Beyond Maize: Why Neglected Crops Are SA’s Climate-Smart Future
From the protein-packed cowpea to flood-hardy amadumbe, native African crops are proving to be agricultural game-changers. As global supply chains wobble, Dr Matelele Lehlogonolo, a scientist in the department of agriculture, says turning to resilient indigenous species protects both farm yields and household nutrition.
Global agriculture is facing one of the most challenging periods in modern history. A combination of geopolitical tensions, climate instability, and economic pressures has created what experts describe as a “perfect storm” for food production and food security.
The ripple effects of conflicts in strategic regions, disruptions to fertiliser and fuel supply chains, rising food prices, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are being felt across continents. Farmers are battling escalating production costs while consumers face higher food prices and growing uncertainty about future food availability.