Analysis of food security status among agricultural households in the Nkomazi Local Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

The study analysed the food security status of agricultural households in Nkomazi Local Municipality, South Africa. Descriptive statistics, the food security index and multivariate analysis were used to realise the objectives of the study. The majority of respondents were females. Furthermore , respondents aged between 61 and 70 years and those who had only completed primary school education were also in the majority. Just under half of the respondents had a farming experience of more than 21 years and had large households (6-10 household members). Although most agricultural households in the study area were food secure, overall food insecurity among the respondents was very high. The marital status, education level and annual farm income of the respondents were positively and significantly associated with food security. Farming is practised mainly by older people with low levels of education. The level of food insecurity among agricultural households was approximately twice the South African national household food insecurity index. The findings of this study provide a basis for the formulation of a policy framework to help tackle the high food insecurity observed in the study area.