How to boost food security in your community

Food prices in South Africa have soared in recent months, making it harder than ever to buy nutritious food for a family. Now is the time for communities to grow as much food as they can for themselves

- Shane Brody

Huge increases in the price of food have affected everyone in South Africa, with poorer households suffering the most. I was shocked to note that in a well-known supermarket the price of a loaf of bread rose from R16 to R22 in one month!

At times like this, communal farmers, smallholders and even urban households with access to land for growing vegetables and grains have a great advantage.

If they haven’t done so already, commercial livestock operations should consider making land available for vegetables and other crops to contribute to food security, even if it’s just for the owners and staff of the farm.

Green vegetables such as green beans and broccoli are healthy options and quite easy to grow. Beans, for example, can be produced on trellis frameworks along fences in even the smallest yard.

These types of vegetables don’t have a long shelf life, however, and must be eaten shortly after harvesting. In contrast, butternuts and pumpkins can last for months if kept properly. They may even last until the next season, when new vegetables can be planted.

TIPS FOR RUNNING AN EFFICIENT COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT 

The success of a food-growing project depends on teamwork. For example, elderly members of the community may struggle to dig, plant and harvest, but the youth can help out here. Older people can perform other tasks. The more collaboration there is, the better.