LEARNING TO GROW WHAT WILL SELL

Start date: 24 June 2013
End date: 31 December 2017

This project researches options for improving nutrition and income by enhancing vegetable-based farming and food systems in peri-urban areas.

Malnutrition, poor diet diversity and youth migration to cities are widespread problems in eastern and southern Africa. The goal of this project is to improve nutrition and generate youth employment and income opportunities for peri-urban vegetable growers and their families in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. It aims to improve traditional and introduced vegetable varieties and seed supply systems, enhance crop management practices, and develop a more effective value chain. Research is assessing and promoting technologies and practices for increased and safer production of vegetables. Improved vegetable varieties are being evaluated and seed distributed. The project is assessing the feasibility of value adding and processing options, particularly postharvest storage.

A strong capacity-building component aims to strengthen national vegetable research and development. The project operates ‘Best Practice Hubs’ to demonstrate crop trials, postharvest handling techniques and other interventions. These hubs serve as an educational base for vegetable farmers, while also attracting traders and the wider public. The project provides training in home economics of traditional vegetable consumption.

Research data will be provided to policy makers to guide future policy formulation. The outcomes will be improved opportunities for profitable self-employment in cities, and better production and consumption of nutritious vegetables.