1Department of Community Extension, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
2Community Engagement and Development (CEAD) Directorate, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
*Corresponding Author: Ighodaro Ikponmwosa David, Community Engagement and Development (CEAD) Directorate, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Email: ighodaro.ikponmwosa@mut.ac.za
Online Published on 27 January, 2026.
The food security for better health (FSBH) project is a collaboration between Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and primary schools in Umlazi township, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, aimed at combating food insecurity and malnutrition. Although South Africa is largely food secure, many households still experience hunger.
Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, MUT’s community extension department partnered with internal and external stakeholders to establish vegetable gardens in five primary schools. Schools provided land, water and security, while MUT offered expertise. Twenty learners per school participated, with ongoing progress monitoring. Data collection involved observations, interviews and record analysis. Thematic analysis highlighted the project’s success, driven by proactive engagement from MUT staff and strong participation from schools.
The project supported school feeding programmes by producing and utilising vegetables while sparking interest in similar initiatives. The success of FSBH shows the value of stakeholder collaboration, education and capacity building in addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable local food systems.
Collaborative community engagement, Experiential learning, Food security, Malnutrition, Sustainable agriculture
