Food and Family Research Group
The Food and Family Research Group, based in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Venda, is an interdisciplinary initiative focused on addressing food insecurity and improving nutritional outcomes for vulnerable families across Africa.
Led by Assoc. Prof. Lindelani Mushaphi, the group integrates scientific research with culturally grounded, community-led approaches to enhance nutrition, empower families, and promote sustainable food security. Their work focuses particularly on underserved rural areas, such as the Vhembe District, where nutritional needs, financial hardship, and systemic inequality intersect.
Tackling Food Security in South Africa
South Africa faces complex, multidimensional food security challenges. Many households experience chronic undernutrition and food insecurity, often compounded by limited understanding of nutritional needs and low dietary diversity, including reduced consumption of fruits, vegetables, and indigenous foods.
Simultaneously, the country grapples with a double burden of disease: micronutrient deficiencies, stunting, and maternal and child malnutrition coexist with rising rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Rapid urbanization and dietary shifts toward processed foods have exacerbated these health risks.
Addressing these challenges requires more than just food availability. Our work focuses on integrated, community-based solutions that combine nutrition education, behavioral support, and resource assistance. Women are central to our research, as they play key roles in food production and family health. By promoting local knowledge, dietary diversity, and culturally appropriate practices, we aim to improve nutritional outcomes and enhance community resilience.
Our Impact
The Food and Family Research Group helps families make informed, culturally relevant food choices that support better health and long-term well-being. Our work addresses the root causes of food insecurity through practical, evidence-based interventions grounded in local realities. By combining research with community engagement, we empower families to improve their diets, reduce reliance on processed foods, and build resilience through traditional food systems. Our findings also contribute to the development of more informed, context-specific nutrition strategies
