Factoring biodiversity into the agri-food sector: international best practices and experiences from South Africa

Publication date: 29/01/2024
Extent: 24 pages

Contributions by: Yvette Lange and Warren Maroun, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Chapter synopsis:

The importance of sustainable agriculture cannot be understated. Responsible farming practices which address the growing demand for food with social and environmental imperatives are essential for the long-term viability of organisations in the agri-sector and, at the national and international level, for achieving the targets laid out in the Sustainable Development Goals. This chapter focuses specifically on SDGs 14 and 15 on protecting biodiversity. A change in business models is required. The agri-sector needs to transition from a maximisation of production logic or modus operandi (where the environment is an ancillary concern) to a ‘farming with biodiversity’ one (where nature is integrated into agricultural processes). While there are several frameworks, guidelines and initiatives in place which address different aspects of agricultural activity and related biodiversity issues, there is no consolidated approach to assist countries and companies respond to the sustainability challenge.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2023.0128.16