The Interconnectedness of Food Availability, Utilisation and Access from Sustainable Home-Gardens in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

AbstractOne dimensionality has been evident in measuring food security at household level. Literature either assumes food availability, accessibility and utilisations as separate silos. The chapter hypothesizes that there is a linkage between these three food security pillars. The objective of this chapter was to assess the inter-relationships between these factors as a measure of food security, taking into consideration sustainable home-garden production. The study utilised a cross sectional survey of 116 households in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in South Africa. Structural Equation Modelling in STATA 14 was used to analyse the data. On average, the households were consuming more of cereals and vitamin A rich vegetables. Seventy-seven percent of the households practiced home-gardening, with 71.6% of them not producing enough from the gardens. The study further revealed that there is a positive relationship between production of home-garden and cereal crops. There is also a positive relationship between home-garden vegetables and food availability. Furthermore, there was a negative relationship between home-garden consumption and food accessibility. In addition, a positive relationship was also evident between food availability and food accessibility through home-garden production. The study concludes of a relationship between the pillars of food security, with however less emphasis on food utilisation. There is need to promote utilisation of home-garden products to improve dietary diversity and achieve food security.KeywordsFood accessibilityFood availabilityFood securityFood utilizationHome-gardenSouth Africa