What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the impact of urban agriculture on food insecurity in South Africa's informal settlements.

December 9, 2025Open Access

Urban agriculture falls short of reducing hunger in South Africa's informal settlements

Key Points

To evaluate the impact of urban agriculture on food insecurity in South Africa's informal settlements.
Analyzed urban agriculture practices in informal settlements
Investigated food insecurity levels among low-income households
Considered effects of COVID-19 on food access
Found urban agriculture has minimal effect on reducing hunger
45% of the population faced food insecurity
Emphasized the need for more effective support strategies for low-income households

Abstract

South Africa is facing a food insecurity crisis. According to the United Nations, 45% of the population was facing moderate or severe food insecurity between 2018 and 2020. Determining the most effective ways to support low-income households is critical, particularly in response to COVID-19. Despite receiving considerable attention from urban decision-makers, urban agriculture in informal settlements in the Western Cape does little to keep hunger at bay, a recent study found.

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