Food security and local government in South Africa: the role of municipalities in a food systems approach.

Abstract

Realising the right to food in South Africa requires more than an increase in food supply. Instead it requires the structural causes that give rise to food insecurity be addressed. This is argued to compel the state to give equal consideration to the policy levers that enhance food access. A nuisance approach to food security is required that considers all the elements along the food value chain that impact food security. For this purpose, the dissertation adopts a food systems approach. This dissertation argues that food security does not just concern only the higher levels of government but that it in fact demands of local government to contribute to realising the right to food. In this regard, local government’s developmental mandate in the Constitution is emphasised. This duty must be carried out in a manner that gives effect to the Bill of Rights which includes the right to food. To make this assertion the jurisprudence of the South African Constitutional Court on socio-economic rights are discussed. Thereafter, the division of powers amongst the spheres of governments are set out with a focus on local government. The dissertation generally identifies linkages between the local government powers and functions and food security. However, significance is placed on the ‘municipal planning’ function to protect agricultural land and to improve food access.