By Keletso Mkhwanazi
Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the agricultural sector are set to benefit from the G20’s commitment to promoting inclusive market participation and food security as part of its approach to sustainable development.
South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has highlighted pressing issues affecting agricultural stakeholders worldwide, including devastating animal and plant diseases, climate change, poverty, and hunger. He stressed that no country can tackle these crises alone, urging strengthened global cooperation built on ubuntu principles.
“In South Africa, we have come to realise that neither government, nor the private sector, nor donors alone can solve the complex challenges we face, it is only through partnerships, through the collective wisdom of our shared humanity, that we can create lasting solutions which is the spirit of Ubuntu in action,” said Minister Steenhuisen.
The G20 comprises 19 countries that include the world’s major economies, representing 85% of global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of international trade and about two-thirds of the world’s population.
By promoting inclusive market participation and food security, the G20 aims to create a more equitable and sustainable agricultural sector, where SMMEs can thrive and contribute to local economic development.
“Our priorities are designed to promote sustainable and inclusive agricultural development, ensuring that no farmer, trader, or community is left behind,” Steenhuisen explained.
Thembi Majola, owner of Majola Farming Enterprises, a small-scale farming business lamented the challenge of accessing finance.
“We need financing to invest in new technologies and equipment, but it’s hard to get loans from traditional banks. That’s why initiatives like the G20’s support for SMEs in agriculture are so important because they can help us access the funding we need to grow our businesses,” said Majola.
Nandi Moyo, owner of Green Harvest, a small-scale farming business in Zimbabwe highlighted the impact of climate change.
“We need support to adapt to changing weather patterns and to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices. The G20’s focus on building climate resilience for sustainable agriculture is welcome news for us, we hope it will lead to more funding and technical assistance for SMEs like us,” said Moyo.
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