Local Knowledge for Addressing Food Insecurity: The Use of a Goat Meat Drying Technique in a Rural Famine Context in Southern Africa.

Only 30% of households in ( neighborhood) have a regular protein intake, mainly due to the lack of a proper cold chain. We analyzed the level of knowledge about a local dried meat called , examining the relationship between this knowledge and its value for strengthening local food security. Through surveys of goat herders ( = 23) about " awareness" and passive observation of preparation ( = 5) from local biotype goats, we found that was known to most goat herders (91.3%), but was used only irregularly, mainly because knowledge transmission has decreased over time. From passive observation, we found that the amount of dried meat obtained from an animal rarely exceeded a yield of 10% and its performance and safety depended on weather conditions and the absence of other animals in the area of preparation. It is, therefore, recommended to strengthen initiatives to increase the amount of , based on local knowledge, so as to enhance its frequency of consumption and the possibility of using it as a sustainable alternative source of protein.