Fourteenth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Recent studies highlight the challenges urban areas face in establishing sustainable, equitable food systems, despite their economic opportunities. South Africa’s rapid urbanisation over the last 40 years, particularly from rural to urban migration in search of better lives, often leads to restricted food choices and a nutrition transition. This global phenomenon is marked by shifts in dietary patterns and activity levels, deteriorating nutritional and health status. In SA, two urban areas (Trevenna & Sunnyside, City of Tshwane region 3) due to their historical significance, offered insights into the evolving food environment (1980 - 2024) and its impact on community sustainability. A retrospective analysis, including geoplotting, reveal a disconnect between the current food environment and resident needs, highlighting issues of food insecurity due to social, economic, and political pressures. This misalignment suggests that the City of Tshwane region 3 fails to meet sustainable equitable food environment criteria. These findings could inform policy and intervention strategies to foster healthier food environments in South Africa and other developing countries.