From dialogue to action

Collaborating across divides to transform the food system together.

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Photo credit: Ashraf Hendricks

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

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.
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Upcoming Food Dialogue: Uncomfortable Truths About South Africa’s Agriculture

Upcoming Food Dialogue: Uncomfortable Truths About South Africa’s Agriculture

The Southern Africa Food Lab, in partnership with Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriSciences, will host another Food Dialogue event on 15 October 2025 featuring two of South Africa’s most respected voices in agricultural economics: Wandile Sihlobo and Prof. Johann Kirsten
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Inchanga Agro Ecology Hub wins best community facility at eThekwini Service Excellence Awards

Inchanga Agro Ecology Hub wins best community facility at eThekwini Service Excellence Awards

The Southern Africa Food Lab is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement for Woza Nami and its partners: the Inchanga Agro Ecology Hub has been awarded first prize in the Best Community Facility category at the 2025 eThekwini Municipality Service Excellence Awards.
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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.
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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