Terere, managu, saga: From 'poor man's food' to treasured cuisine

Free growing Terere and Managu has come as a relief for many households around Nairobi. 

The Kenyan economy might be in dire straits and prices of essential commodities have shot through the roof, lately however, there appears to be a silver lining.

Just when it appeared like life was becoming unbearable, the skies opened up and rains fell on the land.

Three weeks after the rains started falling, traditional vegetables like Managu, Terere, Nderema and Saga have sprouted and are freely available for people who have access to land.

Samuel Ikem who lives on an eighth of an acre piece of land in Kitengela is a happy man.

"These rains could not have come at a better time; due to the prolonged drought, vegetables were almost getting more expensive than meat," says the father of three.

"Today, our piece of land is full of Terere and Managu, which sprouted on their own. Truly, God does not let His people suffer,” he says.

Apart from the freely growing Managu and Terere, Ikem, who lost his job during the Covid-19 pandemic, had planted Nderema, which began wilting as a result of the draught; they now look green and luxuriant.

Immediately the rains struck, Ikem planted Spinach, Sukuma wiki and Saga, which are also doing well.

"My wife is quite happy now as all her vegetable needs are in our plot; no more going to buy vegetables in the kibanda," he adds with a smile.

Since Kitengela has a perennial water shortage, Ikem has decided to innovate by planting some vegetables in sacks filled with soil.

"Even when the rains stop, my sack kitchen garden will only require the little water that comes from the kitchen," he adds.

A spot check by Wananchi Reporting at the main Kitengela market indicates that the price of vegetables has considerably gone down and they are fresh and healthy, all thanks to the rains.

There are also traders who sell fresh vegetables from the backs of pick-ups, who are doing roaring business as their prices are quite friendly.

Ikem marvels at how diet patterns have changed over time.

 "Growing up in the rural areas traditional veggies like Terere, Managu and Saga were looked down upon as food for the poor," he recalls.

"We knew we were doing badly when we ate ugali with Terere or Managu," he says.

Today, things have changed, the veggies dismissed as food for the poor is sold at a premium at big supermarkets.

"Everyone wants to eat healthy and these are the veggies with all the required nutrients," says Ikem.