Sihlobo says with World Food Day, which is commemorated  on October 16, it provides an opportunity to review South Africa’s position on the food security ladder. He explains food security is achieved when food is available, accessible in the right quantities and at the appropriate nutritional levels for all citizens at all times.

In 2018, South Africa was ranked the 45th most food-secure country out of 133 countries measured in The Economist Global Food Security Index. This was relatively good, compared to the rankings of some BRICS countries. Sihlobo says although South Africa’s average income was 25 spots behind Russia, 23 behind China and 19 behind Brazil, the country’s food security status was a relatively closer match-up, ranking just six spots behind Brazil, three spots behind Russia and one spot ahead of China.  

Despite South Africa’s relatively lower average income, the country still manages to punch above its weight in terms of food security. This is a testament to the country’s competitive agricultural sector, and its ability to supply food at a relatively low cost.

He says although the Food Security Index indicates South Africa is food-secure, there are pockets of food insecurity within the country when you consider a household-level perspective. This speaks to the general inequality in the country, where some households are food secure, and a sizable portion of other low-income households are not, primarily due to affordability. This scenario is more prevalent in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Here is Sihlobo…

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That was Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber, Agbiz, only on OFM.

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