Racial differences in food insecurity among South African adults in 2021: a decomposition analysis

the COVID-19 pandemic worsened global food insecurity and deepened socio-economic gaps, particularly in South Africa. This study aimed to examine the socio-economic factors contributing to racial differences in self-reported food insecurity and examine the intersectionality of race and socioeconomic status in the context of food insecurity in South Africa.

we analysed data from the 2021 South African Social Attitudes Survey (n = 2,837), a nationally representative survey that employs multistage probability sampling to capture the adult population aged 16 years or older. Food insecurity was assessed using a validated one-item measure. Statistical analyses included Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition and Poisson regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

the prevalence of food insecurity was 39.5% (95% CI = 36.0-43.1). Compared to those who self-identified as White, those who self-identified as Black Africans were more likely to report food insecurity (aPR = 1.88; 95%CI = 1.32 - 2.69). Among employed individuals, food insecurity was higher among Black Africans (32.7%) than other race groups (19.8%). Racial disparity in food insecurity widened among the unemployed (48.9% among Black Africans vs. 28.5% among others). Decomposition analysis suggests that employment accounted for 25% of the disparity that remained an 'unexplained' (discriminatory) significant contributor to racial differences in food insecurity in favour of other 'race groups'.

the study underscores the effect of multiple marginalisation and in particular, the complex interplay between socio-economic factors and racial disparities, in driving food insecurity in South Africa, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions.