Abstract:
The right to access adequate food in South Africa is a constitutional directive entrenched in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). The South African government has committed itself to promote and protect the right to access adequate food that is safe and nutritious to sustain a healthy life. The government's commitment covers four interrelated elements known as the four pillars of food security: food access, food utilisation, food availability, and a stable supply of food. The four pillars of food security are embedded in the National Policy for Food and Nutrition Security in South Africa. Although a national policy exists, food insecurity has been an ongoing issue in South Africa. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states that the government must take the necessary efforts within its disposal to obtain the progressive realisation of this right. Thus, the study’s argues that a transformed agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector with specific focus on smallholder farmers by establishing public-private partnerships are critical to eliminate waste and ensure better access to food for all. Smallholder farming can be viable, profitable and effective as large-scale farming if they receive the necessary developmental support from relevant parties. This study analyses current government programmes and policy frameworks underlying food security and smallholder farmers, focusing on the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The objective is to explore DALRRD's public-private partnership approach to support smallholder farmers' contribution to food security to meet the growing needs of the population. The study proposes the development of a public-private partnership framework that emphasises coordination and collaboration of the government sector, private sector, civil society, and non-governmental organisations to support smallholder farmers and, in turn, contribute to food security.
