Received:
2023-04-05 | Accepted:
2023-08-10 | Published:
2023-09-30
Title
Food security and nutrition governance post-Covid-19 in Africa
Abstract
The article examines the food security and nutrition governance of South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe post-COVID-19 in Africa. Drawn from a qualitative approach that utilises a case study design of multiple cases, this study compared the food security and nutrition governance interventions adopted by the three countries post-COVID-19. Using the Post Development Theory of Food Security, the key findings from the study indicate that, among the three countries, food security was threatened by COVID-19 as the supply chain of all the countries was abruptly disrupted owing to partial and total lockdowns. Reconfiguring the food security landscape to achieve nutrition governance requires the three countries to revisit their agricultural policies in the case of Zimbabwe, where farmers need extensive state support to revitalise grain produce. South Africa also recommends supporting agriculture and subsidies to smallholder farmers, which is fundamental for promoting food security and nutrition governance in many poor rural provinces. Nigeria also needs to improve regarding stakeholder support as agriculture was affected by the lockdown, and farmers' productivity declined. Therefore, the assessment of all three cases led researchers to conclude that state and stakeholder investment is fundamental in agriculture mainly, which is the backbone for promoting food security and food nutrition and safety policies are fundamental for ensuring nutrition governance among citizens. The creation of employment and provision of machinery to smallholder farming can mitigate food insecurity at the household level.
Keywords
food security, nutrition governance, post-COVID-19, Africa
JEL classifications
F53
, F55
, O13
URI
http://jssidoi.org/ird/article/138
DOI
Pages
58-72
Funding
This is an open access issue and all published articles are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
References
Adler, D., 2019. Schumpeter's Theory of Creative Destruction. Retrieved from https://www.cmu.edu/epp/irle/irle-blog-pages/schumpeters-theory-of-creative-destruction.html
Search via ReFindit
Aliyu, U.S., Ozdeser, H., Çavuşoğlu, B., and Usman, M.A.M., 2021. Food Security Sustainability: A Synthesis of the Current Concepts and Empirical Approaches for Meeting SDGs. Sustainability, 13(21), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111728
Search via ReFindit
Anemic, L. 2020. The impact of government responses in the management of Covid-19 on the food supply chain in South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.gtac.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Anelich-2020a.pdf
Search via ReFindit
Baez-Camargo, C., Bukuluki, P., Sambaiga, R., Gatwa, T., Kassa, S. and Stahl, C. 2020. Petty corruption in the public sector: A comparative study of three East African countries through a behavioural lens. African Studies, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/00020184.2020.1803729
Search via ReFindit
Bjornlund, V., Bjornlund, H. and van Rooyen, A., 2022. Why food insecurity persists in sub-Saharan Africa: A review of existing evidence. Food Security, 14, 845-864. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-022-01256-1
Search via ReFindit
Bridgman, G. 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a rise in hunger in South Africa. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/covid-19-pandemic-has-triggered-a-rise-in-hunger-in-south-africa-164581
Search via ReFindit
Casterline, J.B. 2017. Prospects for Fertility Decline in Africa. Population and Development Review, 43, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1111/padr.12055
Search via ReFindit
Chakona G., and Shackleton, C. 2019. Food Taboos and Cultural Beliefs Influence Food Choice and Dietary Preferences among Pregnant Women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Nutrients, 5(11), 2668. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112668
Search via ReFindit
Creswell, J.W. 2013. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Search via ReFindit
Dube, L.M. 2020. Command Agriculture and Food Security: An Interrogation of State Intervention in the Post-Fast Track Land Redistribution Era in Zimbabwe. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 57(7), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909620979330
Search via ReFindit
Galal, S. 2021. The national poverty line in South Africa 2021. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1127838/national-poverty-line-in-south-africa/
Search via ReFindit
Gamble, A. 2021. Moving beyond the Western Ideology and creating a more inclusive multilateral order is a herculean task. London School of Economics, British Politics and Policy. May 17th, 2021. Retrieved from https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/western-ideology/
Search via ReFindit
Girón, A., Kazemikhasragh, A., and Cicchiello, A.F. 2022. Financial Inclusion Measurement in the Least Developed Countries in Asia and Africa. Journal of Knowledge Economy, 13(4), 1198–1211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-021-00773-2
Search via ReFindit
Government of Zimbabwe. 2007. Private Voluntary Act (PVO) of 2007. Harare: Government of Zimbabwe.
