The influence of culture on the utilization of traditional leafy vegetables among VaTsonga and Ba-Pedi women of Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare how the culture of the Ba-Pedi and Tsonga women influences the utilization of TLVs. The study was conducted in New Forest and GaBoelang villages, which were selected because most of the Vatsonga and Ba-Pedi women who reside there are knowledge holders in TLVs. A qualitative approach was used to gain more understanding of the influence of culture on the access, utilization, processing and preservation of TLVs among the Tsonga and BaPedi. In-depth face-to-face interviews focus group discussions and observations were employed for data collection using purposive and convenience sampling to select participants. The results of the study showed that there are several TLVs that are utilised by both cultural groups. The local names used for these TLVs are influenced by how the cultural groups interact with their surrounding environment and how they interpret environmental events during their search for food. The study found that leafy vegetables are not only consumed for pleasure, but they have medical, nutrition and economic benefits. The participants are dependant on these TLVs for households' food security and income. Furthermore, the study found that the processing and preservation methods of TLVs was influenced by cultural beliefs, for instance, among the Vatsonga, shade drying was known to most households as knowledge acquired from elders (ancestors), while among the Ba-Pedi culture, it was only sun drying that was known. Among others, the study concluded that the culture of the two cultural groups (Vatsonga and BaPedi) play a very critical role in influencing how TLVs are planted, harvested, used (such as medical, marketing and nutrition), consumed, prepared and preserved. Furthermore, the study concluded that the Ba-Pedi cultural group has a strong connection with the spiritual world than the Vatsonga cultural group. It is recommended that future studies should research more on the local names of TLVs to protect and preserve the indigenous knowledge around these names. It is also recommended that awareness campaigns about the importance of these TLVs as nutritionally balanced food, source of medicine and as a direct or indirect source of income, particularly for rural communities, must be included in the national development plan and agricultural policy.