SynthesisFrontiers in nutrition2026
Policy options to transform food systems for affordable and healthy diets in South Africa: a systematic review with stakeholder prioritization.
Synthesis in Frontiers in nutrition, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Introduction: South Africa's food system is struggling to deliver nutritious, affordable diets, leaving many people unable to access healthy food. Furthermore, the country lacks a comprehensive food system policy, relying instead on policies that address specific components of food security. This study investigated cost-effective, feasible, and adaptable policy options to transform South Africa's food system towards affordable, healthy diets. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and other sources were searched for English-language publications from 2013 to 2023. Of the 340 records identified, 20 food systems transformation reports met the eligibility criteria, with 70% focusing on global contexts and 30% on Africa. The identified prioritised policy options were subsequently validated through an online survey of food system stakeholders. Results: Agricultural policy options were prioritised most frequently (25%), followed by supply chain and governance interventions (20% each), regulatory measures (15%), and education and awareness interventions (10%). Financial, research, technology, and innovation policy options were least prioritised (5% each). Overall, 20 prioritised policy options were identified. The findings indicate that no single policy option is sufficient to improve the affordability of nutritious diets in South Africa. Instead, a coordinated package of complementary interventions across agriculture, governance, supply chains, regulation, finance, education, and research and innovation is required. Conclusion: These prioritised policy options provide policymakers with an evidence-informed framework for identifying and prioritising interventions that can support healthier diets and contribute to the transformation of South Africa's food systems.
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