The Importance of Brassica Vegetables to the Kingdom of Eswatini: A Review
Michael T. Masarirambi *
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo M205, Luyengo, Eswatini.
Kwanele A. Nxumalo
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo M205, Luyengo, Eswatini.
Daniel V. Dlamini
Department of Agricultural Economics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo M205, Luyengo, Eswatini.
Lokadhia Manwa
Department of Consumer Science Education and Community Development, Faculty of Consumer Sciences, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo M205, Luyengo, Eswatini.
Molyn Mpofu
Department of Consumer Science Education and Community Development, Faculty of Consumer Sciences, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo M205, Luyengo, Eswatini.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Brassica vegetables are diverse and widely consumed in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world. Although exotic in Southern Africa brassicas are now relatively important vegetables produced and consumed in the region all year round. In their production, postharvest handling, storage and processing chain, employment is created and revenue is generated and thus their contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). Brassicas are not only important economically but by far their greatest contribution is to human nutrition and health. They contain vitamins and cancer preventing phytochemicals. They also contribute fibre which is important for proper digestion and is anticancer preventing material. Brassica vegetables provide interesting colour when incorporated in salads. They are components which add up to achieving food security in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Despite immense importance of brassica vegetables in the Kingdom, there is dearth of information pertaining to their agro-climatological requirements and their nutritional awareness among the citizens. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the agro-climatological needs of the brassica vegetables and to bring awareness of their health and food security contribution through documentation and community education.
Keywords: Brassica vegetables, economic importance, GDP, food security, health benefits, climate smart vegetables, Sustainable development goals (SDGs).