The study aimed at determining the contribution of cowpeas to dietary diversity and food
access, among women living in a peri-urban area of Gaborone called Gabane village in
Botswana. Consuming a variety of food groups ensures adequate intake of nutrients for
health. Diet diversity measures diet quality, food access and an indication of nutritious diets.
Cowpeas are a nutritious vegetable which can contribute to diet diversity, diet quality and food
access of many poor rural households who cannot afford to purchase a wide variety of
nutritious food (ARC, 2006).
Data was collected through administering a Cowpea consumption survey questionnaire which
indicated that most of the households consume cowpeas which are essential to improve
household food access, diet diversity and diet quality. A socio-demographic questionnaire was
also used and it indicated an average number of household members of 6 people. The
respondents were mainly the elderly people of 56 years and above with primary school
education as the most achieved level of education. A Household Dietary Diversity Score
(HDDS) questionnaire was contextualised for local foods consumed in Botswana. Focus group
discussions were conducted to collect more data from women regarding their attitude,
opinions and perceptions of consuming a variety of foods, cultivating and consuming cowpeas
to ensure good health.
The focus group results indicated that cowpeas were consumed by most families and
100% of adults and children consume cowpeas as leaves and seeds. Cereals were
predominantly consumed by 95% of households, vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables by
52.5%, meat, poultry and fish by 42.5%. Vitamin A rich foods such as vegetables, fruits and
organ meat were poorly consumed except green leafy vegetables which included cowpea
leaves consumed by 52.5%. Meat, poultry and fish were consumed by 42.5%. Legumes, nuts,
seeds and organ meat were also poorly consumed.
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Cowpeas grow well in Botswana, are Batswana’s cultural food, can improve nutritional intake
and livelihoods through sold surplus profit. A diet diversity score of 2.9, well below the advised
cut-off point of 4 was documented, indicating poor household dietary diversity and poor diet
quality and food access.