Emergency AgriClimate Summit 24

ABOUT

The Emergency Summit on Climate Change and Agriculture, hosted by Food For Mzansi, is not just an event – it’s a rallying cry. As climate change wreaks havoc on our weather patterns, decimates crop yields, and threatens livestock, the urgency to act has never been greater. This summit is a call to arms for every farmer, policy-maker, and innovator committed to safeguarding South Africa’s agricultural future.

Our agriculture sector is the lifeblood of the nation, feeding millions and sustaining livelihoods. But it’s under siege from relentless droughts, devastating pests, and unpredictable weather. The stakes are high, and complacency is not an option. This summit is about confronting these challenges head-on, fostering collaboration, and forging actionable plans that will arm our agricultural community against the climate crisis.

10 Programme Highlights:

Ministerial panel: Confronting the crisis

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, will dive into the urgent policy shifts and bold collaborative efforts needed to shield our farmers and agribusinesses from the encroaching climate threats.

Keynote address: Science meets survival

Hear from trailblazing climate scientist Dr Peter Johnston. Get a no-holds-barred look at the stark realities of climate change and its cataclysmic impact on South African agriculture, backed by the latest research and a call for immediate, adaptive action.

Building climate-resilient agriculture: Innovate or perish

Discover revolutionary approaches to building resilience in agriculture. Experts in agronomy, climate science, and sustainable farming will share game-changing strategies like drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation, and integrated pest management.

Success stories: Real people, real solutions

Be inspired by real-world case studies from agribusinesses and farmers who have faced down climate change and emerged victorious. These stories offer blueprints for success, providing practical insights and lessons for scaling up across the sector.

Financing the future: Investing in resilience

Explore the financial lifelines available to support climate-smart agriculture. Leaders from financial institutions, government agencies, and international organisations will reveal investment opportunities and funding models critical to our survival.

Tech for tomorrow: Harnessing innovation

Delve into cutting-edge technologies and digital tools that are at the forefront of climate adaptation. From precision agriculture to remote sensing and data analytics, discover how these innovations empower farmers to make smarter decisions and better manage resources.

Empowering small-scale farmers: Ground zero of change

Focus on the unique challenges and immense potential of small-scale farmers, who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Learn about pioneering approaches like agroecology, community-based adaptation, and access to climate-smart technologies.

Policies for change

Engage with top officials on the policies that will drive sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. This session is a deep dive into the frameworks and legislative changes needed to protect our agricultural future.

Collaborative solutions: Bridging gaps

Join forces with environmental and agricultural NGOs to collaborate on initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture. This is where ideas turn into action plans, and collaborations are born.

Agritech innovations: The future is now

Connect with agritech founders and teams showcasing the latest innovations in climate tech. This session highlights the tools and technologies that will drive agricultural adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change.

DIRECTIONS