Recent global conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia War, continue to send shockwaves worldwide, underscoring the urgent need to bolster African markets like South Africa to enhance food production and strengthen agricultural supply chains. It is crucial to prioritise the well-being of millions of children at risk of starvation and malnutrition in response to these global crises.
Disruptions in the supply of essential goods, materials, and services have led to soaring food prices, exacerbating the challenges faced by South Africans already grappling with historical food insecurity and deeply rooted inequality.
According to the Global Report on Food Crises, 139 million people experienced acute food insecurity in 2021, marking a significant increase of approximately 40 million from the previous year. Armed conflict and security risks were primary factors, alongside economic shocks, which pushed 30 million people into crisis, and extreme weather events, affecting an additional 23 million individuals.
In light of these circumstances, it is crucial for nations to work together to address these challenges, focusing on securing the basic needs of vulnerable populations and fortifying agricultural systems to ensure a stable food supply for all.
“Nations that are vulnerable to global market volatility must protect their poorest from the threat of food becoming scarce or completely unaffordable,” says Afrika Tikkun Group CEO, Marc Lubner.
“Agripreneurship offers a viable pathway to enhance food security, promote self-sufficiency, and mitigate the risks associated with supply chain disruptions. Empowering individuals and communities to cultivate their own food and establish agribusinesses, can reduce SA’s reliance on external sources and build a robust agricultural sector capable of meeting domestic demand,” he explains.
By dedicating resources to agriculture and nurturing emerging entrepreneurs within the sector, South Africa can unleash its potential as a leading agricultural force, thus significantly contributing to the nation’s overall socioeconomic progress. The agricultural industry possesses the capacity to stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and champion sustainable development initiatives.
Lubner says, “As an emerging African market with a proven competitive advantage in the local and export market, SA has the resources to leverage agripreneurship to enhance food self-sufficiency. Through collaboration between industry players and community builders, these resources should be channelled towards inclusive and innovative solutions that give underprivileged youth the skills and platforms to bring farming into the future.”
“It is critical that farming, agriculture, nutrition and environmental sustainability are introduced at a young age – as early as at an ECD level, and continue to be taught, reinforced and developed throughout a child’s schooling and thereafter in order for realise the full potentials of agripreneurship in SA,” concluded Lubner.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
