Résumé
Agriculture is the main food production industry in emerging economies. Its importance in increasing food security is reflected in SDGs 1 and 2 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Thus, improving food production through small-scale agriculture transformation and sustainability is crucial. However, recent pandemic (COVID-19) awareness and impacts necessitate urgent need for sustainable small-scale farming. This study sought to find ways for small-scale agriculture in Southern Africa to withstand natural disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify solutions to boost production amid COVID-19 effects on labour, markets, and access to knowledge or inputs. Local and international reports on small-scale agriculture in Southern Africa, and literature from 2009 to 2022, were systematically used. Technology that could be harnessed to ameliorate the identified challenges and enhance small-scale farming productivity in the region is recommended. Finding solutions to the issues encountered by small-scale farmers in general and due to the pandemic will promote the transformation and sustainability of small-scale agriculture and hence food security in the region. Additionally, the importance of science communication related to small-scale farming in Southern Africa, along with practical and policy implications to enhance and support small-scale farming, and subsequently food security is highlighted. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023.