Introducing grain legumes for crop diversification and sustainable food production systems amongst urban small-holder farmers: a food and nutrition security project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

A study was conducted at Marianhill, north-west of Durban, South Africa, characterized by food insecurity and malnutrition. The study objectives were to introduce grain legume varieties; determine grain legume yields and improve legume consumption; train farmers on nutrition-sensitive sustainable food production. The project monitored the study objectives through an operationalized developed and implemented education program over a two-year period. Grain legumes used were Phaseolus vulgaris L, Cicer arietinum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Vigna radiate, Vigna unguiculata and Vigna subterranean. High significant differences among six varieties were observed. P. vulgaris L produced highest yield compared with other varieties. Women produced significantly higher yields compared with men. Results indicated improved legume consumption from once a week (77.4%) to 2–3 times (77.1%) a week, whilst consumption of 4–5 times a week improved from 3.8% to 22.9%. The study demonstrated that integrating grain legumes into small-holder monoculture urban cropping systems might be a viable option for sustainable food production and household food and nutrition security.