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By supporting stokvels, we can address some of the root causes of diet-related non-communicable diseases and contribute to a healthier, more equitable society. – UCT PhD graduate, Tafadzwa Lukwa.

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Sizwe sama Yende

With proper support, stokvels can be more effective than they currently are to drive health promotion and economic empowerment.

This is according to a PhD research by University of Cape Town (UCT) graduate Tafadzwa Lukwa from the School of Public Health and Family Medicine. 

Stokvels are community-based groups where members pool money regularly to make collective purchases of groceries. They are common among women in rural areas and townships.

Lukwa said that stokvels played a significant role in promoting healthy eating by making nutritious food more accessible and affordable to their members. He said that bulk grocery purchasing enabled stokvel members to secure better deals on food, which also allowed them to buy higher quality and healthier options.

The study also found that stokvels are particularly beneficial for single, unemployed women who head households, as these groups help them ensure food security for their families.

Lukwa said that an interesting aspect of his study was the potential for stokvels to be integrated into formal health and economic policies.

“Despite their informal nature, this suggests that with proper support, such as formal recognition, training, and resources, stokvels could be even more effective in driving health promotion and economic empowerment,” he said. 

Lukwa’s research highlighted that logistical factors, such as the frequency of shopping, delivery preferences, and proximity to shopping venues, are the primary drivers of food purchasing decisions within stokvels.

The study focused on understanding the factors that drive food purchasing decisions within these groups and how these decisions can be aligned with healthier food choices.

“Interestingly, cost was not the most significant factor influencing food choices, suggesting that stokvel members prioritise convenience and access over price,” Lukwa said.

The aim of the study, said Lukwa, was to evaluate how stokvels, which are informal savings and credit associations in South Africa, could influence healthier eating habits and improve nutritional outcomes among their members.

“I was drawn to this topic by the pressing issue of food insecurity and poor nutrition in South Africa, particularly in economically disadvantaged urban areas. I wanted to explore how existing community structures, like stokvels, could be harnessed to address these challenges. My background in health economics and public health, combined with a deep interest in community-driven solutions, inspired me to investigate how stokvels could be leveraged to promote healthier eating habits and improve overall health outcomes in vulnerable populations,” he said.

The study shows that stokvels, which are deeply embedded in South African culture, can be a powerful tool for promoting healthy eating and improving food security, particularly in low-income communities.

Lukwa said his study would inform policymakers and health practitioners how to support and collaborate with these groups to enhance their impact on public health.

“Ultimately, I hope my work will lead to the development of targeted interventions and policies that empower stokvel members, especially women, to make healthier food choices and improve their communities' overall well-being. By supporting stokvels, we can address some of the root causes of diet-related non-communicable diseases and contribute to a healthier, more equitable society,” he said.