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Summary and Conclusion 10 th Agri -outlook conference September 2010. Herman van Schalkwyk. Technological development will change the world we know.
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Summary and Conclusion10thAgri-outlook conferenceSeptember 2010 Herman van Schalkwyk
Technological development will change the world we know. • Political environment in South Africa will continue to be “messy” bringing with it major challenges and …………. potentially lots of opportunities. • Socio-economic issues in South Africa will continue to dominate the local political agenda. • Business in South Africa including agriculture will continue to have to adapt to new world developments (trends) while having to deal with in many cases a very different local environment. • Slow economic growth in the first world. • China contribute more than 20% of economic growth – brings own challenges. • India looming new economic giant. • Population and economic growth will reshape the world – more demand, more pressure on scarce resources. • Water is slowly becoming a crises in many countries. Link this with climate change. • 1% of our planet is fresh water. Conclusion
The planet is in crises. • The sustainability with which we perform our activities will be questioned more and more. • Triple line reporting – financial, socio-economic and environmental impact (Integrated reporting). • Whether it is transformation, change or new policies, how we handle it will all be about our attitude. • Local challenges are perhaps misdirecting our focus. • We operate in silo’s as businesses, disciplines, government, etc. • Research in South Africa is perhaps not answering in the needs and not proactive enough. • The way forward: ???????????? • Cooperation (Lots of lip service?). • Socio-economic upliftment and care for the environment is our joint responsibility (Coordination?) • Little capacity spread over many businesses and areas. • Our responsibility is to act now! • What can I/we do versus laid back attitude. Conclusion Continue
What about centralized institution(s) with a specific responsibility in a set (information and research?) agenda? • Combine funds and capacity (secondments?) • Combine decision making and governance. • Set priorities. • Develop a strong voice based on research and facts. • Make use of existing strengths. • Role of current information/research institutions and universities? • Regional and/or national? • More institutions with specific niches? • Cooperation can be more than lip service – We need to start somewhere. • North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus is in preliminary discussions with organised agriculture and agribusinesses in the NW province to develop a model in this regard. • Interested parties and individuals are welcome to contact me at Herman.vanschalkwyk@nwu.ac.za and/or Vincent Eastes (Manager in my office) at Vincent.eastes@nwu.ac.za Conclusion Continue