Improving food security by enhancing the productivity of grain legumes – Limpopo study

Abstract

Under-nutrition can be divided into protein energymalnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Globally, the most important micronutrient deficiencies are iron, vitamin A, iodine and zinc. Reports have shown that children living on commercial farms are severely affected, and the prevalence of malnutrition is higher in the rural areas than in the urban areas. Malnutrition usually results in severely stunting and underweight in children, especially children at the ages of 1-2 years and children under six. It is internationally recognised that malnutrition must be addressed heading through a multi-sectorial response and a multi-or interdisciplinary research approach. Water use for food production, improved nutrition and health can be achieved by better diversity of foods and more nutritive diets. Furthermore, it is unclear in most instances as to what extent the various and changing environments influence food choices, nutrient intake and the contribution of home-garden production to food and nutrition security.

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