Contribution of smallholder production to food security: evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This paper explores the contribution of smallholder production to food security in sub-Saharan Africa and relates it to the South African case. Noting that the world's hungry are smallholder farmers, it is established that food insecurity is closely linked to the livelihood strategies of these farm households. It is apparent, however, that part of what drives food insecurity is poverty, and that the key to addressing smallholder food security should include innovations that mitigate internal constraints and that provide economic opportunities for the poor.