South Africa should use its remaining term as leader of the G20 group of countries to help drive the African continent’s food security agenda.
In an article in The Conversation, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo noted that, as president of the G20 this year, South Africa had established a task force dedicated to food security.
The task force should focus on promoting food security through better agricultural productivity, Sihlobo said.
“Agricultural growth is generally two to three times more effective at reducing poverty than an equivalent amount of growth generated in other industries (for example, car manufacturing or mining).
“Positive spin-offs from agricultural productivity have the most impact on the poorest individuals in society. Increased food supplies reduce poverty, and lessen food insecurity and malnutrition.”
Sihlobo said the food security task force would consider four broad interventions in agriculture. They were knowledge-sharing on climate-smart agricultural practices, improving food security through trade, improving fertiliser manufacturing and trade, and sharing knowledge of agricultural technology and investment opportunities.
“Knowledge sharing should go beyond technology and include best policy practices. Insights about how South Africa, Australia, the European Union and Canada, to name a few, progressed in agriculture would be valuable.
“As a chair, the South African government should define a clear agenda that takes into account what has been done by countries like Brazil to achieve positive outcomes in agricultural productivity and global trade. At the same time, the South African G20 presidency should chart a new future-ready path,” Sihlobo said.
