(Re) Shaping the South African food system

Conventional food systems have proven to exploit natural resources and deepen socio-economic disparities, with South Africa’s youth suffering particularly from these effects due to the historic burden of structural inequalities. Alternative food systems (AFSs) have the potential to transform the conventional agri-food value chains into inclusive and more sustainable systems with the social inclusion of youth acting as a driving force. This thesis studies the processes of social inclusion in AFSs through a context-specific, qualitative case study of the non-profit organization ORIBI and its entrepreneurs. Semi-structured interviews were performed to determine perceived barriers of inclusion and collect primary data on ORIBI and the entrepreneur’s initiatives. Social capital, collective action and institutional entrepreneurship were used as analytical tools to analyze if and how AFS actors in South Africa contribute to the social inclusion of youth in the food system. The AFS actors highlighted that deficient access to education, knowledge, financial resources and limited opportunities to access the AFS due to socio-economic challenges are key structural barriers that prevent social inclusion of youth in AFS in South Africa. This research exemplifies social inclusion processes that break these barriers by raising awareness, cultivating social network relationships, and providing employment opportunities, education and training. Building trust, promoting exchange and reciprocity, and reinforcing collaboration are identified as key levers to foster inclusiveness in AFSs in South Africa