Briefing Paper

Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security in a Corporate-Dominated Food System

“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. 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.”