The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is leading a series of theory of change (TOC) workshops to shape the next phase of the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan (NFNSP). Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) researchers have actively participated in a recent workshop held on 7 August 2025. The workshops set out to refine the NFNSP for 2024–2029, building on the achievements and lessons of the 2018–2023 plan.
The purpose and outcome of the TOC workshops are directly connected with ongoing HSRC studies aimed at informing food and nutrition policy with evidence. Our participation in these engagements align with HSRC’s Research Hub #3: Equitable Food Value Chains/Rural Socioeconomic Transformation. It also taps into our longstanding support for the National Department of Agriculture in leading the first National Household Food and Nutrition Security survey. Research completed through the One Food partnership with the United Kingdom’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science is a key evidence source to enrich these TOC workshops.
Figure 1: A theory of change for better food and nutrition planning
Participants at the TOC engagements included representatives from government, civil society, the private sector, and academics. A central question that guides the shaping of the TOC is how to guide action toward meaningful and lasting improvements in food and nutrition security. Alongside technical principles of the theory of change (see figure 1 above), participants also discussed persistent food and nutrition insecurity and outlined key assumptions for success in anti-hunger interventions. Elements that are critical to achieving the outcomes of these participatory TOC processes are: political commitment, good governance, adequate resources, effective coordination, stakeholder contributions, risk mitigation, people’s agency, and adaptive monitoring and evaluation. The HSRC will continue its involvement in ongoing TOC workshops to foster greater collaboration with all stakeholders involved in this important process to ground planning in evidence.
The following link provides access to more information about related projects: https://hsrc.ac.za/eee/eest/one-food/