On 8 October 2025, the Human Sciences Research Council’s Research Hub 3 (Equitable Food Value Chains) hosted a HSRC Connect session under the theme “Working Together for Zero Hunger in South Africa: Towards Equitable and Ecological Food Futures.” The event formed part of preparations for World Food Day on 16 October 2025. This panel conversation with government officials, civil society representatives and academics showcased the urgent need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure equitable access to nutritious and sustainable food for all.
Panellists representing the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Social Development shared progress on implementing the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy and the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan (2024–2029). The Surplus People Project panellist reflected on grassroots experiences to combat hunger through agroecology and food sovereignty practices, community initiatives often pursued without government support. A leading expert from the University of the Western Cape’s Centre of Excellence in Food Security made a strong case for access to nutritious foods while curbing unhealthy, ultra-processed alternatives. Together, the panellists highlighted structural inequalities in food access, nutrition, and production, emphasising the urgency for coordinated, inclusive approaches across sectors. A key takeaway was that advancing toward Zero Hunger will depend on how effectively food system actors collaborate across sectors and levels of governance.
Speakers also pointed to the role of evidence-informed policymaking, noting that robust, localised data is essential to understanding where hunger is most acute and to designing effective interventions. The HSRC’s ongoing work on food and nutrition indicators was recognised as a key step toward improving data availability and accountability at both national and district levels. Whether through rethinking procurement systems to include smallholder farmers, expanding social protection with local food production, or promoting affordable, healthy diets, the path forward lies in collective action grounded in both science and solidarity.
The HSRC Connect recording can be watched here.
Watch the HSRC Connect episode:
