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Exports: South Africa is a leading supplier of citrus to the United Arab Emirates. Photo: Citrus Growers Association of
Southern Africa

SA strengthens agricultural trade amid Middle East tension

Analysts say that while trade diversification remains important, the Middle East provides key corridors to agricultural exports

The rural economy depends on resource-based industries such as agriculture, mining, fishing, tourism and forestry. Photo: File

Infrastructure, governance failures limit growth of agriculture and development in rural areas

The rural economy should not be forgotten in South Africa’s economic growth agenda,

South Africa is in a better place regarding food security when compared with various countries in the world. (David Harrison)

South Africa’s global food security ranking improves, but household insecurity persists

The country needs to expand agricultural production and create jobs, particularly in the most food insecure provinces of Limpopo, KZN and the Eastern Cape

The cost of living in South Africa is increasing and it is hurting consumers’ pockets everywhere. Photo: Getty Images

How much does bread actually cost?

It’s not a straightforward answer, but Julius Malema should have been able to at least estimate This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free…

Consumers are angry that the government is treating them like a cash cow instead of fighting corruption and improving its fiscal discipline. File photo by Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Who protects us from rising prices?

In the wake of a food affordability crisis, prices at retail level are not controlled and the government is at arm’s length

Farmers plan to increase the area under canola to 166 500 hectares this 2025-26 season. Photo: Marco Longari/Getty Images

Exploring a country of two agricultures

In his new book, regular M&G contributor Wandile Sihlobo explores South Africa’s disparities, challenges and solutions

Shuttered: Shakaskraal, in KZN, was prosperous before the cane mill closed and the sugar industry declined, exacerbated recently by the troubles at Tongaat Hulett and Gledhow. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Sugar industry slump a bitter pill for North Coast towns

Shakaskraal is a microcosm of what lies ahead for many towns KwaZulu-Natal if its ailing sugar mills collapse

Yola Minnaar spends most hours of her day thinking about whether people in her neighbourhood have had something to eat. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Rising food prices in South Africa: A struggle for daily survival

The shelves in grocery stores have become more forbidding since the pandemic, but economists believe that there is some hope on the horizon

Roads and other infrastructure has been damaged and at least 253 people have died. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)

Perfect storm: Heavy rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal exposes reality of poor planning

In the face of climate change, inadequate urban planning in eThekwini exacerbates flooding and poor road maintenance in KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of South Africa affects food…

Cherry picking: Small-scale farmers will have to specialise and diversify to survive. (Madelene Cronjé)

Farmers squeezed by big retailers

It may be beneficial for consumers when supermarkets push to get the lowest price from suppliers, but it can harm the farmers

(John McCann/M&G)

South Africa, you really don’t need to stockpile groceries

Experts emphasise that South Africa is a net exporter and there is enough food for us all

A recent Ccardesa summit in Durban gave young people a chance to voice their opinions and learn more about different agricultural enterprises.

Young blood a prerequisite for future of farms

Food security has the potential to become a crucial issue amid surging population growth, and our farmers are ageing.