Latest news with #WorldUnionofWholesaleMarkets
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning that everyday pantry staples may soon become unaffordable: 'We are already seeing, and will continue to see, volatility'
A panel at a conference for some of the world's largest food wholesalers is sounding the alarm over Southern Africa's future food security. At the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference held in Johannesburg, experts warned that deteriorating climate conditions could spell disaster for the region's food production. As Caxton Network News reported, Dr. Yolandi Ernst of the Global Change Institute warned of the risks that extreme heat poses to Botswana and South Africa: "Rainfall will become infrequent and difficult to predict, with more frequent and longer-lasting droughts." Another panelist, Phelisa Nkomo, added: "We are already seeing, and will continue to see, volatility in yields, which will lead to higher food prices, and food insecurity as a result." The planet-heating pollution from dirty fuel sources is exacerbating the effects of extreme weather events worldwide. Despite having one of the smallest pollution impacts per capita, Africa is bearing the brunt of this crisis. As the World Meteorological Organization notes, Africa is warming at a higher rate than the rest of the world. In some regions, this is leading to flooding, while others are suffering from severe drought. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies notes that excessive rainfall and flooding in 2024 resulted in 2,500 fatalities and displaced approximately four million people. At the other end of the scale, Southern Africa suffered some of the worst droughts in a century. Al-Jazeera reports that 27 million people were affected by food shortages in 2024 as a result. Food shortages will inevitably lead to higher prices and an increase in reliance on imports. Business Insider Africa reports that food inflation is running rampant across the continent, with Zimbabwe suffering from a rate of 55.3%. With the continent's population projected to double by 2070, food insecurity represents a looming humanitarian crisis. The area's ecosystems are also in danger as these extreme weather events and increasing temperatures threaten entire food chains and destroy habitats. The WUWM conference experts called for more localized strategies. "We need Africa specific data and research," Dr. Ernst said, per Caxton Network News. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The experts are also calling for more strategies to reduce food waste. This can be achieved with smarter shopping choices and long-term investments in clean energy. Some local success stories could be replicated in a broader area. For example, farmers in South Africa are boosting yields with more sustainable no-till farming methods. Traditional farming methods are also working in Western Africa. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
TimesLIVE
01-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Joburg to host international farmers' conference
Johannesburg is set to host the world's largest agricultural conference, the World Union of Wholesale Markets [WUWM]. The Johannesburg market is home to the biggest produce market on the African continent, boasting more than R10m in annual turnover. It has been chosen as the host for the conference which will draw industry leaders, policymakers and innovators from more than 200 member countries. This is the third international event set to take place in the city this year, after the U20 and G20 conferences — an achievement mayor Dada Morero believes is an opportunity for the city to make its mark on the global stage. 'This is not only a privilege but a clear demonstration of Johannesburg's readiness to lead, to connect, and to drive a transformative economic agenda. Our role as a city is to create an enabling environment where economic activity thrives — from street-level entrepreneurship to large-scale international trade. Through entities like the Joburg market, we facilitate the daily exchange of goods that feed millions and fuel thousands of jobs.' The mayor said this move is a deliberate part of the city's growth and development strategy. 'These events place Johannesburg at the centre of global dialogue and unlock partnerships that strengthen their infrastructure, their capacity, and global competitiveness. It is our unwavering belief that through collaboration and markets, we can build an Africa that feeds itself, empowers its people and competes with the best in the world,' he said. Economic development MMC Nomoya Mnisi, who presides over Joburg market as an entity, said she hopes the market's selection as the host will highlight its capabilities and contributions to agricultural trade while facilitating networking with key stakeholders in the global agricultural sector. 'This platform now becomes a launch pad for new ideas, partnerships, and growth models that can benefit both emerging and established economies. It stands at the confluence of opportunity and transformation. Africa is home to over 60% of the world's arable land, and yet we continue to confront deep-seated challenges in food security, market access, infrastructure and equitable trade. WUWM Joburg 2025 provides a global platform to collectively address these gaps, showcase our innovations and chart a unified course forward.' Calling it more than a conference, Mnisi described it as a call to action. 'This is rallying point for those who dare to transform food systems not just for profit, but for people and the planet. Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies — a sector that feeds millions, provides jobs to most of our rural population and sustains livelihoods across generations. But the agriculture of tomorrow must be bold, resilient and inclusive.' The MMC gave a marching line to global stakeholders, urging them to align on data-driven practices, climate-responsive infrastructure, and technology that brings the farmer closer to the consumer. 'Through this conference, we reaffirm our commitment to revitalising the wholesale market system as a powerful enabler of economic growth, food system resilience and environmental sustainability,' she says. The conference will take place from May 14-16 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
