Today, we introduce the winners of Group B in the 2020 Brain Waves Development essay competition – proudly sponsored by the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme. All three the winners shared their views on why food production and agriculture matter – especially in the light of the fact that hunger levels have been rising for the past five years and almost 690 million people go to bed hungry every night.

Lisakhanya Mona from Nondwe Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape

“Water scarcity is one of the main reasons for agricultural instability because there is nothing that can be done without water.”

“Rising food prices are creating poverty for South African people as people are unemployed and many of them live on a pension which means they cannot afford all kinds of food.”

Truly Shokane from Acorns to Oaks Comprehensive High School in Mpumalanga

“Agriculture and food production play a crucial role in the entire life of a given economy. In addition to providing food and raw materials, agriculture and food production provide employment opportunities to a very large population in developing countries, especially in the informal settlements.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak is proof that agriculture and food production play an essential role in the lives of millions of people.”

Paballo Molefe from Riverside High School in Gauteng

“Agriculture is key to sustaining human nutritional needs and economic activity. With high rate of unemployment, agriculture can play a critical role by diverting some section of the society to farming providing land and necessary support for successful land use.”

“Agriculture creates employment and opportunities for emerging farmers. It also creates space for women can do anything they set them in mind.”