Recognising indigenous vegetables as potential contributors to livelihoods development: a case of two district municipalities in northern KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

South Africa is a food sufficient country. Native South Africans, however, continue to suffer from food insecurity at a household level, even under contemporary democratic leadership. Influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the study was conducted to determine the role of indigenous vegetables in rural livelihoods in the two selected district municipalities of northern KwaZulu-Natal, namely iLembe District Municipality (IDM) and the King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM). A purposive sample which consisted of 130 participants (n=130) was drawn, and data were analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel Software. Our findings point in the direction that indigenous vegetables have the potential to contribute to livelihoods development. It was also found that these vegetables can thrive under diverse climatic conditions, including both irrigated and rainfed areas. This is especially important in a country like South Africa which faces major challenges of water scarcity and household food insecurity. Most household heads in the study were unemployed and relied on government monetary incentives for survival. It is concluded that there is a need to include these indigenous crops as part of the main discussions in the food discourse and to recognise them as a tool to enhance livelihood development.

Types of indigenous vegetables consumed, preparation, preferences and perceived benefits in Ghana

“…For example, most of the IVs (Table 1) have higher values of protein, fibre, carbohydrate, calcium, potassium, magnesium and β-carotene which are Table 2 Summary of respondent's perceived benefit of IVs Perceived benefits key sources of most of the perceived benefits. Similar benefits were highlighted by respondents for IVs elsewhere [46,75]. IVs may potentially improve overall wellbeing in marginal sectors of the community and nutrition in communities with lower income levels [76].…”

Nexus between the invisibility of agricultural extension services and rural livelihoods development: Assertions from rural farming communities

“…When asked how farming impacts their livelihoods, the following responses were recorded from some of the farmers: The extracts above indicate the important role of agriculture in rural communities. The sociodemographic status of these communities indicated that most farmers have not received formal education and were unemployed (Qwabe, Zwane, and Swanepoel, 2021). Based on this finding, the assertions made by farmers prove true that due to their socio-economic conditions it would be difficult to navigate through life as pension money alone cannot guarantee a sustainable livelihood.…”

“…In total, thirty rural farmers took part in the study. With specific reference to IDM and KCDM, previous research shows that most people are unemployed and depend on government grants (Qwabe, Zwane & Swanepoel, 2021). Therefore, the researchers attempted to find the nexus between extension services and livelihood development.…”

An Evidence Synthesis Protocol for Exploring African Customers’ Experiences in the Hospitality Industry: A Review of Service Perceptions in Post-apartheid South Africa

“…In this particular study, thematic synthesis (Thomas & Harden, 2008) will be used to generate themes that are aligned to the research objectives of this inquiry. The COSTAQDA, a cloud-based qualitative data analysis software that is suitable for literature-based inquiry will be used Qwabe, 2021).…”