Eight ways AECI is shaping a better world of food security
AECI is shaping a better world of food security through a bold, new purpose-led strategy and vision.
Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2, 8, 12 and 17, namely zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and partnerships for the goals, three AECI strategic pillars are actively engaged in delivering better farming, nutrition and productivity as well as water systems for communities, farms and industry. Together, AECI Food & Beverage, AECI Plant Health and AECI Water touch nearly every piece of the value chain – from farm to fork!
Eight ways that we are shaping a better world of food security are summarised here. There are many more in our inaugural Sustainability Report, now available on www.aeciworld.com.
According to the United Nations, one in nine people do not have enough to eat and one-third of all food produced goes to waste. This is mirrored in Africa where hunger and malnutrition as well as diet-related diseases and food waste are a daily reality, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same time, precision irrigation should become the norm in South Africa where irrigation accounts for 70% of total water consumption. Agricultural exports also face particular risk as some European customers are seeking to track “embedded water” used in upstream agricultural production.
Helping address these challenges through our significant scientific and technological capability and capacity is the essence of our commitment to a better world of food security.
01.
Improving yield by working with nature for sustainable agriculture
AECI Plant Health’s holistic NuWay® methodology uses precision analysis, remote sensing and tailored chemistry to address long-term soil health. This enhances agricultural output and delivers healthier crops. An example is Biocult which uses mycorrhizae to improve plant nutrition as well as soil biology and chemistry.
Through R&D, we are exploring future opportunities to improve the quality and quantity of produce by using specially treated water from boreholes, dams and rivers for irrigation.
02.
Making water conservation easier to reduce the volume of water needed for irrigation without compromising yields
AECI Plant Health has secured SupPlant technology, whereby precision sensors on individual plants reflect exact moisture requirements and feed the data to a control centre for irrigation. To date, there are 13 installations on 435 hectares. The objective is to expand the offering to 7 000 hectares by 2025.
AECI Plant Health and AECI Water are exploring how water treatment technologies can reduce the volume of water needed for irrigation purposes without compromising yields, while AECI Food & Beverage is targeting water conservation opportunities in the dairy industry.
03.
Making farming more inclusive
AECI Plant Health supports emerging- and smallholder farmers.
In Malawi, for example, we have developed Nyonga input packs that include seeds, fertiliser, crop protection products and personal protection equipment. These packs are distributed through multinational companies that contract smallholder farmers to produce cotton, maize, pigeon pea and tobacco.
In South Africa, the Khula App digital trading platform is another offering that facilitates upstream and downstream commercial activity. Our wide range of plant and soil health products and services are available on Khula. Currently, 4 200 emerging farmers are registered and the medium-term goal is 50 000.
04.
Making food healthier and more affordable
Ingredients for affordable basic foods
Lower-income consumers spend a disproportionately high percentage of their total income on food.
AECI Food & Beverage supplies a range of specialty cultures used in the production of Amasi and Mageu, offering affordable on-the-go-nutrition. We also supply a range of functional ingredients used in the production of low-cost processed meat products that are an affordable, readily available, tasty source of protein. A healthier dairy fruit juice blend is coming soon.
Affordable alternative proteins
Global growth in demand for protein, coupled with the rising environmental impact of conventional animal farming and shifting consumer ethics, have led to a growing protein gap and increased demand for alternatives.
AECI Food & Beverage supplies a range of products from collagen, hemp, keratin, peas, rice and whey. We are also exploring the possibility of developing low-cost microbial protein.
Fortified and functional food ingredients
Recent medical research has made a connection between poor gut health and a number of chronic health conditions. Conversely, a healthy gut microbiome has been linked to improved health and wellbeing.
We supply a range of functional ingredients including clinically-proven Fibersol®, a dietary juice fibre.
05.
Reducing food waste
AECI Food & Beverage supplies natural alternatives to artificial preservatives that extend shelf-life. An example is Fresh-Q®, a bio-preservative that naturally reduces the development of mould in dairy.
06.
Redistributing unsold food
Through the donation of flowbins, AECI Food & Beverage helps a charity in Cape Town redistribute unsold food from grocery shops to people in need.
07.
Reducing the need for chemicals and water as cleaning materials when transporting liquid food products
We are the first to offer Mega-Inliner® in South Africa. This is a fully recyclable liner which allows liquid food products to be packed without the need to clean vehicles with chemicals and water. A trial was undertaken recently with a large beverage company and the results are promising.
08.
Food security during COVID-19
Through iPledge, an internal crowdfunding initiative, we raised R3,5 million in six months to address food security challenges. 12 315 needy families had received food parcels by the end of 2020.