International Journal of Environmental, Sustainability, and Social Science
Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): International Journal of Environmental, Sustainability, and Social Science (May

A South African Food Security Challenge: The Critique of Initiatives at household Level

Fanelesibonge Masinga (Developmental, Ethical, Capable and Ethical State Human Science Research Council)
Thanyani Madzivhandila (University of Limpopo)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

The food security challenge has affected many households in South Africa, as some households struggle to maintain a healthy diet and adequate food access. Many households in South Africa experience food hunger and starvation, in particular households in rural areas which is often characterised by large family groups. Despite pro-active initiatives such as the Integrated food security, nutrition program, zero hunger programme and social grants, households in South Africa continue to be negatively impacted by food insecurity, especially in the awake of climate change. The paper aims to argue that food security challenges faced by households in South Africa could be addressed if strategies are formulated not only to secure the individual but the entire household.  The paper analyses three literature themes namely: food security globally, accessed food security challenges in South Africa and finally critiqued food initiatives that potentially play a role in household food security. The findings of the paper conclude that food security initiative programs are available in South Africa, however they often rely on monetary terms of ensuring food security, the social grants for example are targeted to some household members not everyone in the household. The paper suggests that targeting certain household members is not a comprehensive approach in addressing food security at household level.  Lessons drawn from literature, provide a way forward towards policy effective and efficient interventions that seek to foster household food security interventions while observing nature-based agro-forestry initiatives that are community-led.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijesss

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Environmental Science Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Environmental, Sustainability, and Social Science (abbreviated as IJESSS) p-ISSN 2720-9644 and e-ISSN 2721-0871 is a multidisciplinary journal covering all aspects of the environmental impacts of socio-economic development. The International Journal of Environmental, ...