a spouse or a loved one to farm violence.
Hunting is not poaching
Repressing hunting will only increase poaching, says Adri Kitshoff, CEO of the Professional Hunters’ Association of SA.
Farmers are tough enough
A farmer is a farmer is a farmer, irrespective of where you farm and what you farm with.
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.
Measure & record to secure the future
Emerging beef cattle farmers in sub-Saharan Africa struggle with low fertility and high mortality in their herds. Yet the situation could be improved if farmers were taught the importance of diligent measuring and recording, says Prof Michiel Scholtz of ARC’s Animal Production Department.
Keeping us in the dark
As a visitor to South Africa, as far as I am concerned, the last paragraph of ‘Rolling blackouts stall SA economy’ (The Mercury’s Business Report, 7 March) summed up the Eskom fiasco. It said: “Dames has a hard time trying to work independently from government.”
