Digitalization and Food System Transformation in Zimbabwe and South Africa: Challenges and Policy Alternatives

In today’s digital age, digital technologies and innovations have the potential to greatly enhance food system transformation in Africa, as elsewhere. When utilised effectively, these tools can help us make significant progress towards achieving global, regional, and national developmental goals. Food system transformation is a key priority for many governments and development partners as it can expedite the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG2, which aims to improve food and nutrition security. While most African countries currently lag behind in meeting the SDGs and fully transforming food systems, strategic investments in digital technologies can help bridge this gap. A comprehensive review of academic and grey literature provides valuable insights into the challenges and policy options for leveraging digital innovations in food system transformation in South Africa and Zimbabwe. This chapter shows that digitalisation has the potential to substantially increase agricultural productivity, enhance food and nutrition security, and bring about a transformation in our food systems. It is essential that governments and policymakers take the lead in embracing and investing in digital technologies and innovations, prioritising human and institutional capacity building, and providing policy support for the development of digital infrastructure. Moreover, these investments should be coupled with measures to ensure affordable internet access, promote digital literacy, implement rural electrification programmes, and support the growth of business models and start-ups to facilitate food system transformation. The potential benefits of these innovations for farmers and the entire food system are not only extensive but also offer a promising outlook for the future.