South Africa’s food security is alarmingly close to that of Zimbabwe, with 25% of the poorest households reporting child hunger. The country faces significant stunting rates, affecting millions. As of 2024, the Food Security Index highlights a notable drop in security levels requiring urgent interventions, especially given the impact of inflation and economic hardships on food choices. Diverse provincial performances and advocacy for VAT exemptions on healthy food products are outlined, emphasizing the need for affordable nutritious options.
A recent report from Stellenbosch University reveals that South Africa’s food security is perilously close to that of Zimbabwe. In 2023, approximately 25% of the poorest households indicated that children in their homes experienced hunger. The data demonstrates a worrying trend: South Africa’s food security has deteriorated since 2012, with child stunting rates at 25%, marginally better than Zimbabwe’s rate of 23.5%. Furthermore, about 4.7 million South Africans do not meet their basic caloric needs, exacerbating the situation. The South African Food Security Index for 2024 recorded a decline in the country’s score to 45.3, a sharp drop from a previous high of 64.9 in 2019. This decline signifies that a greater number of South Africans faced pronounced levels of food insecurity in 2023 compared to previous years. Of particular concern is the fact that hunger is disproportionately affecting female-headed households, with rates of 16.7% in rural areas and 11.9% in urban environments, contrasted with male-headed households that report lower rates of 12.5% and 8.7% respectively. Economic strains have led to reduced food consumption quality, and an increasing number of households are reporting decreased food variety. Although initial expansions of social grants have contributed to a decline in hunger levels since 2007, recent disruptions caused by climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and international food supply issues are threatening these advancements. Diverse provincial results are noted, with Limpopo showing unexpected improvement in food security, while the Northern Cape significantly declined in its performance on the index. In contrast, the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal, which initially showed better food security, encountered steep declines up to 2023. Professor von Fintel emphasized that the lingering economic difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with fast-rising food inflation, necessitate that households prioritize other financial obligations at the cost of food quality. The need for affordable, nutritious food is also highlighted, as many cost-effective options lack sufficient nutritional value. Professor von Fintel further stated, “Foods like chicken liver, tinned fish, peanut butter, milk, maas, and dark leafy vegetables such as spinach and indigenous greens are examples of such nutritious foods.” He proposed that zero-rating healthy foods for VAT could facilitate more affordable access. The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) is advocating for VAT exemptions for specific chicken products to alleviate the financial burden on low-income households and support the poultry sector. This follows past unsuccessful requests for VAT exemptions attributed to substantial costs estimated at nearly R6 billion. The Competition Commission continues to scrutinize high food prices, with recognition that while cost pressures appear to be easing, it’s essential for retailers to relay savings to consumers effectively, particularly for everyday food items.
Food security, defined as access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food, remains a critical issue in South Africa, despite its relative economic wealth compared to its neighbors. The nation’s food security status has deteriorated notably in recent years, influenced by various socio-economic factors including poverty, unemployment, inflation, and external shocks such as climate change and global crises. The Stunting Rate, an indicator of chronic malnutrition, serves as a focus for assessing child well-being and is particularly alarming in the context of South Africa’s challenges, indicating the need for systemic changes to ensure adequate nutritional access for vulnerable populations, especially children.
The report from Stellenbosch University highlights a troubling decline in food security in South Africa, revealing stark parallels to conditions in Zimbabwe. A significant portion of households, particularly those led by women, report child hunger, while overall caloric intake is insufficient for many. With the food security index falling dramatically from previous years, immediate and effective interventions are essential to avert a further decline in food security, especially considering the interconnectedness of economic hardship, inflation, and the nutritional quality of diets. Sustainable solutions such as VAT exemptions for healthy foods and alignment of food affordability with nutritional needs are crucial to improve outcomes for South African households.
Original Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za
