The Food Security and Safety Niche Area (FSS) at North-West University brings together multidisciplinary expertise across the natural and agricultural sciences to address the complex and interconnected challenges that shape food security and food safety. Its research spans the food system from food production and availability to accessibility, affordability and the safety and quality of food.
Through fundamental and applied research, FSS generates knowledge and supports innovative approaches to sustainable and resilient food systems. The Niche Area brings together researchers, postgraduate students and research partners to investigate scientific, environmental, economic and social dimensions of food security and safety, while developing research capacity and strengthening collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
FSS is committed to research that contributes to reduced hunger, poverty alleviation and enhanced food safety in South Africa and beyond. Through research and innovation, postgraduate training, community engagement and strategic partnerships, the Niche Area seeks to translate knowledge into meaningful outcomes for industry, communities and the broader food system.
Our mission is To deliver high-quality and cutting-edge research contributing to food security and safety knowledge, with positive impacts on industry and communities.
Strategic priorities are impact, growth, partnership and internationalisation, while research and innovation, community engagement projects and teaching-and-learning remain our strategic objectives.
We subscribe to the NWU Values of integrity, honesty, transparency, innovation, collaboration and commitment to responsible academic, research and community engagement.