Traditional vegetables as a source of food in South Africa: Some experiences.

Abstract

Researchers need to establish the role and importance of African vegetables in rural livelihoods to ensure sustainability. A situation analysis using qualitative methods was done in six different areas on the use, importance, status, preferences, cultivation and conservation of African vegetables. The most popular crops identified were Amaranth and pumpkins, with Chorcorus and Cleome gynandra popular in the areas they grow. Traditional leafy vegetables have been labeled as ‘poverty food’, with the knowledge associated with it labeled as ‘backward knowledge’, leading to an unwillingness of the youth to be associated with these crops. Traditional vegetables play an important part in food security, especially as a dried food source during winter. The short shelf life of the dried crops is of some concern to community members. Seed systems in many communities have collapsed for many crops due to the changes in the social system in rural areas, leading to a loss of biodiversity in especially the roots and tubers. Because traditional leafy vegetables play an important role in food security in rural South Africa, the status of the crops and their conservation need to be addressed to ensure sustainable use.