African Leafy Vegetables: Nourishing Communities, Empowering Women

African leafy vegetables (ALVs) such as amaranth, black nightshade, cowpea leaves, and spider plant are rich in essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. These greens play a critical role in addressing malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

Unlike exotic vegetables that require significant inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, ALVs thrive in local soils with minimal care, making them an affordable and sustainable solution to food insecurity.

Through the Livelihood Learning Centres established in Ewauso, Keekonyokie, and Iloodokilani, RWN provides training on sustainable ALV farming techniques, value addition, and market linkages. Women farmers are equipped with knowledge on seed selection, organic farming practices, and post-harvest handling.

By connecting women to local markets, hotels, and schools, RWN facilitates economic participation, allowing women to take control of their financial futures. These market linkages help elevate ALVs from subsistence crops to viable commercial ventures.