VEGETABLE GARDENING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ITS IMPACT ON

A pilot study of agriculture and vegetable growing in particular was conducted in 40 schools and 50 homesteads around 10 schools. Meetings were convened with district agriculture staff. Structured questionnaires were administered and interviews conducted. It was established that at least 95 % for the schools and communities visited were growing vegetables and consuming them. Results showed differences among urban, per-urban and village schools. Farming knowledge availability was found to be average and not matching identified consumption levels. There were no variations in knowledge among UPE schools in respect of having been supported in vegetable gardening or not. Farmers ' ideas on improvement of agriculture in schools and its impact on development were collected. Key research issues to improve during subsequent studies are reported