Neglected crops of Africa

Okigbo, R. N. and Ugwu, C. S. (2021). Neglected crops of Africa. International Journal of Agricultural Technology 17(6):2197-2210.

The neglected crops have not been fully realized in their potential. They are well adapted to several weather conditions in different locations, in particular, drought and low nutrients. These plants have great potential to enhance food security and nutrition, climate change, preserve cultural heritage and improved income for the rural poor. They are also used for food, fiber, fodder, oil or medicinal purposes. They include Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc.), Fonio (Digitaria exilis (Kippist), Soursop (Annona muricata (L), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) and Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam.). In Africa, many plant species are underutilized. However, the report showed that underutilized plants are limited by loss of local knowledge, lack of research, lack of communication and limited market opportunities. Hence, creating awareness, market opportunities, research and new knowledge will enhance their utilization. Therefore, the improved development of these plant species is essential to retain the agricultural diversity, which is important for changing the world, which is increasingly dominated by few plants.

Keywords: Food Security, Nutrition, Scarce, Medicinal, Underutilized