Market Dynamics and Price Volatility of African Indigenous Vegetables in Urban Centers

Authors

  • Washington, l. C. Silva National Centre for EBRAPA Vegetables. Caixa Postal 07.0218, 70359 Brasilia, DF, Brazil

Keywords:

African Indigenous Vegetables, market volatility, urban agriculture, price analysis, food security, Nairobi

Abstract

African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) are nutritionally rich but remain underutilized due to market constraints. This study analyzed price trends and market structure for five AIVs (amaranth, nightshade, spider plant, jute mallow, and cowpea leaves) in Nairobi, Kenya. Price data over three years were evaluated alongside trader and farmer interviews.
Seasonal price volatility was high due to supply fluctuations, with peak prices exceeding baseline by 120%. Informal market dominance and postharvest losses limited income potential. Recommendations include cold chain investment, farmer cooperatives, and price information systems to stabilize markets and promote AIV commercialization.

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Published

2023-06-30

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Research Articles