An investigation into the contribution of African Indigenous vegatebles in food security and nutrition in the North-West Province : cases from Sannieshof and Lekgopung communities (Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality)

Abstract

The study investigated the contribution of African indigenous vegetables in food security and nutrition in the North-West Province, with a special reference to Sannieshof and Lekgopung communities. The study found that although South Africa is a country of national food self - sufficiency and is able to export food, hunger and malnutrition are still found in many rural and urban areas. The study found that African indigenous vegetables are of great importance in helping to alleviate these problems. The small scale farmers, especially women, most of them being unemployed, cannot afford to purchase the expensive exotic vegetables. However, in spite of this contribution, the cultivation of indigenous vegetables is rarely supported by government. Most people due to the influence of western eating habits consider indigenous vegetables as a poor man's food. The introduction of exotic plants species has gradually displaced indigenous food crops in many local diets. It has also meant a loss of indigenous knowledge systems related to cultivation and utilization of these crops. The study recommends amongst others that there should be extensive educational campaigns to raise awareness and knowledge among the public and government on the importance of indigenous vegetables; researchers need to research more about the nutritive value of indigenous vegetables; policy makers should incorporate the production of indigenous vegetables into existing and future food security and nutrition policies and government should facilitate the promotion of markets for indigenous vegetables as part of poverty eradication policy frameworks.