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Modelling Neglected and Underutilised Crops: A Systematic Review of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

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  • Vimbayi Grace Petrova Chimonyo

    (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)-Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare P.O. Box MP 163, Zimbabwe
    Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Tendai Polite Chibarabada

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Dennis Junior Choruma

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Richard Kunz

    (Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Sue Walker

    (Agricultural Research Council—Soil, Climate & Water, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
    Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

  • Festo Massawe

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
    Future Food Beacon Malaysia, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia)

  • Albert Thembinkosi Modi

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
    International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Pretoria 0127, South Africa)

Abstract

Developing and promoting neglected and underutilised crops (NUS) is essential to building resilience and strengthening food systems. However, a lack of robust, reliable, and scalable evidence impedes the mainstreaming of NUS into policies and strategies to improve food and nutrition security. Well-calibrated and validated crop models can be useful in closing the gap by generating evidence at several spatiotemporal scales needed to inform policy and practice. We, therefore, assessed progress, opportunities, and challenges for modelling NUS using a systematic review. While several models have been calibrated for a range of NUS, few models have been applied to evaluate the growth, yield, and resource use efficiencies of NUS. The low progress in modelling NUS is due, in part, to the vast diversity found within NUS that available models cannot adequately capture. A general lack of research compounds this focus on modelling NUS, which is made even more difficult by a deficiency of robust and accurate ecophysiological data needed to parameterise crop models. Furthermore, opportunities exist for advancing crop model databases and knowledge by tapping into big data and machine learning.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:21:p:13931-:d:954151
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    1. Marija Knez & Marija Ranic & Mirjana Gurinovic & Maria Glibetic & Jasna Savic & Konstadinos Mattas & Murat Yercan, 2023. "Causes and Conditions for Reduced Cultivation and Consumption of Underutilized Crops: Is There a Solution?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.

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