Structural climate vulnerability in South Africa's agri-food sector demands systemic support for adaptation
Original framing: “Climate shocks are hitting South Africa’s food businesses – study shows what they need to adapt” — The Conversation - Global
The current vulnerability of South Africa’s agri-food sector is rooted in colonial land policies and apartheid-era economic planning, which marginalized rural communities and disrupted traditional food systems. Historical parallels can be drawn with the Dust Bowl in the U.S., where industrial monocultures exacerbated environmental and economic crises.
South Africa’s agri-food sector is not merely facing climate shocks but is a product of historical and structural vulnerabilities rooted in colonial and apartheid legacies.
To build resilience, adaptation strategies must move beyond technical fixes and embrace a systemic approach that integrates Indigenous knowledge, decentralized food systems, and inclusive governance. Drawing from cross-cultural models of climate adaptation and leveraging the wisdom of marginalized communities can lead to more sustainable and equitable outcomes. The trickster’s role here is to challenge the illusion of neutrality in climate policy and to highlight the power dynamics that shape who is vulnerable and who is empowered. By weaving together scientific, historical, and cultural dimensions, a more holistic and just adaptation framework can emerge.