Small Grain Production as an Adaptive Strategy to Diet Diversification: A Case of a Selected Village in Norton Rural District, Zimbabwe

Small grains have historically played a vital role in global food systems but have been marginalised due to the rise of modern cereals. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crops as a strategy to combat food insecurity and enhance dietary diversity. This study explores small grain production in a selected village in Norton Rural District, Zimbabwe, focusing on its contribution to diet diversification and fostering community resilience. Employing a qualitative case study design, 15 households were purposively interviewed from a population of 138 households actively engaged in small grain cultivation. Findings revealed that small grains, such as millet, sorghum, and rapoko improved nutritional outcomes and provide resilience against climatic variability. However, adoption was hindered by negative cultural perceptions, limited extension support, and infrastructural challenges. This study concludes that targeted policy interventions, gender-sensitive support mechanisms, and community awareness programs are critical to revitalising small grain production. Integrating traditional foodways into contemporary food systems can foster sustainable nutrition and climate adaptation in Zimbabwe and similar contexts.