The Perceptions of University-Attending Youths on the Consumption of Indigenous Foods in Eastlands, Nairobi County, Kenya

This study attempted to investigate the perceptions of the university-attending urban youths about the consumption of indigenous foods in Eastlands, Nairobi County, Kenya. Indigenous foods (IFs) are seen as a vital nexus for improved food nutrition and security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), given their abundant availability, accessibility, and nutritional value. Promoting the consumption of IFs through the university-attending youth is foundational towards the realisation of sustainable development. For instance, their influence among other youth is significant, and it can be used in the enhancement of consumption of the IFs, and consequently promoting food nutrition and security. The study employed a descriptive approach, utilising mixed methods to collect data. The target population was 108 university-attending youth living in the Eastlands; a sample of 36 youth was randomly selected. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire; an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. Analysing quantitative data, relative frequencies and percentages were used. For qualitative data, the raw data were cleaned and organised into themes; the emerging patterns were interpreted. The study found that 89% of the respondents had negative perceptions of IFs. The youth had limited knowledge about IFs. The popular IFs were: arrow roots 78%, Cassava 56%, and sweet potatoes 97%. Popularisation of the IFs could be done through marketing 30%, improving their quality 25%, and through cultural festivals 45%. The study concluded that more awareness of the IFs was necessary to increase the consumption of IFs