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Climate-Smart agriculture at the heart of South Africa’s food systems transformation

19 January 2026

Caption: R-L: Moderator: Ms. Khanyi Mlambo, Fellow, Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership, Ms. Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, MEC of Agriculture in Gauteng, Mr. Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist, Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa and Ms. Zoleka Lisa, Corporate Affairs Vice President, South African Breweries (SAB)

Transforming South Africa’s food systems is not only an environmental imperative, but a social and economic one.

Across South Africa, climate change is reshaping how food is grown, distributed and accessed. Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and rising input costs are placing increasing pressure on farmers and food systems with smallholder producers and low-income communities feeling the impact most acutely. For many households, food security has become inseparable from climate resilience and economic inclusion.

Transforming South Africa’s food systems is therefore not only an environmental imperative, but a social and economic one.

The South Africa Business Initiative for Impact (SABII), anchored in the UN’s Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), is advancing collaborative action to turn this challenge into opportunity. By convening leaders from business, government and development, SABII is driving inclusive solutions across digitization, energy transition, food systems transformation and human capital development aligned with national priorities and global commitments.

At the center of this work is food systems transformation and climate-smart agriculture recognized as a critical pathway to strengthen food security, support rural livelihoods and build resilient supply chains. Climate-smart approaches, including regenerative agriculture, water-efficient practices, improved seed systems and the use of technology and data, are helping farmers adapt to climate shocks while increasing productivity and safeguarding natural resources.

At the launch of SABII in November 2025, discussions underscored the urgent need to scale these solutions inclusively. This means de-risking investment in sustainable agriculture, unlocking innovative financing models for smallholder farmers and Agri-entrepreneurs, and strengthening market access through digital tools and infrastructure. Reducing food loss and waste across the value chain, while promoting indigenous and affordable produce, also emerged as a powerful opportunity to address hunger, create jobs and enhance nutrition.

The message was clear: food systems transformation must be people centered. It must recognize farmers not only as producers, but as stewards of the land, drivers of local economies and essential partners in climate action.

We need decisive action. Building resilient, inclusive and climate-smart food systems requires bold commitments to support smallholder farmers, invest in regenerative agriculture, reduce food loss and waste, and elevate heritage foods that are nutritious, affordable and climate-resilient.

South Africa’s choices today will determine whether the country’s food systems deepen inequality or become a foundation for shared prosperity. Climate-smart agriculture offers a pathway to nourish communities, protect ecosystems and secure livelihoods ensuring that no one is left behind as the country builds a more resilient and sustainable future.