Efforts to strengthen agrifood systems in Southern Africa are gaining momentum through initiatives led by the Food and Agriculture Organization under the EU-funded STOSAR II project. Working across the Southern African Development Community, the programme focuses on building resilient value chains by combining practical knowledge, innovation and collaboration among stakeholders, including farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives and policymakers.
A key challenge highlighted during the initiative is the high level of post-harvest losses across the region, particularly in fruits and vegetables, where losses can reach up to 50 percent. These inefficiencies are driven by limited infrastructure, weak logistics, climate-related shocks and gaps in technical capacity. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions in agro-processing, value addition and supply chain management.
The first phase of the webinar series focused on accelerating agroecological transition, introducing stakeholders to tools designed to assess sustainability and performance across agricultural systems. These tools support evidence-based decision-making by evaluating environmental, social and economic outcomes, helping farmers and enterprises identify gaps and improve practices for long-term sustainability.
The second phase emphasized a business-oriented approach to agro-processing, showcasing technologies and strategies to improve food preservation, safety and product quality. Participants explored how micro, small and medium enterprises can overcome barriers such as limited access to finance, inconsistent raw materials and compliance challenges, while also identifying opportunities for scaling operations through innovation and stronger market linkages.
The discussions underscored the importance of integrating technology, skills development and business strategies to enhance competitiveness and profitability in regional markets. Strengthening partnerships, adopting scalable solutions and leveraging blended finance mechanisms were identified as critical steps to unlock growth in agro-processing sectors.
Overall, the initiative highlights a shift toward more integrated and market-driven approaches to agricultural development in Southern Africa. By promoting agroecology, value addition and innovation, stakeholders are working toward building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems that can better respond to economic and environmental challenges.
