Zoleka Sithole

Ms. Zoleka Sithole


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 May 2023 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ZSZoleka Sithole
Zoleka Sithole
MSMuthulisi Siwela
Muthulisi Siwela
TOTemitope Oluwaseun Ojo
Temitope Oluwaseun Ojo
SHSimphiwe Hlatshwayo
Simphiwe Hlatshwayo
RKRichard Jack Kajombo
Richard Jack Kajombo
MNMjabuliseni Ngidi
Mjabuliseni Ngidi
Food insecurity continues to be a burden for many South Africans. The production and consumption of fruits and vegetables have a potential role in improving household food security and are considered one of the critical pathways for reducing food insecurity and malnutrition levels in the country. This paper set out to determine the effect of fruits and vegetables on the food security status of rural households in the Limpopo province. Data (secondary) for this study were collected from 2043 respondents who were selected through stratified random selection based on the population size of the district municipalities in Limpopo. This study used a quantitative research approach, and data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis, the household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS), and a Poisson regression model with an endogenous treatment model. The findings revealed that gender and involvement in agricultural production had a positive significant relationship with the consumption of fruits and vegetables, while disability grants had a negative impact. Age, household size, and receiving a disability grant had a positive significant impact on determining the household food insecurity status; however, gender had a negative significant relationship. This study concluded that the consumption of fruits and vegetables considerably influenced the food security status of the household. There is a need for government officials and local leaders to provide food security interventions that prioritize women and elders. These may include promoting household production and consumption of diversified fruits and vegetables.