Prof Abukutsa-Onyango adds that because indigenous vegetables possess a wide genetic base, they are quite resilient against harsh climatic conditions and disease pests. Colonial authorities ignored the vast repertoire of indigenous African vegetables in spite of these positive qualities. The government offered them guarantees as demanded by European-dominated Seed Growing Association, which was established to represent their interest in vegetable growing. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, vegetable growing became a highly specialised and costly undertaking that required relatively high capital investments and close agronomic attention. Small holders who ventured into vegetable growing either became their out-growers or sold their produce, mostly sukuma wiki and cabbages, in the local trading centres and the roadside stalls.

Source: Daily Nation June 19, 2020 21:56 UTC