Key Takeaways
- Advanced agricultural technologies are empowering South African farmers to combat food security and climate change challenges.
- South Africa, a net exporter of agricultural products, relies significantly on both formal and informal sectors for food security.
- Corteva Agriscience is investing in innovative seed technologies to help farmers increase productivity amid environmental challenges.
Adapting to Climate Challenges
South Africa is facing significant threats to food security and agricultural stability due to climate change. Advanced agricultural technologies are becoming crucial for both smallholder and commercial farmers to adapt and thrive in these challenging conditions. Abraham Vermeulen, commercial lead for Africa and the Middle East at Corteva Agriscience, emphasized the organization’s commitment to enriching lives through agriculture and ensuring sustainable progress for future generations.
According to Vermeulen, South Africa is a substantial net exporter, generating $14 billion from agricultural goods like fruit, wine, and nuts. The sector contributes 3% to the national GDP and accounts for 5% of total employment. Importantly, these figures reflect only the formal economy, while the informal sector adds roughly 2 million households involved in food production for personal consumption.
The agricultural sector has seen a stable employment landscape, with an increase of 113,000 jobs from 2019 to 2023. Emerging farmers’ contributions to agricultural output have also grown, now comprising 11% of total production. Despite these positive trends, Vermeulen noted that climate change continues to challenge agriculture, leading to decreased crop yields and increased pest pressures.
Sophisticated technological investments are being made to tackle these issues, with Corteva developing drought-tolerant and pest-resistant seed hybrids that enhance productivity even under adverse conditions. The company is committed to providing high-quality seeds and crop protection products, optimizing farming practices and minimizing losses caused by pests, diseases, and unpredictable weather.
Vermeulen highlighted Corteva’s significant investments in South Africa, which demonstrate a commitment to advancing local agricultural development through enhanced infrastructure and research capabilities. These efforts aim to support sustainable food production for key crops such as maize, sunflower, canola, and soybeans.
By fostering agricultural innovation and reinforcing food security measures, Corteva Agriscience positions itself as a vital partner in South Africa’s agricultural landscape. The company remains dedicated to advancing agricultural science, empowering farmers, and ensuring food availability for the nation both now and in the future.
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