Plant Resources of Tropical Africa

Beyond sukuma wiki in Kenya: KARI-Thika / Maragua project

The demand for indigenous leafy vegetables in Kenya is increasing rapidly, both at urban and rural markets. Nearly all the main chain supermarkets are currently stocking these greens, alongside the commonly consumed vegetables such as leaf cabbage, known in Kenya as ‘sukuma wiki’. While the cabbages are produced in large quantities, the supply of indigenous leafy vegetables is inadequate, especially during the dry season.

In Maragua district, Central Kenya, members of four Self Help Groups have started a second leafy vegetable project growing Cleome gynandra, Solanum scabrum and Amaranthus cruentus.

‘Once these vegetables were only collected from the wild and considered “poor man’s food” but currently there is high demand,’ said Charles Waturu, director of KARI-Thika and one of the key partners of the project that began in June 2006. ‘The vegetables are not only delicious but have high nutritional value as well.’

An extension worker advises farmers about growing African leafy vegetables.

The farmers are planning to upscale their leafy vegetable production during the upcoming planting season.