Food

Overview

In Makers Valley, maize (commonly known as ‘pap’) and spinach are staple foods, while meat, when eaten, often includes parts like intestines, chicken feet, and gizzards. Meat plays a central role in celebratory South African meals, with braaing (the local term for barbecue) serving not only as a cooking method but as a cultural tradition that brings people together for social gatherings across all backgrounds. South African cuisine is also influenced by Cape Dutch and Cape Malay styles, blending European dishes with spices, reflecting the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. Johannesburg, a multicultural city, is regarded as one of the world’s top food destinations, offering local delicacies such as the Sowetan kota sandwich, bunny chow, and mala mogodu. Despite this culinary richness, food security remains a pressing and persistent issue.

Many residents in Makers Valley face challenges in accessing nutritious, varied, and affordable food. Families purchase their food from a mix of supermarkets, street markets, and informal sellers, such as Spaza shops. Spaza shops, common in Makers Valley and across South Africa, are informal convenience stores typically operated from people’s homes, shacks, or small buildings. The term ‘spaza’ comes from the Zulu and Xhosa word “ispaza,” meaning ‘hidden’ or ‘secret.’ These small-scale retail outlets offer a range of basic goods, groceries, and household items, and are often relied upon for day-to-day essentials missed during larger shopping trips. However, some residents avoid Spaza shops, citing concerns about higher prices, low nutritional value of products, and irresponsible waste disposal practices.

Current situation

Food security in Makers Valley presents a significant challenge, as the rising cost of living has outpaced stagnant wages. Across South Africa, the average household food basket has seen a 74% increase in cost since 2018. To cope, many households purchase only essential items, opt for less preferred foods, stick rigidly to budgets, and seek support from friends or family, either in the form of food or financial assistance. As a result, families often compromise on the quality and variety of their diets, consuming more starchy, sugary foods, and meat, while healthier options such as fruits, vegetables (especially dark green leafy varieties rich in vitamin A), and pulses are less frequently included.

In Makers Valley, addressing food security has been a community-driven effort, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when job losses and increased food insecurity spurred collaboration. Over 30 residents and stakeholders joined forces to develop a response plan that included food parcel distribution, soup kitchens, and a community swap shop. These initiatives helped the community deliver hot meals to the sick and elderly, creating a stronger sense of solidarity.

Urban farming has also emerged as a key solution, repurposing city spaces for agricultural activities. Fast-growing crops like spinach, carrots, and spring onions are commonly planted, providing fresh produce while also serving as educational hubs that teach sustainable farming techniques. These urban farms not only enhance food security but also promote self-sufficiency and strengthen the bonds within the Makers Valley community.

A community garden with rows of leafy green vegetables growing under a netted structure. In the background, a red-brick building can be seen, with clear skies overhead.
A vendor standing by a wooden cart filled with oranges on a sunlit street. The vendor is wearing a hat and a jacket, and there are trees and a fence in the background, casting shadows from the warm sunlight.

RELEVANT CASE STUDIES 

Take a look at the following case studies for more information and ideas. As you explore this area and the perspectives from the case studies, consider how food interconnects with other challenges identified by the community.

Projects

6 Diversity of crops for growing

In Makers Valley, urban farms play a vital role in enhancing food security, yet limited water access constrains the types of crops that can be cultivated. Currently, these farms primarily focus on drought-resistant plants such as amaranth, lentils, kale, spinach, and spring onions. To expand the variety of crops grown in these urban farms, it is essential to consider innovative strategies that address water scarcity while promoting biodiversity. What approaches can be explored to diversify the crop selection and improve overall agricultural resilience in the urban farming landscape of Makers Valley?

7 Expanding the range of groceries

Spaza shops serve as essential convenience stores in many communities, providing daily essentials but often at higher prices compared to larger commercial stores. This pricing issue stems from steep and unpredictable transportation costs, prompting residents to do their major monthly shopping elsewhere while relying on spaza shops for immediate needs. Additionally, these shops frequently offer prepared foods. Given these circumstances, how can spaza shops diversify their offerings beyond prepared foods to include a broader range of groceries and fresh produce in a way that remains economically viable?

8 Food security

In South Africa, factors such as changes in land use, urbanization, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change are putting pressure on local food production. Rising petrol prices lead to increased transport costs, further contributing to food price inflation. In response, urban farms are gaining traction in Makers Valley as a strategy to improve food security. To ensure that urban farming is more accessible to the community, what strategies can be implemented? Additionally, what other measures can be adopted to enhance food security in the region?