An investigation into the role of women in preservation of indigenous vegetables using traditional methods among the Luo of east Alego, western Kenya

Abstract

The mam study was designed to investigate the women's role in preservation of indigenous vegetables using traditional methods. Fieldwork was conducted in East Alego Location, Western Kenya. The main objectives of the study were: to investigate women's role in preservation of indigenous vegetables using traditional methods; to explore the perception of women on traditional methods of vegetable preservation and to examine the challenges faced by women in using traditional methods of vegetable preservation. Data was obtained through structured interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Simple random sampling method was used to obtain a sample size of 30 respondents. Focus group discussion was purposive based on women groups involved in agricultural activities. Similarly, key informants' choice was based on the elderly women presumed to have the authentic knowledge on traditional methods of vegetable preservation. Quantitative data was obtained through structured interviews and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented in the form of frequencies and graphs. Quantitative data was obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussion. Data obtained was analyzed according to the emerging themes and presented in form of verbatim quotes and pie chart. The main findings of this study indicate that people no longer use traditional methods of vegetable preservation especially drying. Vegetable preservation methods has been a challenge to women therefore during rainy season when vegetable is in abundance, a lot of it is wasted. The only method of vegetable preservation still in used is fermentation though most people do not use it because they eat a lot of fresh vegetables. From the findings it became clear that women lack the knowledge of vegetable preservation especially drying method. The findings of the study, also gathered that people were very enthusiastic about the information and most of them said they must start the practice again since they normally throwaway a lot of vegetables during rainy season then after the rains they have nothing in their stores. The study concluded that preservation of vegetables is a good idea but most people lacked the information. It also concluded this would make them have supply of vegetables throughout the year. It also confirmed that traditional methods of preserving vegetables are under-exploited in the region. The few who have the knowledge do not pass it on to the next generation and more so, they do not use it.