Hunger
Hunger
Food Security: Not Simply a Matter of Access to Food
In its fourth CSI That Works breakfast on 25 June 2014 in Johannesburg, FirstRand Foundation shared its research findings collated from a desktop survey and several case studies on food security programmes entitled: the ‘South African Food Security Paradox’. FirstRand Limited chief executive officer, Sizwe Nxasana, expressed the view that ‘knowledge-sharing among public and private sector as well as civil society will enhance collective efforts to alleviate food insecurity in the country’.
“Food security is a multi-faceted challenge which is not simply a matter of ensuring that every citizen has access to food. A weakening economy, job losses and rising food costs undoubtedly exacerbate the plight of poverty-stricken households who already battle to maintain their daily food basket. We need to draw from interventions designed to alleviate food (in)security and apply best practice to ensure that we effectively reduce the number of people suffering from hunger or malnutrition, as well as those who are at risk,” said Nxasana.
Key objectives of the research study included:- An assessment of the state of food insecurity in urban and rural areas and its implications on business, the economy and society;
- A review of government’s response and interventions to improve food security in the country;
- An evaluation of current initiatives promoting agriculture, food security and livelihoods; and
- The identification of emerging opportunities for high-impact corporate social investment (CSI) in eliminating food insecurity in the country.
Improving the effectiveness of the of school feeding programmes will play an integral role in alleviating this burden as they give children from poor communities the opportunity to access food while simultaneously acquiring an education.
What is encouraging though, according to Nxasana, is that the high rate of urbanisation has not resulted in the decline of subsistence agriculture as a livelihood option for rural communities - an option that enhances access to food as well as the opportunity to earn an income2. However, reliance on social grants to supplement livelihoods remains a stark reality in rural areas3 and urbanisation has put additional strain on housing, health and provision of energy, water and waste management services.
The research indicates that in both rural and urban communities, food gardens are still being developed as a means to contribute to household food security. But while most mothers and grandmothers are involved in food production, there are only limited skills training opportunities for women seeking to formalise their involvement in farming.
There are still many prospects for donors to partner with small-scale farmers on the food supply chain and to assist them with access to markets. And while government has made an immense effort to enact various pieces of legislation to address food security, major challenges in the agricultural sector still remain.
In 2013, the country’s total CSI spend amounted to R7.8 billion of which R468 million was allocated to food security and agriculture: 35 percent was channelled towards food relief and feeding schemes, 29 percent on subsistence farming, 18 percent of small-scale farming and commercial agriculture, 15 percent on infrastructure, facilities and equipment and two percent on various donations.
The research study revealed key learnings and proposed actions for the implementation of CSI interventions in agriculture and food security:- Shift funding from food relief programmes to training and skills development interventions;
- Promote initiatives that promote gender equity in agriculture and the food security sector;
- Support the design and implementation of educational programmes linked to community development;
- Support the use of technology in improving monitoring and evaluation of food security programmes;
- Engage in structured public-private partnerships to optimise impact; and
- Support small-scale commercial farmers linked to the business supply chain.
Food Security panelists included Kelvin Glen, director of the Tiger Brands Foundation, Rob Small founder of the Farm & Garden National Trust, and Dr Danny Simatele from University of the Witwatersrand.
[1] South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1), 2013.
[2] Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). 2004. Food Security in South Africa: Key policy issues for the medium term. Position Paper. (http://www.hsrc.ac.za/research/outputDocuments/2394_DeKlerk_FoodSecurityinSA.pdf
[3] de Klerk et al., 2004. Food Security in South Africa: Key Policy Issues for the Medium Term. Position Paper: Human Sciences Research Council.Food Parcels for Striking Miners
Thousands of striking miners have gathered at an Amplats platinum mine outside Rustenburg to receive food parcels from a non-governmental organisation, Gift of the Givers.
The organisation intervened after reports surfaced that members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) are going hungry as the four-month strike drags on.
Gift of the Givers spokesperson, Emily Thomas, says they are working with the Marikana Community Support group to identify families mostly affected by the on-going strike, adding that the organisation will continue with initiatives to alleviate poverty in the area.
