Key drivers of household food security and consumption patterns in the post-Covid-19 pandemic: Lessons from Umzimvubu and Ntabankulu Local Municipalities, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Achieving food security and ensuring the consumption of healthy, nutritious food, and/or balanced diets for most rural households continues to be a challenge. This poses a significant barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger), disproportionately affecting rural communities and leaving fundamental human needs, such as reliable food access, unfulfilled. The current study, therefore, sought to assess the key drivers of household food security and consumption patterns in the post-COVID-19 pandemic. Primary data was collected from 165 randomly selected rural households to address the aim of the study. Descriptive analysis, Household Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and Multivariate binary logistic regression using Stata 15 software were employed to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics revealed variability in the consumption of various food groups, with starchy food (main staples and pulses) being the most consumed, followed by oil, meat or fish, sugar, vegetables, fruit, and milk (products). The results further indicated that households in these communities lack dietary diversification and balanced diets, with limited choice and reliance on affordable starchy foods. Notably, this monotonous diet regime has significant implications for micronutrient deficiencies, increased risk of chronic diseases, and compromised overall health and well-being, underscoring the need for targeted nutrition interventions to address the pervasive hunger and malnutrition in these communities. The main drivers of food insecurity in Umzimvubu and Ntabankulu municipalities are household income, monthly food expenditure, access to financial credit and the number of employed and unemployed household members. These factors, combined, significantly condition household food security status and consumption patterns across these rural areas. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the lack of formal qualifications, high unemployment and the high rate of food insecurity across these rural communities. Skill development, economic empowerment and financial inclusion for rural households are the most important strategic elements that should be considered when developing strategies to eradicate poverty and hunger. Households in rural areas should be enlightened about the importance of having and consuming balanced diets and the benefits of participating in farming. Key words: Food security, post-COVID-19, binary logistic regression, household food consumption