South Africa is faced with a major challenge: one out of every four children under five years old is affected by stunted growth. This translates to approximately 1.7 million stunted children.

Stunting occurs when a child’s height is below what is expected for their age because of inadequate nutrition, and it is associated with impaired brain development.

Earlier this year, David Harrison, CEO of DG Murray Trust, explained to ChickenFacts that around 28% of children under five are stunted in growth, while just about 7% are underweight.

“What we’re facing is not just a matter of weight, but rather an issue with height, which occurs with a chronic lack of protein,” Harrison clarified.

Stunted children are limited in their ability to learn and to contribute to the economy when they grow up. According to the World Bank, malnutrition is a key factor behind South Africa’s challenges in developing robust human capital and achieving stronger GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth.

The high prevalence of stunting in South Africa highlights a critical gap in the country’s nutritional landscape, with profound implications for both individuals and national economic progress.

 

How Poultry Tariffs Are Contributing to Hunger in SA

South Africa’s poultry tariffs, designed to protect local producers, are having unintended consequences for the country’s most vulnerable population.

As food inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, the cost of chicken – a staple protein for low-income families – is becoming increasingly unaffordable.

In a recent Food for Mzansi article, importers argue that high tariffs on frozen chicken are inflating prices and limiting supply, particularly in the affordable bone-in category.

These cuts are essential for low-income households, where chicken is often the only accessible animal protein. The result is a growing nutrition gap, particularly affecting pregnant mothers and children.

While tariffs are intended to support domestic producers, critics argue that the policy is failing to balance industry protection with consumer access.

Bone-in chicken from countries including Brazil, USA, Canada and Thailand are taxed by as much as 62%. These tariffs make imported bone-in chicken too expensive in South Africa, so low-income families are forced to look for alternative options like chicken offals. In many cases, families choose inexpensive carbohydrate-based meals and forgo animal protein entirely.

 

Brazil’s Suspension and the Ripple Effect on Processed Meat Prices

The recent suspension of poultry imports from Brazil has further strained the market. Products like polony and viennas, made from imported mechanically deboned meat (MDM), have seen substantial price increases, disproportionately affecting low-income consumers who rely on these proteins for daily sustenance.

Although the suspension was lifted in early July, South Africa’s rigid trade protocols further delayed the resumption of imports once Brazil was declared HPAI-free.

Importers explain that even after trade resumes, it takes months for prices to stabilise due to regulatory bottlenecks and logistical delays. In the meantime, consumers are left with fewer affordable options, and the nutritional fallout continues.

This lag in market correction underscores a broader issue: trade policy in South Africa is not agile enough to respond to food security challenges.

Vulnerable households and South Africa’s children are paying the price for a system that prioritises procedural rigidity over nutritional urgency.

 

Policy Shifts That Could Improve Access to Affordable Protein

Urgent policy reform to address the affordability crisis in protein access.

Harrison highlights the need for a coordinated national strategy to reduce child stunting, including improved access to affordable animal protein. He argues that nutrition should be treated as a foundational investment in the country’s future, not a secondary concern.

Importers and food security advocates are urging a review of poultry tariffs and improvements to trade protocols.

Reducing import duties on essential protein products and regionalising imports from trade partners could immediately ease pressure on household budgets and help to combat child growth stunting.

Additional solutions proposed include removing value added tax (VAT) on selected chicken products, providing subsidies for protein-rich staple foods, and introducing Maternal Support Grants (MSGs) for pregnant women. It is estimated that MSGs could generate savings of R13.8 billion solely through reduced health care for small babies with preventable neonatal complications.

These interventions are not just about food; they are about economic resilience. Improved nutrition leads to better educational outcomes, higher productivity, and long-term gains in GDP.

The right policy shifts can trigger a cascade of positive outcomes, from healthier children to a more robust economy.