The robust debate around land reform in the agricultural sector is unlikely to be resolved any time soon.
According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at AgBiz and a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic advisory panel on land reform and agriculture, there have been no conclusive agreements reached as yet around what has become one of the most contentious issues in the sector.
Sihlobo, also the author of a new book on land reform titled ‘Finding Common Ground: Land, Equity & Agriculture’, said land reform policy discussions were ongoing.
“These discussions have had minimal impact on a broader scale of investment into agriculture. Our view is, however, that we need to ensure that property rights are strengthened and not diminished as agriculture needs investment to deliver much-needed growth.”He said agriculture had come a long way since 1994, having more than doubled its growth.
“That has been underpinned by the technological advancements in our sector and also the growth in trade.”
