LOCATION:

Horticultural Field Laboratory
3170 Glass House Cir., Raleigh, NC 27606
(35.79287, -78.69878)
NC State University
Thursday, May 29, 2025,
11:00 am – 12:30 pm

FIELD DAY INCLUDES:

• Presentation of results from our research in different African species
• Discuss the potential of different species for North Carolina and our region
• Degustation of dishes based on African Indigenous Leafy Greens (AILG)
• Gathering feedback that will orient our research
• Value and nutrition added products based on AILG

REGISTER: https://go.ncsu.edu/ailg-field-day

Benefits of North Carolina Adopting AILVs:

• Agricultural and Environmental Benefits: AILVs, such as amaranth and spider plant, offer drought resilience, reduce the need for chemical inputs, diversify crop portfolios, and enhance soil health, making them valuable for sustainable agriculture in North Carolina’s changing climate.
• Economic and Market Opportunities: North Carolina’s growing population presents opportunities for AILVs in specialty markets and value-added products, while reduced competition allows early adopters to lead in this underutilized agricultural niche.
• Nutritional and Health Advantages: AILVs are nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, making them valuable for addressing dietary deficiencies and promoting health.
• Cultural and Educational Value: Promotes cultural foodways and traditional knowledge in relevant communities while supporting educational programs and research in cultivation, nutrition, and market viability.

The Importance of AILVs in Kenya:

• Food and Nutrition Security: African Indigenous Vegetables are vital for low-income households, providing affordable, nutrient-rich options that enhance food security.
• Economic Significance: These vegetables generate income for small-scale farmers, helping to improve livelihoods and support local economies.
• Cultural and Culinary Value: Rooted in tradition, these vegetables enrich local cuisines and preserve cultural heritage in rural communities.
• Drivers of Rural Development: Their cultivation and sale foster economic growth and infrastructure development in rural areas, promoting sustainable progress.

CROPS:

• African nightshade
• Amaranthus
• Cowpeas
• Ethiopian kale
• Jute mallow
• Slender leaf
• Spider plant
• African yams*
• Bambara groundnuts*
• Kenaf*

Read about NC State’s AILV crops