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Improving the Food and Nutritional Security of Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: Evidence from the InnovAfrica Project

Author

Listed:
  • Lindumusa Myeni

    (Agricultural Research Council–Natural Resources and Engineering, Private Bag X79, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Mokhele Edmond Moeletsi

    (Agricultural Research Council–Natural Resources and Engineering, Private Bag X79, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
    Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Centre, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa)

  • Isaiah Nyagumbo

    (CIMMYT, Mount Pleasant, Harare P.O. Box MP 163, Zimbabwe)

  • Salome Modiselle

    (Agricultural Research Council–Economic Analysis Unit, 1134 Park St, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa)

  • Lebohang Mokoena

    (Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Private Bag X01, Glen, Bloemfontein 9360, South Africa)

  • Ikalafeng Ben Kgakatsi

    (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Private Bag X250, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

Abstract

This article highlights evidence and lessons learned from the InnovAfrica project conducted by the Agricultural Research Council in collaboration with other international organizations between 2017 and 2021. This project aimed to test and upscale best-bet Sustainable Agricultural Intensification (SAI) practices through Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs) and improved dissemination strategies across six African countries (viz. Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania). The goal of the project was to improve the food and nutritional security of smallholder farmers in Africa. The article briefly discusses some of the key challenges that smallholder agriculture is facing, results from the agricultural interventions brought in by the InnovAfrica project, evidence-based actions and policy recommendations to improve the sustainable agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers in the South African case study. The study showed that SAI practices increased crop yields and build climate-resilient farming communities. It is recommended that the promotion of SAI practices should be supported by enabling institutions and conducive policies that will enhance access to inputs, market linkages, improved access to credit and good agricultural lands, the establishment of functional farmer groups and participatory learning models. These recommendations can be used by the government and other agencies to develop effective interventions to improve food and nutrition security.

Suggested Citation

  • Lindumusa Myeni & Mokhele Edmond Moeletsi & Isaiah Nyagumbo & Salome Modiselle & Lebohang Mokoena & Ikalafeng Ben Kgakatsi, 2021. "Improving the Food and Nutritional Security of Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: Evidence from the InnovAfrica Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9902-:d:628331
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mpandeli, S. & Nhamo, Luxon & Moeletsi, M. & Masupha, T. & Magidi, J. & Tshikolomo, K. & Liphadzi, S. & Naidoo, D. & Mabhaudhi, T., 2019. "Assessing climate change and adaptive capacity at local scale using observed and remotely sensed data," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 1-26:100240.
    2. Sheahan, Megan & Barrett, Christopher B., 2017. "Ten striking facts about agricultural input use in Sub-Saharan Africa," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 12-25.
    3. Lindumusa Myeni & Mokhele Moeletsi & Mulalo Thavhana & Mulalo Randela & Lebohang Mokoena, 2019. "Barriers Affecting Sustainable Agricultural Productivity of Smallholder Farmers in the Eastern Free State of South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-18, May.
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    1. Batizi Serote & Salmina Mokgehle & Grany Senyolo & Christian du Plooy & Samkelisiwe Hlophe-Ginindza & Sylvester Mpandeli & Luxon Nhamo & Hintsa Araya, 2023. "Exploring the Barriers to the Adoption of Climate-Smart Irrigation Technologies for Sustainable Crop Productivity by Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from South Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-19, January.

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