Dr Walter Shiba and Dr Siphe Zantsi, agricultural economists at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), unpack what was discussed at the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists.
The G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) convened in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa, from 26 to 28 May 2025. The event welcomed delegates from G20 nations and beyond, setting the stage for transformative dialogue on the future of agriculture.
This gathering brought together agricultural science leaders from G20 nations to deliberate on pressing global food and agriculture challenges. Under South Africa’s presidency, the meeting emphasised inclusive, science-driven solutions aligned with the principles of ubuntu, with the Theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
Established in 2012, the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) brings together science leaders from G20 countries to collaborate on key issues in global food and agriculture. MACS meetings are typically conducted annually, hosted by the G20 presidency of the year. South Africa’s hosting of the 2025 summit marks a milestone in African participation in global food system governance.
A call for unity and innovation
The summit was officially opened on Monday, 26 May, with a series of high-level addresses. Nokuzola Capa, deputy minister of agriculture, emphasised the urgency of transforming food systems. She highlighted the importance of integrating Africa’s priorities into global agricultural discussions, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the continent’s Common Position on Food Systems.
At the centre of the talks was one clear message: smallholder farmers must be included in global agricultural innovation.
In her opening remarks, Capa didn’t mince her words: “We cannot talk about transforming food systems without placing smallholder farmers, women, and youth at the core. Innovation must work with them, for them.”
Her remarks resonated deeply in a province where thousands of small-scale farmers are fighting climate change, water scarcity, and market exclusion every day.
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Key themes and discussions
The 2025 MACS centred around six thematic areas, each addressing critical aspects of global agricultural systems
1. Transformation of agriculture and food systems
Recognising the strain on current food systems due to climate change and resource scarcity, discussions highlighted the need for regenerative, inclusive models. Emphasis was placed on integrating indigenous knowledge, ensuring policy coherence, and investing in innovation to build resilient agrifood systems.
The G20 members recognise the need to transform how food is sustainably produced, processed, distributed, and consumed. This transformation aligns with the 17 SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
2. Stewardship of biodiversity and genetic resources
The conservation of biodiversity and genetic resources was deemed essential for sustainable agriculture. Participants advocated for biodiversity-friendly practices, ecosystem restoration, and equitable access to genetic resources, aligning with global frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Members, therefore, recommend context-specific and locally adapted approaches for the stewardship of biodiversity, genetic and natural resources towards sustainable agriculture.
3. Soil health and sustainable management
Acknowledging that over 33% of global soils are degraded, the meeting underscored the importance of regenerative farming and sustainable soil management. Recommendations included harmonising soil health assessment methodologies and promoting policies that incentivise sustainable practices.
Emphasise the need for actions to scale up soil and water management practices for adoption at the farmer and ecosystem level. In this regard, it noted the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan 2024–2034, which aims to enhance policy and action convergence for sustainable agriculture.
4. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)
To enhance resilience against climate variability, the adoption of CSA practices was promoted. Discussions focused on integrating CSA into national policies, facilitating access to climate finance, and leveraging digital tools for adaptation and mitigation.
Call upon G20 countries to share information and strengthen collaboration and partnerships to support climate resilience practices, such as advisory services and early warning systems, and emphasise the strengthening of international cooperation in the integration of science, technology, innovation, and indigenous knowledge systems.
5. Building resilient agricultural bioeconomies
The potential of bioeconomies in addressing food system challenges was explored. Participants emphasised the need for investment in bio-based technologies, capacity-building programmes, and public-private partnerships to harness Africa’s bioeconomic potential.
Urgent call for global investment and collaboration within G20 countries and beyond for promoting research and innovation hubs, enhancing education and training and enabling knowledge transfer by extension and advisory services.
6. Digital agriculture and 4IR technologies
The integration of fourth industrial revolution technologies, such as AI and IoT, into agriculture was discussed to enhance productivity and sustainability. Strategies to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas, were considered vital for equitable access to these technologies.
Encouraging global and regional partnerships to design strategies for expanding digital infrastructure, ensuring affordable internet access for farmers in underserved areas, and driving equitable digital transformations in agriculture was also discussed.
Recognising that locally tailored digital solutions leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and big data can be critical drivers of agricultural transformation. There is a need for digitalisation that does not distort rural identity but rather strengthens it, placing people at the centre.
The meeting culminated in the drafting of a communiqué summarising the discussions and outlining commitments to collaborative research, policy alignment, and investment in sustainable agricultural practices.
The communiqué serves as a roadmap for G20 nations to implement the agreed-upon strategies and monitor progress in transforming global agrifood systems.
For the first time on African soil, the communiqué was transitioned from draft zero to a unified communiqué declaration, endorsed by all G20 member states. This milestone shows a maturing Africa, one that is increasingly influential, strategic, and credible in shaping global agricultural and climate-smart solutions.
For South Africa, it’s a validation of its scientific, policy, and diplomatic leadership in the agricultural sector. The endorsed declaration may unlock greater funding, partnerships, and research collaboration between African scientists and G20 institutions.
- Dr Walter Shiba and Dr Siphe Zantsi are agricultural economists at the Agricultural Research Council. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Food For Mzansi.
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