There’s a special kind of power in using food gardens to fight against South Africa’s hidden hunger – malnutrition. In Mzansi, small food gardens near family homes have always made an important contribution to family nutrition and in a recent Health For Mzansi article, experts explain why agriculture still remains the best way to ensure food security and boost economic growth in Africa.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of hidden hunger, the article unpacks what exactly is meant by it. According to Steven Barnard of Farmer Kidz and Garden of Life, hidden hunger is the lack of nutritional value despite consuming a large quantity of food, which causes stunted growth, concentration difficulties, and even death.
Despite this harsh reality, Barnard is convinced that the act of cultivating crops and raising livestock is the best way to fight against food insecurity.
As an organisation, the goal of Farmer Kidz has always been to get young people involved in ending hunger and making sure there is enough food, Health For Mzansi reports.
“It seeks to create a new generation of farmers who find agriculture cool and acquire agri-preneurship skills through mentoring and trailing.
“The programme teaches fundamental farming techniques and employs technologies such as the Garden of Life veggie tyre hydroponic system and mobile phone applications.”
Why is addressing hidden hunger so crucial?
The article also explores why addressing hidden hunger is crucial, and how wild indigenous foods and medicinal plants can contribute to this.
According to Rob Small, co-founder of Abalimi Bezekhaya, wild indigenous foods and medicinal plants, as well as [domesticated] herbs and spices, are extraordinarily rich in nutrients and many other healing elements that keep us healthy.
Touching on organic farming, Small says that this way of cultivating food has the potential to improve mental health as well.
“Our minds and bodies are nourished by clean air, physical activity, and high-quality food. Thus, we heal our minds and no longer become so depressed and confused by life in the so-called modern world,” says Small.
Echoing his sentiments are Anne-Marie de Beer, a certified dietitian at Nestle. According to her, it is not just important to focus on specific nutrients because the most important thing is to eat a balanced diet.
“I think that’s the important bit. We are not focusing on a balanced diet, we don’t have a variety in our meals.”
She shares why nutrients are so important to our immune systems, the key role zinc, vitamin A and iron has to play, and ways in how families can ensure they have access to nutritious food.
Read full article on here.
This story was originally written by Vateka Halile and published on Health For Mzansi.
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
