Resilience in Food Systems – Response and Adaptation to Shocks and Disruptions: The Case of the Phillipi Horticultural Area in Cape Town, South Africa

This study explores the concept of food systems resilience. It studied the vulnerability to shocks and pressure of the Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA), a key urban food-producing region in Cape Town, South Africa. The PHA is critical for the city’s food security but faces challenges such as rapid urbanisation, governance gaps, and socioeconomic pressures threatening its resilience and sustainability. Using a descriptive methods approach, the research collected data through surveys with stakeholders from the government, the private sector, NGOs, private individuals, and informal settlers. The study adopted the place-based approach emphasising the importance of community-led initiatives and local actors in managing food systems. The perspective highlights the significance of addressing challenges collaboratively within specific contexts. Key findings revealed insufficient governance commitment, a lack of multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the growing threat of urban development on agricultural land. The study also confirmed the importance of community-driven strategies to adapt to these challenges and build resilience. In conclusion, the research emphasises the need for integrated, community-centred, and multi-stakeholder approaches to safeguard the PHA’s food system. To address these issues, the study recommends strengthening governance frameworks, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders, empowering community leadership, and protecting agricultural land from urban encroachment. These measures are crucial to maintaining the resilience and sustainability of this vital urban agricultural region.