Re-Zoning for Resilience: A Strategic Soil Health and Fertilizer Initiative for Agro-Ecological Planning in Southern Africa

Jul 08, 2025

Across the vast landscapes of Southern Africa, agriculture has always been rooted in nature’s rhythms. Rainfall, soil texture, temperature, and terrain have long determined where crops grow best, which farming systems thrive, and how food is produced and sustained. These factors are traditionally captured through Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) — critical tools that guide planning, input application, land suitability assessments, and climate adaptation strategies.

But as the climate shifts, soils degrade, and agricultural systems evolve, so too must the frameworks that underpin them. The reality is sobering: many of Southern Africa’s AEZ maps are no longer fit for purpose. Developed decades ago using outdated methodologies and parameters, they are increasingly out of sync with current environmental and agricultural conditions.

It is in this context that a transformative regional agenda is taking shape — one that seeks to redefine agro-ecological zoning across the SADC region to align with modern realities and drive resilience in food systems.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.