Urbanisation is real in SA, yet food security is still seen as a rural challenge – time for policy rethink

Gareth Haysom argues that the future of any young child conceived today in one of the under-serviced areas of a South African city demands that we act on food insecurity now, and act with urgency and initiative seldom seen in our governance structures. Despite claims of an absent mandate, South African cities have multiple policy tools at their disposal to respond to food insecurity. Spatial planning approaches can be made more food sensitive, and acknowledging the key food security role played by the informal sector is essential.

The article originally appeared in the Daily Maverick on the 26th of August 2024.

Picture: ASHRAF HENDRICKS