Farmers’ Participatory Identification of Horticultural Traits: Developing Breeding Objectives for Vegetable Amaranth in Tanzania

Abstract

Inadequate documentation of farmer-preferred market traits in vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) necessitated this study. Vegetable amaranth is a cheap and reliable source of vitamins and minerals in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, commercial varieties are limited in number partly because of inadequate research work. A participatory approach was used to identify farmer-preferred and promising accessions for genetic enhancement and distribution. Respondents from Arusha, Meru, and Moshi regions evaluated 84 accessions during 2008–2009. Genotype ranks for farmer-preferred traits were not consistent across years. Farmers’ participatory research indicated that accessions 1008, 1004, 1001, 1003, 1002, 5, and 1018 were best for delayed flowering. Accessions 45, 25, 32, and 35 performed best for leaf size, and accessions 1001, 45, 25, 32, 7, and 35 were tastier than other accessions. Accessions 38, 25, and 45 were preferred for multiple traits. Promising accessions selected by the farmers were recommended for multi-environment testing, genetic enhancement, and promotion in Tanzania.

Keywords:

• farmer-preferred traits
• sensory evaluation
• focus group discussion
• multiple traits
• Amaranthus

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the Horticultural Research and Training Institute, Tengeru Tanzania, World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), the extension staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and contact farmers.