This project involves supporting evidence-based and policy-oriented dialogues, particularly in local food systems and developing sustained learning partnerships with key role players in selected local and provincial governments. It works closely with the policy programme in refining its approach towards co-production of knowledge and engaging with various stakeholders – learning lessons about using knowledge, evidence and analysis to support coherent food system governance and development at the metro government level.
The purpose of project was to investigate and track the most important dimensions of macro-level change and restructuring in the South African food system, with particular emphasis on those dynamics which influence the ability of the food system to provide poor and vulnerable populations in South Africa with (i) livelihoods and (ii) secure access to affordable and nutritious food
The “Food Hazards” project, collects laboratory-based information from various points throughout the supply chain, with a special focus on the following areas and points in the food chain for detection, monitoring, intervention and assessment: point-of-sale; school feeding programmes, and at home.
This project will continuously review published research work, and up-to-date information will be posted on the CoE website to reflect the most recent advances, activities, food safety news and scientific findings.
Laboratory-based research focuses on complementary and primary-school-age feeding
One of these studies will make use of qualitative methodologies, the other will collect cohort data by recruiting the mothers of approximately 300 newly born children. A quantitative study will focus on the period of transition for infants from a milk diet to other foods. A PhD study at UWC will examine the role of the National School Nutrition Programme and school gardens on the eating patterns and food literacy of children.
The Project seeks to understand the reasons for differences and similarities between the different data sets, improving the measurement and methodologies used for the analysis of childhood malnutrition, pooling data and the use of innovative procedures to further transform and mine existing data.