Validating the Role of African Indigenous Vegetables for Food and Nutrition Security in Uganda

Abstract

African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) play an important role in house hold food and nutrition security among many communities in Uganda. However, there is limited information on the value chain. Yet, the contribution of AIVs in terms of food and nutrition security is undisputable. A cross sectional survey targeting 60 respondents including farmers, key informants and extension officers was conducted to assess the systems of production system of the AIVs, profile an inventory and diversity of the cultivated AIVs in Agweng sub-county, Lira district. Semi-structured questionnaires and direct field observation were used to gather the necessary data. The findings revealed that AIVs form a very important part of the diets of the local populace both during the normal and off seasons as well as hard times among others. However, a number of constraints were reported to hinder the AIVs value chain including lack of quality seed, competition from exotic vegetables, low market demand, pests and diseases infestation, among others. The most commonly cultivated and consumed vegetables were cowpeas, hibiscus, pumpkins and crotolaria among others. The reasons for cultivation and consumption included source of food, high nutritive value and short maturity period. Other reasons were medicinal, resistance to pests and diseases, source of cash income and resilient to harsh weather conditions. In contrast, lack of quality seeds, bitterness, low market demand and difficulty in preparation contributed to their neglected use. Therefore, in the wake of climate change and variability there is need for deliberate investment to improve adaptability and acceptance of these vegetables. There is also need for sensitization of farmers on the benefits of AIVs, developing an effective means of improved seed production and distribution to replace the farmer-to farmer seed exchange and conservation of AIVs germplasm as the strategies to improve AIVs production in the study area.