"Solidarity in diversity: exploring the resilience of migrant communities and their food security in South Africa."

Abstract

Food insecurity still affects migrants in South Africa because of structural marginalization by dominant social and economic arrangements, scarce economic resources, and uprooting from traditional sources of food. In this study, the role of solidarity networks in migrant communities was investigated to better understand how Pakistani, Zimbabwean, and Cameroonian migrants enhance their food security in the regions of Kensington, Summer Greens, and Parow Valley. This mixed-methods study investigated the role of community support and sharing in mitigating food poverty by analysing data collected from 250 migrant families using survey research, as well as 12 in-depth interviews and 15 focus group discussions with leaders of solidarity groups. Evidence shows that solidarity organizations play a very significant role in improving migrants’ ability to fulfil their transnational remittance commitments through financial support, community-based food-sharing programs, and business support. Quantitative evidence shows that membership in such networks is positively associated with improved household food security, while qualitative evidence highlights both the benefits and limitations of these networks. Despite their importance in building resilience, some migrants find it difficult to access such networks because of the cost of membership, fear related to lack of transparency and trust within the groups, and exclusion based on nationality. Using Bourdieu's Social Capital Theory and Resilience Theory, the study illustrates how migrants use informal networks on a voluntary basis to combat institutionalized disadvantages and economic insecurity. The study verifies the dual and complementary role of informal migrant networks as coping and adaptive strategies, thus adding to the ongoing debate on migration, food security, and solidarity economies. Despite the fact that these networks are relatively strong, their self-limiting character demands more inclusive legislative frameworks to facilitate migrant initiatives for food security.This study is relevant to policymakers, development practitioners, and civil society organizations in South Africa engaged in initiatives to promote equitable and sustainable food systems for migrants.