The aim of the study was to assess the nutrition knowledge, nutrient intakes, and association between nutrition knowledge and dietary intakes of 98 adolescents attending five schools in rural Cofimvaba, South Africa. Measures included a socioeconomic questionnaire, two 24-hour-recall questionnaires, and food-frequency and nutrition knowledge questionnaires. The overall score for the multiple-choice section on general nutrition and the South African Food-Based Dietary Guidelines was 72.9%; 75.4% for correct identification of food groups; and 41.3% for correct identification of food portions/serving sizes. Median nutrient intakes, measured by 24-hour recall, failed to meet average requirements, with the exception of protein, carbohydrates, chromium, riboflavin, pantothenate, and vitamin K among girls. A similar trend was observed for boys. Lower total carbohydrate and fat and higher protein intakes were associated with a higher quartile score for nutrition knowledge. The study provided a valuable understanding of the association between nutrition knowledge and dietary intakes of adolescents.

This study of urban residents of Polokwane, the capital of the Limpopo province in South Africa, was designed to describe how, where, when and by whom sorghum and millet are consumed; how the subjects of the study perceived these grains; to what extent the produce of small-scale producers was considered acceptable; and to gauge their potential demand for products derived from indigenous cereals. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews and focus-group sessions. The findings suggest that sorghum, which is easily purchasable in town, is widely consumed, mainly as soft porridge, but also as thick porridge, fermented porridge and sorghum beer. The age of consumers, the closeness of their links with rural areas and their religion influence their consumption of sorghum products. Sorghum is seen as being healthy, nutritious and traditional, but inconvenient to cook and preserve. Millet, which is not readily available in Polokwane, is considered old-fashioned. A 'need for tradition', or its opposite, a 'need for modernity', among consumers underlies their demand for products derived from indigenous cereals, a demand which is only partially satisfied. Many respondents would be ready to purchase products originating from small-scale farmers; some may believe that the quality of the produce of small farms is better, or may feel solidarity with small farmers and want to support them. This paper presents ideas for further investigation about the possibility of developing specific products and marketing strategies that will allow small-scale farmers to meet an unsatisfied urban demand.