The role of wild vegetable species in household food security in maize based subsistence cropping systems
Date
2013-02
Authors
Mavengahama, S.
McLachlan, M.
De Clercq, W.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SpringerLink
Abstract
Wild vegetables (WV) are an important source of
food in the maize based subsistence farming sector of rural
South Africa. Their main role is as relish as they are used as
an accompaniment for staple cereal based diets. They are
generally reported to be rich in micronutrients. Although
they may be consumed in small quantities, they influence
the intake of cereal staples, manage hunger and play a
central role in household food security for the poorer rural
groups. Mixing several WV species in one meal contributes
to dietary diversity in terms of more vegetable types as well
as in terms of choice of relish. For some very poor families
WV are substitutes for some food crops. The seasonal occurrence
of these vegetables leaves many families without a
food source during the off-season. Wild vegetables increase
agro-biodiversity at the household level. This agrobiodiversity
helps in buffering against the accumulation
and multiplication of pests and diseases and provides important
cover for the soil. Further research on agronomic,
social and economic dimensions is required to understand
the roles of WV in subsistence farming systems in South
Africa.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/agriculture/journal/12571
The original publication is available at http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/agriculture/journal/12571
Keywords
Household food security, Wild vegetables, Maize based cropping systems, Subsistence farming system
Citation
Mavengahama, S., McLachlan, M. & De Clercq, W. 2013. The role of wild vegetable species in household food security in maize based subsistence cropping systems. Food Security, doi:10.1007/s12571-013-0243-2.