Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

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Kindly see find my inputs.

Harvesting change: Harnessing emerging technologies and innovations for agrifood Global foresight synthesis report systems transformation: Global foresight synthesis report

South Africa’s inputs into the topic of “From Foresight to Field: Exploring regional and multistakeholder perspectives to implement a foresight on emerging technologies and innovations in agrifood systems,” is premised on the reality that producers/farmers have indigenous knowledge that has stood them in good stead over centuries and therefore technologies and innovations should build upon their past experiences. Producers at all levels, be it subsistence, smallholder and commercial levels play a critical role in the agrifood systems transformation, farming at all stages has an impact on the environment, hence the need for holistic approach towards agrifood systems. 

Critical to the development of technologies and innovations is the level of consultation and partnerships that occur amongst all stakeholders. At the Regional stakeholder engagements, the role of current policies and legislation are critical for the development of new technologies and innovations. Indeed, the ability of multi-stakeholders to collaborate and fund the development of technologies and innovations enables timeous implementation of these for supporting pathways of agrifood systems. 

South Africa has the National government sphere that has concurrent functions with Provincial Departments, for some of the key Departments. The National sphere provides Policy and legislative guidelines whilst Provincial Departments are the implementing arm of government, therefore working very closely with farmers/producers. A collaboration nexus exists between the National, Provincial and Local spheres with the producers/farmers at the centre. The five scenarios provided by the report become applicable to the SA situation. 

The SA dialogues involved all these stakeholders and the re-initiation of these dialogues to implement pathways will assist in igniting the food systems transformation deliberations. 

Consideration of additional drivers of agrifood systems for emergence of technology and innovation should be added as follows: 

1. The missing middle, these are youth above 18 years, enrolled at tertiary institutions – they are outside government school feeding programmes and not getting any form of government grants due to their age. Their livelihood support depends on other sources of income such as bursaries that “might” have student allowances. Introducing farming technologies at this level will enhance the ability of this grouping to generate their own food and other forms of income. A further missing middle category are adults at 60 years and above. Technologies for agrifood systems for this category will lesson the burden of hard labour involved in farming.  
2. Supply and Demand Estimates (knowing where we are in terms of food availability) as a source of information should guide the types of technology and innovation that get introduced. 

Leveraging private sector support for innovations will enhance further coverage and use of such innovations – the role of Institutions of Learning becomes critical.