What the study found
The review found that food security measurement in South Africa is inconsistent because studies use different indicators, which produce very different estimates of food insecurity. The most commonly used measures were the Household Food Insecurity Access Score (HFIAS), Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), Coping Strategy Index (CSI), and Household Hunger Score (HHS).
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say this matters because divergent measurement outcomes can lead to inaccurate assessment, monitoring, and targeting of food security interventions. The study suggests that a clearer measurement approach is needed for South Africa.
What the researchers tested
The researchers carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. They searched Web of Science and Scopus, screened studies with Rayyan 1.6, assessed quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and used Perplexity and Quill Bot AI tools to support the review process.
What worked and what didn't
Out of 1,155 articles found, 82 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies used HFIAS alone, while fewer used combined indicators; HFIAS was used in 45 studies, HDDS in 24, CSI in 13, and HHS in 4. The meta-analysis of HFIAS (16 studies) and HDDS (14 studies) showed limited heterogeneity and publication bias across the studies.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed study limitations beyond noting that comprehensive national-scope reviews had not been adequately explored before. The meta-analysis was only done for HFIAS and HDDS, so the summary is more limited for the other indicators.
Key points
- Different food security indicators produced very different estimates of food insecurity in South Africa.
- HFIAS was the most commonly used measure in the reviewed studies.
- The review included 82 articles from an initial pool of 1,155 records.
- Meta-analysis was performed for HFIAS and HDDS and found limited heterogeneity and publication bias.
- The authors recommend longitudinal designs, composite indicators, and fuller national survey modules.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Food security measures in South Africa vary widely across studies
- Authors:
- Blessing Masamha, Owen Gwanzura, Shingirirai S. Mutanga
- Institutions:
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Nelson Mandela University, University of Pretoria
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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