OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN ACCESSING AND UTILIZING INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES IN ARUA DISTRICT, WEST NILE AGRO ECOLOGICAL ZONE, UGANDA

Abstract

Indigenous vegetables (IVs) play a critical role in enhancing food and nutrition security, yet they remain underutilized. In spite of their adaptability, nutritional value, and potential for income generation they still remain underutilized in Uganda. This study investigated the opportunities and challenges in accessing and utilizing indigenous vegetables in Arua District, West Nile agro-ecological zone. The specific objectives of the study were; To establish the influence of socio-economic factors on indigenous vegetable utilization among small-scale farmers in Arua District, Uganda, determine the level of awareness of the nutritive value of indigenous vegetables among among small scale farmers in Arua District, Uganda and identify constraints hindering the utilization of indigenous vegetable utilization among small-scale farmers in Arua District, Uganda. A correlational survey design was employed, targeting 3,000 households, with a sample of 340 respondents selected using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, document analysis, and Focus group discussion and analysed using SPSS version 28, for quantitative data was analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Findings revealed that socio-economic factors were critical in the utilization oof indigenous vegetables (r = .0.89, p < .01), accounting for 89% in utilization of IVS. While 87% of respondents were aware of IVS and their nutritional benefits, awareness alone was not critical in the access and utilization of IVS. Key constraints included limited land, preference for exotic vegetables, limited access to certified seeds, inadequate market facilities, and weak extension support. The study concludes that socio economic characteristics and structural challenges strongly shape IVS utilization, while awareness levels alone are insufficient to drive utilization. This study therefore recommends that the local government in conjunction other development partners should strengthen extension services, improve access to certified seeds, access to market avail credit facilities, and promoting nutrition education to increase IVS utilization, adoption and sustainability.