are posing a significant threat to South Africa’s crop yields this year, according to Daniel Stevens, an expert in agricultural crop insurance.
The agricultural sector, which is crucial to the country’s economic growth, contributes 3% to South Africa’s GDP and supports nearly a million jobs. In 2023, the sector generated over $13 billion in export revenue, primarily from citrus products. However, Stevens highlights growing concerns about the rising frequency and severity of extreme weather, particularly for smaller-scale farmers who lack insurance.
“I think the sector has been in a challenging situation I suppose in the last few years,” Stevens notes. “The change in climates also doesn’t help and I think with the reduced load shedding that has previously impacted the production of crops has reduced, so that’s a positive sign. I don’t think it’s all bad news. I think SA farmers in my view are extremely resilient…” adds Stevens.
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