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The contribution of community gardens to food security in the Maphephetheni uplands

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  • Stephen O Shisanya
  • Sheryl L Hendriks

Abstract

Although community gardens are widely promoted, very little empirical evidence exists of their contribution to food security. This study evaluated the contribution of community gardens to alleviating food insecurity for 53 community gardeners in Maphephetheni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, it was found that 89% of these households were anxious about food supplies, consumed insufficient food and were severely food insecure. In addition, 72% consumed poor quality food. Community gardens were unable to solve the problem of food insecurity, but their contribution to consumption cannot be entirely ignored. Improved productivity and appropriate agricultural and nutritional advice are necessary. Land availability needs to be addressed through community and other redress systems to grant communities access to less marginal and more accessible productive land close to water. Programmes to support non-farm income are needed and could provide incentives for increased production.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen O Shisanya & Sheryl L Hendriks, 2011. "The contribution of community gardens to food security in the Maphephetheni uplands," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(4), pages 509-526, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:28:y:2011:i:4:p:509-526
    DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2011.605568
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Stephen Shisanya & Paramu Mafongoya, 2016. "Adaptation to climate change and the impacts on household food security among rural farmers in uMzinyathi District of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 8(3), pages 597-608, June.
    2. Otilia Vanessa Cordero-Ahiman & Eduardo Santellano-Estrada & Alberto Garrido, 2018. "Food Access and Coping Strategies Adopted by Households to Fight Hunger among Indigenous Communities of Sierra Tarahumara in Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-14, February.
    3. Nolwazi Zanele Khumalo & Melusi Sibanda, 2019. "Does Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Contribute to Household Food Security? An Assessment of the Food Security Status of Households in Tongaat, eThekwini Municipality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-24, February.
    4. Sheryl Hendriks, 2014. "Food security in South Africa: Status quo and policy imperatives," Agrekon, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(2), pages 1-24, June.
    5. Chakona, Gamuchirai & Shackleton, Charlie M., 2019. "Food insecurity in South Africa: To what extent can social grants and consumption of wild foods eradicate hunger?," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 13(C), pages 87-94.
    6. Yanga Nontu & Lelethu Mdoda & Bonguyise Mzwandile Dumisa & Nyarai Margaret Mujuru & Nkosingimele Ndwandwe & Lungile Sivuyile Gidi & Majezwa Xaba, 2024. "Empowering Rural Food Security in the Eastern Cape Province: Exploring the Role and Determinants of Family Food Gardens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-27, August.
    7. Johnny Ogunji & Stanley Iheanacho & Chinwe Victoria Ogunji & Michael Olaolu & Vivian Oleforuh-Okoleh & Nuria Amaechi & Esther David & Onyekachi Ndukauba & Theophilus Maduabuchukwu Ikegwu & Cresantus B, 2021. "Counting the Cost: The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Households in South East Nigeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-13, November.
    8. Kortei, Nii Korley & Koryo-Dabrah, A & Esua-Amoafo, P & Yarfi, C & Nyasordzi J & Essuman, EK & Tettey, CO & Nartey, EB & Awude, E & Akonor, PT, 2022. "Household food security determinants and nutritional status of inhabitants of a peri-urban community: A case study in the Volta region of Ghana," African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), vol. 22(05).

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