Empowered Women and the Need to Empower Men: Gender Relations and Food Security in Black South African Households

Abstract

This study investigates the composition socio-economic characteristics and intrahousehold relations of black South African households and the effect these complex indicators have on their food and nutrition situation. 166 people mainly women from 15 rural and urban sites in the North West Province were interviewed using qualitative methods such as structured interviews with open-ended questions life histories observations and information from key informants. In addition quantitative sociodemographic information as well as data on health status were used for evaluation. In earlier publications the approach and methodology of the study were described in detail furthermore the concept composition and organisation of households were dealt with. The most recent publication presents specific characteristics of different forms of household organisation the socio-economic situation and the state of food security/food insecurity. Therefore these issues are touched on only very briefly here. (excerpt)