Food Security, Hunger, and Stunting in South Africa

Abstract

Although South Africa is considered to be food secure at the national level, it faces a double burden of malnutrition comprising under-nutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies, and over-weight/obesity. Almost one quarter of the population live below the national food poverty line, and 27 per cent of children under five years are stunted. At the same time, 68 per cent of adult women and 31 per cent of men are overweight or obese. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity translates into diet-related non-communicable disease. As a result, South Africa bears a disproportionate burden of food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa given its wealth. The absence of progress is concerning since public investments in child and maternal nutritional programmes have increased significantly since 1993. High levels of unemployment, the enduring legacy of poor services, and unhealthy diets are among the reasons for this. Covid-19 is a further shock to food and nutrition security.