As South Africa confronts food security threats and climate instability, advanced agricultural technology, such as crop solutions and education initiatives, is enabling smallholder and commercial farmers to adapt and thrive.
Corteva Agriscience commercial lead for Africa and the Middle East, Abraham Vermeulen, said their purpose is clear: to enrich the lives of those who produce and consume, and ensure progress for generations to come.
He said they are proud to stand alongside local farmers, empowering them with innovative solutions that drive productivity with sustainability, as South Africa faces mounting agricultural and food security challenges.
Vermeulen stated that South Africa is a net exporter ($14 billion, including fruit, wine, and nuts) of agricultural produce, with primary agriculture contributing 3% to the national gross domestic product and 5% of total employment in 2023.
Farming on the frontlines of climate change
He said these statistics only represent the formal economy and play a vital role in food security, with the informal economy adding at least another 2 million households producing food for their own consumption.
“The sector’s employment is stable, with an additional 113 000 jobs created between 2019 and 2023. The contribution of emerging farmers has significantly increased, accounting for 11% of total agricultural output in 2023,” he said.
Related stories
- Corteva Agriscience launches seed treatment lab in SA
- Empower rural women to drive change, tackle global challenges
- In pictures: Corteva Agriscience leads the way
Vermeulen said there is no denying that farmers worldwide experience challenges, and climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture across Africa, threatening food security and the livelihoods of millions. The continent is experiencing rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns, which disrupt traditional farming practices.
“These climatic shifts lead to reduced crop yields, increased pest and disease pressures and heightened vulnerability for smallholder farmers who lack access to adaptive technologies. Consequently, Africa faces a growing food insecurity crisis with projections indicating that climate change could reduce yields for some crops by up to 35% by 2050,” he said.
Investing in seed technologies, food security
Vermeulen said that through enabling innovation and technology, Corteva Agriscience aims to alleviate these challenges. “The company develops advanced seed technologies, including drought-tolerant and pest-resistant hybrids that help farmers increase productivity despite challenging environmental conditions.
“The company focuses on providing high-quality seeds, crop protection and biological products that optimise farming practices and reduce losses from pests, diseases and adverse weather.”
He highlighted some of the successes they have, such as investment in South Africa, which has reflected a strong commitment to local agricultural development through significant infrastructure and research capabilities.
“Together, these investments ensure sustainable food production for key crops like maize, sunflower, canola and soy, reinforcing Corteva’s role in driving agricultural innovation and food security in the region.
“As a trusted partner to South African agriculture, Corteva remains dedicated to advancing science, supporting farmers and feeding the nation – now and into the future,” he said.
READ NEXT: Africa demands fairer trade, stronger US partnerships
