Reaping the benefits transformation of in the grain sector

In order to continue improving its food security, South Africa must rely on the contribution of all farmers, both commercial and emerging. A project that's making great strides in both food production and transformation in the local grain sector is Grain SA's Farmer Development Programme. Magda du Toit reports.

-  Magda du Toit

In 2021, the Global Food Security Index, which measures food affordability, availability, quality and safety, as well as sustainability and adaptation, across 113 countries, put South Africa in 70th position in terms of overall food security.

One year later, South Africa moved to 59th place, making it the most food-secure country in Africa.

This significant improvement shows that the country is currently on a positive trajectory towards improving its food security. But in order for it to continue on this path, the agriculture sector requires significant transformation.

This means that emerging farmers will require even more support to make a greater contribution to the sector in order to boost South Africa’s food security while simultaneously improving their own lives.

CONTRIBUTING TO THE CAUSE

Through its Farmer Development Programme (FDP), Grain SA is doing its part to encourage transformation in the grain sector and food production in general.

According to Dr Sandile Ngcamphalala, farmer development lead at Grain SA, the organisation has been investing in the sustainable development of emerging farmers from subsistence to commercial production since the early 2000s.

“Because our programme is about farmer development, our primary aim is to assist farmers who are actively growing grain to do so profitably and sustainably using the best available technology and practices,” he explains.

Ngcamphalala adds that Grain SA’s goal is to address food security and sovereignty in South Africa, help those who have access to land to generate incomes for themselves, create jobs, and protect the country’s natural resources.