An analysis of the guiding documents used by the agricultural and health divisions in the Department of Correctional Services to ensure food and nutrition security

Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2019.ENGLISH SUMMARY : The relationship between agriculture and nutrition has become very important these days to ensure food and nutrition security. The government’s role is crucial in especially the implementation of policies that are designed for both the agricultural and health division to ensure food and nutrition security. Commitment and the political will are required to formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate such policies and guiding documents. In South Africa, The National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030 has identified food and nutrition security as a main factor to reduce poverty and inequality. (The National Development Plan, 2011:303) Government institutions are therefore required to meet these demands. As “every citizen has the right to have access to sufficient food, water and social security” as well as the responsibility that lies within the government to “take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the realisation of this right” all government institutions need to play their part according to the South African Constitutional Law of 1996. The assumption is made that these rights are relevant to all South Africans, even those who are incarcerated. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) was used as platform for this research assignment to analyse whether effective service delivery occurs relating to food and nutrition security. Firstly, the link between the agricultural and health divisions was determined and whether it is effective enough to ensure food and nutrition security. Secondly, the ability of correctional facilities to be self-reliant and meet the nutritional needs of the inmates. Thirdly, the research assignment focused on the challenges that the two divisions in DCS face to meet their objectives on a daily basis. A conceptual framework was used to analyse the policies and guiding documents in the agricultural and health divisions of DCS to determine whether this government institution fulfils its obligation to ensure food and nutrition security for those they incarcerate. Finally, recommendations are made for improvement in agriculture and other operational activities to better the nutrition and health of the inmates.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar.Master