Child hunger remains a major issue for South Africa. New research by economists at Stellenbosch University shows that one in four of the poorest households said children in their homes went hungry last year. Overall, one in 10 households experienced child hunger.
Child stunting rates remain persistently high, with one in four children affected. This underscores the critical issue of inadequate nutrition during essential growth periods, the researchers say.
According to The Shoprite Food Security Index, food security levels peaked at 64.9 in 2019, but dropped to 45.3 last year – the lowest point since 2012.