Utilisation of indigenous plant foods in the urban and rural communities

The study aimed at assessing availability, cultivation, consumption and general knowledge about indigenous plant foods in rural and urban communities. In South Africa, malnutrition and poverty often co-exist with urbanization, which is associated with significant dietary change mostly due to neglect of indigenous foods and loss of indigenous knowledge. Cowpea leaves, amaranthus, spider plant and pumpkin leaves were found to be the most popular plants for processing and preservation through sun drying after blanching. The major constraints to consumption of indigenous leafy vegetables were price, culture, seasonality/availability, accessibility and diversity in the market place