Food Security | Political economy of South Africa's agricultural sector: Wandile Sihlobo

In our special focus on food security today we're looking at two aspects.
How food secure are we as a country? Generally, South Africa is a nation that has been mostly food secure and over time South Africa has exported more agricultural products than it imports. Agriculture exports rose for a third consecutive year last year with maize, wine, fruits, nuts and sugar being exported.

South Africa still imports food, however, including rice, oil, wheat and chicken. When it comes to individuals, however, the situation is bleak. According to Stats SA data about 2.1 million South African households experienced hunger in 2021. 20% or 1 in five said they had inadequate access to food.

Further studies have also shown more than 20 per cent of the population remains food insecure. Let's speak to economist from the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA or Agbiz, Wandile Sihlobo. He is also the author of the recently published book, A Country of Two Agricultures.

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