The Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), represented by Ms. Sithembile Mwamakamba, Director of Policy Research and Analysis, actively participated in two high-level G20 engagements hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency: the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) meeting (23–24 April) and the Food Security Task Force (FSTF) meeting (25 April 2025), both held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
These back-to-back meetings brought together G20 member states, development partners, and regional institutions to shape the future of global food and agriculture policy through inclusive, climate-resilient, and innovation-led solutions.
During the AWG meeting, participants explored key thematic priorities:
- Inclusive Market Participation and Nutrition Security (FAO): Enhancing equity in food systems through policy and investment;
- Youth and Women Empowerment (IFAD): Addressing structural barriers and unlocking innovation capacity;
- Innovation and Technology Transfer (CGIAR): Scaling science-based solutions in agriculture and agro-processing;
- Climate Resilience in Agriculture (Brazil): Strengthening adaptive capacities to climate shocks.
The FSTF meeting, chaired by Director-General Mr. Mooketsa Ramasodi of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, advanced discussions around the G20 Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. The meeting focused on two strategic pillars: regional coordination and global frameworks for resilience and access, grounded in a people-centred approach prioritizing equity, sustainability, and international solidarity.
Participants engaged with four technical studies:
- Macroeconomic drivers of commodity price volatility and their effects on food affordability;
- Feasibility of commodity price stabilisation mechanisms at regional and global levels;
- Effective food security policy instruments and systems approaches;
- Innovations in fertiliser use for increased productivity and environmental sustainability (UK-led).
FANRPAN contributed to both platforms by emphasizing the importance of aligning global processes with Africa’s strategic frameworks, particularly the CAADP Kampala Declaration and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Ms. Mwamakamba underscored the need to:
- Integrate local knowledge and community-based adaptation to enhance grassroots climate resilience;
- Promote circular food systems that reduce waste, regenerate ecosystems, and build low-carbon economies;
- Embed One Health principles in agriculture to protect human, animal, and environmental health;
- Amplify youth and women’s leadership in food systems transformation.
FANRPAN commends the Government of South Africa for its visionary leadership as the first African country to host the G20 and reaffirms its continued support to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in promoting a united African voice in global food and agriculture policy processes. The Network remains committed to working with government, regional bodies, and global partners to drive inclusive, climate-smart, and evidence-informed transformation of Africa’s food systems.