Department of Agricultural Economics

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Browsing Department of Agricultural Economics by Author "Akinola, Racheal"

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    Exploring the potential for Amaranth (Amaranthus spp) (grain and leaves) in mainstream South African diets
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-05) Akinola, Racheal; Molotsi, Annelin H.; Pereira, Laura M. (Laura Maureen), 1985-; Mabhaudhi, T.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Agricultural Economics.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Food insecurity and hunger continue to be a global challenge, as many countries remain food insecure and vulnerable to food insecurity. South Africa, despite being classified as food secure, has 26 % of its population experiencing hunger. As a means of addressing food insecurity, there is a renewed focus on indigenous and traditional food crops (ITFCs) and the positive impact on the sustainability of our food and agricultural systems. Amaranth is one of such traditional food crops that has been identified for its exceptional nutritional value and widespread benefits as a sustainable and source of food, which suggests that its promotion into everyday diets can further contribute to households’ food supply and improve household food security. A critical question then arises, does amaranth (grain and leaves) have the potential to be mainstreamed in South Africa’s food system in order to support sustainable food and nutrition security? Thus, this study has three objectives; (i) to explore the knowledge, awareness, perception and consumption patterns of amaranth (ii) explore the amaranth market and the accessibility to amaranth and its products (ii) to determine the palatability and acceptance of a meal which has been enriched with amaranth. To achieve the first and second objectives, a mixed method non-experimental research approach consisting of individual interviews (n=68) and focus group discussions (n=45) were carried out to explore the knowledge, perception, farming and the consumption of amaranth, which was followed by a desktop research to identify amaranth market stakeholders across the country. One hundred and eight (108) individuals from four (4) communities in Kwazulu Natal; Swayimane, Msinga, Umbumbuly and Nhlazuka participated in the interviews and focus group discussions. For the second objective, a sensory evaluation was carried out to determine the likability of four porridge samples enriched with different amaranth concentrations (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%) and a 100% pure maize porridge sample as the control. Nineteen (19) participants from Swayimane community were recruited as panelists and were required to taste each sample and assess its sensory characteristics using a sensory evaluation questionnaire. Results from the qualitative study show that there is a positive perception about amaranth and existing indigenous knowledge; significant knowledge gaps were identified, such as the lack of knowledge on how to cultivate amaranth, poor knowledge about the utilization/consumption of the grain. The current consumption of amaranth is mostly limited to the leaves only, and the market for it is underdeveloped, although there are several opportunities for improvement. Results from the sensory evaluation show that porridge samples with higher amaranth concentrations (from 50% and above) had higher acceptability scores than 25% amaranth and pure (100%) maize porridge samples. Overall, this study shows that both amaranth leaves and grains can break into the mainstream market as nutritious leafy vegetables and a versatile (pseudo)grain with the right recipes and processing techniques. Provided that they are affordable and promoted with information regarding the origin, sustainability and nutrition, consumers would be willing to cultivate and/or purchase and aid adoption into everyday diets.