There is a growing trend for universities around the world to start food gardens, often as part of their dietetics or sustainability programmes. The Dietetics Department at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has latched on to this trend. Under the leadership of Prof Ernie Kunneke, the department launched the opening of its very first campus food garden this month. 

Aligned with the recent launch of National Nutrition Week on campus, the official opening of the food garden was launched with a walk-through of a “Plant with Purpose” vegetable and herb garden. The food garden is located in front of the Dietetics Building, in an area that was mostly underutilised until recently.

The garden was created by third-year BSc Dietetic and Community Development Nutrition students, with dietetics lecturer, Elsabe Nel, overseeing the process in partnership with UWC’s Gardens and Grounds Department.

Nel said the project has been in its planning phase for the past three years. It was inspiring to see how our efforts allowed students to apply community-based programming principles as part of an assignment based on nutritional programming principles, that aimed to highlight and promote a healthy food environment on campus where nutrients can flourish and students can thrive.

“For this reason, we’ve decided on a food garden consisting mostly of Indigenous edible and medicinal plants, making it an extremely fulfilling experience for both students and staff,” said Nel.

Third-year dietetics student, Caleigh Hanekom, from Plumstead in Cape Town, said it was the first time her group had planted anything: “We can now identify some of the vegetables and medicinal plants. The entire process was a lot of fun.”

Fellow third-year student, Tumisho Malahlela, from Limpopo and who currently resides in Kuilsriver remembered watching her carrot seedlings sprout on her window sill. “Today I felt very proud seeing those giant carrots being harvested from our group’s dedicated container,” said Malahlela. 

Horticulturist and manager of UWC’s gardens and grounds maintenance section, Jade Leon, who steered the project, said this particular garden is thriving thanks to the commitment of the students involved. It started off small three years ago, and has now become a much bigger garden. It’s a good initiative, and in the long run, gardens like these could become a solution to food insecurity issues experienced on campus.”

The day attracted guests from all over campus, such as representatives from the School of Natural Medicine, the Dean of Community Health Sciences, Prof Anita Padmanabhanuni, and the UWC Rector, Prof Tyrone Pretorius, who informally engaged with students on their skill level in the garden.

It is hoped that it will serve multiple purposes, such as providing fresh produce, enhancing sustainability education, and offering hands-on learning experiences for students.

UWC Prof Rina Swart, nutrition lead in the DSI/NRF CoE in Food Security and part of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of the Western Cape, said that the department has always been committed to integrating practical, community-oriented, and sustainable approaches into the Dietetics curriculum, but finding a suitable space on campus for a food garden has been a long-standing challenge. “Food gardens can inform the development of effective community nutrition programmes to improve dietary diversity whilst serving multiple purposes to improve livelihoods in communities,” said Prof Swart.

While the garden's establishment aligns with the University’s goal of reaching global sustainable development goals, the concept addresses the first and second goals of no poverty and zero hunger, and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Prof Swart highlighted the gardens as a living laboratory, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge practically and thereby enhance their understanding of nutrition and sustainable food systems. Additionally, she advocates for community involvement, where students can engage with local communities to learn about diverse food practices and contribute to food security and reduce malnutrition. Expanding the food garden through the engagement of the broader student community could become a source of fresh produce for student beneficiaries of the University's drive to Rise Against Hunger. 

   

Horticulturist and manager, Mr Jade Leon, from UWC’s Gardens and Grounds Department.

Dietetics students sharing their experience: Tumisho Malahlela from Limpopo commenting on her experience. (English and Sepedi)

Dietetics student Caleigh Hanekom. Comments on her experience (English)