The Impact of Floods on Household Food Security Within uMzimkhulu and Kokstad Local Municipalities, KwaZulu-Natal Province (South Africa): A Comparative Study

N.B. Mjoli; B. Manasoe

doi:10.17159/2413-3221/2026/v54n1a18931

Authors

N.B. Mjoli University of the Free State https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2013-9736
B. Manasoe University of the Free State https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6529-9603

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2026/v54n1a18931

Keywords:

Floods, Household Food Security, uMzimkhulu Municipality, Kokstad Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province

Abstract

In the past three years (2021-2023), the KwaZulu-Natal Province has experienced unusually high rainfall, some of which was caused by Cyclone Idia. The province’s geographical location along the coast makes it vulnerable to cyclones that form in the Indian Ocean, resulting in or triggering high rainfall and floods, such as those that occurred during the 2021-2023 floods, which led to flood disasters. Floods also occurred in other provinces, including the Eastern Cape and the Free State. In 2023, the KwaZulu-Natal Province continued to experience heavy rainfall, resulting in severe flooding that led to landslides and significant crop and livestock losses for many households. Floods directly impact access to food. The present study investigates the impact of floods on household food security within the uMzimkhulu and Kokstad Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. Data from the study have been analysed and presented using a quantitative survey approach using a structured questionnaire. The survey included 50 households, and purposive sampling was used to select the households or study participants. The study results reveal that more than 80% of respondents from both municipalities reported that their food supply was affected by the flood, as their crops, particularly the main food crops maize and dry beans, were destroyed or washed away. The study also reveals that floods negatively affected food availability and impacted households' income, as households usually sell excess produce to the market to raise extra money for other household needs. According to the findings, floods severely affected Kokstad Municipality, resulting in limited food availability in most households.

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