Farmers displaying their crop diversity at the Busia Food Fair, Kenya. Photo: Bioversity International/T. Borelli

PROVIDE EVIDENCE

Kenya has carried out food composition analysis of local landraces of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and bambara nut (Vigna subterranea) and compared their nutritional value to improved varieties as well as to more commonly consumed crops. Results show that local landraces of finger millet are higher in protein, iron, potassium and zinc and that they contain on average 6 times more iron and twice as much fibre than commonly consumed maize. Local landraces of Bambara groundnut were found to be lower in fat and sodium and higher in fibre than commonly consumed groundnut varieties, with almost double the potassium content and very high level of antioxidants. 

Further, ethnobotanical surveys were carried out to document indigenous knowledge of bambara groundnut and to document its ethnomedicinal use in cancer management in Western Kenya. Data obtained will inform the design of clinical trials to establish the potential of bambara groundnut as an anti-cancer agent.

INFLUENCE POLICIES

BFN Kenya is a member of the Nutrition Interagency Coordinating Committee (NICC) which operates under the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) umbrella to bring together stakeholders from government ministries, donors, UN agencies, civil society and business organizations to link nutrition to agriculture. Through this platform, BFN Kenya is able to advocate the use of biodiversity in food-based interventions to tackle malnutrition and showcase the work that the BFN initiative is undertaking at the County and grassroots level in Busia to promote nutrient-rich biodiversity. It can also help significantly in efforts to mainstream biodiversity into national plans and action and the scaling up of local activities.

The BFN Initiative worked closely with policy stakeholders from Busia County in Western Kenya to develop a Biodiversity Conservation Policy that takes into account the importance of conserving nutrient-rich traditional foods such as cowpea leaves, amaranth, slender leaf and spiderplant to increase diet quality and access to key micronutrients, particularly for mothers and children. The process has culminated in the endorsement of the first ever Biodiversity Conservation Policy for Kenya's 47 counties.

The policy recognizes the importance of traditional foods for nutrition and food security and has allocated resources to conserve regional food biodiversity with specific provisions for designated conservation areas and further incorporation of native species into school meals and linking smallholder farmers to institutional markets.

Working with a multi-disciplinary team of experts from the County Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment, Public Health and Forestry, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization and members of the local community-based organization SINGI, the BFN Initiative continues to promote best practices linked to the establishment of home gardens, health and sanitation, nutrition, school meal planning and preparation as well as value addition.

RAISE AWARENESS

In partnership with the local CBO Sustainable Income and Generating Investment (SINGI), KALRO/BFN Kenya are creating awareness of indigenous crops and organic agricultural production methods by means of garden demonstration plots, areas of land allocated for testing and validating various agricultural techniques and products, throughout Busia County. The gardens showcase various many improved gardening technologies (i.e. mandala gardens, raised beds, multi-storey gardens, keyhole gardens, stick-sack gardens and tumbukiza gardens) and the cultivation of indigenous food and medicinal crops. SINGI extension workers have effectively disseminated agricultural information and technologies to over 4,000 small-scale farmers within a short period of two years, engaging farmers in evaluating improved practices and sharing lessons and successes among farming communities. As the demonstration garden has aesthetic value and produces good yields, others are adopting similar practices and are beginning to revalue indigenous crops.

In December 2015, Busia town held its second consecutive Traditional Food Fair, during which the self-help groups engaged by the project gathered to showcase the plethora of traditional foods that are collected, grown, reared and consumed in Busia County. The festival is attracting increasing number of visitors, including schools and other farmers, and has proved a successful way of raising the profile of traditional foods that are increasingly associated to healthier eating habits.

Common nameLatin nameLocal name

@Norman D. Davis

Mushrooms
An excellent source of vitamin B, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, fresh mushrooms are also a good source of phosphorus. Can be cooked, eaten raw or used to garnish various dishes.

Agaricus spp.


@Scam
perdale

Amaranth
Amaranth provides proteins, fibers, calcium, iron, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C and is an excellent source of lysin (an essential amino acid). Its seeds are very nutritious and can be grounded and used as a powder to bake biscuits and cakes. Leaves are usually cooked with bitter leaf vegetables such as nightshade to make them more palatable.

Amaranthus dubiusEkichabo, Dodo


@Jaisontsy

Jackfruit
The fruit's sweet aroma is a mix of mango, banana, apple and pineapple. Its pulp is fibrous and starchy and is a good source of dietary fibers as well as a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C and potassium. It can be used to make custards, cakes, ice creams or fried to make jackfruit chips. The seeds from ripe fruits can be boiled, baked or roasted.

Artocarpus heterophyllusMfene

@Joyweed

Malabar Spinach / Vine
A fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine whose thick, semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves are widely used as a vegetable. The leaves have a mild flavour and mucilaginous texture and are a good source of proteins, fibers, vitamins A, C, E, K, B9 (folic acid), riboflavin, niacin, thiamine and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron. They can be boiled to thicken soups or stir fried with garlic and chilli peppers.

Basella alba


@Scamperdale

Kale, Ethiopian Kanzera
Member of the cabbage family, this plant is characterized by good levels of beta-carotene, calcium, iron and vitamin E, and is a rich source of folic acid and vitamin C. Leaves and tender stems are eaten in salads, boiled or pickled.

