Knowledge and Consumption of Indigenous Food by Primary School Children in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province

Abstract

The article is based on a study that aimed at determining knowledge, availability and consumption of indigenous foods by primary school children. Two primary schools from two villages of the Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. One hundred and fiftyfour children aged 9-14 years in Grades 5 and 6 participated in the study. The data was collected using a questionnaire at baseline and after intervention. The information was obtained from 172 children at baseline and 154 post intervention. The baseline was in August while follow up was in February. The intervention was nutrition education on health benefits of indigenous foods. The results indicated that many children had prior knowledge about indigenous foods particularly fruits and vegetables. Data also suggested that their knowledge increased six months after the intervention. The results revealed that children consumed indigenous foods particularly fruits and vegetables and that there was an improvement six months after the intervention. The study revealed that knowledge of indigenous foods depends on availability and accessibility in the community where children live as well as on the household level. However, in order to improve awareness, there is need to include knowledge of indigenous foods as part of the school curriculum.

Keywords: Knowledge, indigenous foods, nutrition, education.