Bioversity International

One of the biggest success stories was the reintroduction of traditional vegetables back into diets and into the consciousness of people: the case of African leafy vegetables (ALV) in Kenya. ALV are high in Vitamin A, iron and zinc and are adapted to the local microenvironments. Stephen Kimondo, a farmer who grew cabbages and kales, turned to... more >>

One of the biggest success stories was the reintroduction of traditional vegetables back into diets and into the consciousness of people: the case of African leafy vegetables (ALV) in Kenya. ALV are high in Vitamin A, iron and zinc and are adapted to the local microenvironments. Stephen Kimondo, a farmer who grew cabbages and kales, turned to ALV (of which roughly 900 species are found in sub-Saharan Africa) thanks to the initiative of a local NGO. The vegetables used to be planted in home gardens but have declined in popularity owing to commercial pressures. Mr Kimondo has inspired other farmers to convert to planting ALV, with positive impacts on livelihoods and diets. << hide