In the heart of South Africa’s semi-arid regions, a quiet revolution is taking root, one that promises to reshape the future of agriculture and, by extension, the energy sector. Led by Gugulethu Zuma-Netshiukhwi of the Agricultural Research Council’s Natural Resources and Engineering division at Glen Agricultural College in Bloemfontein, a recent study published in the journal ‘Atmosphere’ (translated to English as ‘Air’) is shedding light on how climate-smart agriculture (CSA) can be upscaled to enhance sustainable agrifood systems.
The study, conducted in the Free State and Limpopo provinces, involved 196 smallholder farmers and 125 agricultural advisors who participated in CSA training. The focus was on practices like agroecological cropping systems and micro-catchments, which are designed to build climate-resilient agricultural systems. “The decline in agrifood systems due to weather extremes and hazards is a significant challenge,” Zuma-Netshiukhwi explains. “Our work aims to address this by promoting the adoption of CSA technologies.”
However, the path to widespread adoption is not without its hurdles. Factors such as lack of institutional support, policy integration deficiencies, and a shortage of agricultural advisors have limited the uptake of CSA. To overcome these barriers, the study employed a participatory living laboratory approach, using demonstration trials, on-farm training, and training of intermediaries.
One of the key findings was the need to modify the CSA Acceptance Model to include factors like usability, profitability, sustainability, and the perceived cost of acceptance. “Technology transfer requires both qualitative and quantitative approaches for adoption efficacy,” Zuma-Netshiukhwi notes. This means that for CSA to be successful, it must not only be practical and sustainable but also perceived as profitable and cost-effective by the farmers.
The implications of this research extend beyond the agricultural sector. As agrifood systems become more resilient and productive, they can contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy sector. For instance, more efficient agricultural practices can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the development of micro-catchments and other water management practices can contribute to a more secure water supply, which is crucial for energy production.
The study’s findings suggest that upscaling CSA can have a ripple effect, enhancing not only agricultural productivity but also contributing to broader sustainability goals. As Zuma-Netshiukhwi puts it, “Through the effectiveness of technology transfer and reciprocal systems, smallholder farmers can transition to commercial levels and contribute to sustainable agrifood systems.”
This research is a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable agriculture and energy production. It highlights the importance of a holistic approach that considers not only the technical aspects of technology transfer but also the social, economic, and policy factors that influence adoption. As we look to the future, the insights gained from this study can guide the development of more effective strategies for upscaling CSA and promoting sustainable agrifood systems.