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The research emphasizes the importance of incorporating indigenous crops to enhance nutrition security in South Africa.

May 24, 2026Open Access

Indigenous crops a critical piece of South Africa's nutrition security puzzle

Key Points

The research emphasizes the importance of incorporating indigenous crops to enhance nutrition security in South Africa.
Discussion at the 2022 World Science Forum led by Peter Jacobs
Arguments by crop expert Tafadzwa Mabhaudbi on indigenous crops' benefits
Focus on the relationship between crop diversity and community health.
Rising obesity levels are accompanied by malnourishment in South Africa, indicating a nutrition crisis.
Advocates argue that incorporating a diverse range of indigenous crops can combat hidden hunger.
The dialogue stresses the urgent need for food systems to adapt for improved health outcomes.

Abstract

Although our planet boasts 300,000 known edible plant species, 60% of humanity's Although our planet boasts 300,000 known edible plant species, 60% of humanity's plant-based calories are derived from just three crops. In South Africa and other parts of the developing world, obesity is on the rise alongside malnourishment, a phenomenon dubbed "hidden hunger". The HSRC's Peter Jacobs argued at the 2022 World Science Forum that we need to take a broader approach to addressing food and nutrition insecurity. Crop expert Tafadzwa Mabhaudbi from the University of KwaZulu-Natal argued that diversifying our crops with indigenous plant species is critical for the health of our communities - and our planet. By Andrea Teagle plant-based calories are derived from just three crops. In South Africa and other parts of the developing world, obesity is on the rise alongside malnourishment, a phenomenon dubbed "hidden hunger". The HSRC's Peter Jacobs argued at the 2022 World Science Forum that we need to take a broader approach to addressing food and nutrition insecurity. Crop expert Tafadzwa Mabhaudbi from the University of KwaZulu-Natal argued that diversifying our crops with indigenous plant species is critical for the health of our communities - and our planet. By Andrea Teagle

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