This archive report was first published on 16 November 2019.
On a sunny day in November 2019, a group of farmers gathered at Kampi ya Moto village in Rongai, Nakuru County, to discuss the importance of two crops: red sorghum and red millet.
According to Noah Osumba, a farmer and member of the Kampi Farmers Group, in the past, farmers in Bunyore would exchange these crops for clay pots.
These crops, as the farmers noted, were essential in preparing fermented porridge, which was beneficial for lactating mothers.
The discussion was sparked by research conducted by Seed Savers Network, a community organization based in Gilgil, on 10 underutilized crops that are rich in nutrients.
The research, funded by Hivos, a development organization headquartered in the Netherlands, aimed to gather indigenous knowledge about the crops, including how they were grown, utilized, stored, and used economically.
The researchers also took the edible parts of these crops to a laboratory for nutritional analysis, which was then discussed with a nutritionist.
The results showed that red sorghum and red millet are rich in nutrients, including iron, zinc, and fiber.
Other crops researched on include yellow maize, goose berries, cherry tomatoes, common beans, black beans, black night shade, red cowpeas, and pumpkin.
Traditional knowledge from farmers linked pumpkin seeds to increased libido, while scientific knowledge shows that the seeds are rich in zinc, a macronutrient that enhances fertility.
Yellow maize was found to be rich in iron, zinc, and energy-dense, making it a valuable crop for food security.
Cherry tomatoes were found to be rich in iron, crude protein, and fiber, and are hardy, requiring minimal spraying against pests and diseases.
Seed Savers Network coordinator Daniel Wanjama said the organization will create awareness on the underutilized crops to encourage people to plant and eat them.
"The crops are easy to grow and quite adaptive to harsh weather conditions," he said.
