The Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Department of Agriculture, convened the G20 MACS National Dialogue on 18 March 2025 at the ARC-VIMP in Roodeplaat, Pretoria. The dialogue brought together policymakers, scientists, private sector representatives, and development partners to consolidate South Africa’s agricultural research and innovation priorities ahead of the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS).
The dialogue focused on defining South Africa’s contributions to global agricultural research, ensuring alignment with national and continental priorities, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Deliberations were structured around key thematic areas central to agricultural transformation and food systems resilience.
Discussions on stewardship of biodiversity, genetic, and natural resources highlighted the need for stronger policy interventions to safeguard genetic diversity and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The session on climate-smart agriculture examined strategies for improving resilience, mitigation, and early warning systems, emphasizing localized solutions and financing mechanisms for smallholder farmers. The One Health approach reinforced the interlinkages between human, animal, and ecosystem health, underlining the urgency of cross-sectoral collaboration to address emerging risks.
The role of digital agriculture and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies was explored, focusing on data-driven decision-making, precision farming, and technology adoption in smallholder systems. Sustainable soil health and management was identified as a fundamental pillar for improving agricultural productivity, with discussions emphasizing evidence-based interventions to restore soil ecosystems. The building of resilient agricultural bio-economies was highlighted as critical for fostering sustainable economic growth, requiring investments in value chains, market linkages, and knowledge transfer.
Discussions on transforming agri-systems within the Water-Energy-Food-Health Nexus underscored the importance of integrated policy frameworks to optimize resource use and build climate resilience. The final thematic session on investment and partnerships in research and development (R&D), technology transfer, intellectual property (IP), and commercialization focused on strengthening collaboration between research institutions, the private sector, and policymakers to advance agricultural innovation.
Key recommendations from the dialogue will shape South Africa’s official position at G20 MACS, ensuring that national research priorities are represented in global policy discussions. These outcomes will inform strategies for advancing agricultural transformation, securing food systems, and strengthening South Africa’s leadership in global research collaborations.