Consumer behavior and consumption practices towards less documented wild leafy vegetables among rural households in Dodoma Region, Tanzania
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Date
2019
Authors
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Publisher
Researchgate
Abstract
Inadequate dietary diversity is a key challenge in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Diversifying diets with African indigenous vegetables is a sustainable way to supp ly a variety of nutrients to
household members due to their richness in vitamins and minerals. Understanding the preferences and
consumption practices of different varieties of wild vegetables is important information for agricultural
promoters and is scarcely explored in Tanzania. This study aimed to gain an understanding of consumer
behavior and consumption practices of wild vegetables in semi -arid areas in Tanzania in order to inform food
policy and agricultural promoters. The study was conducted in two villages; Ilolo and Idifu from the semi-arid
Dodoma region in Tanzania. Focus group discussions were conducted with forty women from both villages
because women are more involved in cultivation, gathering and preparation of vegetables. Information collected
in the focus group discussions included; perceptions, preferences, beliefs and taboos associated with
consumption of wild vegetables. Participants reported that wild vegetables are seasonally available with most
time of the year being scarce. The majority of the women reported consuming the wild ve getables due to good
taste, abundance of nutrients, availability/affordability (they are mostly free), and because the other sources of
relish are usually scarce. The most common wild vegetables that were consumed in the past 24 hours preceding
the focus group discussions in the two villages included Ipomoea pandurate which is locally known as
chiwandagulu and Corchorus trilocularis commonly known as ilende. For most vegetables, leaves and stems
were common parts consumed. The women in both villages ranked Corchorus trilocularisas the most preferred
wild vegetable. Women also reported some medicinal values attached to some of the wild vegetables such as
Bidens Pilosa leaves which are claimed to increase blood. Generally, wild vegetables have the capability to
escalate their significance to household income generation if farmers are given the chance to market them. Also
domestication and promotion of these vegetables may help to enhance food and nutrition security.
Description
International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB) Vol -4, Issue-4, Jul-Aug- 2019
Keywords
Wild, Vegetables, Rural women, Consumption