Maize production in South Africa is set to decrease by 30% due to climate change. Almost two-thirds of Africa’s arable land, including in South Africa, is expected to be lost by 2025 due to lack of rainfall and drought. Climate change is posing a disastrous threat on agriculture.
The call for leading minds in the industry to congregate, communicate, and action changes that will enable farmers to both adapt and mitigate climate change is as loud as ever.
Food for Mzansi’s AgriClimate ‘24 Summit, discussing Climate Change and Agriculture taking place on Friday the 18th of October, is set to do just that. They’ve invited a selection of leading minds in the industry to discuss research, innovations, and solutions for the future of farming in the face of critical climate conditions.
The summit will face uncertainty in the future of farming, and discuss the measures that need to be put in place to ensure food resilience.
Begin by Consulting The Agricultural Experts
Speakers will cover an array of topics, namely technology advancements, regenerative agriculture, youth-led innovations, climate-resilient crops, and sustainability efforts.
Advancements in e-mobility are driven by the need to decelerate the effects of a warming world. In South Africa, everything connects back to agriculture and food security. Our Executive Chairman, Joubert Roux, will be outlining exactly how electric vehicle innovation will impact the future of agriculture, both environmentally and economically.
Dr Tara Southey, founder and CEO of TerraClim, will deliver the key-note address. She will discuss precision agricultural technology, explaining the value of data in building agricultural resilience. Joining her in the AgriTech arena is Chantel Arendse, who will speak on biotechnology and its importance in the environmental conditions we face.
Dr Hedrik Smith and Marla Naido will speak about regenerative agriculture and how it builds healthier ecosystems, biodiversity, and soil. Dimpo Xhaba’s research revolves around sweet potato crops and how varying water conditions affect their root growth.
The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) will be represented by Buhlebemvelo Dube, Bhekani Zonde and Thulani Ningi. They will give a macroeconomic view on a few of the climate’s effects on South Africa’s biggest crop and livestock productions.
Siphiwe Sitole, founder of African Marmalade farm, will cover indigenous crops and how they can revive local food systems and promote sustainable farming practices.
Dr Andre Laas and Ryan Marsden will talk about community farming. Laas covers the social franchise model for sustainable farming focuses on making urban agriculture profitable and scalable through climate-smart, water-efficient technologies that don’t rely on electricity, and Marsden discusses urban climate-resilient agriculture, and how it empowers communities.
Pieter Van Niekerk discusses carbon credits in South African agriculture, and how farmers can play the game to their advantage.
Hope For a Greener, Sustainable Future
Coming together to discuss new understanding and insights into a threatened industry not only brings hope and energy to the future of farming, but also an action plan, with innovative approaches to adapting to and overcoming climate change.
Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to agriculture in South Africa, but events like the AgriClimate ’24 Summit show our determination and resilience. By bringing together experts, farmers, and innovators, we’re not just discussing problems, we’re building solutions.
A new era of farming is taking root—one that’s more resilient, more sustainable, and more in tune with the rhythms of our changing planet. In the face of great challenges, human ingenuity and determination can flourish. The seeds of a sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural sector are being sown today, promising a greener, more secure tomorrow.
Jennifer Worthington-Smith is the content creator and illustrator for Zero Carbon Charge. She is driven by the South African project and helping humanity to lighten their heavy tread on our land.
