The future of the agricultural sector as the largest employer, particularly in the rural areas, is at risk. Among other dynamics, this relates to unsustainable water supply and use practices in South Africa, and impacts of climate change such as changing rainfall patterns, prevalence of droughts, more extreme weather events, shifting distribution of insects, and crop diseases.

‘Climate-smart agriculture’ (CSA) is a farming approach that could help the South African agricultural sector to diversify its farming practices and reduce the looming risks and improve food security of its citizens.