DOCUMENTATION OF INDIGENOUS TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE DETERMINING CULTIVATION AND UTILIZATION OF PUMPKINS IN KENYA

Abstract

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata (Lam.) Poir) is an emerging indigenous vegetable in Kenya. However, its potential remains unexploited. This study surveyed pumpkin germplasm in Kakamega and Nyeri to determine factors enhancing conservation, preservation and production among smallholder farmers. An survey done in 2012 collected 155 accessions, with 70 from Kakamega and 85 from Nyeri. Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) determining cultivation and utilization was gathered from growers. Results showed that pumpkins were intercropped in less than half a hectare by majority of the farmers (P=0.00). The pumpkins had significant (P=0.00) differences in usage, with 57% cultivated for food and income, 33% for only food, and 3% for medicinal values. Pumpkin fruits and leaves were significantly ((P=0.00) utilized by 38% households during drought. Variegated accessions were significantly (P=0.00) the most preferred. Cultural beliefs, folklores and ITK were used by the communities to safeguard production and conserve diversity. The pumpkins inherited were significantly (P=0.00) more than those borrowed or bought from markets within and beyond the survey area, introduced by NGOs, or from beyond Kenyan borders. Since then, retained seeds have significantly (P=0.00) been used as seed sources. Significantly (P=0.00) more farmers selected accessions for planting based on fruit and leaf quality. Storage form was mostly seed or whole fruits (P=0.00), with no use of special containers. Seed cleaning and packaging was not done. Seeds were packaged in plastic polybags and stored in family houses, without any protection against pests. Storage above fire was used by one farmer. There were significant differences (P=0.00) in constraints reported, although none of the constraints was major. Disease incidences and pests such as wasps, fruitflies and rodents were reported. Taxonomic identification classified the collected accessions in Cucurbitaceae family and Cucurbita moschata (Lam.) Poir species. No cultivar names were appended due to lack of descriptor tools. Accessions were grouped in two categories based on leaf, fruit and seed characters. Pumpkins have immense potential as sources of food and income, nutrition and health benefits for communities growing them. Interventions to strengthen and preserve the ITK should be adopted and promoted to ensure local pumpkins are available for reference and improvement in future.