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Food Security In South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • van Zyl, Johan
  • Kirsten, Johann

Abstract

South Africa's agricultural policy has had food self-sufficiency as a major objective until recently. This is still the case for a number of the homelands. South Africa has to a large extent achieved this goal by producing a surplus in most of the agricultural commodities. Despite this efficiency, large inequities, inefficient food distribution networks and high levels of malnutrition are experienced. South Africa is therefore characterised by surpluses and exports amidst food shortages - a situation of "hunger and malnutrition next to the granary" is therefore typical. These conditions necessitate a review of the current agricultural policy goals. This paper strongly argues in favour of a policy of food security aimed at both national and household level. The paper initially reviews the issues and terminology of food security as a matter of clarification. The dimensions of the food security problem in South Africa at national and household level are subsequently quantified showing that 21% of the urban population and 63% of the rural population in South Africa live below the minimum subsistence level. The evidence necessitates an evaluation of policies and programmes to address food security in South Africa. The paper looks at a range of policy alternatives and concludes that, on the one hand, production orientated policies implying technological change and commercialization of production by rural households will provide a long term impact in terms of all the food security risks. Given South Africa's inequitable distribution of infrastructure, this will have to be accompanied by infrastructural development and an improved food distribution network. On the other hand, the increasing number of urban households necessitates a reconsideration of pricing and distributional issues. Specific issues which will have to be addressed are controlled marketing, marketing margins and the influence of concentration in the food processing sectors on the price and affordability of basic foodstuffs. Attention should also be paid to the "food price dilemma" which should be taken into consideration in agricultural price policy. Finally it is important to note that food security requires economic development and large scale public commitment which is not achievable with a few cheap short term interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • van Zyl, Johan & Kirsten, Johann, 1992. "Food Security In South Africa," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 31(4), December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:agreko:267534
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.267534
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eicher, Carl K. & Staatz, John M., 1985. "Food Security Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa," 1985 Conference, August 26-September 4, 1985, Malaga, Spain 182560, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    2. Michael T. Weber & John M. Staatz & Eric W. Crawford & Richard H. Bernsten & John S. Holtzman, 1988. "Informing Food Security Decisions in Africa: Empirical Analysis and Policy Dialogue," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 70(5), pages 1044-1052.
    3. T. I. Fenyes & J. Vanzyl & N. Vink, 1988. "Structural Imbalances in South African Agriculture1," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 56(2‐3), pages 112-122, June.
    4. Roningen, Vernon O. & Dixit, Praveen M., 1989. "Economic Implications Of Agricultural Policy Reforms In Industrial Market Economies," Staff Reports 278843, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    5. Sen, Amartya K, 1977. "Starvation and Exchange Entitlements: A General Approach and Its Application to the Great Bengal Famine," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 1(1), pages 33-59, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Oosthuizen, L.K., 1998. "Agriculture As A Driving Force Of Economic Development: Suggestions For Agricultural Development Policy In Southern Africa," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 37(4), pages 1-21, December.
    2. Jayne, Thomas S. & Hajek, Milan & van Zyl, Johan, 1995. "An Analysis of Alternative Maize Marketing Policies in South Africa," Food Security International Development Working Papers 54700, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.

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