Biowatch Bulletin: February to July 2026.

27 February 2026

The Just Transition in the Food System Group submission to the South African Human Rights Commission’s National Inquiry into the Right to Food.

The 86-page submission draws on inputs from organisations across our networks and broader constituencies, setting out concrete proposals to address the food crisis and advance the constitutional right to food.

The submission addresses:

• Child hunger and malnutrition
• Land access and tenure security
• Corporate concentration in the food chain
• Climate change and food system resilience
• Gendered dimensions of food insecurity
• The need for a Right-to-Food Framework Act

19 February 2026

Biowatch South Africa’s submission in response to a call from the UN Working Group on UNDROP to inform their thematic report on the right to seeds, which will be presented to the HRC in October 2026. See https://www.ohchr.org/en/calls-for-input/2026/right-seeds

Biowatch Bulletin: August 2025 to January 2026.

26 January 2026

This eye-opening Biowatch Research Paper explores the design, implementation and outcomes of South Africa’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), with a focus on KwaZulu-Natal. Of particular interest is the role of smallholder farmers in the programme and the food production projects in schools. Lessons from Brazil, India and Ghana show that if well-structured and adequately funded by the state, smallholder farmers can effectively supply schools with healthy, nutritious food. In return, they create local economies and contribute to broader livelihoods through secured markets for their produce.

26 September 2025

Biowatch South Africa submission in relation to the draft package of measures developed by the Open-Ended Working Group to Enhance the Functioning of the Multilateral System (MLS) under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) - the Plant Treaty.

11 August 2025

Biowatch South Africa gives input in response to the Corteva Agriscience application for a permit for trial release of GM Canola DP73496-4.

Biowatch Bulletin: February to July 2025.

These how-to materials were developed for participants who attend Biowatch’s AE Qalisa! “introduction to agroecology” practical training course for smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. They were developed specifically to support the first steps in applying agroecology practices in traditional homestead planning.

Please note: Because agroecology farming practices are context-specific and responsive to the local climate and culture, the practices shared in these materials may not be appropriate for all areas or climates, and should be adapted to suit your own context, climate and cultural preferences.

These materials are available in English and in isiZulu.

These how-to materials were developed for participants who attend Biowatch’s AE Qalisa! “introduction to agroecology” practical training course for smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. They were developed specifically to support the first steps in applying agroecology practices in traditional homestead planning.

Please note: Because agroecology farming practices are context-specific and responsive to the local climate and culture, the practices shared in these materials may not be appropriate for all areas or climates, and should be adapted to suit your own context, climate and cultural preferences.

These materials are available in English and in isiZulu.