i NflueNcia del material eN e spaña

Hunger affects my

concentration/effectiveness as a student (N=441)

(n) % (n) % % (n) % (n) %

Strongly agree 164 37.2 16 3.6 40.8 81 18.3 99 22.4 40.7

Agree 96 21.8 9 2.0 23.8 60 13.6 45 10.2 23.8

Neutral 53 12.0 5 1.1 13.2 28 6.3 30 6.8 13.1

Disagree 42 9.5 7 1.6 11.1 23 5.2 26 5.9 11.1

Strongly disagree 43 9.8 6 1.4 11.1 22 5.0 28 6.3 11.3

I have missed classes because I did not have enough food to eat (N=440)

Strongly agree 58 13.2 4 0.9 14.1 30 6.8 62 7.3 14.1

Agree 55 12.5 5 1.1 13.6 32 7.3 60 6.3 13.6

Neutral 57 13.0 3 0.7 13.6 32 7.3 61 6.6 13.8

Disagree 73 16.6 10 2.3 18.9 37 8.4 83 10.4 18.8

Strongly disagree 154 35.0 21 4.8 39.8 82 18.6 175 21.1 39.7

*UG=undergraduate; PG=post graduate; M=male; F=female

4.6 Conclusions and recommendations

This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the prevalence of food insecurity among students attending higher education in a developing country with high levels of food insecurity at the household level and high socio-economic inequalities. Awareness about student experiences of food insecurity in South African IHLs is critical as this phenomenon negatively affects students’ physical and intellectual potential as evidenced by the study.

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In conclusion, results from the study reflect that food insecurity is high among students at South African institutions of higher learning. The rate of food insecurity is higher among students on financial aid compared to those who were self-sponsored. Nearly 43% of the students perceived themselves to be food insecure. The study also shows that undergraduate students were more vulnerable to the phenomenon compared to their postgraduate counterpart. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students reported that food insecurity affected their academic activities. In Africa, education is widely recognised as a benchmark to uplifting the youth, families and society from poverty.

One critical measure to absorb the youth in economic activities is through increased access to quality higher education and high graduation outputs. Yet this education could be achieved when students at the institutions are well cared for including in areas of food security. Given the potential of food poverty-related issues like food insecurity, and poor academic outcomes, food security measures should be considered when analysing students’ needs. It is imperative that the UKZN should target students while they are in their first-year studies and educate them on the importance of food security and budgeting skills; moreover, on the importance of having nutritious meals for an active daily life.

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CHAPTER 5: PERCEPTIONS AND AWARENESS OF FOOD INSECURITY AND