Assessment of Factors Influencing Production, Consumption and Utilization of Indigenous Vegetables in Kabuoch Location, Homa Bay County

Abstract

Indigenous vegetables are important sources of both macro and micronutrients which are important for a healthy body. In addition, they also play a role in food security because most are fast maturing therefore being a valuable source of vitamins all the year round and are mostly used as an accompaniment with a staple cereals-based diet such as ugali. Therefore, they encourage the consumption and cultivation of indigenous leafy vegetables. This study sought to carry out an assessment of indigenous vegetables produced, utilization and factors influencing their production and consumption among residents of Kabuoch location, Homa bay County. A household survey was carried out to collect primary data. Five administrative sub-locations were randomly sampled for the study. Twenty households were purposively sampled from each sub-location to make a sample size of 120 households. Questionnaires were used in data collection. The questionnaire contained both open ended and closed ended questions. Questionnaires were administered to 120 households to collect data on production, knowledge on utilization of indigenous vegetables and factors influencing their cultivation. Data collected was subjected to both descriptive and inferential analysis. Only 10 indigenous vegetables were found to be cultivated. Black night shade (Solanum nigrum) and Cowpea leaves (Vigna unguiculata) being greatly preferred by most households. However, most households regarded indigenous vegetables as food meant expectant and lactating mothers. Attitude and wrong perceptions were found to be primary factors influencing production and consumption of indigenous vegetables in Kabuoch location, Homa bay County. There is need to create awareness on the value of indigenous vegetables, intensification of conservation and introduction of more indigenous vegetables to the community in order to enhance food security.