Work

From Access to Adaptation: Household Food Dynamics Under COVID-19 Lockdowns in Tygerberg, Western Cape, South Africa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted governments to implement lockdowns and social distancing measures to curb transmission, which, in South Africa, disrupted economic activity, reduced household income, and challenged the sustainability of household food access. This study assessed food accessibility, availability, dietary diversity, food security status, and coping strategies among households in the Tygerberg region during lockdowns. A cross-sectional design was employed using a researcher-administered questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and household data. Food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Household Food Security Survey Module, dietary diversity using a 24 h recall, and coping strategies through a standardized tool. Among the 432 households surveyed, 62% reported reduced income during lockdowns, while approximately 80% experienced food insecurity in the preceding 30 days and 72% over the past year. Dietary diversity was low in 47.3% of households, consuming fewer than seven food groups, and medium in 46.4%, consuming eight to eleven food groups. Common coping strategies included purchasing cheaper, less preferred foods, skipping meals, and reliance on social relief measures such as food parcels and the Social Relief of Distress grant. Overall, while food availability remained relatively stable, economic access emerged as the principal constraint, undermining dietary quality and household resilience and highlighting the need for income-responsive and socially sustainable food security interventions to strengthen urban food system resilience during prolonged socio-economic shocks.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18105126

Authors: Xikombiso Mbhenyane, Rushaan Ruiters, Mthokozisi Zuma

Institutions: Stellenbosch University, Agricultural Research Council of South Africa

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Zero hunger, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896