Racial differences in food insecurity among South African adults in 2021: a decomposition analysis

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic worsened global food insecurity and deepened socioeconomic gaps, particularly in South Africa. This study aimed to examine the socio-economic factors contributing to racial differences in self-reported food insecurity and examine the intersectionality of race and socioeconomic status in the context of food insecurity in South Africa. Methods: we analysed data from the 2021 South African Social Attitudes Survey (n = 2,837), a nationally representative survey that employs multistage probability sampling to capture the adult population aged 16 years or older. Food insecurity was assessed using a validated one-item measure. Statistical analyses included Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition and Poisson regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: the prevalence of food insecurity was 39.5% (95%CI = 36.0-43.1). Compared to those who self-identified as White, those who self-identified as Black Africans were more likely to report food insecurity (aPR = 1.88; 95%CI = 1.32-2.69). Among employed individuals, food insecurity was higher among Black Africans (32.7%) than other race groups (19.8%). Racial disparity in food insecurity widened among the unemployed (48.9% among Black Africans vs. 28.5% among others). Decomposition analysis suggests that employment accounted for 25% of the disparity that remained an ‘unexplained´ (discriminatory) significant contributor to racial differences in food insecurity in favour of ‘other race´ groups. Conclusion: the study underscores the effect of multiple marginalisation and in particular, the complex interplay between socio-economic factors and racial disparities, in driving food insecurity in South Africa, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions.