Abstract:
Although South Africa has reported national food security for decades, current production
patterns, land uncertainty and consumer preferences put future national household food
insecurity in question. Household food insecurity in South Africa is at unacceptable levels. This
paper reviews the country’s agricultural legislative framework in terms of food security and the
right to food. The review found that South African agricultural policies do not actively promote
food security and the lack of enforceable food security policy makes it difficult to coordinate
existing policies. The lack of food security legislation means that the right to food has no
enforceable framework. A comprehensive food security policy, legislative framework and
implementation strategy are urgently needed to address hunger poverty to progressively achieve
the targets set out for national growth and development and realise the right to food enshrined
in the Constitution.
