Amaranth production and consumption in South Africa: the challenges of sustainability for food and nutrition security

Amaranthus spp occupies a strategic position in combating food and nutrition insecurity, as it is widely consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. It is drought tolerant and can grow on marginal soils, however, with adequate management; it can produce about 40 tons/ha of fresh leaves. The leaves are rich in nutrients that can combat malnutrition and support healthy eating. Despite the huge benefits offered by amaranth, it has been underutilized in South Africa. Its consumption is concentrated in rural areas, where it is harvested from the wild during the rains. There are no large-scale productions of amaranth, hence the lack of data on its production. Inadequate knowledge of its uses, agronomic requirement, low research efforts and the absence of an organized market are part of the reasons why amaranth is still underutilized in South Africa. This paper argues that with increased awareness of the benefits of amaranth and research geared towards agronomic improvement, social and economic acceptance, amaranth will be utilized nationwide with time. It recommends that conscious effort should be aimed at introducing amaranth into mainstream agricultural value chains through increased research attention and awareness of its nutritional benefits. This will ensure sustainable production to match the anticipated increase in consumption.