Are We Undervaluing South African Agriculture? | Ep. 138

In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Wandile Sihlobo, South Africa’s Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), and author of three books.The conversation explores South African agriculture from a broad national perspective — not only as a sector of production, exports and policy, but as a foundation for employment, rural stability, food availability and long-term economic possibility.Wandile reflects on his own journey from the Eastern Cape into agricultural economics, policy and public service. He discusses why agriculture should be presented to young people as a sector with many career pathways, including economics, finance, science, food quality, genetics, marketing, agribusiness and production.The discussion also moves into the importance of how South Africa speaks about its own agricultural sector. While farmers and agribusinesses face serious challenges — including high input costs, flood damage, market pressure and rural infrastructure constraints — South Africa remains a significant global agricultural exporter. Wandile argues that the country must acknowledge its problems without losing sight of the strength, resilience and future potential of the sector.Key themes in this episode include:• South Africa’s agricultural export performance• The importance of balanced narratives about agriculture• Agriculture as a career path for young South Africans• The role of farmers in food security and national stability• Rural development and the former homeland regions• The need for stronger farmer organisations, knowledge networks and extension services• The relationship between land, water, infrastructure and economic opportunity• Why agriculture is not a sunset industry• The value of service, leadership and long-term thinking in the sectorThis episode is a grounded and wide-ranging conversation about the future of South African agriculture, the people who sustain it, and the work still needed to unlock opportunity in rural communities.Subscribe to the Lucentlands Podcast for more conversations with leaders, specialists and decision-makers across agriculture, food systems, fresh produce, agri-business and rural development.Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/