South Africa: 7.5%; Eastern Cape: 6.5% Western Cape: 3%; North West: 2.7% Limpopo: 1.8%; So for South Africa as a whole, 7.5% of households involved in agricultural activities stated they are involved in it as it is their main source of food. That is a clear indication of some of the absolute poverty that is prevelent in South Africa. This report will examine ways in which individuals can take control of the food supply, through the maintenance of food gardens, and will examine whether this improves their food supply and thus decreases their incidence of hunger or not. According to a 2013 Human Sciences Research Council report, 26% of SA households experience hunger. 6. ‘Food security’ became a buzzword in 2008 when countries realised that, while they might be able to afford food imports, the food might not be available on the open market. The South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nkosazana Zuma, said there is need for more consultations to find solutions to poverty in southern Africa. The objective of this thesis, therefore, was to investigate and assess the prevailing causes of food insecurity in Southern Africa. ... mostly in South Africa… The research revealed that transitory and chronic food insecurity (malnutrition) in the SADC region exists due to the problems experienced with both the supply and demand sides of the food security equation. Macro-analysis loses sight of the right to food at household level, the looming collision between agriculture and environmental limits, the constraints within conflict zones, and the political power structures which impede the equitable distribution of food resources. Solutions to Food Insecurity With people going hungry, children growing underdeveloped and obesity running rampant, it is no secret that we need to rethink the way we handle food.... more ©2021 South Africa Online (Pty) Ltd. SouthAfrica.co.za. In South Africa, the primary drivers of food insecurity are access and affordability associated with high levels of inequality and unemployment. Today, Africa has one of the highest population growth rates in the world, placing the African population at a higher risk of food insecurity [7]. Food insecurity has long been an issue in South Africa, with 11% of the population (6.5 million people) suffering from hunger in 2019, according to Statistics South Africa.. As of late, it has become a considerably topical issue, with President Cyril Ramaphosa having referred to food insecurity in parliament proceedings as well as his weekly newsletters at least twice in the last month. Southern Africa has developed solutions to address food insecurity but is moving too slowly on implementation, according to government ministers from the region. Food security ought to be looked at at a regional rather than national level because regional integration, if driven by foods security concerns, has a lot of potential for development in Africa. South Africa. The supply side, at least for now, is in good shape, with sufficient food available to sustain every household through domestic food production and imports. One in four people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) does not have enough food. Some possible solutions While it is true that the food insecurity problems in Africa are complex and will not all be solved overnight, there has been some progress made on this important issue. Africa is grappling with higher than normal rates of food insecurity due to drought and flooding caused by El Nino. FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA 3 Causes of Food Insecurity in Africa There are many causes of food insecurity in Africa including unstable socio-political environment. Helen Clark, former UNDP Administrator – on food insecurity in Africa and possible solutions. As a result, food security in South Africa is an issue of critical importance.