Published November 5, 2024
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has highlighted the importance of eggs in combating child malnutrition, particularly in light of rising food prices and the ongoing economic challenges faced by many households in the country. In a statement released on Monday, SAPA urged that eggs should be considered a vital weapon in addressing the high rates of child stunting, a condition that affects almost 27% of South Africa’s children.
Eggs as an Affordable Nutritional Powerhouse
Dr. Monique Piderit, a consulting dietitian for SAPA’s Egg Organisation, emphasized the significant nutritional benefits of eggs, describing them as a cost-effective source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Eggs are rich in vitamins and minerals critical for children’s growth and cognitive development, making them particularly important in regions with high levels of poverty and malnutrition.
“Eggs are an affordable, nutrient-rich food that can support the healthy growth and cognitive development of children. Given their potential to combat stunting, promoting egg consumption should be a priority,” said Piderit.
Stunting: A Major Health Concern
Stunting remains a major public health challenge in South Africa, with nearly one in three children affected. Stunting, caused by poor nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life, can lead to long-term consequences such as poor academic performance, impaired cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses in adulthood. The situation is part of a global problem, with almost 150 million children worldwide being affected by stunting.
Global Evidence on Eggs and Child Nutrition
Piderit referenced studies from around the world that highlight the positive impact of egg consumption on child nutrition. For example, a study in Ecuador showed that children who ate one egg a day had a 47% lower risk of stunting and were 74% less likely to be underweight. In Ethiopia, providing families with egg-laying hens led to a 42% reduction in stunting and a 54% reduction in underweight children. Similar findings have been seen in India, where low egg consumption was linked to a twofold increase in stunting risk.
Economic Challenges: Rising Egg Prices
While the nutritional value of eggs is clear, SAPA’s advocacy comes at a time when egg prices have been climbing. The retail price of a dozen eggs has risen significantly, with the current price of R27.11 per dozen marking a sharp increase from R17.73 in 2022 and R14.72 in 2020. This rise in prices is mainly attributed to supply constraints, including disease outbreaks (notably avian influenza) and higher feed costs.
Despite the price hikes, eggs are still VAT-exempt in South Africa, making them more affordable than many other animal-based protein sources. However, the Competition Commission has pointed out that the retail price increase has not been matched by the decrease in producer prices, creating a widening gap in the value chain. This disparity presents ongoing challenges for households that are already struggling with high food costs.
The Role of Eggs in Poverty and Food Insecurity
SAPA’s advocacy for increased egg consumption comes amid broader concerns about food insecurity in South Africa. The Economic Impact of Child Poverty Study, released by Deloitte and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, underscores the profound economic costs of child malnutrition and food insecurity, estimating the cost to South Africa at nearly R700 billion each year.
SAPA’s call for action includes supporting the Global Egg Campaign, an initiative aimed at encouraging the consumption of one egg per person per day. This campaign promotes eggs as a simple yet powerful solution to addressing malnutrition, particularly in countries facing high levels of poverty and food insecurity.
Looking Ahead: Public Awareness and Accessibility
To address both the awareness and accessibility issues around eggs, SAPA and its partners are working to increase public understanding of the nutritional benefits of eggs. Their goal is to position eggs not only as a healthy food choice but as a critical part of the solution to childhood malnutrition. Through educational campaigns and increased availability, SAPA hopes to enhance the role of eggs as a cornerstone of dietary health in South Africa.
With rising food prices and ongoing nutritional challenges, eggs remain a practical and potent solution to help improve the health and future prospects of South Africa’s children. By promoting the consumption of eggs as a daily nutritional habit, SAPA is aiming to reduce child malnutrition and stunting while supporting healthier, stronger generations to come.