Rising tensions in the Middle East are beginning to ripple far beyond the region — with growing consequences for food production and food security in Africa. In South Africa, farmers are warning that higher global oil prices, coupled with climate pressures and a worsening outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, are sharply driving up the cost of farming inputs such as fuel and fertiliser. Speaking at the NAMPO Harvest Day — one of Africa’s biggest agricultural exhibitions — Standard Bank’s Head of Agribusiness, Brendan Jacobs, says the geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran are adding further strain to an already vulnerable agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the government says efforts to contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease are being intensified through a major vaccination drive. Nothando Magudulela reports.​

<p>Rising tensions in the Middle East are beginning to ripple far beyond the region &mdash; with growing consequences for food production and food security in Africa. In South Africa, farmers are warning that higher global oil prices, coupled with climate pressures and a worsening outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, are sharply driving up the cost of farming inputs such as fuel and fertiliser. Speaking at the NAMPO Harvest Day &mdash; one of Africa&rsquo;s biggest agricultural exhibitions &mdash; Standard Bank&rsquo;s Head of Agribusiness, Brendan Jacobs, says the geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran are adding further strain to an already vulnerable agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the government says efforts to contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease are being intensified through a major vaccination drive. Nothando Magudulela reports.​</p>