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Unpacking the value of traditional African vegetables for food and nutrition security

Author

Listed:
  • Learnmore Mwadzingeni

    (Research and Development
    University of KwaZulu-Natal)

  • Victor Afari-Sefa

    (West and Central Africa)

  • Hussein Shimelis

    (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

  • Sognigbé N’Danikou

    (Eastern and Southern Africa)

  • Sandiswa Figlan

    (University of South Africa)

  • Lutz Depenbusch

    (East and Southeast Asia)

  • Admire I.T. Shayanowako

    (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

  • Takemore Chagomoka

    (West and Central Africa)

  • Malven Mushayi

    (Research and Development
    University of KwaZulu-Natal)

  • Pepijn Schreinemachers

    (East and Southeast Asia)

  • John Derera

    (University of KwaZulu-Natal
    International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA))

Abstract

There is a need for agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa to diversify into more nutrient-rich crops to meet the subcontinent’s nutritional needs in terms of micronutrients and reduce health risks related to high and rising rates of overweight/obesity. Many traditional African vegetables (TAVs) are nutrient-dense and have much potential to reduce malnutrition. These vegetables can also provide sustainable incomes to rural, urban and peri-urban farming communities. In addition to their high economic values and health benefits, most TAVs are amenable to be grown under low input conditions and even organically. However, TAVs are under-researched and underutilized across the vegetable value chain. This paper provides a detailed account of the value of TAVs, focusing on their importance, research and development progress, and future needs. To exploit the potential of TAVs, there is need for a more concerted research and development efforts including effective characterization of the nutrition and genetic profiles; enhancing adaptability and yield gains; and capacity development in value addition, postharvest handling, processing, marketing, and seed system development. Success in these areas depends on effective collaborations among national and international partners including the private seed sector, and government and non-governmental organizations working in the areas of agriculture, nutrition and health.

Suggested Citation

  • Learnmore Mwadzingeni & Victor Afari-Sefa & Hussein Shimelis & Sognigbé N’Danikou & Sandiswa Figlan & Lutz Depenbusch & Admire I.T. Shayanowako & Takemore Chagomoka & Malven Mushayi & Pepijn Schreinem, 2021. "Unpacking the value of traditional African vegetables for food and nutrition security," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 13(5), pages 1215-1226, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:13:y:2021:i:5:d:10.1007_s12571-021-01159-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-021-01159-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Essy C. Kirui & Michael M. Kidoido & Daniel M. Mutyambai & Dickson O. Okello & Komivi S. Akutse, 2023. "Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding the Use of Agroecological-Based Pest Management Practices in Crucifers and Traditional African Vegetable (TAV) Production in Kenya and Tanzania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-16, December.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Rosina Wanyama & Pepijn Schreinemachers & Justus Ochieng’ & Omary Bwambo & Roselyne Alphonce & Fekadu Fufa Dinssa & Ya-ping Lin & Roland Schafleitner, 2023. "Adoption and impact of improved amaranth cultivars in Tanzania using DNA fingerprinting," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 15(5), pages 1185-1196, October.

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