BY PHESHEYA KUNENE – EDITOR
MALKERNS – The Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative – Eswatini (TAVI) welcomed elderly community members from the Hhohho Region to the Malkerns Research Station for a day centred on nutrition, heritage and health.
What followed was a warm immersion into the world of traditional African vegetables, from flavourful, nutrient-rich meals to an informative session detailing the health benefits long rooted in Eswatini’s indigenous food systems.
The event, held in support of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted the vital role of traditional crops in promoting healthier communities.
The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, urged the elderly to continue prioritising wholesome eating habits, emphasising that good nutrition remains one of the most reliable tools for preventing illness and sustaining longevity. Her message landed on familiar ground, as many attendees proudly acknowledged that these vegetables have long supported their wellbeing.
The elderly participants, deeply connected to these crops through memory and practice, committed to planting more vegetables in their backyard gardens, a simple act that carries powerful implications for health and food security.
Through the generous support of the Taiwan Government, TAVI and its partners continue working to expand the production and consumption of traditional African vegetables. Their efforts signal a future in which indigenous crops reclaim their place at the centre of Eswatini’s nutrition landscape, nourishing communities while empowering smallholder farmers across the country.
