Improving food security in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal province,South Africa: Too little,too slow |
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| Authors: | Marijke D'Haese Tharcisse Nkunzimana Ellen Van Damme Johan van Rooyen Anne-Marie Remaut |
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| Institution: | 1. Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.;2. Scientific Officer, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Monitoring Agricultural Resources Unit – H04, FoodSec Action TP 266, Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra (Va), Italy.;3. Researcher, Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.;4. Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Stellenbosch, J.S. Marais Building, Private Bag X1, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa.;5. Professor, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium. |
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| Abstract: | Food insecurity is still remarkably high in the poorest areas of the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Many rural households struggle to have sufficient access to the food they need or prefer. This article explores the extent of food access insecurity and assesses the perceived impact on food security of an Empowerment for Food Security Programme that was launched in the Province in 2007. One of the programme aims was to improve agricultural practices in community gardens, home gardens and broiler production. Data were collected among 390 beneficiary households involved in these agricultural projects in 2010. Findings confirmed that experience-based food insecurity levels were still high, despite the agricultural support programme and the government income transfers. Nevertheless, respondents attribute an improved dietary diversity and better access to resources to the programme. |
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| Keywords: | food security case study HFIAS categories dietary diversity hunger index |
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