Search via ReFindit
Government of Zimbabwe. 2010. Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act (Chapter 4:33). Government Printer, Harare.
Search via ReFindit
Government of Zimbabwe. 2013-2017. Zimbabwe Agricultural Investment Plan (2013-2017). Harare. Government Printer.
Search via ReFindit
Government of Zimbabwe. 2013. Food and Nutrition Security Policy (FNSP) of 2013. Harare. Government Printer.
Search via ReFindit
Government of Zimbabwe. 2013. Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation (ZimAsset) – October 2013 – December 2018, Retrieved from http://www.herald.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Zim-Asset.pdf
Search via ReFindit
Government of Zimbabwe. 2014-2018. Zimbabwe National Nutrition Strategy (2014-2018). Harare. Government Printer.
Search via ReFindit
Government of Zimbabwe. 2022. Multisectoral Nutrition Needs and Gap Analysis. Zimbabwe Presentation. Retrieved from https://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/825961538777240208/pdf/Oct-3-S3-Zimbabwe-Presentation.pdf
Search via ReFindit
Gunhidzirai, C. 2022. An exploration of government policies for supporting informal entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Management Practice, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMP.2023.10048537
Search via ReFindit
Hambloch, C., Homann Kee Tui, S., and Ojiewo, C. 2020. Stronger local food value chains can leave Eastern and Southern Africa more resilient post-COVID-19. Agri-Buzz, ICRISAT. Retrieved from https://www.icrisat.org/stronger-local-food-value-chains-can-leave-eastern-andsouthern-africa-more-resilient-post-covid-19/
Search via ReFindit
Kaba, A.J. 2020. Explaining Africa's Rapid Population Growth, 1950 to 2020: Trends, Factors, Implications, and Recommendations. Sociology Mind, 10(04), 226-268. https://doi.org/10.4236/sm.2020.104015
Search via ReFindit
Kalantaryan, S. and McMahon, S. 2020. COVID-19 and Remittances in Africa, EUR 30262 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. https://doi.org/10.2760/86710
Search via ReFindit
Katumba, S., Cheruiyot, K., and Mushongera, D. 2019. Spatial Change in the Concentration of Multidimensional Poverty in Gauteng, South Africa: Evidence from Quality-of-Life Survey Data. Social Indicators Research, 145(1), 95–115. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-019-02116-w
Search via ReFindit
Kippler, C. 2010. Exploring post-development: Politics, the state and emancipation. The question of alternatives. Retrieved from http://www.polis.leeds.ac.uk/assets/files/students/student-journal/ug-summer-10/caroline-kippler-summer-10.pdf
Search via ReFindit
Mambiravana, T., Shava, E., and Gunhidzirai, C. 2022. Currency Collapse and Middle-Class Livelihoods in Zimbabwe: The Case of Msasa Park Suburb in Harare. Mankind Quarterly, 62(3), 555-578. http://dx.doi.org/10.46469/mq.2022.62.3.9
Search via ReFindit
Manap, N.M.A., and Ismail, N.W. 2019. Food Security and Economic Growth. International Journal of Modern Trends in Social Sciences, 2(8), 108-118. https://doi.org/10.35631/IJMTSS.280011
Search via ReFindit
Mazwi F, Chemura A, Mudimu, G.T. and Chambati W. 2019. The political economy of command agriculture in Zimbabwe: A state-led contract farming model. Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy, 8(1-2), 232–257. https://doi.org/10.1177/2277976019856742
Search via ReFindit
Mlambo, V.H.and Khuzwayo, N.N. 2021. COVID-19, Food Insecurity and a Government Response: Reflections from South Africa. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 19, 1-14.
Search via ReFindit
Murendo, C., Manyanga, M., Mapfungautsi, R. and Dube, T. 2021. COVID-19 nationwide lockdown and disruptions in the food environment in Zimbabwe. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 7(1), 1945257. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2021.1945257
Search via ReFindit
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO). 2004. Bill of 2004. Harare: Government of Zimbabwe.
