Differentiated Intra-Household Food Utilisation in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (abating hunger) involves various role players. However, the focus has been at the macro and meso-scales, neglecting the micro-household scale. Even at that household level, there is neglect of the household food security status and role-playing. The study assessed household role-playing in achieving food security through food utilisation, in a cross-sectional survey of 116 households in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, South Africa. The study hypothesised that there are differences in role-playing regarding food utilization. Descriptive statistics were utilised in data analysis. Intra-household members’ differentiated roles were established, and association with food utilisation was determined. The study revealed that females were responsible for food preparation, buying and home garden responsibilities. Furthermore, in terms of the household role, most female members indicated they preferred purchasing fruit and milk products, while males said they preferred to buy tubers and meat. Regarding the food buying roles, females stated they preferred purchasing vegetables while males preferred producing cereal-based foods. Female respondents engaged in home gardening indicated they preferred to purchase vegetables while males responsible for gardens stated they preferred producing cereal foods. The chapter concludes that, based on role-playing, differentiated food utilisation exists within households. In terms of the different roles such as food preparation, purchasing and home gardening, there is need for the conscientisation of household members on the various nutritional sources.