The current and potential contribution of home-grown vegetables to diets in South Africa

Abstract

In this paper the current and potential utilisation of crops (bought and home produce) in diets in South Africa is reviewed. Available data shows that at all levels, national, household and individual, the amounts of fruits and vegetables available and consumed are about half the WHO (2003) recommendations of at least 400g per day. To counteract this, the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines promote fruit and vegetable consumption. The 1999 National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS), showed that in South Africa, nationally, 17% of the sample produced crops only, 9% produced crops and livestock and 8% produced livestock only. Median intakes of nutrients such as energy, vitamin A and calcium for children in rural households with crop and livestock production, although raised, were still below requirements. However, evaluation of an intervention which combined production of vitamin A rich crops in home gardens with nutrition education and growth monitoring, showed vitamin A intakes increased above required levels.

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