National Food and Nutrition Security Survey: national report

Abstract

This report is based on information gathered from specific Small Area Layers (SALs) located throughout South Africa's nine provinces. A Small Area Layer is the smallest geographic unit that is typically assigned to a single enumerator during a census or enumeration. For the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, 35 visiting points (households) made up the SAL. Except for Limpopo Province whose SALs had 20 visiting points (households). The findings presented in this report provide a baseline assessment of South Africa's current state of food and nutrition security. The data was gathered at the peak of Covid-19 in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces. The overall effects of strict Covid-19 restrictions are likely to have an influence on the results presented in these three provinces due to the limited movements and interaction among people. Data collection in the rest of the provinces was done in less restrictive Covid-19 lockdown measures however the post covid effects may have influenced the overall outcome on some of the food security and nutrition indicators. This research project has benefited from the valuable insights and input of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) that provided comments and reviewed the final research reports. Ultimately, the contents of this research project are the responsibility of the authors and principal researchers involved. Users of this research should exercise their judgment and discretion when interpreting the findings and recommendations presented herein.