For South Africa to achieve the United Nations goal of “Zero Hunger”, the country must enhance agricultural productivity and ensure equitable access to nutritious food.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni set out the requirements in a speech to a social justice summit in Cape Town. They include investing in sustainable farming practices, empowering smallholder farmers and promoting local food systems, according to a report by the SAnews government news agency.
Zero Hunger is Goal 2 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is about creating a world free of hunger. The global issue of hunger and food insecurity has shown a sharp increase since 2015, a trend exacerbated by a combination of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate change and deepening inequalities.
According to the United Nations (UN), by 2022, approximately 735 million people – or 9.2% of the world’s population – found themselves in a state of chronic hunger – a staggering rise compared to 2019.
Ntshavheni said by supporting farmers, the country can boost food production and create jobs, fostering both economic growth and community resilience.
“We must forge partnerships across government, the private sector and civil society, including academia, to create comprehensive strategies that tackle food insecurity,” she said, adding that collaboration is key if South Africa is to attain the goal of Zero Hunger.
“Supporting smallholder farmers through training and access to technology can empower communities and boost local food production.”
Ntshavheni said as the country’s population grows and climate change intensifies, the urgency of food security could not be overstated. Hunger was a multifaceted challenge that affected the economy, health system and the country’s social fabric.
