The Effect of Market Development On-farm Conservation of Diversity of African Leafy Vegetables around Nairobi
Charity Irungu, Mburu J., Maundu P, Grum M., Hoeschle-Zeledon I.

Abstract
Production and marketing of African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) has increased tremendously around Nairobi. ALVs contribute to food and nutritional security. They also have a public value that includes maintenance of traditions and cultures, and contributing to sustainable development, specifically in biodiversity conservation alongside other ecosystem benefits. However, little economic analysis has been conducted to assess how market development affects on-farm conservation of ALVs biodiversity. This paper seeks to analyse the ALVs species demanded in the Nairobi market and the effect of market development on on-farm biodiversity of ALVs around Nairobi? The study uses both qualitative and quantitative empirical data. Results indicate that consumers demand particular ALVs species due to the nutritive aspects associated with them. However, the effect of market development on on-farm diversity ALVs species is mixed. While market development in terms of gross sales has no significant effect, spatial dimension of market development reduces intra-diversity of ALVs.

Full Text: PDF