Ailing economy threatens South Africans’ access to nutritious food
A South African Food Security Index 2024 report recommends that National Treasury needed to strongly consider zero-rating VAT on certain key food products, especially protein-rich items.
South Africa’s food is among the most affordable in the world, but the economic situation in the country is placing immense financial strain on consumers, making it increasingly challenging for people to access nutritious food, according to Roelie van Reenen, a supply chain executive at Beefmaster Group.
According to Van Heerden, the ailing economy was creating a negative chain reaction throughout the agricultural supply chain that had, in part, led to alarming levels of food insecurity.
“Our food remains among the most affordable in the world. However, low economic growth, high unemployment, the rising cost of electricity, fuel expenses, and inflation are placing enormous financial strain on consumers.
“This makes it increasingly challenging for people to afford the nutritious food their families need, which in turn impacts the ability of food producers across the supply chain to get their products to market,” he added.
The Shoprite Group meanwhile commissioned the South African Food Security Index 2024 report in conjunction with the Stellenbosch University. It is stated in the report that South Africa scored 64,9 on the index in 2019, dropping to 45,3 in 2023.
Read more on Farmer’s Weekly here: Many South Africans still unable to buy nutritious food
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