Collaborating across divides to transform the food system together

Building sustainable and resilient food futures

Creating fair, accessible local food economies

Honouring local wisdom while fostering innovation

Bringing change on the ground

Giving nature a seat at the table

Changing food systems at scales deep and wide

Building understanding through learning journeys and dialogue

Bridging diverse perspectives for shared solutions

Welcome to the
Southern Africa Food Lab

Since 2009, the Lab has convened diverse stakeholders to confront the region’s food challenges. Rooted in dialogue and collaboration, we work across sectors to drive awareness, spark innovation, and catalyse action toward a just and sustainable food system.

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Recent highlights

Mentorship must be at the heart of SA’s agricultural revival Agroecology and curriculum reform seen as keys to sustainable farming

Mentorship must be at the heart of SA’s agricultural revival Agroecology and curriculum reform seen as keys to sustainable farming

There are fewer households involved in agricultural production today than there were in 2011, down from nearly 2.9 million to 2.4 million at the last count. This is driven by a combination of factors such as limited access to capital and the expensive inputs needed to farm, and environmental stressors including soil fertility and extreme weather.
No results found.
Confronting SA’s hunger emergency — From constitutional rights to empty plates

Confronting SA’s hunger emergency — From constitutional rights to empty plates

South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the right to food, yet children are still dying from malnutrition in the Eastern Cape. Bureaucratic failure, systemic inequality and fragmented government responses are turning a constitutional promise into a hollow pledge – and it’s time to act.
No results found.
How can small-scale farmers and ECD centres work together to improve nutrition in their communities?

How can small-scale farmers and ECD centres work together to improve nutrition in their communities?

In August 2025, the Southern Africa Food Lab, together with eThekwini Health (Food Security), eThekwini Agroecology, and Stellenbosch University’s Nutrition Division, hosted a workshop at the Inchanga Agroecology Hub.
No results found.
Taking the Lessons of Woza Nami to Scale

Taking the Lessons of Woza Nami to Scale

The Southern Africa Food Lab and WWF South Africa have released a new report highlighting how remaining project funds from the Woza Nami | Woza Nathi initiative were used to sustain collaborative learning. Discover how recent extension activities—spanning a cross-province learning journey—are strengthening local capacity, linking community practice with national policy, and shaping the future of agroecology in South Africa.
No results found.
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How we work

Our Work

Place-based initiatives

Working with local communities to create demonstration sites that unlock innovative food system solutions through dialogue and practical action.

Nutrition

Promoting dietary quality awareness while improving access to affordable nutritious food that supports small-scale farmers.

Agroecology

Supporting integrated farming approaches that combine market access, sustainable inputs, and biodiversity for resilient local food systems.

Governance

Collaborating with government, business, and civil society to transform policies and practices for just and sustainable food systems.

SAFL Programs

Plant based initiatives

Nutrition

Agroecology

Governance