Agri experts have called for the adoption of indigenous Kenyan crops as a move to enhance food security and nutrition in the nation. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization Deputy director general for crops, Dr Felister Makini: “The reason why there is so much interest on these crops is because they are highly nutritious and are drought tolerant, hence the need to focus and promote them. … Seed is a key input in farming and food sovereignty not only in Africa but globally. Its quality, availability, accessibility, affordability and diversity have a positive impact on climate resilience and food sovereignty.”
Makini said Kalro is currently developing some seed systems with focus on African leafy vegetables: “We have been working on sorghum, millets, cassava, sweet potatoes and African leafy vegetables. We have also developed varieties of cow peas, pigeon peas and green grams.”
However, research on some of the indigenous crops is quite expensive. "We will need more funding to do more research to be able to promote them in a wider region,” Makini added.
Source: the-star.co.ke
