Value Addition of Traditional Vegetables: an Impact Assessment on Women Farmers in Lugari, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to assess the impact of value addition on traditional vegetables grown by women farmers in Lugari, western Kenya. The objectives were to explore whether value addition has had an impact on women’s ability to market traditional leafy vegetables there. The research assessed whether value added agriculture has increased the women’s income and how this can be enhanced further. The study was guided by the pathways theory of change which addresses causes of poverty and women’s exclusion in agriculture. The theory aims to advance women’s empowerment and promote their food security. Cross sectional data was collected and analyzed. This included observing and comparing differences among subjects who were included in the survey as well as key informant interviews. Narratives were included as well as information from secondary sources. The study found that value addition of traditional vegetables has seen women farmers market their produce better and has significantly increased their income. Value added agriculture has also increased their skills in farming, empowered them and helped improve food security for the farmers’ households. In addition value addition has helped farmers preserve traditional vegetables which are often ignored. The study recommends a value chain analysis and review be conducted on the marketing strategies that are currently in place, as part of proposals to help farmers produce and sell their crops better, so that can fully enjoy the economic benefits of traditional vegetables.