Industrial Policy

Agriculture is critical to achieving a number of government priorities including food security, rural development, employment creation, and poverty alleviation. The land reform programme is central to the long-term success of the agricultural sector. Two main policies proposals by the government are currently in the spotlight: the final proposal on Strengthening the Relative Rights of People Working the Land; and the Regulation of Land Holding Bill. These bills seem to be a departure from the land reform model outlined in the NDP, which had significant buy-in from stakeholders. The current proposals have therefore contributed to significant policy uncertainty. There is a need for rigorous and robust evaluation of these policies to ensure sustainable regulatory outcomes.