Local food governance in the City of Johannesburg

Abstract

Food issues are complex and cut across several spheres. Food policy in South Africa tends to be fragmented, incoherent, and top-down with mandates spread across the three spheres of government. Despite this, research and analysis tend to focus on a national government level, ignoring the possible contributions that local level governance can have. The fuller involvement of the local level in food governance could help encourage a bottom-up, inclusive culture towards governance and ultimately improve the effectiveness of food policy. This study investigates local food governance in South Africa, using Johannesburg as a case study. Particular attention will be paid to three things. Firstly, to understand the role that cities play in food governance. Secondly, to identify existing policies, programmes, and strategies relating to food in the City of Johannesburg. Lastly, to ascertain whether there is policy integration of food issues in the City of Johannesburg. The research is based on a qualitative design, using documentary analysis as well as in-depth interviews. The study established that the role of the city in relation to food governance is largely misunderstood, by government officials and public representatives. Firstly, there are minimal partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders. Specifically, between the City of Johannesburg and other stakeholders. Secondly, there is no unified approach to food issues. This is counter-intuitive seeing as food issues require a multi-pronged approach. Thirdly, policy integration is weak and incoherent. Food issues and objectives are not incorporated into the city’s policies. There is no clear roadmap as to how the city’s food issues are to be addressed, and by whom. Ultimately, there is potential for Johannesburg and other cities within their own contexts to be involved in food governance processes, but there is still a long way to go.