SA’s food prices will continue to rise. Blame climate change

2 mins read

Climate change is ensuring that food will remain expensive… Food prices have been a sore point for South Africans for years, with the spikes in 2022 and 2023 leaving many households feeling the pinch.

While we might not see those extreme surges again, researchers warn that climate change is interfering with crop yields and costs.

Let’s dive into the data.

Food prices rising due to climate change

Researchers Jessica Boxall and Michael Head of the University of Southampton warn that higher temperatures are already disrupting farming.

Long-established weather patterns are shifting, making it harder for farmers to plan and grow crops effectively.

The result? Lower yields and higher costs.

In short, climate change is changing the rules of farming.

How?

Unpredictable seasons:

Warmer weather is messing up farming seasons. Crops that once thrived in predictable conditions are now struggling.

Extreme weather:

Floods, droughts, and heat waves are more frequent. These damage crops and delay planting, harvesting, and transport.

Water scarcity:

Many regions around the globe – including South Africa – are battling water shortages.

Without water, there’s no food.

It’s a vicious cycle.

As food becomes harder to produce, prices climb. And when food prices rise, it hits the most vulnerable communities the hardest.

Climate change, food prices a ‘Doom Loop’

Economists Laurie Laybourn and James Dyke describe a “doom loop” linking climate change, food prices, and political instability.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Climate change worsens farming conditions, leading to higher food costs.

  1. Rising food prices fuel social unrest, as people struggle to afford basic necessities.

  1. Political instability slows climate action, allowing the problem to escalate further.

“This is a vicious circle,” Laybourn and Dyke write.

If we don’t act fast, this loop could spiral out of control, making it nearly impossible to reduce fossil fuel emissions and avoid catastrophic climate effects.

What this means for South Africa

South Africans are already feeling the brunt of these challenges:

  • Higher food costs: Staples like maize meal, bread, and cooking oil have become more expensive.

  • Struggling farmers: Erratic weather means less predictability and more financial risk for farmers.

  • Food insecurity: Many families are cutting back on meals or skipping them altogether.

And it’s not just about what we eat.

Rising food prices often lead to protests and unrest, as seen in parts of the world where food affordability becomes a political issue.

How can we tackle the problem?

South Africa needs solutions, and fast:

  • Support local farmers: Invest in technologies like drought-resistant seeds and better irrigation systems.

  • Reduce food waste: Around 10 million tonnes of food go to waste in South Africa annually. Cutting waste can help stabilize prices.

  • Adapt farming practices: Encourage crop diversity to make farms more resilient to unpredictable weather.

  • Take climate action: Reducing emissions isn’t just about saving the planet, it’s about protecting our plates.

The reality is that food prices will likely keep climbing as climate change worsens. However, understanding the problem is the first step toward solving it.

By supporting policies and initiatives that help farmers adapt and reduce emissions, South Africans can work toward a future where food is affordable (and accessible) for everyone.


Sources

Boxall, J. & Head, M. Food prices will climb everywhere as temperatures rise due to climate change: new research. The Conversation.

Laybourn, L. & Dyke, J. A doom loop of climate change and geopolitical instability is beginning. The Conversation.

Head, M. & Boxall, J. Climate change’s impact on food security: linking rising temperatures to inflation. PubMed Central.

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Cheryl Kahla Founder and Editor
Cheryl Kahla explores the intersections of tech and society. She covers emerging tech trends, AI, science, and gaming. Outside of writing, Cheryl indulges in martial arts and debating the merits of AI with her cat, Gotham. He is indifferent to the subject.

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