Financial systems, the way food is consumed, produced and distributed, and the way in which technology is used, need to change to create a more sustainable food system. This was the message of Shelly Fuller, sustainable food systems manager at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) at the Living Soils Community Learning Farm annual event recently held near Stellenbosch.
She said that the food system in its current state was the number one driver of biodiversity loss globally.
She referred to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023, which ranked “cost of living” as the most severe global risk over the next two years. Natural disasters and extreme weather events ranked as the second-biggest threat, followed by geoeconomic confrontation, failure to migrate climate change, and the erosion of social cohesion and societal polarisation. While only two nature-related risks were identified under the top five perceived risks over the short term, this increased to four of the five top risks in the next 10 years.
In the long term, failure to migrate and adapt to climate change were seen as the first and second biggest risks, followed by natural disasters and extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.
Esta historia es de la edición December 01, 2023 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 01, 2023 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The big appeal of a small Karoo dorp
Van Wyksdorp in the Karoo may not be near to anything, yet exploring its surrounding mountain passes and staying there is a journey very much worth taking.
THE HITCHING POST
I am a retired man and have been a widower for two years. I would like to hear from fun-loving women between 50 and 60 years of age with a good sense of humour.
Theft of horsebox wheels: an ongoing problem
When thieves broke in at her farm recently, they came well prepared with the right tools to forcibly remove locknuts on wheels, says Dr Mac.
How much nitrogen is enough?
Nitrogen is key to profitable vegetable farming. However, the application of this element can be overdone, causing crop loss, or underdone, with the same result, writes Bill Kerr.
Review: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III
Siyavuya Mbaduli takes a look at Toyota's highly anticipated GR-Sport Ill, which is making a strong entry into the local market as a rugged and ready off-road adventurer.
Medical cannabis production is easier said than done
The production of medical cannabis calls for extreme attention to detail and precision, as well as compliance with intricate legislative requirements and official demands. It also calls for perseverance, as Annelie Coleman found out on a visit to medical cannabis producers Coenie and Ilse Venter near Viljoenskroon in the Free State.
The biggest threats to horse health in South Africa
Janine Ryan looks at the most threatening diseases and conditions in South Africa that impact horses and other equines, including colic, laminitis and Cushing's disease.
Paper: part and parcel of the agriculture industry
Despite the everyday use of electronic communication and other technologies, society is far from becoming paperless. Wood-based paper products are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Paper is used in printing, writing and stationery, food packaging, packaging of other goods and medicine, for hygiene and insulation purposes, money, and even in jewellery and construction.
Challenges facing vet services in South Africa
Dr Paul van der Merwe, CEO of the South African Veterinary Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the issues discussed at the World Veterinary Association Congress and how these related to the local industry.
Building a farming legacy from scratch
Mac Mabidilala is proof that you don't need to own land to get started in agriculture. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he is realising his farming dream.