An assessment of the contribution of indigenous crops towards household food security in KwaZulu Natal.

Abstract

Indigenous crops play a significant role in providing an alternative food source for vulnerable households. In the past, these crops were commonly accessible and available but have been reduced due to urbanisation and an increase in population, among other factors. Indigenous crops have a wide variety of nutritional, medicinal, and environmental benefits. However, these crops are still characterized by weak value chains, supply chains, and negative perceptions among farming households and consumers. As such, their potential still needs to be explored. The study’s main objective was to assess the interaction between indigenous crops and food security of the sampled farming households from three districts (i.e Harry Gwala, EThekwini and uMgungundlovu) in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The specific objectives were (i) To examine the factors affecting the consumption of indigenous crops; (ii) To investigate the factors affecting market channels and food form (as it is or processed) selection of indigenous crops and (iii) To analyse the association between socio-economic factors, indigenous crops, and it’s contribution to household food security. The study used primary data from 260 farming households, which were randomly selected. Descriptive statistics were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and STATA. The binomial logit, multinomial logit, bivariate probit and extended ordered probit regression models were used to investigate the interactions between indigenous crops and various variables. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was employed to measurehousehold food security. The results revealed that 13.8% of farming households were food secure, 34.2% were mildly food insecure, 36.2% were moderately food insecure, and 15.8% were severely food insecure. The binomial logit regression results demonstrated that an increase in the number of females and children within a household as well as farming experience increased the likelihood of consuming indigenous crops. Monthly food expenses decreased the likelihood of consuming indigenous crops. Regarding the indigenous crops’ market value perception, the findings showed that 41.9% of the participants believed indigenous crops could be easily marketed, whereas 58.1% indicated that indigenous crops could not easily be marketed. The results further showed that male size within a household was positively associated with selection of the local marketing channels. The number of children, unemployed members in a household, total household income, and production of crops for consumption and sale negatively influenced the selection of the local market. On the other hand, the size of the farm was positively associated with the household decision to sell their indigenous crops at an informal market, while the decision to sell in an informal market was also negatively associated with farming experience, producing crops for own consumption and sale. The number of children, education levels, farming experience, and unemployed individuals were negatively associated with the selection of formal markets. Gender and total household income positively influenced the selection of formal markets. Using the bivariate probit regression, the results revealed that farming experience positively influenced the household decision to sell the indigenous crops as fresh produce. Producing for consumption or sale negatively influenced the household decision to sell indigenous crops as fresh produce in the market. Male and farm size in the household were likely to positively influence the decision to sell indigenous crops in a processed food form while total household income was negatively associated with the decision to sell indigenous crops in a processed food form. The extended ordered probit regression model showed a significant association between indigenous crops and household food security. The results showed that consumption and perception of indigenous crops, farming period, perceived marketing potential, required agricultural assistance, and suitable marketing channel choices significantly influenced household food security. The Chi-square association between socio-economic parameters and household food security showed that gender, household size, and monthly income were significantly associated with household food security. The study concluded that the socio-economic factors play a significant role in the use and selection of marketing channels for indigenous crops. The decision regarding the food form by which the household sell its indigenous crops was influenced by various socio-economic factors. Farming households perceived indigenous crops as not easily marketable and associated with being largely consumed by older males. Farming households consuming indigenous crops were more likely to be food secure. It is recommended that government, extension officers and nutritionists conduct training workshops to encourage households to grow, market and buy indigenous crops. Government and policy markers need to include indigenous crops in the national food and nutrition security implementation plan and actively create formal markets for the sale of indigenous crops .