Towards regional food security in southern Africa: a (new) policy framework for the agricultural sector

Rooyen, Johan van; Sigwele, H.K.

doi:10.1016/s0306-9192(98)00057-8

Cited by 26 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Traditional agricultural practices in SSA have been addressed in relation to soil degradation (Choker and Odemerho, 1994), soil nutrients and SOM depletion (Stromgaard, 1991;Dakora and Keya, 1997;Sanchez and Leakey, 1997;Nye and Greenland, 1958), soil pests (Hillocks et al, 1996), pest management (Abate et al, 2000), and plant defense mechanisms (van der Westhuizen, 2004). Among commonly promoted strategies for achieving food security in SSA are: cooperative regionalism (Ugwuanyi and Obinne, 1998), drought management (Hubbard et al, 1992), improvement of roots and tuberous crops such as cassava (Manihoc esculenta) (Prudencio and Alhassan, 1994), use of indigenous knowledge (Oniang'o et al, 2004), integrated food systems (Hulse, 2004), macroeconomic and public policy (Rukuni, 2002), structural adjustment programs (Amalu, 2002), multiple livelihood strategies of women farmers using micro-enterprises (Gladwin et al, 2001), political economy of urban population (Sutherland et al, 1999), incomegenerating employment (Duncan, 1998;McCalla, 1999) and policy framework (van Rooyen and Sigwele, 1998).…”

Section: Constraints To Transforming Traditional Agriculture In Sub-smentioning

confidence: 99%

Soils and food sufficiency. A review

Lal

2009

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

191

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-Soil degradation, caused by land misuse and soil mismanagement, has plagued humanity since the dawn of settled agriculture. Many once thriving civilizations collapsed due to erosion, salinization, nutrient depletion and other soil degradation processes. The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, that saved hundreds of millions from starvation in Asia and elsewhere, by-passed Sub-Saharan Africa. This remains the only region in the world where the number of hungry and food-insecure populations will still be on the increase even by 2020. The serious technological and political challenges are being exacerbated by the rising energy costs. Resource-poor and small-size land-holders can neither afford the expensive input nor are they sure of their effectiveness because of degraded soils and the harsh, changing climate. Consequently, crop yields are adversely impacted by accelerated erosion, and depletion of soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrients because of the extractive farming practices. Low crop yields, despite growing improved varieties, are due to the severe soil degradation, especially the low SOM reserves and poor soil structure that aggravate drought stress. Components of recommended technology include: no-till; residue mulch and cover crops; integrated nutrient management; and biochar used in conjunction with improved crops (genetically modified, biotechnology) and cropping systems, and energy plantation for biofuel production. However, its low acceptance, e.g. for no-till farming, is due to a range of biophysical, social and economic factors. Competing uses of crop residues for other needs is among numerous factors limiting the adoption of no-till farming. Creating another income stream for resource-poor farmers, through payments for ecosystem services, e.g., C sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems, is an important strategy for promoting the adoption of recommended technologies. Adoption of improved soil management practices is essential to adapt to the changing climate, and meeting the needs of growing populations for food, fodder, fuel and fabrics. Soil restoration and sustainable management are essential to achieving food security, and global peace and stability.food security / soil restoration / sustainable development / soil degradation / conservation agriculture / no-till farming / biochar / integrated nutrient management

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Section: Constraints To Transforming Traditional Agriculture In Sub-smentioning

confidence: 99%

Soils and food sufficiency. A review

Lal

2009

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

191

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“…In Southern Africa, large populations are malnourished as well. The bulk of these populations reside in rural areas, with large numbers experiencing food insecurity (Van Rooyen and Sigwele, 1998). In these areas, small-scale farming plays an important role in food security.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Productivity of maize-bean intercropping in a semi-arid region of South Africa

Tsubo¹,

Mukhala²,

Ogindo³

et al. 2004

WSA

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Food shortage is known to have been caused by overpopulation, natural disasters and poor food distribution. In areas facing food insecurity, such as Africa, peasants or small-scale farmers have practised intercropping since old times. In this study, an investigation was carried out to determine whether intercropping increased production for small-scale farming in a semi-arid region (Free State, South Africa). Crop productivity of maize and bean intercropping systems was evaluated in terms of crop yield and growth. The effect of radiation and water utilisation by these systems was measured to determine their productivity. Field trials were carried out during three summer crop growing seasons (plant densities, row orientation and sowing date trials. In all growing seasons, rainfall was below normal, and air temperatures were normal. The total land equivalent ratios for yield and growth ranged between 1.06 to 1.58 and 1.38 to 1.86 respectively, showing yield and growth advantage of intercropping. Concerning radiation and water use, the intercropping of maize and beans had both radiation and water use efficiencies (RUE and WUE, respectively) as high as maize sole cropping, and intercropping RUE and WUE were greater than bean sole cropping. From these results, it has been concluded that maize-bean intercropping can be recommended to small-scale farmers in this semi-arid region.

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“…With its wide range of arable land, Africa has important advantages, such as climatic conditions and low labor costs. On the other hand, politics (OLUKOSHI, 2006), land control (CONNOLLY; CONNOLLY; LYON, 2012) and the movement of the population to urban areas ( VAN ROOYEN;SIGWELE, 1998;HAGGBLADE, 2011) represent great challenges to agricultural activities on the African continent. Previous studies suggested that the poor performance of agriculture in Africa is caused by inadequate investment and policies in the agricultural sector (FAN; ZHANG; RAO, 2004;TIMMER, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Brazilian Agribusiness Facing African Food Insecurity

Abbade

Dewes

2015

Rev. Agro. Amb.

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Brazilian agriculture has achieved high production levels in recent years. In contrast, agricultural production in Africa is low, but it shows great potential. This paper discusses the agricultural profiles of the main regions of Africa as well as the agribusiness partnership established between Africa and Brazil. This research is based on descriptive analysis of data collected in official agencies, such as FAO, the World Bank, the United Nations, and the Africa-Brazil Institute. This study points collaborative projects currently active in the agribusiness partnership between Africa and Brazil. Several active collaborative projects are located in Western and Eastern Africa, which are problematic and unstable regions. We argue that Brazil can help African development through a sharp focus on both elementary and emancipatory projects. Thus, attention to Middle Africa should focus on political and conflict instabilities, since these problems might prevent a collaborative partnership with the Brazilian agribusiness sector. The main limitation of this study is that it is based on vague data obtained in official agencies. Another limitation is the absence of details about the active projects. This paper is an important contribution to the literature regarding food security, political instability, and economic development in Africa. It suggests the need for a better alignment between political and private efforts focused on the alleviation of urgent problems.

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Towards regional food security in southern Africa: a (new) policy framework for the agricultural sector

Cited by 26 publications

References 4 publications

Soils and food sufficiency. A review

Soils and food sufficiency. A review

Productivity of maize-bean intercropping in a semi-arid region of South Africa

Brazilian Agribusiness Facing African Food Insecurity

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