Hunger in South Africa reaches its highest level since 2010

08:25

By: Azzat Manal

Hunger in South Africa reaches its highest level since 2010

Hunger in South Africa reached its highest reported level since 2010 in 2025, highlighting the continued pressure on household budgets despite a slowdown in food price inflation. According to the 2026 South African Food Security Index, 12% of households reported experiencing hunger last year, compared with 11.9% in 2024. The report also estimated that 14.7% of the population experienced hunger during 2025.

The index, compiled by a research team that includes economists from Stellenbosch University, recorded a decline in the country’s overall food security score, from 56.5 points in 2024 to 52.6 points in 2025. The deterioration points to persistent difficulties in ensuring that households can obtain sufficient, nutritious food on a regular basis.

Researchers identified food price pressures as a major factor behind the decline. Although food inflation has slowed, food costs have risen faster than overall inflation over the period covered by the report, weakening households’ ability to maintain adequate diets. Food availability and access to a varied diet were comparatively stable, but these indicators have not been enough to offset the growing financial strain on families.

The pressure on household finances extends beyond groceries. In March, housing and utilities accounted for 39% of overall inflation, while food contributed 19%, according to the figures cited in the index. These competing expenses leave many households with less money available for food, transport, healthcare and other essential needs.

Food inflation slowed to 1% in June, but lower price increases do not necessarily mean that food has become affordable for families whose incomes have failed to keep pace with the accumulated rise in living costs. Households already facing financial hardship may continue to struggle even when the rate of inflation declines.

Rural households headed by women were identified among the groups facing particularly high levels of vulnerability. The share of these households living below the food poverty line increased from 38.4% in 2023 to 41.7% in 2025. The figures underline the unequal effects of food insecurity, particularly where limited income and fewer economic opportunities restrict access to adequate nutrition.

The index also highlighted differences between provinces. Limpopo recorded relatively stronger results, while Northern Cape and North West received lower scores amid worsening hunger and declining dietary diversity. Such regional disparities suggest that food insecurity is shaped not only by national economic conditions but also by differences in household resources and local circumstances.

Changing shopping habits provide another indication of the pressure on consumers. More households are reportedly turning to smaller packages and cheaper food products to manage limited budgets. While these choices may help reduce immediate spending, they can also restrict dietary variety and, in some cases, reduce the nutritional quality of meals.

The findings raise broader concerns about the relationship between living costs, poverty and public health in South Africa. Addressing hunger requires more than slowing food inflation: household purchasing power, access to affordable nutritious products and support for vulnerable communities remain important factors in improving food security. The 2026 index suggests that, despite some easing in price pressures, many families continue to face significant barriers to obtaining an adequate diet.