South African farmers, like those elsewhere in the world, are struggling to keep pace with ever increasing demand for food. Simply increasing the output of current methods of agricultural production is not the solution – 86% of South Africa’s land area is already used for crops or grazing. If food production is to keep pace with demand and adapt for environmental change, sustainable agricultural practices must be widely adopted.
Continued agricultural industrialisation and intensification has associated risks for food safety, unemployment and environmental degradation.
In contrast, sustainable agricultural practices aim to:
- change the way land and water resources are managed, so that their long-term productivity is optimized and sustained;
- contribute to the economic and social well-being of all;
- ensure a safe and high-quality supply of agricultural products;
- safeguard the livelihood and well-being of farmers, farm workers and their families;
- maintain landscapes rich in biodiversity; and
- mitigate climate change.
South Africa has a history of change, and is a country that adapts well to social and political changes. Once again we need to draw on our common resources and our commitment to mobilize our resources and change for the better. We need to realize that all South Africans are affected by the health of our agricultural sector. We are all in this together.
