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Food security is about more than just producing enough food—it’s about ensuring that everyone, especially children and vulnerable communities, has access to nutritious, affordable, and sustainably produced food. In South Africa, nearly a third of households experience food insecurity, a crisis exacerbated by economic challenges, climate change, and systemic inequalities. But a shift in approach, one that focuses on community-driven solutions, agroecological practices, and collaborative partnerships, can be the key to solving this challenge.
Hold My Hand calls on all sectors of society—government, private business, and civil society—to take urgent and strategic action to address food security and ensure every child in South Africa has access to nutritious food.
A recent article on ProAgriMedia, titled Food Security & Nutrition Part 5: Hunger Needs a New Approach, highlights the flaws in conventional food security strategies. Despite decades of investment in commercial agriculture, undernourishment has risen to 20.4% in Africa, affecting nearly 298.4 million people—more than double the global average.
William Moseley, a leading expert on food security, argues that current agricultural policies, shaped by colonial-era agronomy, focus too much on food production alone while neglecting other essential aspects such as access, stability, sustainability, and community agency. Simply increasing production won’t solve hunger if food remains inaccessible, unaffordable, or nutritionally poor.
This argument aligns with the our vision, which is not just about closing the food gap but ensuring that food systems are inclusive, community-driven, and environmentally sustainable.
Local Solutions for National Impact
South Africa has inspiring grassroots initiatives that prove food security can be tackled from the ground up. The DG Murray Trust (DGMT) has been a driving force behind these efforts, supporting community-based agricultural projects that equip small-scale farmers, empower young people, and ensure sustainable food systems.
1. The “Woza Nami” Agroecology Hub (KwaZulu-Natal)
The Southern Africa Food Lab and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality have partnered to train local farmers in agroecological methods like organic seedling cultivation, soil rehabilitation, and sustainable pest management. By focusing on regenerative farming, they are ensuring that food production remains both sustainable and resilient to climate change.
2. Siyavuna Abalimi Development Centre (KwaZulu-Natal)
Through the Social Employment Fund (SEF), this initiative has trained 1,200 young people in organic farming techniques such as composting, intercropping, and chemical-free pest control. This not only helps improve food security but also makes agriculture a viable career path for young South Africans.
3. The Seriti Institute’s “Work. Learn. Grow.” Program
Operating in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal, this initiative establishes agri-hubs where small-scale farmers can access training, resources, and markets. By linking local food producers to buyers, it strengthens food supply chains and local economies.
4. Thanda’s “Household Gardens” Initiative (Mtwalume, KwaZulu-Natal)
This program helps families turn their backyards into productive farms, promoting household-level food security. By providing mentorship, seeds, and training, Thanda empowers families to grow their own food, reducing their reliance on expensive store-bought goods.
A Call to Action
South Africa is at a crossroads. We can continue with unsustainable, top-down food security strategies, or we can invest in solutions that put communities at the centre. The Hold My Hand campaign is leading the charge towards a nation where every child has access to nutritious food, where small-scale farmers thrive, and where communities are empowered to shape their own futures.
Join the movement. Support local farmers, reduce food waste, and advocate for food justice. Together, we can ensure a food-secure future for all South Africans.
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