Investigating the impact of home gardens on household welfare and multidimensional poverty: The case of Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Abstract

South Africa, despite achieving food security at the national level, faces significant householdlevel food insecurity and poverty challenges, particularly in rural areas. This stark contrast is notably visible in provinces like Limpopo, where food insecurity persists despite the country's overall food surplus. Home gardens present a potential solution to alleviate poverty and address food and nutrition insecurity in these regions. This study investigated the role of home gardens in enhancing household welfare and reducing multidimensional poverty in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The specific objectives were: (i) to identify factors influencing rural household participation in home gardening, (ii) to assess home gardens' contribution to food security, (iii) to evaluate home gardens' role in improving household nutrition security, and (iv) to examine home gardens' impact on multidimensional poverty in rural households. The study employed a stratified random sampling technique to select 2,043 participants from Limpopo Province. Data analysis utilized various econometric models and indices, including the probit model, endogenous switching Poisson regression model, multidimensional poverty index, and endogenous switching probit model. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) measured food security, while the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) served as a proxy for nutrition security. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) assessed poverty levels in rural households. Results revealed that 46% of households were food secure, while 24% experienced severe food insecurity, 17% moderate food insecurity, and 13% mild food insecurity. Several factors positively influenced food security, including household size, land access, agricultural assistance, participants' market proximity, and non-participants' employment status. Conversely, negative impacts were associated with household head age, social relief dependency, and certain socio-economic conditions for both participants and non-participants. Home garden participation significantly reduced multidimensional poverty, with older household heads and larger households experiencing lower poverty levels. Major deprivations included education, with 78% of households lacking members who completed at least six years of schooling, high undernourishment rates (89%), and child mortality (77%). Home gardens proved crucial in addressing these challenges by providing fresh produce and enhancing nutrition awareness. The study concludes that home gardens significantly contribute to food and nutrition security and poverty reduction, though socio-economic barriers persist. To maximize home gardening benefits, recommendations include strengthening agricultural education, improving land accessibility, and enhancing support programs. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives that promote home gardening, transform land into income-generating assets, and encourage youth participation in education and agricultural activities. These interventions could effectively address poverty and improve household welfare, targeting critical food and nutrition security challenges in rural South Africa.