A policy review of South African policies related to food systems: an analysis for ecological and transformative food systems

This study is a review of key aspects of policies on FNS, food value chains (FVCs), biodiversity and conservation, environment, and ecology, as well as on the relevant economic and social policy framework in South Africa, in relation to achieving sustainable food systems. The review profiles the polices to understand their type and content/purpose, studies the policy cycle dynamics related to design, agencies responsible for coordination, implementation and practice and the extent to which the policies are monitored and evaluated. Further, the review analyses the coherence and interrelatedness of the different policies to see if they conflict or complement each other on aspects of ecological and transformative food systems. In addition, the review positions South African policies by assessing their alignment with global, global South and their compatibility with the overarching One Food approach. Gaps between the Sustainable Food Value Chain (SFVC) approach and South African policies are identified, and for recommendation for policy change provided.