Vulnerable Groups’ Involvement in Small-scale Vegetable Production: A Panacea for Poverty and Food Insecurity?

ABSTRACT

Efforts to eradicate poverty and food insecurity among Batswana vulnerable groups through small-scale vegetable production programs do not appear to change their economic outlook. These groups were investigated to determine the contribution of their involvement in the program to eradication of poverty and increasing food security. A pretested interview schedule was used to source information from respondents. Mean garden size was 72 m² with a profit margin of P684.00 (P = Pula, Batswana currency; 1 P = US$0.11) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and P1,140.00 on spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.). Over 70.0% of respondents spent between 13.7 and 19.3 hours weekly on garden activities. Benefits derived included food (53.8%), income (46.2%), utility bills (43.8%), clothing (10.0%), and furniture (3.8%). Small-scale vegetable production has potential for contributing to improving income security among vulnerable groups.

KEYWORDS:

• Botswana
• backyard gardening
• benefits
• household