South Africa can produce and store food for Africa

The population explosion in sub-Saharan Africa means that 2 billion people on the African continent will have to be fed by 2050. Silo capacity for grain storage in this part of the world is scarce and South Africa’s neighbours will increasingly use our infrastructure and storage facilities.

"Africa is an unstable continent that is faced by a population explosion. We must feed these people and food security should therefore be our goal. The grain industry in South Africa possesses the ability and infrastructure to produce food and store it effectively in our silos, which have a capacity of approximately 20,5 million tons," said Ms Annatjie Loio, president of the Grain Handling Organisation of Southern Africa (Gosa), at the 31st annual symposium of the organisation in Mossel Bay.

During the past season the local grain industry handled 16 million tons of grain, maize exports amounted to 1,8 million tons, and 15 000 tons of soybeans were exported. Imports comprised 81 000 tons of sunflower seed, 68 000 tons of grain sorghum, 90 000 tons of maize and 800 000 tons of wheat.

South Africa is on the eve of a possible 12,9 million ton maize harvest. The total storage for the coming season is expected to amount to 18 million tons, which can include 2 million tons of wheat, 263 000 tons of malting barley, and 112 000 tons of canola. READ MORE»

Source:  GOSA Media Release  #IFAMAFRICA