Food Security & Policy in Southern Africa: The Fight for Our Future

In the sprawling landscapes of Southern Africa, where sunburnt savannahs meet fertile valleys, a new battle is unfolding—a battle for food security that could shape the future of our region and the lives of millions of young Africans. For decades, food security has been one of the most pressing challenges in this part of the world, but now, with the onset of climate change, the intensifying threat of economic instability, and a rapidly growing population, the stakes are higher than ever.

For young people—the generation most poised to feel the long-term impacts of today’s decisions—the conversation around food security is not just about survival but about economic independence, innovation, and social justice. The question is no longer, "Can we feed everyone?" It’s "How can we reimagine agriculture, policy, and sustainability to feed the future?"

The Current Landscape: Where Are We Now?

Southern Africa has experienced recurring crises of food insecurity, amplified by socio-economic disparities, climate change, and inefficient agricultural systems. According to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), 47.6 million people were food insecure as of 2023. This figure includes the most vulnerable populations from countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Lesotho.

A report by World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that about 3.9 million children in Southern Africa are currently facing acute malnutrition. This is echoed in findings by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which has repeatedly warned that climate change and socio-economic challenges will worsen hunger, especially in rural areas. Dr. David Phiri, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, emphasized the crisis, stating, "The situation remains precarious. Without long-term investment in sustainable agricultural practices and poverty alleviation, this trend will continue to accelerate."

Yet, food insecurity in Southern Africa is not just about production. It’s about access, affordability, and the right policy frameworks. Even in years of bumper harvests, inequalities in food distribution and economic access exacerbate the hunger crisis.

In countries like South Africa, where agriculture contributes around 2.5% to GDP, the problem is not one of food availability but access. According to Stats SA, food prices have risen by 14% between 2022 and 2023, outstripping wage growth and leaving many households unable to afford a balanced diet. This disparity is mirrored across the region.

Policies and Politics: Who Is Really in Control?

In a region where food security is closely linked to political power, land reform policies are often framed as solutions but have also introduced new challenges. In Zimbabwe, the government's controversial land redistribution program of the early 2000s, which saw large-scale farms seized and redistributed to smallholder farmers, led to a collapse in agricultural output. As UNDP's Zimbabwe report highlights, the country experienced a 60% decline in maize production and a dramatic increase in food imports, leaving the population vulnerable to hunger and inflation.

Similarly, South Africa’s ongoing debate over land expropriation without compensation has drawn mixed reactions. Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, emphasized the government's stance, stating:

"We must correct the injustices of the past. Land reform is about economic empowerment, and food security will not be compromised if we do it right."

However, there is growing concern among farmers and investors that such policies, if implemented poorly, could have similar consequences to those in Zimbabwe. AgriSA, one of South Africa’s largest agricultural organizations, has warned that 72% of South African farmers feel insecure about their land ownership, and this uncertainty could disrupt future investments in the sector.

For smaller countries, such as Malawi, land reforms are focused less on redistribution and more on enabling smallholder farmers to gain secure land rights. A Malawi National Land Policy report notes, “Security of land tenure will enable smallholder farmers to invest in productivity-enhancing measures.” Malawi’s move towards legalizing communal and individual land rights is seen as a critical step to increasing farm productivity, but widespread implementation is still a long way off.

Youth at the Forefront: The Agri-Tech Revolution

Across Southern Africa, the narrative is beginning to shift. Young entrepreneurs are stepping up and reshaping agriculture through technology. These digital-first innovations have opened new possibilities for addressing food security and transforming agriculture into a thriving, modern industry.

In Zambia, Musika, an NGO promoting agricultural development, has noted a sharp rise in youth-led agribusiness startups. Reuben Banda, Musika's CEO, emphasized the role of young people in agriculture, stating:

"Young people bring fresh ideas to agriculture. They are the ones who can bridge the gap between traditional farming and cutting-edge technology."

