By Abdinego Martin

English version of the Lablab story

Subject "Lablab Beans and Maasai Communities: A Nutritious Fusion in African Cuisine"

Lablab, also known as Ngwara or Fiwi in Swahili, is a species of bean belonging to the Fabaceae
family. It is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa and is cultivated across tropical regions for
sustenance.

This nutrient-rich crop, often overlooked for many years, has now gained significant attention
from agricultural stakeholders.

Lablab thrives in warm-season conditions typical of tropical and subtropical regions. It's
renowned for its rapid growth and adaptability to diverse soil types.

Moreover, Lablab produces attractive ornamental flowers and is occasionally cultivated for its
ornamental qualities.

A primary use of Lablab lies in its edible beans.

When properly prepared, these beans are not only edible but also serve as a valuable protein
source.

They find their way into a variety of culinary delights, including soups, stews, and curries.

Furthermore, Lablab is cultivated as a forage crop for livestock.

Its leaves, stems, and pods are exceptionally nutritious and can be fed to cattle, goats, and
other animals, making it a vital source of animal feed, especially in regions with limited grazing
resources.

An intriguing characteristic of Lablab is its nitrogen-fixing ability, which enhances soil fertility.

By capturing atmospheric nitrogen and converting it into a plant-friendly form, Lablab

contributes significantly to crop rotation systems, improving soil health.

In agriculture, Lablab doubles as a cover crop.

Its robust growth effectively prevents soil erosion and can be strategically planted between
main crops to safeguard the soil.

When incorporated into the soil, it also contributes organic matter.

A fascinating connection exists between Lablab and the Maasai communities, who have long
incorporated it into their diet despite its relative obscurity.

Known as "Mberere" in Maasai, this local food is a combination of Lablab beans and maize,
cooked together.

Some even include milk in their dish, resulting in a delightful flavor referred to as "Emelok" in
Maasai, signifying deliciousness.

Based on the experiences of certain Maasai residing in Kenya, Lablab, known as "ngwara" or
"Fiwi," is sometimes boiled and consumed as morning tea during breakfast.

This reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Maasai and their innovative use of Lablab in their
daily meals.

Ends
Na Abdinego Martin

Swahili version of the Lablab story

Kichwa cha Habari "Maharagwe ya Lablab na Jamii za Maasai: Muunganiko wa Lishe ya

Kiafrika"

Ngwara ambalo pia hujulikana kama Fiwi, ni aina ya maharagwe katika familia ya Fabaceae. Asili
yake ni katika eneo la Afrika Kusini mwa Jangwa la Sahara na hulimwa katika maeneo ya
kitropiki.

Zao hili lenye utajiri wa virutubisho, ambalo kwa muda mrefu lilisahauliwa, sasa limeanza
kupata umuhimu mkubwa kutoka kwa wadau wa kilimo.

Zao hili linastawi katika hali ya hewa ya joto inayofanana na maeneo ya kitropiki na subtropiki.
Linajulikana kwa ukuaji wake wa haraka na uwezo wa kuzoea aina mbalimbali za udongo.

Aidha, Ngwara hutoa maua mazuri ya mapambo na mara kwa mara hulimwa kwa sababu ya
uzuri wake wa mapambo.

Matumizi makuu ya 'Ngwara au Fiwi' ni kwa maharagwe yake yanayofaa kwa kula. Maharagwe
haya, yakipikwa ipasavyo, sio tu yanayofaa kuliwa, bali pia yanatoa chanzo bora cha protini.
Maharagwe haya hutumiwa katika aina mbalimbali za vyakula, ikiwa ni pamoja na supu, mchuzi,
na mchuzi wa nazi.

Zaidi ya hayo, Lablab hulimwa kama zao la malisho kwa mifugo. Majani, shina, na makaka ya
mimea hii ni lishe bora sana na yanaweza kulishwa kwa ng'ombe, mbuzi, na wanyama wengine.
Hufanya kama chanzo muhimu cha chakula cha wanyama, hususan katika maeneo yenye
rasilimali za malisho chache.

Inajulikana kwa uwezo wake wa kufyonza nitrojeni katika udongo. Hii inamaanisha inaweza
kuboresha udongo kwa kuchukua nitrojeni kutoka kwa hewa na kuiweka katika mfumo au
namna ambayo inayoweza kutumiwa na mimea.

Hii inafanya kuwa zao muhimu katika mifumo ya mzunguko wa mazao kwa ajili ya kuboresha
afya ya udongo.

Katika kilimo, zao hili pia hutumiwa kama zao la kufunika ardhi.
Ukuaji wake wenye nguvu husaidia kuzuia mmomonyoko wa udongo, na inaweza kupandwa
kati ya mazao makuu kulinda udongo na kuongeza kiwango cha jamii ya kikaboni wakati
inapojumuishwa katika udongo.

Kuna uhusiano wa kuvutia kati ya hilo zao letu la Kiafrika na jamii ya Kimasai, ambao kwa muda
mrefu wamekuwa wakiitumia katika lishe yao licha ya kutokuwa na umaarufu mkubwa.

Inajulikana kama "Mberere" kwa lugha ya Kimasai, hii ni chakula cha kitamaduni
kinachojumuisha maharagwe aina ya Ngwara au Fiwi na mahindi, vyote vikipikwa pamoja.

Baadhi ya Maasai hata huongeza maziwa, na hivyo kupata ladha 'Emelok' maana yake ni tamu
kwa lugha yao.

Kulingana na uzoefu wa baadhi ya Maasai wanaoishi Kenya, zao hilo inayojulikana kama
"ngwara" au "Fiwi," mara nyingine huchemshwa na kutumiwa kama sehemu ya chai ya asubuhi
wakati wa kifungua kinywa.

Hii inaonyesha urithi tajiri wa upishi wa wamasai na matumizi yao ya ubunifu ya zao hilo
muhimu la kiafrika katika milo yao ya kila siku.

Mwisho