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GAME INDUSTRY TRENDS ANALYSIS 2024
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National Food Survey Reveals Grim Food Insecurity Levels In SA
National food survey reveals grim food insecurity levels in SA
By Staff Reporter | 10 October 2024 | 10:00 am
John Steenhuisen, minister of the Department of Agriculture, recently announced the results of the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey in Pretoria.
The findings of the survey highlighted a concerning picture of widespread food insecurity across the country, revealing that nearly two-thirds of households struggle to access adequate food.
The survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), found that 63,5% of South African households are food insecure. This was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Score (HFIAS), an indicator that shows the severity of food insecurity at the household level.
According to Steenhuisen, this meant only 36,5% of households were food secure, painting a grim picture of the country’s efforts to address hunger and malnutrition.
A growing national crisis
Steenhuisen pointed out that climate change and economic shocks have exacerbated food insecurity in South Africa. He referred to last month’s snowfall as one of the many disruptions in recent years that have impacted food production, alongside droughts, floods, and civil unrest.
“Our country has not been spared from the adverse impacts of these climate change shocks and hazards to our economy, and particularly to the most vulnerable households,” he said.
The survey’s results also underscored the triple burden of malnutrition that South Africa faces. This includes not only hunger but also ‘hidden hunger’ (micronutrient deficiencies) and rising obesity rates due to nutrient-poor diets.
Despite the concerning statistics, Steenhuisen reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition by 2030.
Improving food production
Addressing food production was a key priority for government. Steenhuisen highlighted the country’s success in maintaining food availability despite recent challenges. South Africa remained a surplus food producer, with significant exports of citrus, maize, wine, nuts, and sugar cane.
However, he stressed the importance of increasing agricultural investment and strengthening public-private partnerships to support food producers.
“Our response as government will require a whole-of-society approach that emphasises partnerships with the private sector and stakeholders across the food and nutrition spectrum,” he said.
Government was also prioritising support for subsistence farmers through the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES), which had been in place since 2020.
Steenhuisen concluded with a call to action: “It is imperative that we all work together, united in purpose, to a resilient food system that leaves no one behind. We cannot afford to wait any longer; the time for action is now. Together, we can ensure that every South African has access to the food they need to thrive.”
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