The impact of home gardens on pre-schoolers nutrition in Eatonside in the Vaal Triangle, South Africa

• Main Authors: Mosa Selepe, Sheryl Hendriks
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AfricaJournals 2014-01-01
• Series: African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
• Subjects: dietary requirements; food consumption; malnutrition; macronutrients
• Online Access: http://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_17_vol.3_2_july_14.pdf

Background: This study set out to determine the impact of home gardens on nutrient intake, access to food and dietary diversity of pre-school children. Objective: To determine the impact of home gardens on nutrient intake, access to food and dietary diversity of pre-school children in an informal settlement in Gauteng, South Africa. Design: Children aged two to five years (n=40) whose caregivers participated in a garden project participated in this study. Data was gathered using quantitative food frequency, 24-hour recall and dietary diversity questionnaires. The study compared the pre- and post-project food consumption frequencies, dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy. Results: Access to food and food consumption improved with the addition of nutrient-rich produce from the garden. The increase in dietary diversity was statistically significant. The mean nutrient intakes of iron and vitamin A improved but energy and calcium intakes dropped marginally. Conclusions: The level of malnutrition among the participating children was alarming at the start of the project. The home garden project in Eatonside improved access to food, providing readily available vegetables that improved the frequency of consumption of these vegetables and the dietary diversity of the participating children.