Southern Africa's farms face higher input costs and export pressures

South Africa's agricultural sector is entering the second half of 2026 amid rising fertilizer and fuel prices linked to the ongoing Iran‑United States conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Logistics constraints and the threat of an El Niño‑related drought add further pressure on farm profitability and on grain, fruit and meat exports to the Middle East, which account for about 8% of the country's agricultural trade.

In neighboring Botswana, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo urges the adoption of South African farm technologies and stronger regional cooperation to boost domestic food production. He said, “I think the best approach will be through leaning on some of the farm technologies that South African agribusinesses can offer,” and warned that “the regular blockages of vegetable and fruit imports from South Africa run counter to the spirit of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).” Sihlobo recommends technology transfer and avoiding restrictive import measures to prevent inflation, supply shortages, and strained trade relations.