Every year on 30 October, Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security reminds us that true progress on this continent goes beyond food production; it’s about nourishing people. Established by the African Union, this day highlights the urgent need for sustainable, equitable food systems that prioritize human health and dignity.
In South Africa, the reality remains stark. Despite a strong agricultural base, nearly one in five households faces moderate to severe food insecurity (Stats SA, 2024). Poor dietary diversity and rising rates of child malnutrition continue to threaten our nation’s health. The latest National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (2024) highlights the key barriers: widening economic inequality and the escalating cost of basic foods.
That’s why the conversation is shifting from food security to nutrition security. Access to food is not enough; we need access to food that is both nutrient-dense and affordable, and culturally relevant. This principle lies at the heart of The Noakes Foundation’s work. Through education and evidence-based nutrition initiatives, the Foundation is advancing a vision of better health for all South Africans.
Our flagship programme, Eat Better South Africa (EBSA), brings this vision to life. By training and empowering community leaders, EBSA equips families with the knowledge and tools to make healthier, lower-cost food choices that reduce their risk of chronic disease. Recent research from our team (Pujol-Busquets et al., 2024) has shown measurable improvements in metabolic health and diet quality among participants; proof that local change, rooted in science, works.
This Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security, we join others across the continent in calling for collaboration between governments, civil society, and research organisations to create resilient, health-centred food systems. When we invest in nutrition education, sustainable agriculture, and equitable food access, we invest in the future strength of Africa itself.
At The Noakes Foundation, our work continues to be grounded in science, driven by community, and guided by the belief that every African deserves the nourishment needed to thrive.
References
African Union (2023) 14th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) Commemoration Report. African Union Commission. Available at: https://au.int/en/articles/14th-africa-day-food-and-nutrition-security (Accessed 24 October 2025).
National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (2024) Report on the State of Food Security in South Africa. Pretoria: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Pujol-Busquets, G., Noakes, T., and Naude, C. (2024) ‘Evaluating a community-based nutrition intervention in South Africa: Lessons from Eat Better South Africa’, Appetite, 195, p.107.
Statistics South Africa (2024) General Household Survey 2023: Food Security Module. Pretoria: Stats SA.
The Noakes Foundation (2024). Eat Better South Africa Programme Overview. Available at: https://thenoakesfoundation.org/eat-better-south-africa/ (Accessed 24 October 2025).
