Examination of the perceived contribution of edible indigenous plants in combating food and nutrition insecurity in the Tonga community of Zimbabwe

Abstract

In most poverty-stricken countries, edible indigenous plants (EIPs) have been an ever-present component of the household food and nutrition security equation since time immemorial. The place of these plants in the household food and nutrition debate and matrix is unclear. Yet, their existence lessens the impact of food and nutrition insecurity on household livelihoods. A study that was premised on the view that the types of EIPs within their local context is important although cultural domains limit the extent of their utilisation was conducted in Muchesu Ward of Binga District in north-western Zimbabwe. The study was born out of the realisation that there was inadequate scientifically generated information on how communities benefit from the EIPs. Of interest was how prevailing global environmental and economic changes influenced household food and nutrition security. Furthermore, it was evident that new approaches were needed to help build an understanding of where EIPs fitted within the food and nutrition security debate and matrix. The main objective of the current study was to characterise EIPs and examine their role in combating food and nutrition insecurity. Exploratory and phenomenological designs were used during characterising EIPs. Respondents were purposively sampled. Data were collected through participatory mapping, transect walks, focus group discussions, seasonal diagramming, key informant interviews and observation. Scoring, matrix ranking, and thematic content analysis were used to analyse the data. Inventories revealed that EIPs were available, accessible and utilised in various ways. Identified EIPs were classified according to the parts that were eaten namely: leafy vegetables, fruits, and tubers. Forty-seven leafy vegetables, 36 fruits and 26 tubers regarded as EIPs were identified. Seasonal availability of EIPs varied across the months of the year. Use of leafy vegetables peaked during the rainy season. Fruits were available in most months of the year although a considerable number of types was available and harvested during the rainy season. Tubers were also available in varied months of the year. Timing was crucial for harvesting tubers. The preparation of 20 EIPs and their uses were documented considering their medicinal properties and other uses. It was noted that some plants were edible and had medicinal value. Considering the observations made in the study, the following conclusions and recommendations were proposed: (1) Conservation and improved ways of harvesting EIPs so as to enhance their sustainability; (2) Produce seasonal calendars to help assess when a certain community is likely to be food insecure; and (3) Conduct further research focusing on the nutritional content of identified plants, which would enable better decision making with respect to household and community nutrition security.