THE FUSE

The Agricultural Research Council’s Food Security and Community Education and Development (FSCED) team at ARC-VIMP participated in National Nutrition Week 2026 in Welkom, Free State, with a focus on backyard gardening and orange-fleshed sweet potato products. The team demonstrated backyard gardening at Motheo Day Care Centre and showcased products made from orange-fleshed sweet potato. The activities highlighted the importance of household food production and nutritious food choices. The event reinforced the message that good nutrition begins at home. It also encouraged households to establish backyard gardens to improve access to fresh, nutritious food while reducing food costs.