Horticulture

Linking smallholders to markets. Scoping study on developing value chains for conserving local biodiversity and improving diets

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Project code
HORT/2014/100
Program
Budget
AUD 149,461
Research program manager
Ms Irene Kernot
Project leader
Danny Hunter - Bioversity International
Commissioned organisation
Bioversity International
Duration:
JUN 2015
AUG 2017
Project status
Concluded
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Overview

This pilot study aimed to improve the sustainable production and consumption of nutrient-rich indigenous crops to diversify diets in Busia County, Western Kenya, by linking rural entrepreneurs to institutional markets.

Kenya has high levels of both under-nutrition and overweight and obesity. Local foods could make affordable the micronutrients Kenyans need for healthy and balanced diets, but Kenyans are increasingly eating unhealthily and many nutritious local species are underused or disappearing. Markets and value chains are poorly developed and consumers are unaware that local species are nutritious or think badly of traditional foods.

ACIAR is supporting research to revive interest in African Leafy Vegetables and to address demand and supply-side constraints linked to the marketing of these local crops. To promote local nutritious crops and link farmers to markets, this pilot study developed markets for identified nutrient-rich indigenous species. The project built the capacity of entrepreneurial farmer groups to sustainably produce and respond to market demands for African Leafy Vegetables from institutional markets (such as local schools, clinics etc.). At the same time, preliminary nutrition education interventions were undertaken in schools and communities in Busia County to increase the appreciation and use of local nutritious biodiversity to improve dietary diversity.

Key partners
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation
MoA - Kenya Extension and Advisory Services
Sustainable Income Generating Investment Group