South Africa is Africa’s top agricultural exporter, yet food insecurity is on the rise. This contradiction highlights a deeper economic issue—one that requires more than just increasing food production.
A recent Stats SA Food Security Report revealed that the proportion of households experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity has risen from 15.8% in 2019 to 19.7% in 2023. Those facing severe food insecurity also increased from 6.4% to 8% over the same period.
So, if South Africa is producing and exporting more food than ever, why are more people going hungry?
Not a Supply Problem—An Access Problem
Contrary to what some might assume, food security in South Africa is not about the availability of food. The agricultural sector is thriving, producing high-quality, nutritious food in abundance. However, the real issue is access—particularly for households with no stable income.
“The deterioration of food security is not the result of prices or the lack of supply of nutritious, high-quality food. Access seems to be the fundamental challenge, especially for households with no regular sources of income.” – Stats SA Food Security Report
Put simply, many South Africans cannot afford the food that is being grown and exported.
What’s Driving Food Insecurity?
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High Unemployment
- Millions of South Africans lack a steady income, making it difficult to buy food regularly.
- Food security is directly tied to household earnings, not just national agricultural output.
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Income Inequality
- South Africa has one of the highest inequality rates in the world.
- Wealthier households benefit from economic growth, while millions struggle to afford basic necessities.
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Rising Cost of Living
- Inflation and economic instability have made staple foods more expensive for lower-income households.
- Even when food prices remain stable, the cost of transport, rent, and utilities reduces what families can spend on food.
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Lack of Effective Social Support
- Existing social grants and welfare programs help, but they are not enough to address widespread poverty.
- Food security requires long-term economic solutions, not just short-term food aid.
What Needs to Change?
Solving South Africa’s food security crisis is not the responsibility of farmers alone. The solution lies in coordinated economic policies that address poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
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Create More Jobs Across Multiple Sectors
- Agriculture alone cannot solve food insecurity—South Africa needs growth in manufacturing, services, and tech to increase employment opportunities.
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Improve Wage Structures
- Ensuring workers receive fair wages can help bridge the income gap and make nutritious food more affordable.
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Expand Social Support Programs
- Strengthening food assistance programs and targeted subsidies for low-income families can reduce food insecurity.
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Encourage Local Food Distribution
- More investment in small-scale farming and local food networks can improve access to affordable food in poorer communities.
South Africa is producing more food than ever, yet food insecurity is worsening. The issue isn’t about supply—it’s about access. Without bold action to increase household income and reduce poverty, more South Africans will continue to struggle to put food on the table.
Agriculture is not the problem, and increasing production won’t be the solution. The real fix lies in building an economy where more South Africans can afford to eat.
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