Skill acquisition among Kenyan farmers growing African indigenous vegetables post integrated training

Kenya's agriculture sector plays a critical role in the country's economy, providing for seventy-five percent of the partial or entire income of the population and contributing thirty-three percent to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (USAID - Kenya, 2019). Within this sector, African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) have emerged as a promising crop due to their high nutritional value and adaptability. Despite their potential, there has been a long-term underinvestment in research and development, leading to a lack of awareness about the nutritional benefits of AIVs (Afari-Sefa et al., 2012). This paper examines the impact of a Horticulture Innovation Nutrition Research Program conducted in Kenya on farmers' skill acquisition. Through integrated training programs, farmers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and techniques to enhance AIV productivity, marketability, and consumption. The study employs a theoretical framework focusing on the acquisition of skills and techniques, with data collected through surveys conducted over a five-year period. Statistical analysis will explore the relationship between farmers' acquired skills and demographics, agricultural practices, and observed changes. The findings aim to inform NGOs, farmer associations, and policymakers on targeting specific populations for training programs, thereby enhancing farming practices and contributing to agricultural development in Kenya.