I needed to cite every paragraph of this background information....African nightshade (Managu) is an indigenous vegetable that holds significant cultural and nutritional value not only in Kenya but also in other regions across the globe (Ariyo, 2013). It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is known by different names in different countries, such as Solanum scabrum or Solanum villosum. African nightshade is recognized for its rich nutrient content, including vitamins A, C, and E, iron, calcium, and antioxidants, which contribute to its potential health benefits (Odendo, 2017; Munyua, 2019). It is a low-calorie vegetable that can be consumed as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes such as soups, stews and fries.
Despite its nutritional profile, African nightshade remains underutilized and its consumption is often limited to specific regions or communities. The reasons for its underutilization can be credited to several factors including limited awareness, lack of culinary knowledge and the dominance of more commonly consumed vegetables in the market such as cabbages and kales.
Globally, there is an increasing interest in promoting indigenous vegetables as part of efforts to enhance food security, improve nutrition and support sustainable agricultural practices (Ariyo, 2013). Indigenous vegetables have been recognized for their resilience to local environmental conditions, reduced input requirements and potential contributions to dietary diversification. They play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity and preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
Ruiru Sub County in Kenya presents an ideal setting to study consumer preferences for African nightshade due to its agricultural diversity and the presence of a significant population engaged in farming activities. The region offers an opportunity to understand consumer behaviors and attitudes towards indigenous vegetables within the broader context of changing dietary patterns, urbanization and globalization.
Understanding consumer preferences and behaviors towards African nightshade is essential for promoting its consumption and supporting local farmers. By identifying the factors that influence consumer choices such as taste preferences, availability, affordability, cultural associations and perceived health benefits, interventions can be developed to increase the adoption and integration of African nightshade into local diets. Additionally, exploring the impact of marketing strategies on the promotion and consumption of African nightshade will provide insights into effective approaches for raising awareness and improving consumer engagement.
From a global perspective, this research contributes to the broader goal of promoting indigenous vegetables and sustainable food systems. By studying consumer preferences for African nightshade, valuable insights can be gained, not only for Ruiru Sub County but also for other regions facing similar challenges and opportunities. The findings can inform policymakers, researchers and farmers about strategies to enhance the acceptance, availability, and utilization of African nightshade and other indigenous vegetables, ultimately contributing to improved nutrition, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices.
In conclusion, this research proposal aims to address the knowledge gap regarding consumer preferences for African nightshade in Ruiru Sub County, Kenya, within the larger global context of promoting indigenous vegetables (Ariyo, 2013; Munyua, 2019; Odendo, 2017). By understanding the factors influencing consumer choices and the impact of marketing strategies, evidence-based recommendations can be made to enhance the acceptance, availability and utilization of African nightshade, contributing to improved nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.