Food for Thought

This report examines food insecurity in South Africa, focusing on why widespread hunger and poor nutrition persist despite the country producing enough food nationally (PDF, 22.4MB). Drawing on interviews with organisations representing low-income and marginalised communities, alongside national survey data and a review of legal and policy frameworks, it shows that food insecurity is primarily driven by poverty, unemployment, low wages, high food prices, and inadequate social protection rather than food shortages. The report highlights the country’s “triple burden of malnutrition” and the disproportionate impact on women, children, informal workers, and rural and urban poor households. It concludes that food insecurity is a structural and rights-based issue, calling for stronger implementation of the right to food through improved incomes, expanded social support, better regulation of the food system, and more coherent and accountable government action.

 

Abstract based on original source.