In a compelling address on the state of food and agriculture in South Africa, Ashleigh Theophanides, Chief Sustainability Officer at Deloitte Africa, highlighted the urgent challenges facing the sector and called for collaborative action to ensure food security for all South Africans.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The changing climate patterns in South Africa are impossible to ignore, with tangible effects being felt across the nation. Speaking at “The State of Food & Agriculture in South Africa – A Knowledge Sharing and Stakeholder Forum” event held at Deloitte offices in Midrand last week, Theophanides noted: “All of us have had experiences of being able to identify how the weather patterns are changing”. These changes, she said, necessitate new approaches to agriculture and food security, which are incredibly important and are one of the most important things that we need to consider.
According to Theophanides, three key pillars are critical to building a sustainable future for food in South Africa: the market access, climate adaptation and skills development. She emphasised agriculture is the heartbeat of our nation and it sustains livelihoods. “It feeds millions. And it holds the key to unlocking inclusive growth across Africa.”
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The personal dimension of food security was also highlighted, with Theophanides sharing she had the opportunity to speak to a few colleagues who, through various economic challenges, such as high inflation and currency depreciation, found it quite difficult at times to afford food. She pointed to small-scale backyard farming as evidence that food and nutrition is critical for every person.
The agricultural sector in South Africa faces numerous significant challenges that demand urgent attention. Climate shocks are disrupting harvests, infrastructure gaps are limiting market access, soil degradation is affecting crop yields and systemic barriers are resulting in reduced sales for small-scale farms. As Theophanides pointed out, “These challenges are not just in South Africa. We’re seeing this across Africa.”
The statistics paint a concerning picture. South Africa has approximately 2.5 million small-hold farmers compared to just 35 000 commercial farming units. Food insecurity is on the rise, with Theophanides revealing: “The proportion of South African households that are experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity has risen from just under 16% in 2019 to almost 20% in 2023.” She emphasised the broader implications saying, “This isn’t good for us. This isn’t good for our economy. This isn’t good for economic progress.”
Children’s nutritional status remains particularly concerning. While South Africa’s stunting rate of 21% is better than the African average of 30%, Theophanides stressed: “This doesn’t align with our goals and aspirations.” Climate change continues to exacerbate the situation, with Theophanides noting the 2024 midsummer drought and heatwave “caused 23% decline in our summer grains and oil seed harvests”.
Despite these challenges, Theophanides presented an optimistic vision for the future. “Imagine a small-hold farmer in Limpopo that can connect seamlessly to global markets through digital platforms. Drought resistant crops, regenerative practices that replace the soil irrigation, young Africans that are empowered as agri-tech innovators and sustainability leaders. This is the future we must co-create together.”
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To achieve this vision, Theophanides outlined a clear call to action centred on collaboration, innovation and investment. “Let’s break down the silos, let’s find ways to bring the different sectors together in order to co-create solutions that are sustainable, that are practical, that are meaningful, and that actually drive the change,” she urged.
She challenged conventional thinking with a powerful metaphor: “Don’t just colour outside the boxes; throw the boxes out. Let’s create a new world.” This innovative mindset should be applied to addressing climate resilience and leveraging emerging technologies like AI.
Investment is equally critical, as Theophanides questioned, “How do we ensure we mobilise the right resources in infrastructure, technology, and of course, ensuring that we take the right steps to make the right decisions?” She also emphasised the importance of empowering South Africa’s youth and ensuring inclusivity: “How do we take our youth dividends and empower them? How do we ensure no farmer or community is left behind?”
The path forward requires decisive action from all stakeholders – from CEOs to policymakers, from researchers to rural change makers. Theophanides concluded: “It’s only through this connective action with these diverse voices, these diverse perspectives, these diverse experiences that we are able to drive meaningful progress.”
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