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African Leafy Vegetables for Improved Human Nutrition and Food System Resilience in Southern Africa: A Scoping Review

Author

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  • Admire Isaac Tichafa Shayanowako

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
    African Centre for Crop Improvement, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Oliver Morrissey

    (School of Economics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Alberto Tanzi

    (Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Maud Muchuweti

    (Department of Nutrition Dietetics and Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Zimbabwe, 630 Churchill Avenue, Harare 0000, Zimbabwe)

  • Guillermina M. Mendiondo

    (Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Sean Mayes

    (Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Albert T. Modi

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

Abstract

The economic potential of African leafy vegetables (ALVs) remains obscured by a poorly developed value chain. This scoping review assembled and examined scattered knowledge generated on ALVs across southern Africa, focusing on production, processing, marketing, and consumption. Two electronic databases (Scopus and Web of Science) were screened, and a total of 71 relevant studies were included and evaluated. The review provides a state of the art on knowledge related to utilisation of ALVs across the entire value chain. The findings show that functional properties are of prime importance in the production and consumption of ALVs. However, the lack of improved germplasm and a non-existent seed supply system are significant production bottlenecks. Pests and diseases affecting the productivity of ALVs remain mostly unexplored. Sun-drying and boiling were the most reported post-harvest processing methods, suggesting that traditional processing methods are still prominent. Many studies also confirmed the predominance of informal markets in the trading of ALVs as they fail to penetrate formal markets because of poor product positioning and exclusion from produce demand and supply forecasts. The inception of cultivar development, mechanised processing methods, and market linkages will enhance the profitability of ALVs in the region. This review enhances the gaining of insight into the state of different value chain components will assist in upscaling production, value addition of products, and enhance marketing efficiency. There is a great opportunity for basic and applied research into ALVs.

Suggested Citation

  • Admire Isaac Tichafa Shayanowako & Oliver Morrissey & Alberto Tanzi & Maud Muchuweti & Guillermina M. Mendiondo & Sean Mayes & Albert T. Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2021. "African Leafy Vegetables for Improved Human Nutrition and Food System Resilience in Southern Africa: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:5:p:2896-:d:512487
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Luambo Jeffrey Ramarumo, 2022. "Harnessing Ecosystem Services from Invasive Alien Grass and Rush Species to Suppress their Aggressive Expansion in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-16, November.
    4. Zongho Kom & Nthaduleni Samuel Nethengwe, 2024. "Indigenous and Local Knowledge: Instruments Towards Achieving SDG2: A Review in an African Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-15, October.
    5. Meab Clara Mdimi & Benjamin Dent & Simon Reid & Jeremia Makindara & Preetha Thomas, 2024. "Traditional African Vegetables Knowledge Translation: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-20, October.
    6. Yevheniia Varyvoda & Douglas Taren, 2022. "Considering Ecosystem Services in Food System Resilience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-16, March.
    7. Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi & Sinethemba Sibusisiwe Zulu & Temitope Oluwaseun Ojo & Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo, 2023. "Effect of Consumers’ Acceptance of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables and Their Contribution to Household Food Security," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-14, March.

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