Food trade policy coherence for food security in the Southern African Development Community - a case of South Africa

Abstract

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) despite the proliferation of regional trade and food-related policy frameworks. This study interrogates how incoherence between food trade policies and broader food system objectives shapes food security outcomes, with South Africa serving as a focal case. Employing a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA protocols, the analysis synthesises peer-reviewed studies, policy documents, and institutional reports published between 2004 and 2024. The findings reveal entrenched misalignments across trade, agricultural, nutrition, and environmental policy domains, reinforced by fragmented governance structures and uneven national implementation of regional commitments. Such incoherence constrains market integration, weakens resilience, and disproportionately disadvantages smallholder producers and vulnerable households. Evidence further shows that better alignment between food trade, agriculture, and social policies can improve food availability and reduce vulnerability. The study highlights the need for clearer coordination and stronger cooperation across sectors to support more secure and inclusive food systems in SADC.