Urban agriculture falls short of reducing hunger in South Africa's informal settlements

Abstract

South Africa is facing a food insecurity crisis. According to the United Nations, 45% of the population was facing moderate or severe food insecurity between 2018 and 2020. Determining the most effective ways to support low-income households is critical, particularly in response to COVID-19. Despite receiving considerable attention from urban decision-makers, urban agriculture in informal settlements in the Western Cape does little to keep hunger at bay, a recent study found.