Abstract:
The 2015 Global Nutrition Report illustrates persistent nutritional deficiencies in the midst of
increasing incidence of overweight and obesity in many countries. The focus on food has
expanded to include environmental concerns in addition to human health, and global efforts
are being aligned to increase the sustainability of food systems. Most governments have
committed to the set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations
(UN). Subsequently they have drafted, or are in process of drafting, policies and programmes
which aim to answer to these global requests, i.e. promoting income generation and food
security, improving human nutrition while simultaneously preserving the environment.
South Africa provides for a unique case study. Despite economic growth, under nutrition has
not improved when compared to other industrialised nations, while at the same time, dietrelated
non-communicable diseases and obesity have exponentially increased. Furthermore,
animal source foods, especially fresh meats, are a favourite and commonly consumed
commodity within the country produced on communal farms as well as through formalised
enterprises. Although animal husbandry is often considered to have a large negative impact on the environment, it provides for a source of income generation, provides various limited
nutrients and thus contributes positively to food security and nutrition.
Access to healthy food is a constitutional right of all South Africans, and towards increasing
food security, the livestock industry has been identified as part of a Key Action Programme
within anAgricultural Policy Action Planto improve income generation and promote food
security from 2014 to 2019. The inclusion of sustainably produced, nutrient dense animalsource
food options (low in fat and kilojoules, high in protein and micronutrients) are
promoted as part of healthy, sustainable diets in the national Food-Based Dietary Guidelines
and Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. At the
hand of the global development agenda and the particular focus on the livestock industry's
environmental responsibility, the policy and programming landscape as related to sustainable
livestock production and consumption in South Africa was reviewed. |
