10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Indigenous food plants constitute an important part of biodiversity and an invaluable resource among communities living in diverse environments including forest ecosystems. Most of these food plants are hardy, climate resilient, rich in nutrients, and vital for local nutrition and cultural heritage. Besides being a source of diverse foods like legumes, vegetables, fruits and seeds, these products are sold to generate income that contributes to livelihoods. This paper discusses findings of a study conducted to assess the contribution of indigenous food plants (IPRs) of the Tiriki community living adjacent to Kakamega Forest Reserve to household food security and livelihoods. The study set out to determine the types of IPRs used, examine their contribution to household food security and livelihoods, and determine challenges facing utilization of these plants and measures used to mitigate them. A sample of 200 respondents was drawn from thirty eight villages in Muhudu ward using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that although diverse IPRs are used for food and to enhance household food security, preference was given to legumes (95.5%), vegetables (83.5%), cereals and grains (82.5%), roots and tubers (80%) and fruits (77.5%) All the respondents reported that income generated from the sale of these products is used to cater for household basic needs thus improving livelihoods. Challenges facing utitization of IFPs include breakdown in the socio-cultural fabric of the community (71.5% ), change in dietary habits among the young generation (62.5%), negative attitudes towards some IFPs (55.5%), competition from conventional western based foodstuffs (47.5% ) and lack of awareness about the nutritional value of most IFPs (37.5%). Measures being used to mitigate the challenges include awareness creation through community meetings (61%), cultural functions (43.5%), community-based organizations (37%) and peer education (34%).