Production, utilization and nutritional value of indigenous vegetables compared to exotic vegetables in Jinja (Uganda) And Vihiga (Kenya)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the production and utilization status and nutritional value of indigenous and exotic vegetables grown in Jinja (Uganda) and Vihiga (Kenya). The objectives were to determine the extent of production and utilization, and smallholder farmers’ nutritional knowledge of indigenous and exotic vegetables in the target sites. Determine selected nutrient contents of indigenous and exotic vegetables selected from target sites of Jinja (Uganda) and Vihiga (Kenya). The findings of the study were presented as separate papers.

The target sites were purposively selected (Jinja in Uganda and Vihiga in Kenya). Selection criteria used was the production of indigenous and exotic vegetables. A cross sectional survey was conducted to determine the vegetable diversity, production, indigenous nutritional knowledge and utilization of vegetables. A two-stage stratified sampling design was used with enumeration areas grouped by Sub-counties and villages. Households (n =340) were then drawn using Systematic Sampling: 170 in Jinja and 170 in Vihiga. Statistical analyses for the survey data was computed using SPSS ver. 17. Beta carotenoid content was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography, total antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma spectroscopy assays and screened mineral contents by spectroscopy of selected vegetables. Tests for statistical significance computed using the LSD at p =0.05. For the survey, respondents in both sites had AIVs as the most commonly consumed vegetables compared to exotic vegetables. Most of the AIVs were grown for household consumption rather than income generation whereas most exotic vegetables were produced for income. Farmer selected vegetables for nutrient content determination included; exotic vegetables: Coriandrum sativum (dhania), Spinacia oleracea L. (Spinach), Solanum melongenum (egg plant) and Daucus carota (Carrot) and as indigenous: Cleome gyandra (Saga/ Eiyobyo/ Ejobyo); Amaranthus dubius (doodo); Solanum aethiopicum (African night shade), Brassica carinata (African kale). Iron and Zinc content of AIVs and Exotic vegetables were significantly different (P<0.05). In reference to selenium, AIVs had comparable values as exotic vegetables (P>0.05). On average exotic vegetables had higher vitamin A content (0.178 mg RAE/100g) than AIVs (0.0445 mg RAE/100g). AIVs had higher values of TACFRAP and TACDPPH an indication of higher total antioxidant content than exotic vegetables. Therefore to raise the status of AIVs, there is need to streamline the efficiency of AIVs sub-sector value chain