| dc.description.abstract | Solanum aethiopicum is a very important vegetable for both rural and urban communities in Africa. The crop is rich in both macro- and micronutrients compared with other vegetables and is suitable for ensuring food and nutritional security. It also possesses several medicinal properties and is currently employed in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, cholera, uterine complaints as well as skin infections in humans. The crop is predominantly cultivated by traditional farmers and plays an important role in the subsistence and economy of poor farmers and consumers throughout the developing world. It also holds potential for dietary diversification, greater genetic biodiversity and sustainable production in Africa. Despite the numerous benefits the crop presents, it remains neglected and underutilized due to the world’s over-dependence on a few plant species, as well as the little attention in research and development it has received over the years. This review highlights the importance of S. aethiopicum, its role in crop diversification, reducing hidden hunger, the potential for nutritive and medicinal benefits, agricultural sustainability and future thrusts for breeding and genetic improvement of the plant species. There is still a knowledge gap in Solanum aethiopicum (Nakati) retail trade, its profitability and what influences profitability levels. This study was conducted to assess the profitability and the factors that affect the profitability of Nakati among retail traders in Kampala district. A total of 45 respondents (27 males and 18 females) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results indicated that many Nakati traders in Kampala were generally youth (mean age of males was 60% and the female mean age was 40%.), the percentage of those married is 55% and singles is 45%; and have at least attained 7 years of education. Majority of the respondents (93.75%) indicated that they did not get support from the government. According to the respondents, Nakati was profitable and this was ascertained by the profit calculation. Average Mean profits earned by the traders were Shs. 481,833 Price fluctuation, bad debts from customers, rotting off of Nakati and high transport costs were the major constraints cited by the Nakati retail traders. 25% of the retail traders said that the reason they have been sustained in the Nakati business is attributed to the fact that Nakati is profitable because today prices can increase today by the farmer and wholesaler and the following day the prices lowers thus no losses even if there is a bad debt it can be compensated in that situation | en_US |
