Cost of living | Consumers buying less and less

PIETERMARITZBURG - The buying patterns of consumers have changed, according to economic justice activists and roleplayers in the farming industry.

They say people have stopped bulk buying, opting rather to purchase the bare minimum because they have less to spend.

There are threats of food insecurity in households with long-term impacts.

READ: Growing concerns over food security

According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, it's the consumer who will feel the impact the most.

The group -- which monitors the cost of the bread basket -- says consumers are headed for even tougher times.

"What we are likely to see is an increase in hunger, increase in food insecurity at household," said Mervyn Abrahams.

READ: Cost of living | Light at the end of the tunnel on food prices

"This is extremely worrying because household food insecurity translates into socio-economic issues like child standing, children can't learn at school. It means workers can't perform at work."

The PMBEJD says they have now noted an increase in people losing their homes and their cars as they struggle to keep up with the interest rate. 

* eNCA's Nqobile Madlala reports