The Economic, Health and Nutritional benefits of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Farming In Nyeri County, Kenya – Baseline survey analysis.

Abstract

Descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted to provide quantitative information on the current status of chia cultivation in Nyeri County. This aimed at assessing the opportunities and challenges in chia cultivation in Nyeri County, Kenya. It involved the systematic collection and presentation of data to give a clear picture of awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices (AKAP) of the selected population. This was done as the preliminaries to promotion of chia cultivation and value chain development in the region. Having the beneficiaries participate in the assessment of needs and identification of problems to be addressed helps to accommodate their information, experience and analysis therefore making them actual creators of change and progress. This will result in improved involvement of target beneficiaries who will participate in the implementation of an effective and beneficial chia value chain.The baseline study expressed findings in a quantitative manner providing justification for promotion of chia production in the region, and guide the selection of most appropriate traditional and modern media to be used in a in project implementation. The results will be used as a reference point or benchmark for later comparison or impact studies to assess how well the original project objectives have been achieved. The results can also be generalized and used for similar project in other regions of Kenya.