Africa Insight

Editorial

2023-11-08T09:24:56+00:00

No Abstract

Resilience and Food Security in a Food Systems Context

2023-11-08T10:27:34+00:00

No Abstract

Determinants of Household Food Security Status during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Mtendeka Rural Area of KwaZulu-Natal Province

2023-11-08T09:34:17+00:00

This study aimed to determine the food security status and the factors affecting rural households during the Covid-19 period. Data was collected through questionnaires and descriptive analysis. HFIAS and ordered logistic regression were used to analyse data. Thirty per cent of households were food secure, 62.5 per cent mildly food insecure, and 7.5 per cent were moderately food insecure. The age of the household head, marital status, educational level, and number of minors had a negative impact on HFIAS, while impact of Covid-19 on household income and social grants had a positive effect on household income. Age and household head education level improved food security status, whereas dependence on social grants and income affected by Covid19 caused food insecurity. The study recommends that government invest in education. Household heads must be educated on diversifying their livelihood options. There is a need to supplement social grants to meet household food needs.

Socio-economic Determinants of Household Food Insecurity

2023-11-08T09:42:23+00:00

This paper investigates the socio-economic determinants of household food security in South Africa. Data from the General Household Survey was analysed using a binary logistic regression model. This study used secondary data from the 2021 General Household Survey with 9 630 observations from all nine provinces of South Africa. Using the binary logistic regression, the study found that gender, marital status, household size, agricultural activities, level of education, household expenditure, and household head’s occupation significantly affect household food security. This finding could provide insights for policymakers to improve household security in South Africa.

Household Deprivation and Multi-dimensional Poverty Relationship to Nutritional Status and Food Intake of Children 6 to 13 years in Rural Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa

2023-11-08T09:45:04+00:00

Children are at risk of being multi-dimensionally poor, which compromises their development. Household deprivation and multi-dimensional poverty of households with children in rural Queenstown, Eastern Cape, were determined through quantitative, descriptive research. A random sampling technique was used to recruit participants for structured interviews. Children were weighed and measured, and their anthropometric status determined. A low AMPI score indicated that 82.4 per cent of households were acutely multi-dimensionally poor. Although social grants are the buffer for food security, they do not provide nutrition security. Of the 200 children aged six to 13 years, 10.5 per cent were overweight and 3.5 per cent were obese. The role of poverty in food nutrition security is complex, as both over-nutrition and under-nutrition can be present in food-insecure households.

Analysis of Potential Association Between Women’s and Children’s Health Status, Physical Development, and Household Food Security

2023-11-08T09:51:29+00:00

This paper assessed the harmful impact of poverty, food insecurity, and poor nutrition on the health of children and women in terms of multiple social and environmental determinants not adequately addressed by standard policies. The most frequent height-for-age index was statistically and significantly associated with the child’s respiratory infection, diarrhoea, and fever. Household dietary diversity scores correlated with stunting in children. Children’s growth retardation was associated with birthweight and breastfeeding practices. The mother’s HIV/AIDS status had a strong association with their tuberculosis status. The prevalence of tuberculosis was significantly highest among young women. Household dietary diversity was statistically and significantly associated with the mother’s body mass index. The association between health status and child growth delay, mother’s nutritional status, and household food and nutrition security is now established. High morbidity and malnutrition among children and female-headed households are both a violation of human dignity and an obstacle to community development.

Assessing the Role of Urbanisation and Climate Change on Urban Food Production and Land Access in Selected KwaZulu-Natal Areas

2023-11-08T10:03:50+00:00

The rising demand for urban land use affects urban development and agricultural land use. This study assessed the role of urbanisation and climate change with a focus on the effect of water quality and soil fertility on urban food production. A mixed methodology approach was employed. The results of the fresh river water sample analysis demonstrated that uMsunduzi consistently exceeded the recommended water quality, whereas stored river water was of higher quality due to innovative farmer practices and may serve as a replacement. There were significant differences in soil nutrient properties, demonstrating the complexity and diversity of urban soils, which are influenced by management practices, environmental disturbances, and environmental factors. River-sourced irrigation water is a source of pathogenic microorganisms in food production. Ensuring the quality of irrigation water and soil fertility is critical in promoting sustainable urban agriculture and food security. Achieving a nutritious food basket from a farmer’s garden is not always possible, despite farmers’ efforts, due to limitations such as land access and size, water quality and information.

Climate Perceptions and Adaptation Strategies of Smallholders in the Ngqushwa Local Municipality, South Africa

2023-11-08T10:23:55+00:00

Ngqushwa Local Municipality smallholders and households are confronted by climate variability. The aim of the study was to assess the perceptibility of climate variability and the factors influencing adaptation strategies. From four villages, 308 households were selected to participate. A questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to study the general perceptions of climate variability and adaptation strategies adopted by farming households. The multiple regression model was used in assessing the socio-economic factors that affect the adopted adaptation approaches that assuage the effects of climate variability. Seventyfour per cent perceived climate variabilities to be taking place at an alarming rate, while 26 per cent were undecided about whether there was any climate variability. Age, education, and farm/household size were the predominant determinant variables that influence the choice of adaptation strategy. The study recommends that for better adaptive capacity, the participation of rural communities in climate governance be given policy attention and that grass-roots level knowledge systems be given equal weighting in policy formulation.