World Food Day: South African Farmers Call for Action on Fuel Costs, Poor Roads and Rural Connectivity

As South Africa marks World Food Day, farmers are calling for practical action to address the challenges that threaten food production, distribution and rural livelihoods. While the day draws attention to the importance of food security and access to nutritious food, farmers say meaningful progress depends on addressing the daily obstacles they face in producing and delivering food to markets. High fuel costs, poor road conditions and unreliable communication networks continue to place pressure on agricultural businesses, particularly those operating in rural areas. These challenges increase production and transport expenses, delay deliveries and make it harder for farmers to remain competitive. Farmers are therefore urging government and other stakeholders to move beyond promises and introduce solutions that respond directly to conditions on the ground.

World Food Day is observed annually on 16 October and provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of agriculture, food security and the people who help feed communities. In South Africa, farmers play a central role in supplying fresh produce, supporting food processing businesses and sustaining economic activity in towns and rural communities. However, producing food is only one part of the agricultural process, as crops and other products must also reach buyers in good condition and at the right time. When transport systems are unreliable or operating costs become too high, the entire food supply chain can be affected. Farmers say that efforts to strengthen food security must therefore include practical support for the infrastructure and services that make agricultural production and distribution possible.

High fuel costs remain a major concern because agriculture depends heavily on transport and machinery. Farmers use fuel to prepare land, operate equipment, move agricultural inputs and transport harvested produce to markets, packhouses and processing facilities. When fuel prices rise, these activities become more expensive, placing pressure on already tight operating budgets. Farmers who cannot absorb the additional costs may be forced to increase their selling prices, reduce spending in other areas or accept lower returns for their produce. Smaller farming businesses can be particularly vulnerable because they may have fewer financial resources and less bargaining power when negotiating transport costs or prices with buyers.

Poor road infrastructure creates another serious obstacle for farmers, especially those located far from major commercial centres. Roads in poor condition can increase travel times, damage vehicles and raise the cost of moving produce from farms to markets. Fresh fruit, vegetables and other perishable products are especially sensitive to delays because their quality can deteriorate before they reach buyers. Difficult road conditions can also discourage transport operators from serving remote farming areas or lead them to charge more for collection and delivery. Farmers argue that maintaining rural roads and improving access to agricultural production areas should be treated as an important part of strengthening the country’s food system, rather than as a separate infrastructure concern.

Weak communication networks add to these difficulties by limiting farmers’ ability to access information and coordinate business activities. Reliable mobile connectivity and internet access are increasingly important for checking market prices, communicating with buyers, arranging transport and receiving information about weather conditions and agricultural services. When signals are unreliable or data services are unavailable, farmers may struggle to respond quickly to changes that affect their operations. Poor connectivity can also restrict access to digital tools that help businesses manage records, identify market opportunities and improve production planning. Improving communication infrastructure in rural areas would help farmers connect more effectively with customers, suppliers and support services, while creating opportunities for broader participation in the digital economy.

The combined effect of high fuel costs, poor roads and weak communication networks extends beyond individual farms. Agricultural businesses support employment, provide income for households and contribute to economic activity throughout the food supply chain. When farmers face higher operating costs or lose access to reliable markets, these pressures can affect farm workers, transport businesses, local traders and food-processing operations. Delays and additional distribution expenses can also contribute to inefficiencies that place pressure on food prices and the availability of fresh produce. Addressing these problems is therefore not only about helping farmers run their businesses more effectively, but also about protecting livelihoods and strengthening food security for South African households.

Farmers are calling for a bottom-up approach that begins with the realities of agricultural communities and involves the people directly affected by infrastructure and service delivery problems. Such an approach would give farmers meaningful opportunities to explain the barriers they encounter, identify priority areas and help shape practical interventions. Instead of relying only on broad policy commitments, government departments and municipalities would need to engage regularly with farming organisations, smallholder producers, commercial farmers and rural communities. These discussions could help identify which roads require urgent repairs, where communication coverage is inadequate and how rising transport expenses affect different types of agricultural businesses. By grounding decisions in local experience, authorities would be better placed to direct limited resources towards problems that have the greatest impact on food production and delivery.

Turning commitments into visible results will require coordination between government, agricultural organisations, infrastructure providers and the private sector. Rural road maintenance needs consistent planning and attention, while communication providers and relevant authorities must work to improve reliable network access in underserved areas. Farmers also need clear communication about support programmes, infrastructure projects and the steps being taken to address their concerns. Transparent planning, realistic timelines and regular progress updates can help build trust between agricultural communities and the institutions responsible for delivering services. Most importantly, farmers should be able to see measurable improvements in the conditions that affect their businesses, rather than being left with promises that do not translate into change.

Smallholder farmers deserve particular attention in these efforts because infrastructure barriers can limit their ability to grow production and enter more profitable markets. Many smaller producers operate with limited capital and may struggle to afford additional transport expenses, invest in alternative communication tools or absorb losses caused by delayed deliveries. Improving roads and connectivity can help reduce some of these disadvantages and make it easier for emerging farmers to supply retailers, wholesalers, processors and local markets. Better access to reliable infrastructure can also support agricultural development by helping farmers plan production with greater confidence and respond to commercial opportunities. A more inclusive agricultural sector depends on ensuring that the benefits of improved infrastructure reach farms of different sizes and in different locations.

World Food Day should serve as more than a reminder of the importance of food and the people who produce it. For South African farmers, it is an opportunity to highlight the practical conditions that determine whether agricultural businesses can remain productive, reach markets and support local livelihoods. High fuel costs, deteriorating roads and weak communication networks are interconnected challenges that require sustained attention and workable solutions. A bottom-up approach, supported by meaningful engagement, coordinated planning and accountable delivery, can help ensure that agricultural policy responds to the needs of farmers themselves. Ultimately, strengthening South Africa’s food security begins with taking farmers’ concerns seriously and turning commitments into practical action that helps them produce food, deliver it reliably and sustain the communities that depend on agriculture.