Analysing South Africa's food security environment based on the 2022 Global Food Security Index score and rank

Abstract

A report issued by the FAO has warned that, on a global scale, most nations are not progressing towards the achievement of the goal to eliminate hunger before the end of the year 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (United Nations, 2019). Consistent with global patterns, the general state of food security in South Africa has experienced a decline over the preceding five years. The study aimed to analyse South Africa’s food security environment by utilising the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) score and rank, focusing on identifying areas for improvement and prioritising actions for stakeholders. Furthermore, it proposed to evaluate the trend in South Africa’s GFSI rank and score from 2012 to 2022, reviewed performance in the four GFSI dimensions (affordability, availability, quality & safety, sustainability & adaptability), based on the 2022 report, and to suggest actionable steps for various stakeholders to enhance food security. The research adopted a comprehensive approach, blending primary and secondary data sources. Secondary data analysis traced the trajectory of South Africa’s GFSI score and rank over the 2012–2022 period, while primary data collection involved semi-structured interviews with nine recognised experts in relevant fields respective to the indicators. Key findings indicated an initial increase in South Africa’s food security from 2012 to 2016, followed by a moderate decline leading up to 2022. Thirteen out of 68 indicators including, change in the average food cost, food security and access to policy commitments, and water, significantly contributed to the deterioration of the 2022 score and rank. Despite having strong policies and strategies in place to protect and enhance South Africa’s food security, implementation failures were identified in South Africa’s food security environment, these included, lack of collaboration, water system failures and a lack of know-how and support. The GFSI should be understood as an evaluation tool for assessing the food security environment. This study suggests actionable steps that should be implemented and monitored by a food security agency in South Africa. Recommendations included the establishment of a dedicated food security task force or coordinating body to supervise implementation, fostering sustained collaboration among stakeholders. Continuous monitoring of South Africa's GFSI score, and rank was advised to track progress and identify further areas for improvement.