The African Farmers Association says that meat prices could double in the current economic climate.

The association warned of price shocks for chicken, pork and red meat in the short term due to rising fuel prices and a national drought, Eyewitness News reported.

These factors are compounded by rising inflation and interest rates, along with a hike in electricity tariffs.

The association pointed to the staggering increase in maize prices – which is used to feed livestock – currently at around R3,000 a tonne, from between R1,800 and R2,000 before.

It warned that the price may hit R5,000 per tonne by winter.