Improving income and nutrition in eastern and southern Africa by enhancing vegetable-based farming and food systems in peri-urban corridors (VINESA)

This project will research options for improving nutrition and income by enhancing vegetable-based farming and food systems in peri-urban areas.

Malnutrition, poor diet diversity and youth migration to cities are widespread problems in eastern and southern Africa. The goal of this project is to improve nutrition as well as generate youth employment and income opportunities for peri-urban vegetable growers and their families in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. It aims to improve indigenous and introduced vegetable variety and seed supply systems, enhance crop management practices and develop a more effective value chain. Research will assess and promote technologies and practices for increased and safer production of vegetables. It will evaluate and deploy improved varieties and high quality seed for selected vegetables. It will assess the feasibility of value adding and processing options, particularly postharvest storage.

A strong capacity-building component is included to strengthen national vegetable research and development. The project will operate via ‘Best Practice Hubs’ as centres to demonstrate crop trials, postharvest handling techniques and other interventions. These hubs will serve as an educational base for vegetable farmers, while also attracting traders and the wider public. The project will also provide training in home economics aspects of indigenous vegetable consumption.

Research data will be provided to policy makers to guide future policy formulation. The outcomes will be improved opportunities for profitable self-employment in cities, and better production and consumption of nutritious vegetables.

This project builds on a scoping study which focused on vegetable production systems in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania, to develop appropriate and effective technological interventions to maximize returns, generate and increase income to reduce poverty, and contribute to greater food and nutritional security.

For more information visit the AVRDC Project Page.