To read the article titled, “Miners receive food parcels from Gift of the Givers,” click here.Source:SABC NewsSlow Progress in Tackling Poverty
Statistician-general, Pali Lehohla, says that though four million fewer people experienced poverty in 2011 compared with 2006, poverty remained high and inequality ‘stubbornly’ stagnant.
Despite a general decrease in poverty, the people of Nkandla municipality in KwaZulu-Natal - where the government spent R246 million to upgrade President Jacob Zuma's homestead - continue to live in extreme deprivation.
According to Statistics South Africa's poverty trends survey for 2006 to 2011, singled out KwaZulu-Natal as South Africa's most impoverished province, with more than 23 percent of its households below the poverty line of R620 a month.
To read the article titled, “Painfully slow progress in beating back poverty,” click here.Source:Times LiveCall to Scale-Up Policies to Eliminate Hunger
International Food Policy Organisation suggests in a report that hunger could be eliminated by 2025 if enough resources are committed and countries scale up policies proven to work.
In the 2013 Global Food Policy Report, Shanggen Fan, director general of International Food Policy Research Institute, points out that, "Based on the successful experiences of several developing countries, we see the clear potential for ending hunger and under-nutrition by 2025 if the necessary policies and investments are adopted.
Hunger is a continuing concern in many parts of the world, particularly with food prices rising, population growth continuing and extreme weather associated with climate change affecting harvests.
To read the article titled, “Scale up policies that work to eliminate hunger by 2025 - food expert,” click here.Source:All Africa60m Needed to Feed Hungry Zimbabweans
The United Nations (UN) is reportedly seeking to raise US$60 million to help feed Zimbabwe’s two million people in need of food assistance.
The country director of the UN World Food Programme in Zimbabwe, Sory Ouane, says the UN has budgeted US$86m for its food assistance programme to June this year.
Ouane says Zimbabwe is becoming a ‘forgotten emergency’ as there are other countries like the Central African Republic and South Sudan also in need of aid assistance.
To read the article titled, “UN seeks US$60m to feed hungry Zimbabweans,” click here.Source:News 24Africare: Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Advisor
AfricarePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, March 24, 2014Opportunity type:EmploymentAfricare’s Injongo Yethu Project provides technical support and assistance as a contribution to the South African Government’s response to HIV and AIDS in the Chris Hani, Cacadu and Amathole Districts of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the project aims to strengthen and scale up prevention, treatment, care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS, their caregivers, family members, and community including orphans and children made vulnerable due to HIV and AIDS.Technical Advisor Pharmacy
Africare seeks to appoint a Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Advisor, based in the Eastern Cape.
The successful candidate will be supporting the three sub-districts of Makana, Nkonkobe and Camdeboo.
Responsibilities:- Provide Technical Support in ensuring that comprehensive HIV care and treatment services are available at all Africare supported facilities.
Requirements:- Degree in Pharmacy;
- Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Public Health or related field is a plus;
- Current registration with the South African Pharmacy Council as a Pharmacist;
- Minimum of five years’ experience in providing technical assistance in pharmaceutical services to public health facilities;
- Minimum of two years hands on work experience in ART Site, and at least 1-2 years management experience;
- Comprehensive understanding of HIV and AIDS, ARV drugs and pharmacovigilance. Proficiency in Xhosa. Ability to travel extensively.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Africare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer committed to workplace diversity.
Enquiries: Administrative Manager, Tel:
043 721 2168, Email: mchingono@africare.org.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more about Africare, refer to www.africare.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Africare: Chief of Party
AfricarePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Friday, March 28, 2014fricare's Injongo Yethu Project provides technical support and assistance as a contribution to the South African Government's response to HIV and AIDS in the Chris Hani, Cacadu and Amathole Districts of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ( PEPFAR), the project aims to strengthen and scale up prevention, treatment , care and support for people living HIV and AIDS , their caregivers, family members and community including oprhans and children made vulnerable due to HIV and AIDS.Opportunity type:Employment
Africare seeks to appoint a Chief of Party, based in East London.
Responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of all of Africare’s programmes of technical assistance and support in South Africa. Manages all aspects of the country programme including technical, programmematic and operational aspects while ensuring optimal use of human, financial and physical resources and for full compliance with donor regulations and requirements and Africare policies. Leads the implementation and monitoring of Africare’s portfolio of work in-country and provides administrative supervision to South Africa-based Africare staff who work at national, provincial and district level in support of Africare’s work in South Africa. Develops and maintains highly collaborative working relationships with representatives from the Government of South Africa (SAG), academic institutions, donors, supporters and other implementing and collaborating partners.
Reporting to the Director of OHHA at Africare Headquarters, the Chief of Party of Africare South Africa operations serves as the primary Africare representative in South Africa.
Responsibilities:- Provide strategic leadership to the design and implementation of the country programmes, projects and activities and oversees programme planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
- Ensure optimal use of human, financial, and physical resources to successfully meet project milestones and technical quality standards, and to achieve project objectives, deliverables and targets;
- Provide leadership and manages to ensure that all projects and activities are executed in line with and meet the technical standards and expectations of Africare and its donors and supporters; Oversee and coordinate the successful completion of planning and budgeting requirements of the project office;
- Ensure mechanisms are in place to monitor the implementation of projects, including progress toward achieving objectives and targets with high quality and on-time performance;
- Provide effective oversight to all financial and administrative functions undertaken by the country office to ensure efficient and effective and the provision of sufficient administrative support to all projects;
- Ensure that all activities are undertaken in full compliance with Africare standard operating procedures, and donor policies and regulations, and national policies and laws;
- Develop and maintain highly collaborative working relationships with representatives from the Government of South Africa (GOS), academic institutions, donors, supporters and other implementing and collaborating partners;
- Ensure documentation and dissemination of findings, impact, innovations, and lessons learned;
- Lead in-country efforts for development and mobilization of new resources and donor commitments;
- Perform other duties, as assigned.
- MD (or international equivalent), PhD, MPH, or other relevant advanced degree in the fields of public health;
- Minimum 8 -10 years of experience managing large international public health programmes with at least 8 years of experience in managing public health programmes in resource limited settings;
- Experience in HIV & AIDS, TB programme development, implementation and monitoring in resource-limited settings;
- Demonstrated knowledge of technical content areas relevant to the current projects within the Africare South Africa country portfolio;
- Proven record of leading donor-funded projects, which consistently meet objectives and targets;
- Experience working on or leading health and development projects supported by the US Government, the Global Fund, the UN system agencies, foundations or other bilateral donors;
- Demonstrated knowledge of rules, regulations and requirements of USG and other major international donors;
- Demonstrated experience and skills in public health diplomacy, negotiations and cross-cultural communications;
- Excellent oral presentation and writing skills;
- Demonstrated ability to identify, analyse and resolve problems, constraints and issues relevant to project implementation and performance;
- Proven ability to lead, manage and mentor a culturally diverse team operating in complex environments;
- In-depth knowledge of the South African public health sector and national and provincial health systems;
- Demonstrated experience overseeing the design and implementation of public health evaluations and health and community systems strengthening programmes;
- Valid driver’s licence;
- Ability to travel and make at least 2-4 International trips annually and very frequent national trips (1-2 per month lasting 2-4 days each).
To apply, submit a CV and details of three contactable employment references must be forwarded to the Administrative Manager at mchingono@africare.org.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Africare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer committed to work place diversity.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more about Africare, refer to www.africare.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Fairfood InternationalPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Friday, January 31, 2014Fairfood International is a nonprofit global advocacy group with its head office based in Amsterdam and hubs located in several parts of the world, including Johannesburg. Fairfood encourages food and beverage companies worldwide to address socio-economic and environmental sustainability issues within their products’ supply chains. Fairfood envisions a future with a fair and sustainable food system, which is able to feed the world in a way that preserves the environment for future generations, respects human rights and secures a thriving economy for all.Opportunity type:Employment
Fairfood’s Advocacy department is composed of multidisciplinary teams working on advocacy interventions focused on various regions of the world (referred to as “Hotspots”). The Madagascar Hotspot focuses on improving sustainability in the Madagascar vanilla industry. The team has recently started to implement the project, which aims to influence corporate stakeholders to address socio-economic issues within the vanilla supply chain in Madagascar.
