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The Potential Role of Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species as Future Crops under Water Scarce Conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Pauline Chivenge

    (These authors contributed equally to this work.
    International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

    (These authors contributed equally to this work.
    School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Albert T. Modi

    (School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa)

  • Paramu Mafongoya

    (School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa)

Abstract

Modern agricultural systems that promote cultivation of a very limited number of crop species have relegated indigenous crops to the status of neglected and underutilised crop species (NUCS). The complex interactions of water scarcity associated with climate change and variability in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and population pressure require innovative strategies to address food insecurity and undernourishment. Current research efforts have identified NUCS as having potential to reduce food and nutrition insecurity, particularly for resource poor households in SSA. This is because of their adaptability to low input agricultural systems and nutritional composition. However, what is required to promote NUCS is scientific research including agronomy, breeding, post-harvest handling and value addition, and linking farmers to markets. Among the essential knowledge base is reliable information about water utilisation by NUCS with potential for commercialisation. This commentary identifies and characterises NUCS with agronomic potential in SSA, especially in the semi-arid areas taking into consideration inter alia : (i) what can grow under water-scarce conditions, (ii) water requirements, and (iii) water productivity. Several representative leafy vegetables, tuber crops, cereal crops and grain legumes were identified as fitting the NUCS category. Agro-biodiversity remains essential for sustainable agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Pauline Chivenge & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Albert T. Modi & Paramu Mafongoya, 2015. "The Potential Role of Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species as Future Crops under Water Scarce Conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-27, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:6:p:5685-5711:d:50122
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Asiwe, JNA, 2023. "Impact Of Water Research Commission Cowpea Project On The Improvement Of Cropping Systems And Nutrition Of Farmers In Limpopo Province, South Africa," African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), vol. 23(3), January.
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    5. Tendai Polite Chibarabada & Albert Thembinkosi Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2017. "Nutrient Content and Nutritional Water Productivity of Selected Grain Legumes in Response to Production Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-17, October.
    6. Vimbayi Grace Petrova Chimonyo & Tendai Polite Chibarabada & Dennis Junior Choruma & Richard Kunz & Sue Walker & Festo Massawe & Albert Thembinkosi Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2022. "Modelling Neglected and Underutilised Crops: A Systematic Review of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-19, October.
    7. repec:thr:techub:1008:y:2020:i:1:p:220-228 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Chimonyo, V. G. P. & Chibarabada, T. P. & Choruma, D. J. & Kunz, R. & Walker, S. & Massawe, F. & Modi, A. T. & Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe, 2022. "Modelling neglected and underutilised crops: a systematic review of progress, challenges, and opportunities," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 1-14(21):13.
    9. Karina Jiménez-Morales & Eduardo Castañeda-Pérez & Emanuel Herrera-Pool & Teresa Ayora-Talavera & Juan Carlos Cuevas-Bernardino & Ulises García-Cruz & Soledad Cecilia Pech-Cohuo & Neith Pacheco, 2022. "Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Different Maturity Stages and Fruit Parts of Cordia dodecandra A. DC.: Quantification and Identification by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-15, December.
    10. Nomfundo Shelembe & Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo & Albert Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi, 2024. "The Association of Socio-Economic Factors and Indigenous Crops on the Food Security Status of Farming Households in KwaZulu-Natal Province," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-18, March.
    11. Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Tendai Chibarabada & Albert Modi, 2016. "Water-Food-Nutrition-Health Nexus: Linking Water to Improving Food, Nutrition and Health in Sub-Saharan Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, January.
    12. Anne Edwards & Isaac Njaci & Abhimanyu Sarkar & Zhouqian Jiang & Gemy George Kaithakottil & Christopher Moore & Jitender Cheema & Clare E. M. Stevenson & Martin Rejzek & Petr Novák & Marielle Vigourou, 2023. "Genomics and biochemical analyses reveal a metabolon key to β-L-ODAP biosynthesis in Lathyrus sativus," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-16, December.
    13. Sylvester Mpandeli & Dhesigen Naidoo & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Charles Nhemachena & Luxon Nhamo & Stanley Liphadzi & Sithabile Hlahla & Albert T. Modi, 2018. "Climate Change Adaptation through the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Southern Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, October.

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