Understanding barriers and opportunities for fresh produce access in eThekwini Metro, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

South Africa faces a triple burden of malnutrition – undernutrition, hidden hunger and increasing rates of overweight and obesity driven by poor dietary choices. We examined fresh produce access and consumption patterns in Inchanga, eThekwini (South Africa) to understand how strengthening linkages between small-scale farmers and consumers could improve local food systems. Using mixed methods, we collected quantitative data from 121 participants and conducted three focus group discussions to assess consumption patterns, procurement practices and barriers to fresh produce access. Key findings highlight significant challenges, including insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption; 29% of participants reported zero intake the previous day, largely due to financial constraints. Economic pressures are stark among low-income households, with 70% reliant on Child Support Grants, underscoring affordability barriers to nutritious foods. Participants travel over an hour to supermarkets for fresh produce, indicating potential for local markets. While nutrition knowledge was generally good, affordability rather than education emerged as the primary constraint. Insights into local food shopping behaviour underscore the potential for establishing markets that support local produce, enhancing community accessibility. Promoting African leafy vegetables emerges as a viable strategy to enhance the affordability of dietary diversity and health outcomes. The study reveals a clear opportunity to bridge the gap between local farmers seeking markets and consumers needing affordable, accessible fresh produce. Establishing local markets supported by appropriate public policy could simultaneously address farmers’ economic needs and consumers’ nutritional requirements, strengthening the resilience of local food systems.

Significance:

• Cost rather than knowledge is the primary barrier to adequate fresh produce consumption in low-income communities, although some misinformation on food prevails.
• Local market development could simultaneously address farmers’ livelihood needs and consumers’ food access challenges.
• Public policy support for farmer–consumer linkages represents a promising nutrition-sensitive intervention.
• There are intricate linkages between agriculture and nutrition, suggesting that comprehensive, multi-sectoral approaches are required to combat malnutrition effectively.