Food for Growth and Stability
The need and demand for fresh produce in Southern Africa is unchallenged. However:
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The population of South Africa for instance is around 60 million people.
It is projected to grow with 1,24% in 2021 according to economic models.
A population growth of AT LEAST 700 000 hungry mouths in one year.
At the 2019 annual consumption of eggs of 152 per capita, this means
100.000.000 MORE eggs needed by the start of 2022, or 290 000 MORE eggs and MANY TONS of fresh vegetables MORE needed,
EVERY DAY.
290000 extra eggs; tons of fruit and vegetables extra, every day needed next year, if nothing at all is done to promote egg, fruit & vegetable consumption via national campaigns. Let that sink in.
So...why should we promote egg and vegetable consumption??
Reason 1: Transformation in agriculture WILL happen, either structured (as we propose),
or unstructured, either forced upon the industry by government and/or society.
It is better for all - including current stakeholders - if the egg pie that is shared, is as big as possible. A bigger slice for all.
For the recipe of the original Philippine Egg Pie, please sent an email to eggbox@mweb.co.za with this request
Reason 2: A growing nation has to be fed, malnutrition is already a huge problem among the poor population with devastating long term effects.
Eggs and vegetables are the perfect source of protein, vitamins nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C. They can be produced and sold locally, directly- and therefore cheaper. They are easy to prepare and when produced under strict conditions - hygienic. Eggs do not even need refrigeration in the short term. Fresh fruit and vegetables stay fresh longer.
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Reason 3: Fruit and vegetable intake per capita in children between the ages of 1 and 9 years, is considerably lower than the recommended levels. Both the consumption and the frequency of intake of fruit and vegetables by children in South Africa is poor, with intakes well below WHO guidelines nationally and provincially, and across the age range of 12 – 108 months. Children in households with a greater income and children whose mothers had a higher level of formal education had better, but still inadequate intakes. Source: The Nutrition Information Centre of the University of Stellenbosch (NICUS) .
So..... What do government and stakeholders have to initiate to achieve transformation with growth that makes everyone a winner and helps to achieve stability?
Copy from successful campaigns around the world where consumption has increased as a result. look at these examples from developing countries like ours,and how to do these.
Educationals on the importance of sufficient nutrients for children to rural communities.
Road shows explaining what government and the industry is rolling out.
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