Brassica carinata


@Scamperdale

Jute Mallow
With high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium and iron, jute mallow is a valuable and versatile indigenous vegetable. Leaves contain mucilage and several phenolic compounds. Leaves and tender stems are eaten boiled, stew, stir-fried, or in soup. See recipe.

Chorchorus olitoriusMurere


@Wikimedia

Spider plant
Spider plant is high in beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C and calcium and a good source of vitamin E, iron and oxalic acid. Leaves and shoots are usually boiled or used to prepare soups.

Cleome gynandraOfsaga, saga, liSaga, lisaka


@Wikimedia

Taro
Starchy and sweet nutty tasting, these tuberous roots contain vitamin B, iron and phenolic components. The tuber is easily digested and is often used to prepare baby food. Young taro leaves and stems can be eaten after boiling and are a good source of fibers, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, B and vitamin C. Both leaves and corms contain calcium oxalate and, to reduce it to safe levels, cubed taro roots need to be steeped in cold water overnight.

Colocasia esculenta


@James Niland

Brown Quail
Quail meat is a sweet and delicate white meat with extremely low skin fat and low cholesterol value. Quail meat is rich in micronutrients and a wide range of vitamins including the B complex, folate and vitamin E and K. It is therefore recommended for people with high cholesterol levels and those who want to maintain a low level of cholesterol.

Coturnix ypsilophora


@ H. Gentle

Finger Millet
This drought-tolerant African cereal is is high in calcium, rich in iron and contains the amino acid methionine, important for joint health. Used in porridge it is ideal for feeding to infants and the elderly, but can also be used in many sweet and savoury dishes. See recipe

Eleusine coracanaWimbi


@L.Coradin

Sweet Potato
Large, starchy and sweet tasting, these tuberous roots are rich in complex carbohydrates, beta carotene (a vitamin A equivalent nutrient), vitamin C and vitamin B6. With few natural enemies, the plant grows well in poor soils with little need for fertilizer. See recipe

Ipomoea batatas

Viazi vitamu


@Forest &Kim Starr

Moringa
Moringa has an impressive range of medicinal uses with significant nutritional properties. The leaves are the most nutritious part of this plant, but seeds and roots can also be eaten, containing a significant amount of vitamin B, vitamin C, provitamin-A, vitamin K, manganese an various phenolics. Leaves are usually boiled, but can also be dried, crushed into a powder and used in the preparation of soups and sauces. Seeds are eaten like peas or roasted like nuts and can be processed for oil extraction. The sharp flavor of its roots it is appreciated in the preparation of various dishes.

Moringa oleifera


@Bob Walker

Guinea Fowl
These birds are endemic to Africa and belong to the Galliformes order. They still can be found in the wild, but for hundreds of years they have been reared in many countries throughout the world. Guinea fowl meat is drier and leaner than chicken meat and is rich in vitamin B6, niacin and potassium. Can be roasted, braised, grilled or pan-fried. Eggs are usually eaten fried or boiled and are particularly tasty.

Numidae spp.


@Bob Walker

Tilapia
The Nile tilapia is rich in vitamins A, D and the B group and is also a good source of micro and macro-elements such as calcium, phosphorus, selenium and manganese. The waste of this fish, such as the head, is found to be rich in fatty acids such as omega-3, crucial in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Can be eaten boiled, grilled, roasted or pan-fried.

Oreochromis niloticus


@Loury Cedric

Mudfish
This elongated, eel-like fish is widely distributed in Africa and generally inhabit shallow waters, such as swamps and marshes. Its meat have a particularly strong taste and is rich in protein, potassium and phosphorus. Can be eaten roasted, grilled or pan-fried.

Protopterus annectens


@Forest & Kim Starr

Guava
Guava is an excellent antioxidant and a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and dietary fiber. Its leaves are rich in flavonoids and are used to prepare decoctions. The pulp can be eaten raw or made into juice.

Psidium guajava


@Marco Schmidt

Sorghum
Sorghum is a drought tolerant grass, used widely as animal feed as well as for human consumption. Is a powerhouse in terms of nutrients, providing vitamins like niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and of magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, phosphorus, potassium as well as a significant amount of dietary fiber. Its antioxidant properties Have been directly connected to a reduced chance of developing various types of cancer. Can be eaten safely by those suffering from celiac disease since it is gluten free. It is used in the preparation of foods such as couscous, sorghum flour, porridge and molasses and distilled beverages.

Sorghum bicolor


@Earth100

Green Gram
Member of the legume family, this beans are rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, vitamin B1, B5, B6, manganese and zinc, and an excellent source of folate. Are usually eaten boiled and its sprouts are used in the preparation of different dishes.

Vigna radiata


@Ton Rulkens

Bambara Groundnut
Originating from West Africa, this pulse grows well in poor soils, and is pest- and drought-resistant. A good source of calcium, iron and potassium, the beans are a complete protein food and a good protein substitute when animal protein is scarce or expensive. See recipe.

Vigna subterranea
Jugo


@ShambaFresh

Cowpea Leaves
Available year-round in Kenya, the leaves are a good source of protein and calcium, important for muscle strength and bone development. See recipe

Vigna unguiculata
Kunde