2020’s Covid-19 hard lockdown exposed the reality of South Africa’s long-standing levels of inequality, deep poverty and food insecurity. And for many, the country’s economic crisis promises no change in the bleak affairs for at least the next few years.
According to an article in The World Bank, which was released on June 4 this year, global food prices have risen by 40% since January last year. Maize prices are 66% higher, wheat prices 23% higher and cereal prices 45% higher than in January last year. The figures, coupled with the stark reality of the high unemployment rate and slow food relief systems in South Africa, paint a dire picture of the situation most South African citizens find themselves in.
According to an analysis released in September last year, 20% of the South African population, that is 11.8 million people, were expected to fall into the “crisis” level of food insecurity by March this year. This means that urgent action is required to reduce food gaps and protect livelihoods, especially considering that food insecurity causes chronic malnutrition in children which increases their risk of stunting, diseases and death, ultimately, threatening our future.
