The Standard Bank Group has mobilised R3.45 billion for climate‑smart agriculture in the last year, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable food systems, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.
The agriculture sector is highly vulnerable to climate volatility. Increasingly erratic weather patterns, water scarcity and rising input costs are placing pressure on farmers, requiring new approaches to managing risk and ensuring long‑term viability.
Louis van Ravesteyn, Standard Bank Group head of agriculture, said farmers are already responding to the realities of climate change, but scaling these solutions requires access to the right kind of finance.
“What we are seeing is a shift towards more resilient, efficient farming models that combine sustainability with productivity.
“The transition to climate‑smart practices is increasingly linked to improved operational efficiency, cost management and long‑term profitability for farmers,” Van Ravesteyn said.
Making climate-smart agriculture a priority
In a statement, the bank highlighted that the financing forms part of its broader sustainable finance commitment, which prioritises investments that deliver measurable environmental and social impact alongside financial returns.
Climate‑smart agriculture is a key focus area, given its role in supporting rural economies, job creation and food security.
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Boitumelo Sethlatswe, Standard Bank head of sustainability, said sustainable finance is ultimately about enabling real economy outcomes.
“By directing capital towards climate‑smart agriculture, we are supporting a transition that benefits producers, communities and ecosystems alike, while helping to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, strengthening resilience across the entire value chain.
“This is a critical component of a just transition, ensuring that as we respond to climate risks, we also safeguard livelihoods and enable inclusive growth,” Sethlatswe said.
As climate pressures intensify, the ability of farmers to adapt will play a large role in the stability of South Africa’s food systems and rural economies.
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