“For too long, agriculture has been about the few controlling what is produced, who produces it, and where it goes. We need a seismic shift – a liberation agriculture – to get the poor down from the cross and into a new economy where they can thrive, not just survive.”
These words from Professor Naudé Malan of the University of Johannesburg set the tone for his keynote address at the recent Food For Mzansi Emergency Summit on Climate Change and Agriculture.
Held amid growing concerns over climate change and food security in South Africa, Malan’s address stirred delegates to reimagine a system where agriculture is a force for equality, not division.
Speaking under the theme “A liberation agriculture – getting the poor down from the cross,” the founder of Izindaba Zokudla, a Soweto-based farmers’ lab, called for urgent changes to the agricultural landscape.
He stressed the need for a system that prioritises access, opportunity, and resilience for those most affected by environmental and economic challenges. His critique of current agricultural structures struck a chord with many in attendance, who recognised the urgent need for reforms that would ensure greater equity in the sector.
The cross of inequality in agriculture
Throughout his address, Malan used the metaphor of the “cross” to illustrate the burdens shouldered by impoverished farmers who are frequently locked out of the opportunities enjoyed by large-scale agricultural producers.
For him, this cross represents the systemic inequities that continue to prevent rural and small-scale farmers from accessing resources, adapting to climate change, and competing in lucrative markets.
“Right now, South Africa’s poorest farmers are forced into a choice between working the land for meagre returns and abandoning it altogether,” Malan said.
“They are on a cross, held up by policies that prioritize the established few at the expense of the vulnerable many. To put it plainly, our system supports the rich growing richer while those at the bottom carry the weight.”
His words pointed directly to the structural barriers that have long divided agricultural communities, exacerbating poverty and climate vulnerability in rural areas.
The consequences of this inequity, he noted, are severe: as climate change brings harsher droughts, more erratic rainfall, and other extreme weather patterns, those already on the fringes of the agricultural economy find themselves facing even greater risks.
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Climate vulnerability in rural communities
Malan’s message was particularly poignant in light of the mounting climate crisis, which has already affected many farmers. The summit brought together voices from across the agricultural sector who underscored the importance of prioritizing vulnerable communities in climate adaptation strategies.
According to Malan, rural communities – often disconnected from advanced agricultural technologies – are disproportionately impacted by climate change, resulting in a widening gap between large commercial farms and small-scale farmers.
“The poorest communities are the first to feel the impacts of drought and heat,” Malan remarked.
“They have the least access to technology, irrigation, and drought-resistant crops. It’s time we stop accepting this as inevitable. These communities don’t have to be left behind – if we make intentional choices to bring them into the centre of our agricultural future.”
He painted a dire picture of what would happen if South Africa’s agricultural policies remained unchanged. “Food security isn’t just about supply,” he explained. “It’s about access, agency, and a chance to grow what matters to the people who tend this land. In other words, food security is about justice.”
Toward a system of liberation agriculture
Malan proposed a vision for “liberation agriculture” – a model that emphasises community empowerment and sustainable practices. He argued that this framework should centre on economic independence for all farmers, especially those marginalised by the traditional system.
By restructuring policies to support the smallest farmers, Malan believes that South Africa can build a more resilient, equitable agricultural economy that also addresses the environmental impact of farming.
“Liberation agriculture means enabling small-scale farmers to produce food profitably and sustainably,” he said. “This is about policy, about infrastructure, and about a commitment to invest in the farmers who have been left behind.”
To achieve this, he suggested the government could explore support mechanisms, such as localised markets, subsidies for cooperative ventures, and incentives for regenerative farming practices.
Malan also advocated for more funding directed toward water-saving technologies and climate-resilient crops.
“We cannot keep treating the environment and the economy as separate silos,” he asserted. “Liberation agriculture is about merging these goals: fostering soil health, protecting water resources, and creating livelihoods. It’s about using our land for people and planet – not just profit.”
A collective responsibility for change
Throughout the address, Malan noted the need for collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and communities. This collective approach, he argued, is essential to creating a more inclusive agricultural system.
“This is not just a challenge for farmers alone,” Malan said. “This is a national imperative. Our policymakers, our industry leaders, our consumers – everyone has a role to play in changing our agricultural model so that it benefits the entire society.”
For policymakers, he recommended a shift towards prioritising the needs of small-scale farmers and rural communities as central to any long-term climate adaptation strategies.
Citing recent droughts and other climate disruptions, he warned that without targeted action, food security in South Africa could face irreparable damage.
“We are facing an agricultural emergency,” he said, “and if we don’t act now, our most vulnerable will continue to suffer the consequences of decisions made far above their heads.”
He also emphasised the importance of community-driven solutions, which he believes will play a pivotal role in combating climate-related risks.
“When we talk about liberation agriculture, we’re talking about putting decision-making power back in the hands of those who work the land every day. We’re talking about a movement – not a mandate,” he added, advocating for policies that amplify the voices of those most impacted by climate change.
He furthermore urged the audience to imagine an agricultural system that frees the nation’s poorest farmers from the burdens of inequality.
“Imagine an agriculture where the poorest are not left to shoulder the heaviest burdens. Imagine a South Africa where every farmer has the chance to prosper, where every community can feed its people with dignity.”
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