Policy Brief on Establishing Alternative Food Systems in South Africa

This policy brief summarises key lessons from a project to connect small-scale farmers with food relief efforts as an immediate response to the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on food security in resource-poor communities. The project was implemented by GenderCC Southern Africa in Gauteng and the Land Network National Engagement Strategy of South Africa (LandNNES) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) from May to November 2020, with support from Heinrich-Boll Stiftung (HBF) Southern Africa. The policy brief provides an overview of the current South African food system, including the impacts of Covid-19, insights from project work on the ground, and actionable policy recommendations for diversifying and promoting greater agency in the food system.