Pretoria - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana says South Africa would like to see smallholder and family farmers’ issues enjoy rights status at the G20 platform.
“Our line of thought is a focus on ensuring that the needs of these farmers, particularly women and youth, are taken into account, giving priority to increasing investment in agricultural technologies within agriculture value chains, as well as research and innovation from seed production up to the plate,” said Minister Zokwana.
He was speaking at the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Xi’an, China. The meeting is a gathering of all G20 Agriculture Ministers, guest countries as well as international organisations to share policy experiences and discuss innovative ways to advance agricultural development and food production in a changing global environment.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said South Africa would welcome initiatives that seek to address water security in line with the aspirations of the G20’s investment in infrastructure, taking into account that Africa depends on rain for agricultural production and food security.
“The G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting could consider investment in water infrastructure for irrigation to assist smallholder and subsistence farmers in building resilience during times of drought.
“We need to offer innovative financial products such as tailor-made insurance scheme and soft loans in support of this target group. We also believe that farmer incubation, mentorship and exchange programmes can enhance farmer production and productivity,” said Minister Zokwana.
South Africa would also like to see sustainable partnerships established within Africa and in the developing world, with other international programmes advancing agriculture and food security.
“We need to pace ourselves well in this regard and where possible, accelerate our efforts to achieve the ideal of finding synergies with each other,” the Minister said.
Food security
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, world food production needs to be increased by 60% from 2005-2050 to meet the global food demand.
One of the goals outlined by the G20 Summit of 2016 was to improve food security and nutrition.
The G20 goals are in line with what South African government strives to achieve. Poverty reduction and food security remain on top of the list for government.
South Africa has made significant strides and achieved the Millennium Development Goal 1 of halving the number of hungry people through food security programmes.
Minister Zokwana committed the country to do more to build resilience within the coping capacities of households.
“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) 2030 Agenda endorsed by world leaders provides a blueprint and a guide to monitor progress on targets for each member state going forward.
“As the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, we align well with SDGs 1, 2 and 12 of aiming to end poverty, hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable consumption and production,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
