Will a looming El Niño trigger another devastating drought, soaring food prices and a food security crisis in Southern Africa? In this episode of AgriView with Wandile, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo unpacks what current weather forecasts mean for the 2026/27 summer crop season and explains why South Africa may be better prepared than many fear.
From healthy dam levels and exceptional soil moisture to record grain harvests and strong carryover stocks, he explores why the country enters this cycle from a position of relative strength. The discussion also examines what consumers and farmers should realistically expect over the coming months. Will food prices rise?
Can South Africa continue exporting grain while supporting neighbouring countries? And what are the biggest risks if El Niño intensifies? Watch now for a balanced, evidence-based analysis of one of the most important issues facing agriculture, food security and the economy in the year ahead.
