Berea, April 24 — The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) on Friday presented findings from a food vulnerability study aimed at determining a Minimal Essential Basket for councils, revealing significant differences between rural and urban household needs.
Speaking during the meeting, DMA representative Ms. Ntoetsi Mafole said the study, largely conducted in rural areas, showed that communities in urban settings face additional demands that must be considered in disaster response planning.
She noted that, unlike rural households, urban families must cover expenses such as rent, hygiene products and other essential services alongside food.
Ms. Mafole further indicated that research carried out among middle income households in Lithabaneng and Ha Mohlaetoa found that the basic needs for a family of four cost approximately M784.
Based on these findings, assistance in urban areas will be provided in the form of cash transfers to allow families to meet their diverse essential needs.
The study is expected to guide councils and stakeholders in designing more responsive and context specific disaster relief interventions.
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