South African Farmers Move to the Congo

The Republic of Congo has agreed to lease 25 million acres of land to South African farmers.

It is estimated that one third of all Congo’s land is unused, so the agricultural minister is hopeful that the deal will help bring expertise to the region, as well as helping to reduce its dependence on imports.

Agri SA, the South African farmers union has said that the ANC land policy has forced white farmers to seek land abroad as South African farmers feel pressured due to a commitment by the ANC government to redistribute 30 percent of the countries to black farmers by 2014.

The deal is the latest in the scramble for land in Africa, which has seen a number of countries including, India, South Korea and China buying up large areas of land and raw materials in recent years.

Under the terms of the agreement, South African famers must lease the land for a minimum of 30 years producing food and fibre, mainly for the domestic market. According to Agri SA, nearly 2,000 farmers have already expressed an interest in relocating to the Congo.

Kyle Hanger, South African Farmer might not be relocating to the Congo, but he understands the appeal, “I know it’s not something that many people will admit but there is still so much animosity because of the apartheid and being white you pretty much live in a constant state of fear. The Congo, is a very dangerous place but at least people will be secure in their businesses and not have to fear the government trying to take it away from you because you are white and giving it to black farmers, who might not have the skills needed. The Congo is guaranteeing the opportunity to work and South Africa isn’t anymore.”