Youth contribution to science: Pre- and Post-harvest interventions towards food security
Young scientists (youth) are essential to solving regional problems in Sub-Saharan Africa, i.a., food security, agri-food systems, and sustainable agriculture, hence their involvement in research activities that focus on creating novel approaches to tackle regional issues and enhance the standard of living for local populations, including rural areas. Their work also addresses other important concerns such as crop diversification, soil fertility, resilience to climate change, and agronomy, which are actively being researched by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). It crosses several other academic disciplines and/or research fields, including plant breeding, soil science etc.
Key research conducted at the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij involving young scientists to further science and lessen the region’s common pre- and post-harvest losses of fresh food focuses on chemical, biological, and non-thermal control of fungal diseases. Overall, young scientists within the broader ARC are actively engaged in technology transfer projects that create capacity so that farmers, extension officers (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development [DALRRD]), etc. have the know-how to use sustainable agriculture methods. To foster innovation in agricultural production and management and to spread best practices, they arrange training workshops, field demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing forums about the cultivation of indigenous crops e.g., honeybush, disease management, horticulture etc. Thus, inline with United Nations (UN) aims, the ARC provides a platform for research on agri-food systems to ensure food security, safety, and sustenance for everyone. Additionally, the UN works to promote food safety through several initiatives, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). These organisations seek to ensure that food is safe for consumption and does not present health concerns, hence they support nations in strengthening their food safety systems by offering technical assistance and capacity-building support.
Key research conducted by the ARC speaks to Goal 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) emphasises the need to achieve food security, promote sustainable agriculture, improve nutrition, and end hunger. The UN also emphasises the need for socially just, commercially successful, ecologically sustainable, and nutritionally appropriate agri-food systems. This entails encouraging environmentally friendly farming methods, enhancing market and infrastructural accessibility, aiding smallholder farmers and rural communities, and fortifying food supply networks. Therefore, the biological and non-thermal management of post-harvest fungal diseases by the ARC also contributes to this UN priority.