Food security in rural areas of Limpopo province, South Africa

• DOI: 10.1007/s12571-013-0247-y
• Publication Date: 2013-02-14T03:35:45Z
• Authors: N. De Cock; M. D’Haese; N. Vink; C. J. van Rooyen; L. Staelens; H. C. Schönfeldt; L. D’Haese
• Keywords: Dependency ratio; Household income

Although South Africa is food secure as a nation, many households remain insecure. The government has recognized several key security challenges in the Integrated Food Security Strategy (IFSS). However, still lacks specific and accepted methods to measure currently no regulated way of monitoring status its population. This article reports on an investigation into situation rural Limpopo Province. Qualitative quantitative data were gathered across five districts province. study sample eventually involved 599 areas Limpopo. allowed thorough description household characteristics livelihoods assessment poverty levels area. findings showed that 53 % sampled declared themselves be severely Multivariate analyses used identify main determined household's status. These determinants mainly human capital (education, size dependency ratio), income district which situated. indicated policy priorities should focused promotion education creating enabling environment for labour market.