Value Chain Analysis of Indigenous Vegetables from Malawi and Mozambique

Several studies have shown that indigenous vegetables have high market potential and contribute substantially to household incomes. Until quite recently however, research into development of indigenous vegetables were neglected by the scientific and donor community. With a resurgence of their importance in human nutrition, there is the need to understand the interactions among various actors in the value chain so as to be able to improve marketing efficiency by adding value to produce. Based on a multistage cross-sectional primary data of 240 respondents in Malawi and Mozambique this study employed participatory evaluation and market research of wide range of indigenous vegetable value chain to identify potential outlets and target crops and, define processes of the value chains, including choice of market outlets and mode of farmer-buyer linkages. Value chain mapping was used to establish linkages among chain actors while SWOT analysis was used to identify constraints and opportunities in the value chain. In Malawi, amaranth, Ethiopian mustard and black jack are the most important indigenous vegetable while pumpkin, okra, tomato and cabbage are the most important globally important vegetables. In Mozambique, African eggplant, amaranth, jute mallow, Ethiopian mustard and wild cucumber are the most important indigenous vegetables while pumpkin, cowpea, kale, onions, tomato, cabbage, and okra are the most important exotic vegetables. The results indicate that indigenous vegetable sales contribute about 35% and 30% of the small-holders income in Malawi and Mozambique respectively. Most linkages between value chain actors are spot market transactions except for that between retailers and supermarket which are based on relationship marketing. The findings of the study also indicate that 12% of respondents in Malawi and 6% of respondents in Mozambique process their indigenous vegetables.