Food habits and beliefs about Moringa oleifera among South African student mothers: a qualitative study
| dc.contributor.author | Hedhili, Amel | |
| dc.contributor.author | Akinyemi, Babatope Ebenezer | |
| dc.contributor.author | Otunola, Gloria Aderonke | |
| dc.contributor.author | Husson, Florence | |
| dc.contributor.author | Valentin, Dominique | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-15T20:02:57Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-15T20:02:57Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2022 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The problems of malnutrition constitute a major challenge in South Africa, particularly affecting the underprivileged populations ofthe EasternCape and Limpopo provinces. The present study aimedto gain an understanding of how to improve the nutritional intake of South African university student mothers and their children bytheintroduction ofMoringa oleifera intheir food. Focus Group Discussion wasimplemented attwo previously historically disadvantaged universities with predominantly black student populations, namely the University of Fort Hare and the University of Limpopo. Findings from the participants’ discussion about food habits and barriers to healthy eating show that there is a gap between healthy eating knowledge and eating habits. Despite the highlevel of awareness of the importance of nutritional intake, most of the study participants and their children consume less healthy foods. Due to the high cost of healthy food and their limited income, student mothers face substantial financial constraints when trying to make healthy changes in their food habits. Moreover, student mothers’ positive beliefs about the nutritional benefits of Moringa are insufficient to encourage its consumption. Finally, student mothers agree about using Moringa as a nutritional supplement. Maize porridge (pap) appears to be the preferred staple food for Moringa supplementation because of its palatability, satiating power, availability, affordability, and ease of preparation. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | The authors would like to thank Severine Jaloustre and the French South African Agricultural Institute (FSAGRI) for financial and logistic help, and the PHC Protea program for their financial support towards this work. We gratefully thank Asanda Sokombela for her assistance during the Focus Group Discussion at the University of Fort Hare. Catalina Onofrei is particularly acknowledged for English proofreading. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Akinyemi BE; Otunola GA; Hedhili A; Husson F; Valentin D (2022): Food habits and beliefs about Moringa oleifera among South African student mothers: a qualitative study: Cahiers Agricultures, 31(22). https://doi.org/10.1051/cagri/2022020 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1777-5949 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/3710 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | EDP Sciences | |
| dc.subject | Moringa oleifera | |
| dc.subject | South Africa | |
| dc.subject | focus group | |
| dc.subject | food habits | |
| dc.subject | student mothers | |
| dc.title | Food habits and beliefs about Moringa oleifera among South African student mothers: a qualitative study | |
| dc.type | Article |