Production and utilisation of Bambaranut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) in Northern and Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Bambaranut (BN) (Vigna subterranea (L.)  Verdc.) Is a nutrient rich, drought tolerant food legume that can contribute to food security and community resilience. In Uganda however, production and utilization remain in relative obscurity. A study was conducted in Northern and Eastern Uganda to determine production and utilization practices and identify challenges and opportunities for BN improvement. Primary data on demographics, scale of production, utilization and challenges in BN production and utilization were collected from 371 farm households. Results show that more women (62%) than men (38%) are engaged in Bambaranut production for home consumption (100%), seed maintenance (50%) and sale of seeds/grains (44%). Production is low (averaging 0.2 tob 0.35 acre) with few farmers involved. The crop is predominantly utilised as food (100%), consumed as a fresh boiled snack (99%) and local dishes (79%). Major challenges that confront BN farmers include scarcity of seeds (73%), limited market (65%) and difficulty in harvesting (51%). Farmers overcome these challenges by saving own seeds, obtaining seeds from neighbours and producing on a relatively small scale. Improving production practices, fostering community-research linkages to support farmers in accessing seeds and harnessing the eager participation of the youth and men will stimulate increased production and better utilisation of BN in Uganda. Key words: Bambaranut, production, utilisation, practice, challenges.