Bronwynn Engelbrecht, the Democratic Alliance’s Gauteng shadow MEC for agriculture and rural development, has issued a clarion call for action to address the pressing issues of farmers’ safety and climate change mitigation, emphasising their pivotal role in ensuring food security.
In a statement, she highlighted the stark reality facing Gauteng, despite its status as the wealthiest province in the country.
“A significant portion of its population struggles to access enough nutritious food,” she remarked, citing data from the 2020 General Household Survey (GHS) conducted by Statistics South Africa, which revealed that 27.9% of households in Gauteng experienced moderate to severe food insecurity.
“Farming has become a hazardous profession,” Engelbrecht continued, pointing to the myriad challenges confronting farmers, including unstable climate conditions, land invasions, livestock theft, and violent attacks.
“Without committed farmers, residents face potentially reduced agricultural production, leading to supply shortages and increased food prices,” she cautioned.
Holistic approach to address food insecurity
Engelbrecht underscored the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle food insecurity, including poverty alleviation, employment creation, and environmental stewardship.
She highlighted the detrimental impact of governmental neglect in water preservation and climate change planning, urging proactive measures to mitigate these challenges.
Drawing from successful models in other provinces, Engelbrecht proposed replicating initiatives that enhance rural security, improve infrastructure, and foster innovation in agricultural practices. “The DA believes that rural safety is critical to ensuring that our farmers are motivated to farm and provide affordable food on our tables,” she asserted.
Engelbrecht reiterated the DA’s commitment to advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritise the well-being of farmers and promote a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Gauteng.
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