DISEASE OUTBREAKS AND RISING COSTS THREATEN SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURE

By Yogashen Pillay 

South Africa’s agricultural sector has had a turbulent start to 2026, facing animal disease outbreaks, rising input costs, and global geopolitical tensions, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz). 

In its first-quarter review, Agbiz noted a mixed performance, highlighting both encouraging developments and significant challenges for farmers and agribusinesses. 

A major concern remains the ongoing spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has disrupted livestock farming and export markets. 

Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said the situation has been building for some time but escalated sharply following the government’s decision late last year, to vaccinate the entire national herd. 

Sihlobo added that at the start of the year South Africa had received vaccines, but the cost to farming businesses and family farms had been immense. 

“It is only now that we are seeing that the vaccination momentum is gaining a bit more speed. We are seeing vaccinations in a number of regions in the country. The Department of Agriculture has had its challenges, but this is one of the key areas that it has been focusing on,” he said. 

“There are still a lot more vaccines that need to be imported. There are a number of farmers and farming businesses that are strained due to FMD.” 

The impact of FMD has been compounded by the loss of key export markets. 

Several countries have imposed restrictions on South African livestock products, leaving producers with limited alternatives. While some exports have continued to the Middle East, that channel has also become increasingly uncertain due to regional instability. 

Adding to the sector’s woes is the continued spread of African swine fever, which has further weighed on the livestock industry. Unlike FMD, there is currently no vaccine available for African swine fever, making containment efforts more difficult and costly. 

Source: IOL