Fairfood’s Advocacy Department seeks to appoint a Campaign Assistant – Engagement, based Johannesburg.
As a Campaign Assistant - Engagement you will be responsible for assisting the Manager Advocacy Madagascar to implement the advocacy strategy of the project. You will have a versatile position and your outputs will be used directly in the campaign.
Responsibilities:- Research CSR policies and practices of food and beverage companies and flavour houses;
- Explore various advocacy tools;
- Assist in developing individual advocacy strategies to engage with selected companies;
- Write internal and external communications on the above mentioned topics/strategies;
- Give feedback to the Manager Advocacy Madagascar as well as other members of the team;
- Assist in various administrative tasks.
- Be studying at or have graduated from an institute of higher education or a university or have acquired an equivalent working and thinking level through work experience;
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work independently but are also a team player;
- Result-oriented, quality-focused and eager to learn;
- Ability to multi-task and to deliver results on time. Familiarity with or knowledge of advocacy/campaigning, the food and beverage industry, and/or sustainability is preferred;
- Experience in research, report writing, as well as fluency in French is a plus. Finally, you have affinity with Fairfood’s goals.
To apply, submit a CV (maximum two pages) and motivation letter (one page) to lowna.gie@fairfood.org.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Enquiries: Lowna Gie, e-mail: lowna.gie@fairfood.org.
For more about Fairfood International, refer to www.fairfood.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Heifer South Africa: Grants Specialist
Heifer South AfricaPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Friday, January 31, 2014Heifer International South Africa’s (Heifer) mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty in South Africa and care for the Earth. As a means to reach our mission, the organisation is scaling up its programme work and impact in order to reach more families at a faster pace through using appropriate enhanced systems. This position will work with other members of the Resource Development Team, in particular the Resource Development Coordinator, to develop and maintain relationships with institutional donors and to assist in the management of grant funding.Opportunity type:Employment
Heifer South Africa seeks to appoint a Grant Specialist for the Resource Development Department, based in Botha’s Hill, KwaZulu-Natal.
Under the supervision of the Resource Development / Resource Development Coordinator, the Grants Specialist will prepare reports and information for funders and other external stakeholders, liaise with funders and external stakeholders on behalf of the organisation, assist with other fundraising activities and perform administrative and other duties to support grant and other fundraising activities.
This is a full-time, contract position.
Responsibilities
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Prepare reports and information for funders and other external stakeholders;
- Work with the programmes team and monitoring and evaluation specialist to prepare reports according to donor requirements, including writing narrative reports;
- Work with the finance team to ensure that financial reports are prepared according to donor requirements;
- Develop and maintain a calendar of reporting deadlines and ensure that this is shared with all relevant teams, including programmes and finance;
- Ensure that all reports and documents are submitted on time as per donor requirements;
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Liaise with grant funders and other external stakeholders;
- Act as liaison between the organisation and funders, including responding quickly and efficiently to queries and following up on all requests for information;
- Set-up, prepare for and host meetings and field visits for donors and other external stakeholders;
- Assist Resource Development Coordinator in liaising with external stakeholders, including preparing documents, presentations and materials for meetings and events;
- When necessary, attend events and forums organised by grant funders;
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Prepare and submit grant funding proposals;
- Participate in programme design processes;
- Research and track possible grant funding opportunities;
- Ensure Heifer International South Africa information is up to date in all online donor systems;
- Work with programmes and finance teams and monitoring and evaluation specialist to write and prepare proposals according to donor requirements;
- Ensure that proposals are submitted on time;
- Follow up on proposals that have been submitted;
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Assist with other fundraising activities;
- Manage external email address (heifersa@heifer.org.za);
- Write stories and prepare social media updates and appeals with other fundraising team members;
- Assist in coordinating interaction of other staff members with media;
- Assist in preparing and implementing plans for Heifer events;
- Assist in developing and implementing cause-related marketing campaigns;
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Administrative and Other Duties;
- Maintain donor information and track contacts using the organisation’s CRM system;
- Assist with logistical arrangements and financial administration for the resource development team;
- Report regularly on all activities;
- Work with other Heifer staff to ensure adherence to Heifer principles and promote Heifer’s visibility;
- Undertake any other duties assigned by the CEO and Resource Development / Resource Development Coordinator.
- Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Management or related field;
- Two to five years’ experience in an NGO or grant-making environment;
- Experience working with database systems and financial administration preferred;
- Written and spoken English;
- Communicator via telephone, email and in person;
- Team player;
- Detail oriented;
- Enjoys working to deadline and ensuring accuracy and efficiency;
- High level of computer literacy, including MS Office programmes and database systems;
- Honesty and professionalism in dealing with colleagues, project participants, partner organisations and other project stakeholders.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Should you not hear from Heifer International South Africa within two weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more about Heifer International South Africa, refer to www.heifer.org.za.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Prepare reports and information for funders and other external stakeholders;
Africare: Technical Advisor - Nutrition
AfricarePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Friday, January 31, 2014Africare's Injongo Yethu Project provides technical support and assistance as a contribution to the South African Government's response to HIV and AIDS in the Chris Hani, Cacadu and Amathole Districts of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ( PEPFAR), the project aims to strengthen and scale up prevention, treatment , care and support for people living HIV and AIDS , their caregivers, family members and community including oprhans and children made vulnerable due to HIV and AIDS.Opportunity type:Employment
Africare seeks to appoint a Technical Advisor for Nutrition, based in East London.
Responsibilities:- Provide technical assistance and support, direction and technical leadership for the nutrition component of the project in the design, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of nutrition interventions related to health, HIV and AIDS and TB;
- Contribute to proposal writing and other business development activities;
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Work under the supervision the Deputy Chief of Party ( DCOP) and will be responsible for ensuring technical support and assistance in the Africare supported areas while performing the full range of duties and operational activities including but not limited to:
- Providing NACS capacity building and technical support to Africare staff, partners and government authorities as required;
- Representing Africare as delegated in, technical working group meetings, Department of Health meetings, and other relevant forums
- Meet regularly and liaise closely with relevant authorities ( i.e. District/Province/ other NGOs);
- Serve as the point of contact for all matters related to nutrition, particularly the scaling up of NACS acitivies, integration of nutrition in primary helathcare programming, policy development and capacity building;
- As part of Africare nutrition strategy, explore ways in which factors affecting PLHIV nutition status can be addressed with community participation, and document for future programming;
- Work at the district, sub district, health facility and community level participating in strategy implementation and technical discussions, as well as negotiating to determine priorities for development;
- Promote the sharing of best practise and learning in relation to programming ,advocacy and campaign activities amongst area Programmes;
- Work in close partnership with the Care, Treatment and Support including OVC, Clinical Nurse Mentor, Pharmacy and M& E Technical Advisors regarding nutrition programme;
- Under the guidance of the DCOP;
- Develop concept notes and proposals related to nutrition.
- Degree in Nutrition or equivalent from a recognised institution. Master's degree in Nutrition, Public Health or related field is a plus
- Minimum of five year's experience in providing technical assistance in nutritional services in Publc Health Sector;
- Minimum of two years management experience;
- Comprehensive understanding of HIV and AIDS;
- Flexibility to work at a number of sites among disadvantaged communities;
- Experience in facilitating nutrition related trainings, workshops is an added advantage;
- Exceptional writing and oral communication skills and keen attention to detail;
- Ability to use Word and Power Point to develop documents / presentations;
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the political and social issues surrounding HIV infection in South Africa specifically;
- Ability to work well with others;
- Fluency in spoken and written English is a must;
- Valid driver's licence and abiity to travel extensively to supported sub-districts.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Africare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer committed to work place diversity.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more about Africare, refer to www.africare.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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