Consumption of Dryland Indigenous Fruits to Improve Livelihoods in Kenya. The Case of Mwingi Distric

Abstract

Dry areas of Kenya rely on alternative food products such as indigenous fruits to supplement their diets. Kenya has an estimated 400 indigenous fruit plants, most of which are not fully exploited This is because these species have not been fostered by agricultural and forestry institutions. IFTs show great potential for providing food, vitamins and income to communities e.g Sclerocarya birrea fruit contain 180 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, surpassing exotic lemon, orange and mango Experts have recommended a daily intake of ~ 200 g of fruits for a healthy diet, East Africa consumption is only ~ 40 g. Berche Increased IFT consumption therefore has strong potential to reduce existing micronutrient deficiencies among populations of dryland Kenya, especially in mothers and children Vangueria infausta tree and fruit survey conducted to establish intake levels of indigenous fruits in the drylands of Mwingi District in Kenya Study assessed patterns of consumption and perspectives and practices of use and cultivation of IFTs by smallholder farming communities