SmartAgri: Agri-workers, agricultural value chains and markets

by Prof Stephanie Midgley

TThe Western Cape climate change response framework and implementation plan for the agricultural sector (SmartAgri plan) provides a roadmap for agriculture that is low-carbon and resilient to climate change. In this series in AgriProbe, the SmartAgri plan is unpacked into its core elements, structured around four strategic focus areas (SFAs). Some of the active projects led by the various programmes of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), and additional priorities will be highlighted. This is the third article in the series (refer to previous

AgriProbe issues for the first two articles). SFA1 covers the production system –viewed holistically and including the means of production (land/soil, water, energy, labour) – and the whole value chain. It is productionorientated and speaks to agriculture as an economic sector providing revenue and livelihoods, while caring for natural resources. The spatial focus is primarily the farm and the landscape that it operates in. The role-players are the farmers themselves and the supply chain, with government being responsible for overall land-use and water planning.

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This article highlights the fifth, sixth and seventh objectives of SFA1:

Objective 1.5: Protect agri-worker wellbeing

Agri-workers’ occupational health and safety and environmental quality under climate change must be protected. Both agri-workers and their employers must be enabled to understand and adapt to climate change threats and respond to opportunities. These opportunities could, for example, include small-scale agri-processing, sustainable waste processing, production of low-carbon farming inputs, and technical support for renewable energy technologies. The actions required to achieve this include raising awareness and linking agri-workers with entrepreneurial opportunities. The wellbeing of workers could be threatened. Guidelines are required that deal with the risks and management of heat stress for people working outdoors, and further assessments must be conducted of other potential significant impacts of climate change on agri-workers.

Objective 1.6: Build climate-resilient, low-carbon and responsive agricultural value chains and food system

The agricultural value chain and food system of the future must be secure, stable, lowcarbon and resource-efficient. This will ensure continued growth of the sectoral economy, with a reduced environmental footprint. This section of the SmartAgri plan acknowledges the central importance of agri-processing and related value-adding and creation of green economy jobs. Investments must be climate-resilient and resource-efficient (e.g., sustainable water management, use of renewable energy sources) to ensure continued growth and stability of this sub-sector. A strong processing capacity can absorb fresh produce damaged by climate events (e.g., hail, sunburn).

Food gardens have become a critical part of the food system in the Western Cape, relieving food insecurity in impoverished communities. These gardens must become climate resilient through provision and uptake of knowledge and practical advice, as well as access to appropriate low-cost climate smart technologies and inputs.

A low-carbon agricultural value chain demands the timely transition from fossil fuels to alternative low-carbon transport fuels and modes of transport (e.g., rail).

Photo © Hassner Pepler

Several commodity groups already use carbon footprinting calculator tools that highlight where greenhouse gas emissions reductions can be achieved. A stronger rollout of these tools is needed. Furthermore, a mixed carbon calculator for smallholder farmers has been developed and should be fully implemented. The agricultural sector will be increasingly impacted by the carbon tax, and a good understanding is needed of these impacts and strategic approaches to manage them.

Objective 1.7: Develop and protect agri-cultural markets in a shifting climate

The shifting climate of the Western Cape and elsewhere in the world is already causing shifts in supply and demand, trade dynamics and prices. There will be winners and losers, and the province’s agricultural sector should place itself in a strong position to achieve stability of market access and continued competitiveness and profitability. One of the most important threats resulting from climate change is the potential increase in harmful pests and diseases, as well as the increasingly stringent market requirements, such as near-zero agri-chemical residue levels. The market is shifting to demanding low-carbon produce. AP

The sector must work towards protecting access to existing export markets, and simultaneously develop local and new export markets for current and future new climateresilient products.

In the fourth article we will focus on SFA2: Strengthen effective climate disaster risk reduction and management for agriculture.

Learn more For more information on the SmartAgri plan, scan the QR code or visit www.elsenburg.com/ smartagri/