The Socio-economic Status as a Factor Affecting Food (In) Security in Rural Areas, uThungulu District Municipality, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

South Africa is food-secure nationally, but at household level, it is food-insecure due to socio-economic factors that limit access to food to a large number of people who live below poverty line. The study examined the impact of socio-demographic status on food (in) security particularly in the rural areas of uThungulu District Municipality. The results of this paper form part of the major study. One hundred and forty seven respondents, who were available to participate, completed the questionnaires about food security related issues. Unemployment rate exceeded fifty percent and a low percentage (25%) of the respondents was diverting to self-employment as means to generate income. The results further indicated that forty-two percent of the study population was earning the minimum income of R700 per month. The majority of the respondents were not actively involved in entrepreneur ship activities. The majority of the respondents had poor socio-economic profiles and this make them vulnerable to food insecurity.