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Harnessing the Opportunities for Sustainable Small-Scale Rural Farming Towards Attaining Food Security in Southern Africa

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Food Security and Safety Volume 2

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Abstract

Agriculture is the main food production industry in emerging economies. Its importance in increasing food security is reflected in SDGs 1 and 2 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Thus, improving food production through small-scale agriculture transformation and sustainability is crucial. However, recent pandemic (COVID-19) awareness and impacts necessitate urgent need for sustainable small-scale farming. This study sought to find ways for small-scale agriculture in Southern Africa to withstand natural disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify solutions to boost production amid COVID-19 effects on labour, markets, and access to knowledge or inputs. Local and international reports on small-scale agriculture in Southern Africa, and literature from 2009 to 2022, were systematically used. Technology that could be harnessed to ameliorate the identified challenges and enhance small-scale farming productivity in the region is recommended. Finding solutions to the issues encountered by small-scale farmers in general and due to the pandemic will promote the transformation and sustainability of small-scale agriculture and hence food security in the region. Additionally, the importance of science communication related to small-scale farming in Southern Africa, along with practical and policy implications to enhance and support small-scale farming, and subsequently food security is highlighted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Venda, Institute for Rural Development, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa

    Marizvikuru Mwale, Mike Muzekenyi & Jethro Zuwarimwe

  2. Department of Social Development, Modimole, Limpopo, South Africa

    Malose M. Tjale

  3. Walter Sisulu University, Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, P Bag X1, Unitra, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

    Hlekani M. Kabiti

  4. Jet Education Services, The Education Hub, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

    Ronald N. Mudimeli

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  1. Marizvikuru Mwale
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  2. Mike Muzekenyi
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  3. Malose M. Tjale
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  4. Hlekani M. Kabiti
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  5. Jethro Zuwarimwe
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  6. Ronald N. Mudimeli
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Correspondence to Marizvikuru Mwale .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Food Security and Safety Focus Area Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa

    Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

  2. Food Security and Safety Focus Area Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa

    Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro

  3. Food Security and Safety Focus Area Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa

    Omena Bernard Ojuederie

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Mwale, M., Muzekenyi, M., Tjale, M.M., Kabiti, H.M., Zuwarimwe, J., Mudimeli, R.N. (2023). Harnessing the Opportunities for Sustainable Small-Scale Rural Farming Towards Attaining Food Security in Southern Africa. In: Babalola, O.O., Ayangbenro, A.S., Ojuederie, O.B. (eds) Food Security and Safety Volume 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09614-3_14

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