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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Sustain. Food Syst.
Sec. Nutrition and Sustainable Diets
Volume 8 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2024.1451656

Analysing the contribution of trees and green spaces to household nutrition security in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Provisionally accepted

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Food from trees and green spaces can diversify diets and enhance food and nutrition security for households. However, sourcing food from these areas often receives little attention in addressing nutrition issues. This study assessed the contribution of trees and green spaces to household food consumption and nutrition in the eThekwini Municipal Area (EMA) located in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa, focusing on the Osindisweni and Maphephetheni communities, which are biologically diverse and face high poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Using stratified random sampling, 280 households were selected to complete questionnaires. Additionally, two Focus Group Discussions (FDG's) and key informant interviews were conducted with community members and municipal representatives. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Household Food Consumption Score (FCS), Ordered Logistic Regression and a thematic analysis was done to analyse responses from Focus Group Discussions. The results showed that 93.6% of households consumed acceptable diets, with only 5.0% in the borderline and 1.4% in the poor categories. Specifically, Osindisweni and Maphephetheni households reported 93.3% and 93.7% acceptable diets, respectively. Ordered logistic regression indicated that both cultivated and uncultivated green spaces, household size, number of dependants, as well as access to training, agricultural assistance, extension, and advisory services negatively correlated with nutrition security. While communities recognised the contributions of trees and green spaces, they believed that these sources alone were insufficient. It is concluded that consumption of products from trees and green spaces likely did not improve the nutrition security of the households. To improve household nutrition security in eThekwini, it is vital to foster collaboration among stakeholders, including nutritionists and extension agents. Strengthening the knowledge of extension officers regarding the harvesting and consumption of food from trees and green spaces is crucial for disseminating effective guidance to households, thereby enhancing nutrition outcomes.

    Keywords: DIETS, nutrition, Food consumption score, Trees and Green Spaces, Food groups, Household Nutrition Security

    Received: 19 Jun 2024; Accepted: 04 Nov 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Bhebhe, Ngidi, Siwela, Ojo, Hlatshwayo, Mabhaudhi and Slotow. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    Qhelile Ntombikayise Bhebhe, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
    Mjabuliseni Ngidi, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

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