Unlocking the Potential of Food SMEs to Boost Income and Food Security in South Africa
| dc.contributor.author | Selma T. Karuaihe | |
| dc.contributor.author | Wegayehu Fitawek | |
| dc.contributor.author | Enoch Owusu-Sekyere | |
| dc.contributor.author | Herbert Ntuli | |
| dc.contributor.author | Hettie C. Schönfeldt | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-20T10:18:32Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-20T10:18:32Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026 | |
| dc.description.abstract | From the business side, women dominate the food SME sector in South Africa, with majority being Black South Africans. • The type of food SME (i.e., spaza shops, restaurants and fruit and vegetables) has a significant impact on income1. ● SMEs operating restaurants generate the highest weekly income, making cooked foods more profitable than selling fruits and vegetables, which is the least profitable of all. ● In terms of food security, nearly half (48%) of households had an adequate diet, consuming more than six food groups in the study area. ● The food security status of the household was determined by multiple socio-economic factors, including the household age, sex, education level, family size, ethnicity, number of working adults, household income and food expenditure. ● The informal food markets play a crucial role in ensuring food and nutrition security, with over 60% of consumers purchasing fruits and vegetables from street vendors. ● Spaza shops serve as key sources of grains, nuts, legumes, dairy, poultry, and meat, making them essential for food accessibility and affordability in low-income communities. • Policy recommendations to support SMEs selling fruits and vegetables should include training on proper handling, cooling, and temperature management of fresh produce | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://publication.aercafricalibrary.org/handle/123456789/4069 | |
| dc.publisher | AERC | |
| dc.title | Unlocking the Potential of Food SMEs to Boost Income and Food Security in South Africa |