Experts issue warning that everyday pantry staples may soon become unaffordable: ‘We are already seeing, and will continue to see, volatility’ – The Cool Down

Report on Southern Africa’s Food Security and Climate Challenges

Overview of Current Food Security Concerns

At the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference held in Johannesburg, experts highlighted critical threats to Southern Africa’s food security due to worsening climate conditions. The panel emphasized the urgent need to address these challenges in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Climate Impact on Food Production

1. Extreme Heat and Drought: Dr. Yolandi Ernst from the Global Change Institute warned that Botswana and South Africa face increasing risks from extreme heat, with rainfall becoming infrequent and unpredictable, leading to prolonged droughts.
2. Volatility in Crop Yields: Phelisa Nkomo reported ongoing and future fluctuations in agricultural yields, resulting in higher food prices and exacerbated food insecurity.

Significance of Africa’s Food Security in the Global Context

Africa’s food security is a critical global concern due to the continent’s vulnerability to climate change, despite its relatively low per capita pollution footprint. This situation directly relates to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), as environmental degradation threatens ecosystems and livelihoods.

• Disproportionate Climate Warming: Africa is warming faster than the global average, causing diverse climate extremes such as flooding and drought.
• Humanitarian Impact: In 2024, excessive rainfall and flooding caused approximately 2,500 deaths and displaced four million people, while severe drought in Southern Africa affected 27 million people with food shortages.
• Rising Food Inflation: Food prices have surged, with Zimbabwe experiencing a food inflation rate of 55.3%, intensifying food insecurity and economic strain.
• Population Growth Pressure: Africa’s population is projected to double by 2070, increasing the urgency to ensure sustainable food systems and resilient agricultural practices.

Strategies and Actions to Address the Food Production Crisis

Experts at the WUWM conference advocated for localized and sustainable approaches to mitigate food insecurity, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

1. Localized Research and Data Collection: Dr. Ernst emphasized the need for Africa-specific data and research to develop targeted interventions.
2. Reducing Food Waste: Promoting smarter shopping habits and minimizing food loss are essential steps to improve food availability and sustainability.
3. Investment in Clean Energy: Transitioning to clean energy sources supports sustainable agriculture and reduces climate impact.
4. Sustainable Farming Practices: Adoption of no-till farming methods in South Africa and traditional sustainable agriculture in Western Africa have shown promising results in increasing yields and preserving soil health.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Addressing Southern Africa’s food security challenges requires integrated efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainable agriculture, and reducing food waste are critical to safeguarding the region’s food systems and ecosystems. Collaborative action among governments, industry stakeholders, and communities is essential to achieve these goals and ensure a sustainable future.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses food security challenges in Southern Africa, including food shortages, volatility in yields, and rising food prices.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights the impact of climate change, such as extreme heat, droughts, and flooding, on food production and ecosystems.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article mentions strategies to reduce food waste and promote smarter shopping choices.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – The article refers to threats to ecosystems and habitats due to extreme weather and climate change.
5. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article advocates for long-term investments in clean energy to support sustainable food production.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable food production systems.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.3: Halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
5. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Food Security and Hunger Indicators
   • Prevalence of undernourishment or food shortages (implied by the mention of 27 million people affected by food shortages in Southern Africa).
   • Food price inflation rates (e.g., Zimbabwe’s 55.3% food inflation rate).
   • Volatility in crop yields (implied by discussions of yield fluctuations due to climate conditions).
2. Climate Impact and Adaptation Indicators
   • Frequency and severity of droughts and floods (e.g., record flooding causing fatalities and displacement, worst drought in a century).
   • Rate of temperature increase or warming in Africa compared to global averages.
3. Food Waste Reduction Indicators
   • Reduction in food waste at retail and consumer levels (implied by calls for smarter shopping and waste reduction strategies).
4. Renewable Energy Use Indicators
   • Investment levels and adoption rates of clean energy technologies in agriculture and food production.
5. Ecosystem Health Indicators
   • Extent of habitat loss or degradation due to climate-related events.
   • Conservation status of terrestrial ecosystems affected by extreme weather.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: thecooldown.com