In 2023, the volume of food and beverages sold per capita at South African grocery stores and supermarkets declined by an estimated 3.2%. This decline was primarily due to a reduction in the inflation-adjusted buying power of salaries and wages. The adverse effects continue into 2024, impacting the affordability of staple foods like maize meal, with prices expected to rise significantly due to environmental factors such as El Niño.
Precision Agriculture
The report advocates for a ‘second green revolution’ driven by technological innovation, emphasizing the role of precision agriculture. This approach employs advanced tools like water management software, remote irrigation monitoring, and predictive analytics to enhance farm productivity and sustainability. These technologies optimize resource use, potentially increase crop yields, and improve livestock management through real-time data and automated systems.
Smart Manufacturing
Nearly half of all food loss and waste in South Africa occurs at the manufacturing stage, largely due to inaccurate demand forecasting. Adopting a demand-driven material requirements planning (DDMRP) system could reduce surplus inputs and waste in food production by aligning production more closely with actual demand.
Minimize Food Waste
The report highlights the critical role of retail strategies in reducing food waste. It suggests upgrading inventory systems and altering marketing practices to prevent over-purchasing and better manage perishable goods. Engaging consumers through educational campaigns on minimizing food waste can further enhance these efforts.
Sustainable Development Goals
Implementing these strategies aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12.3, which aims to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030. The report notes marginal progress in this area in South Africa, with a slight decrease in food waste at the retail level from 2019 to 2022.
These strategic initiatives are crucial not only for improving food security but also for ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of South Africa’s food systems in the face of ongoing economic and environmental challenges.