SEMINAR

Steve Weller
Purdue University

Research on African Indigenous Vegetables to

Improve Food, Nutrition and Income Security of
Small-Holder Farmers in Eastern Africa
African Indigenous vegetables are an important crop for providing nutrition, improved health
and food and income security to African populations. Our research, funded by the Horticulture
CRSP of USAID, presently focuses on a narrow set of the indigenous vegetables including
amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), African nightshade (Solanum spp.) and spiderplant (Cleome
gynandra) while others including African kale (Brassica carinata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
leaves and African eggplant (S. aethiopicum), vegetables are common staple crops for
smallholder farmers and rural populations in our target countries of Kenya, Tanzania and
Zambia. Research summarized will provide a model of our approach in using horticultural
science to develop a strong base for AIV commercialization throughout the developing world.
Specifically, our projects primary goal is to support and strengthen the African Indigenous
Vegetables (AIVs) industry using a market-first approach to overcome constraints along the
value chain leading to improved production practices, supply, postharvest handling, distribution
and consumer acceptability of AIVs and opportunities for smallholder farmers to become more
engaged in the supply chain. These key ingredients will lead to a more sustainable and resilient
AIV system providing opportunities to small holders. Our main activities involve germplasm
evaluation, introduction of the best genetic materials, development of sustainable production,
year-round production, postharvest and seed production/saving techniques, improved market
access and building capacity of stakeholders through outreach programs at all levels of the AIV
value chain and creating awareness of health and nutritional benefits of AIVs. The project is
being conducted in concert with Rutgers University, AMPATH, The World Vegetable Center,
ASNAPP and several universities and NGOs in each country.

March 5, 3:30 pm HORT 117

Reception at 3:10 pm HORT 117
If you are interested in meeting with the speaker, please contact Jennifer Deiser at 41301 or
jdeiser@purdue.edu

Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture