ABSTRACT
The functioning and status of three ecosystem services which directly underpin agricultural production in Southern Africa – soil, pollination and natural pest regulation services – are described. Harnessing these ecosystem services in transforming agriculture in Southern Africa is knowledge-intensive, both for the level of research needed and for the ecological literacy needed on the part of farmers and advisors. Existing research and extension needs, given the traditionally low level of funding to ecologically based solutions over technological approaches, are substantial. But the potential to build agroecosystems that are sustainable, regenerative and productive over the long term provides multiple benefits and less environmental costs, which are substantial through harnessing ecosystem services.
