An appraisal Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs in Nairobi, Kenya

The project was implemented by FCI in partnership with University of Nairobi, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute (KIRDI), Kiriri Women University of Science & Technology, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
In the project, commonly processed and traded aromatic and medicinal herbal products were identified along with key dealers. Their composition, consumer buying behavior, pricing and packaging were analyzed so as to establish gaps in their production.

It was found that though widely used, there have been no attempts to commercialize them. Some are produced by small scale farmers and others are picked from the wild. The farmers who produce them rely on traditional hand cultivation. The resulting produce cannot meet the demand.

It was proposed that:

Smallholders be sensitized on the medicinal, nutritional and aesthetic value of these crops.
Training be done on modern production methods
Farmers be facilitated with funds to enhance large-scale production
Farmers be evolved into commercial villages and linked to markets.