Enhancing food and nutrition security in a corporate-dominated food system

Abstract

South Africa faces a ‘dual burden’ of malnutrition, with persistent under-nutrition coinciding with rising rates of diet-related NCDs (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers). According to a recent national survey, 54% of households nationally reported experiencing either hunger or risk of hunger (Shisana et al., 2013:10). The South African food system is capable of supplying enough food either through production or trade. The main challenge is that many people cannot afford to purchase the food they need. Therefore the focus of efforts to improve food security is on increasing incomes, either through welfare (such as social grants), or through increasing employment or entrepreneurship.