Unlocking the Nutritional and Economic Potential of African Food: Challenges and Opportunities

African food has unique nutritional and bioactive properties that can contribute to the alleviation of undernutrition and overnutrition [1]. Additionally, research suggests that the benefits and value of indigenous foods within the South African context have not been fully utilized [6].

Traditional African Foods (TAFs) have the potential to address health and nutritional challenges in Africa. The immediate benefits for African researchers are enhanced local ownership of activities and new opportunities for steady and sustained skills building of staff and trainees, which will hopefully lead to improved research outputs, including African-led first and senior author publications and grants awarded to African researchers [2].

South Africa can benefit from young entrepreneurs and self-employment to half its unemployment rates. Self-employment represents only 10% of all jobs in South Africa, compared to 30% in most upper middle-income countries such as Turkey, Mexico, and Brazil [3].

Social grants are the largest source of support for many vulnerable groups in South Africa. They are the government’s primary response to poverty and food insecurity [4].

Research has explored the health-related benefits of traditional East African foods and food habits, and uncovered factors that have underpinned the nutrition transition [5].

Africa faces significant challenges around food security, climate change, infrastructure development, poverty, energy, water sanitation, life expectancy, communicable/non-communicable disease management, and HIV/AIDS. Addressing these challenges requires scientific research [7].

Moreover, the profits from 20 food operations could support 230 million of the “most vulnerable people on Earth” [9].

In conclusion, African food has unique nutritional and bioactive properties that can contribute to addressing health and nutritional challenges in Africa. Indigenous foods within the South African context have not been fully utilized, and young entrepreneurs and self-employment can benefit South Africa’s labor market. Social grants are the primary response to poverty and food insecurity, and scientific research is crucial to address significant challenges around food security, climate change, and disease management. The profits from food operations could support vulnerable people on Earth.

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