Search via ReFindit
Obayelu A.E., Obayelu O.A., Bolarinwa K.K., and Oyeyinka, R.A. 2021. Assessment of the Immediate and Potential Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 Outbreak on Socioeconomics, Agriculture, Security of Food and Dietary Intake in Nigeria. Food Ethics, 6(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41055-021-00085-w
Search via ReFindit
Ogunniyi, A, Mavrotas, G, Olagunju, K.O, Fadare, O. and Adedoyin, R. 2020. Governance quality, remittances and their implications for food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa, World Development, 127, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104752
Search via ReFindit
Olatunde A. 2021. Anchor Borrowers' Programme (ABP) Guidelines. Development Finance Department Central Bank of Nigeria publication.
Search via ReFindit
Olowu, A.U. 2019. Public Policy and Entrepreneurship Performance: The Divide and Nexus in West Africa. Retrieved from https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/107197
Search via ReFindit
Oluwole, V. 2022. The food crisis in Nigeria is extremely concerning - World Food Programme (WFP) July 18, 2022. Retrieved from https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/the-food-crisis-in-nigeria-is-extremely-concerning-world-food-programme-wfp/2713hd2
Search via ReFindit
Onger'a, A. 2021. Corruption: Africa's Encumbers. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications (IJSRP), 11(3), 152-159. https://doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.11.03.2021.p11121
Search via ReFindit
Onwughai, E. 2021. Covid-19 and the Nigerian Economy: Evidence from the Foreign Exchange Rate. V., 181-185.
Search via ReFindit
Patrick, H.O., Khalema, E.N., Abiolu, O.A, Ijatuyi, E.J., and Abiolu, R.T. 2021. South Africa's multiple vulnerabilities, food security and livelihood options in the COVID-19 new order: An annotation. Journal of Transdisciplinary Research South Africa, 17(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.4102/td.v17i1.1037
Search via ReFindit
Republic of South Africa. 1996. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). Pretoria. Government Printers.
Search via ReFindit
Republic of South Africa. 2002. The Integrated Food Security Strategy (IFSS) of (2002). National Department of Agriculture. Pretoria. Government Printer.
Search via ReFindit
Shava, E. 2021. Financial sustainability of NGOs in rural development programmes. Development in Practice, 31(3), 393-403. https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2020.1853059
Search via ReFindit
Statistics South Africa. 2022. How COVID-19 affected food security in SA. Retrieved from https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=15273
Search via ReFindit
The Economist 2022. Africa's population will double by 2050. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/special-report/2020/03/26/africas-population-will-double-by-2050
Search via ReFindit
The Nation. 2021. Anchor Borrowers' Programme raises smallholder farmers' funding hopes by The Nation Retrieved from: https://thenationonlineng.net/anchor-borrowers-programme-raises-smallholder-farmers-funding-hopes
Search via ReFindit
UN/DESA Policy Brief #102: Population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development. Available: https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/un-desa-policy-brief-102-population-food-security-nutrition-and-sustainable-development/
Search via ReFindit
Van der Berg, S., Patel, L., and Bridgman, G. 2022. Food insecurity in South Africa: Evidence from NIDS-CRAM wave 5, Development Southern Africa, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2022.2062299
Search via ReFindit
Vyas-Doorgapersad S., and Olowu A. 2022. The Diasporan Economic Strength and COVID-19: A comparative analysis of selected African economies (Under review) Africa Development / Afrique et Development.
Search via ReFindit
World Bank. 2020. May 14. World Bank statement on COVID Support to Zimbabwe. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/statement/2020/05/14/world-bank-statement-on-covidsupport-to-zimbabwe
Search via ReFindit
World Bank. 2022. Food Security update. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update
Search via ReFindit
Zanella, M. 2019. Governing food systems in a multi-stakeholder era, an example from Brazil: Is the Brazilian CONSEA a ‘multi-stakeholder process' or a platform for participatory politics? Retrieved from https://foodgovernance.com/2017/01/11/governing-food-systems-in-a-multi-stakeholder-era-the-example-from-brazil/
Search via ReFindit
Zindi, B, and Shava, E. 2022. Confronting the Monster': Exploring the Implementation of Social Protection Measures Amid COVID-19 in South Africa. In: Usha, R and Govender, J (eds) Exploring the Consequences of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Apple Academic Press. pp. 3-19 http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003277286-2
Search via ReFindit