The contribution of food gardens to household food security in eThekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

South African citizens have limited access to fruits, vegetables which contains macro nutrients and micro nutrients. However, food gardens can provide fruits and vegetables to enhance household food security and have positive impact on people livelihoods. The contribution of food gardens to household food security in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu Natal, was investigated using a mixed-method approach. Four (4) key informants and 307 food garden participants were identified using purposive and stratified random sampling. Data was collected using key informant interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions. For quantitative data analysis, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was utilized to analyse data through descriptive analysis. Qualitative data analysis was used to analyse data collected from focus group discussion. Food gardens were dominated by older females with low incomes and low educational levels. The study revealed that majority (63.8%) of participants are recipients of social grants. Therefore, households have low income. This has negative impact on accessibility and availability of food at household level. A variety of vegetables were planted; with most vegetables harvested in February, March, and April. The majority of respondents (90.6%) obtained low Household Food Inventory (HFI) scores, and low Dietary Diversity Score (DDS). Limited availability of fruits and vegetables at household level influence low HFI scores. The majority of households (88.6%) were classified as food insecure by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The main challenges identified included a lack of equipment, land, fencing, water, and extension services. The evidence revealed that food gardens have not managed to buffer the households against food insecurity. Food gardens did not improve dietary level for participants. Because most respondents of this study had low HDDS, with the mean score of 4.1 and the participants dietary variety was less diverse. Respondents (63.5%) indicated that vegetables and fruits were not available throughout the year. This indicates that food gardens did not improve household food security for participants. However, 85.0% of respondents in this study were satisfied with the contribution of food gardens to household vegetable availability. They require, government support in terms of extension services and resources are thus recommended to assist gardeners to reach their full potential.