Dr Zodwa Mthiyane delivered a compelling discussion on the growing risks surrounding food security in Southern Africa, highlighting how climate change, economic instability, and weak regional preparedness are driving hunger and vulnerability across the continent.

She emphasised that climate change remains the biggest threat, with droughts, floods, storms and shifting weather patterns severely disrupting crop production and worsening food insecurity especially in countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Madagascar and Zambia. These shocks have a direct spillover effect on South Africa through increased migration, pressure on social systems and rising demand for food support.

Dr Mthiyane noted that while South Africa has a more advanced agricultural system, the region still relies heavily on international humanitarian support, as many governments lack the capacity to implement climate adaptation projects even when funding is available.

Key themes included:
• The urgency of climate adaptation, including resilient farming, environmental management systems and behaviour change at the community level.
• The importance of partnerships across government, the private sector, NGOs and local farmers to build stronger, more inclusive food systems.
• The critical need for disaster preparedness, early warning systems and coordination to reduce the impact of climate shocks.
• A call for collaborative action, reminding participants that food security cannot be achieved by policies alone; experts, communities and institutions must all play a role.

Conclusion
A resilient, food-secure future for Southern Africa depends on collective responsibility, stronger institutions, and meaningful climate action.