Background: Despite the strong commitment at both national and international levels to eradicate hunger and achieve household food security, by 2030 food insecurity remains a public health problem. South Africa is amongst the countries with the highest rate of income inequality in the world and extremely high levels of absolute poverty. The Gini coefficient in South Africa is estimated at 0.68 Although South Africa may be food secure at a national level, large numbers of households within the country are food insecure approximately 52% of the rural households in Limpopo Province of South Africa were considered severely food insecure. It has been noted that the majority of households in South African informal settlements and rural areas were moderately or severely food insecure due to lack of access to food which was directly related to income. Rural areas have assets that can be explored to support households. The adult population above 18 years in South Africa make up 78% of the 5.9 million population with about 40% living in rural areas, this study explored household food insecurity in adults in rural environments. The current study aimed to explore the socioeconomic and dietary determinants of household food insecurity among the adult population in the Limpopo Province. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected using a validated pre-tested questionnaire. The participants were recruited from households in Limpopo province. Multiple linear regression was computed to explore the influence of socioeconomic and dietary practices on food insecurity. Results: The study included 699 randomly selected participants of which the majority earned a monthly income ≤ 3000 ZAR, and 31.8% experiencing hunger in the past 30 days at the time of study. The dietary practices of the participants were found to be associated with household food insecurity. The study found that large family size, being female in South Africa, low household income and low rate of regular breakfast intake were significant determinants of household food insecurity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, most of the households were poor and approximately one-third were food insecure. The implementation of sustainable employment policies, and food-based approaches and targeting rural household food production could significantly reduce food insecurity in the rural area.

A quasi-experimental one group pretest/posttest design study was undertaken in two primary schools from two rural villages of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. About 172 children aged 9–14 years in Grades 5 and 6 were recruited for the study. All children in the grades were invited to participate pending written consent from parents and verbal assent from children. Due to school migration and absenteeism, only 154 children were available for posttest evaluation. However, nutrition education was administered to all 172 children. Nutrition education focused on types and health benefits of indigenous foods and was divided into three lessons. Observation and counting was used to note the responses given by children. The results suggest that the nutrition education was effective in imparting knowledge to children as well improving dietary diversification with indigenous foods. It is concluded that nutrition education is a valuable tool to change eating behaviors.

Food insecurity, obesity and hypertension remain major public health issues related to nutrition in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine household food security and the health risk of the adult population in the Limpopo Province using cross-sectional designs. A stratified random sampling method was used to recruit adults aged 18 to 65 years in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Data were collected using a validated, structured questionnaire. All data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. The study included 640 participants with an average age of 36.2±17.6 years and a household size of five persons; 74.5% of participants fell in the low monthly income bracket (≤ZAR3000). The mean dietary diversity score was 3.99 (CI: 2.79–5.19). The prevalence of food insecurity was 31.3%, obesity 35.2% and hypertension 32.3%. Being a woman, older and married significantly positively influenced obesity and hypertension. Also, a healthy eating lifestyle such as high dietary diversity was found to positively influence obesity status, while daily eating of fruit and vegetables positively significantly influenced the hypertension status of participants (p<0.05). Food insecurity, obesity and hypertension rates remain high among adults in the Limpopo Province of South Africa with consumption of a diet low in dietary variety. Aged and married women were more likely to be obese and hypertensive, while daily fruit and vegetable intake were found to be a protective factor. Educational and nutritional intervention should be designed and geared towards promoting fruit and vegetable intake in the community.Significance: Households had a diet low in dietary variety, with dietary diversity revealed as a determinant of health risk. Dietary diversity is inversely correlated with household food security. The findings also identified household determinants of obesity and hypertension, which are major public health issues in South Africa.

Background: Globally, there is evidence that three micronutrients deficiencies are of public health concern among children. They are vitamin A, iodine and iron deficiencies. Communities particularly affected are those in situations where poverty, unemployment, civil unrest, war and exploitation remain endemic. Malnutrition is an impediment to productivity, economic growth and poverty eradication. It is estimated that 32% of the global burden would be removed by eliminating malnutrition, including micronutrients deficiencies.Setting: The study was carried out in NkowaNkowa township of Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Aim: The main objective was to determine the women’s knowledge on food fortification.Methods: The study design was descriptive. The snowballing method was used to identify women of child-bearing age. Data were collected from 120 participants using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic, general questions on women’s knowledge on food fortification. The questionnaire was administered by the researcher using the local language Xitsonga.Results: The findings of the study revealed that a majority of 204 (57.0%) of the participants were able to define food fortification correctly while 257 (72.0%) of the participants knew which foods are fortified as well as the benefits of a food fortification programme. The majority (252 [70.0%]) of the participants knew that maize meal is one of the food vehicle used for fortification in South Africa.Conclusion: Most of the questions were answered correctly by more than 50.0% of the participants. The researcher deduced that the study participants are knowledgeable about food fortification based on the response given in relation to the programme.

Introduction: The study’s primary aim was to develop a model for promoting the consumption of selected locally available indigenous vegetables for primary school children. Model development was phase three of a bigger study.Methods: A qualitative approach was used for this phase. The model was developed following three steps: model design, development, and validation. The iterative phases of model development starting with data preparation, data understanding, model assembly, model audit and model delivery were adopted.Results: The model is influenced by the World Health Organization’s approaches (medical, educational, behavioural change, empowerment, and societal change approaches). The researchers synthesised the data from phases one and two of the study and selected content which suited the model. Two experts’ engagement consultations were conducted for inputs: one face-to-face and one virtual. This was followed by model validation from the end users.Discussion: The model developed for this study proposes that, for the promotion of locally available indigenous vegetables within the primary school setting, the following critical issues should happen: i) a medical approach should be in place; ii) education or correct information should be provided; iii) behavioural change should be enabled; iv) empowerment should be provided, and v) societal enhancement should be encouraged. Furthermore, it suggests that the promotion of the consumption of locally available vegetables among primary school children can be achieved when the identified stakeholders work together.

The mental well-being of many community members was seriously impacted by COVID-19, with some experiencing the loss of loved ones and others losing jobs due to lockdown-related company cutbacks. There is evidence indicating that many people faced challenges in accessing essential services, including healthcare. This study aimed at investigating the effects of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions among community members of the Vhembe District, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory design was used for this study. Data were collected from 54 participants through nine focus group interviews with six participants each. This study identified two main themes originating from data analysis: community mental health during COVID-19 lockdown, lockdown regulations, and challenges encountered. The participants discussed the impact of COVID-19 during lockdown. This research underscores the vital necessity of implementing harm reduction strategies and long-term service policies for this group. It also emphasizes the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in upholding the rights of marginalized populations.