In South Africa, the National Development Plan 2030 recognizes the role of youth in agriculture, aiming to create one million agricultural jobs by 2030. Youth participation is also crucial for implementing climate-smart agriculture, which will be central to building resilience against climate change.

Projects like AgriLab in South Africa offer training to young farmers, teaching them to use drones for precision farming, enabling better monitoring of crops and soil health. This reduces water and fertilizer waste, increases yields, and lowers operational costs. Similarly, the FarmDrive platform, which helps small-scale farmers access credit by using mobile data to assess creditworthiness, is leveling the playing field.

Climate Change: The Elephant in the Room

Climate change is the biggest threat to Southern Africa's food security. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the region is warming at twice the global average. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events are causing devastating losses in agricultural output.

In a report released by South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre, it was estimated that the country has lost R5 billion due to drought in just the last three years. Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, stated:

“Our farmers are on the frontlines of climate change. We must act quickly to support them with the resources they need—better irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops, and more resilient infrastructure.”

Mozambique, which faces recurrent cyclones, has lost entire farming seasons due to extreme floods, with Cyclone Idai in 2019 displacing over 1.7 million people and destroying vast amounts of agricultural land. WFP Regional Director Lola Castro noted, "Mozambique is a prime example of how climate change is exacerbating food insecurity. We must invest in sustainable farming practices now, or the situation will only get worse."

At the local level, young farmers are leading the charge in climate-smart agriculture. In Zimbabwe, the Climate Change Program for Resilient Agriculture (CCPRA) is training farmers to adopt crop rotation and conservation agriculture to restore soil health. Conservation Agriculture (CA), which emphasizes no-till farming and soil cover, is proving effective in reducing water use and maintaining soil fertility. As Tariro Mashingaidze, a young farmer from Zimbabwe, put it:

“Climate-smart agriculture is the future. We have to protect our soils and adapt if we want to survive the next decade.”

The Role of Stakeholders: Private Sector and NGOs

While governments are key players in shaping food security, the role of the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) cannot be ignored. Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private stakeholders are crucial to implementing sustainable solutions.

Oxfam International recently partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to launch a $250 million fund aimed at supporting smallholder farmers across the continent, including in Southern Africa. The fund will focus on helping farmers access technology, improve infrastructure, and increase yields. Oxfam's Executive Director, Gabriela Bucher, highlighted:

"Investing in smallholder farmers is investing in food security. We must ensure that they have the tools and resources needed to feed the continent."

In the private sector, companies like Yara International, a global leader in crop nutrition, have launched initiatives in Zambia and Malawi to provide subsidized fertilizers and training programs to smallholder farmers. Svein Tore Holsether, Yara’s CEO, emphasized the importance of such programs:

“The small farmers we’re helping today are the key to feeding Africa tomorrow. Sustainable farming must be at the heart of Africa’s agricultural transformation.”

The Way Forward: Policy Must Catch Up to Innovation

The future of food security in Southern Africa will hinge on policies that are not just reactive but proactive, inclusive, and youth-centered. As we push forward, policy frameworks must:

• Ensure youth access to land and finance.
• Prioritize climate-smart agriculture in national development plans.
• Facilitate regional trade agreements to enhance food distribution during crises.
• Strengthen partnerships with the private sector and NGOs to scale solutions.

Southern Africa cannot afford to leave its food future to chance. As Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the UN’s Special Envoy for the 2021 Food Systems Summit, stated:

“We need systemic change to address food insecurity in Africa. This change must come from the ground up, with governments creating the conditions for sustainable farming, and young people leading the charge in innovation.”

Conclusion: The Future Is in Our Hands

Food security in Southern Africa is a multifaceted challenge that touches every aspect of our society—politics, economics, technology, and the environment. But it is also a challenge rich with opportunity. For the youth of Southern Africa, agriculture is no longer just a means of survival; it is a platform for innovation, empowerment, and global leadership.

By embracing sustainable practices, leveraging technology, and pushing for the right policy changes, Southern Africa’s young farmers and entrepreneurs can lead the way in building a more food-secure future.

Thanks for reading ❤