According to the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, South Africa’s National Food and Nutrition Security Plan is showing measurable progress.
He notes growth in agricultural production across key crops.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Steenhuisen said the plan’s success stems from coordination across multiple government departments.
“It’s a multi-sectoral plan,” he said, “with each department addressing a specific pillar to fight hunger and improve nutrition.”
PROGRESS UNDER THE NATIONAL FOOD AND NUTRITION PLAN
Steenhuisen said that the Department of Agriculture leads coordination of the plan, while other departments, including Health, Social Development, and Basic Education, play vital roles.
He highlighted that the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation recently conducted a deep review of the 2019-2024 plan.
He further says insights from that assessment are shaping the new five-year strategy, which is currently undergoing a “theory of change” process to refine its targets.
AGRICULTURE GROWTH REVEALS PROMISE
According to Steenhuisen, South Africa’s agricultural output has increased significantly under the Agriculture and Agri-Processing Master Plan.
The sector’s share of GDP rose from 11% in 2015 to 13% in 2024.
Crop production has also surged, with maize production growing from 34% to 65%, soybeans from 72% to 80%, and wheat from 17% to 53%.
Deciduous fruits jumped from 17% to 49%, while tomato production saw a remarkable increase from 8% to 94%.
NATIONAL FOOD AND NUTRITION PLAN: FOOD SECURITY AT A DISTRICT LEVEL
Steenhuisen added that the department’s newly released National Food, Nutrition, and Security Report provides, for the first time, a baseline to assess food security at a district level.
He says this will help the government set practical, measurable goals for each area.
FOCUS ON SMALL-SCALE FARMERS
Looking ahead, Steenhuisen said the department will continue promoting nutritious food production and support for small-scale farmers.
He emphasised a renewed focus on indigenous crops to improve both nutrition and sustainability.
