How Might Agriculture Develop in Southern Africa? Making Sense of Complexity

The report examines the complexities of agricultural development in Southern Africa, highlighting the need for increased investment in infrastructure and the potential role of genetically modified organisms and supermarket cold chains. It notes the possibility of investment relocation driven by global climate mitigation policies, while warning of climate protectionism and the direct impacts of climate change. The document also emphasizes the need for transparent terms for foreign land access and the potential of Malawi's input subsidy model.

• Increased investment in African agriculture is possible in the medium term because the World Bank and regional governments have recognized historic underinvestment as a problem, provided the current liquidity crunch is overcome.
• The expansion of supermarkets and food manufacturers, including cold chain infrastructure, could significantly benefit regional agriculture if managed proactively.
• Climate mitigation policies in developed and major developing countries could trigger a virtuous investment cycle through investment relocation, though this is countered by risks of climate protectionism and the direct effects of climate change on agriculture.
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have the potential to increase yields and 'climate proof' crops, suggesting a need for a rational debate on their costs and benefits.
• Malawi has used input subsidies to increase domestic agricultural production, providing a model for the region despite concerns regarding the fiscal sustainability of the donor-funded programme.

APA

Hichert,, P. D. K. (2009). How Might Agriculture Develop in Southern Africa? Making Sense of Complexity. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/how-might-agriculture-develop-southern-africa-making-sense-complexity

Chicago

Hichert,, Peter Draper,Sheila Kiratu,Tanja. How Might Agriculture Develop in Southern Africa? Making Sense of Complexity. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2009. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/how-might-agriculture-develop-southern-africa-making-sense-complexity.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Hichert, |first1=Peter Draper,Sheila Kiratu,Tanja |title=How Might Agriculture Develop in Southern Africa? Making Sense of Complexity |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=25 June 2009 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/how-might-agriculture-develop-southern-africa-making-sense-complexity |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{hichert2009how, author = {Hichert,, Peter Draper,Sheila Kiratu,Tanja}, title = {{How Might Agriculture Develop in Southern Africa? Making Sense of Complexity}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2009}, month = jun, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/how-might-agriculture-develop-southern-africa-making-sense-complexity}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }