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Modelling neglected and underutilised crops: a systematic review of progress, challenges, and opportunities

Author

Listed:
  • Chimonyo, V. G. P.
  • Chibarabada, T. P.
  • Choruma, D. J.
  • Kunz, R.
  • Walker, S.
  • Massawe, F.
  • Modi, A. T.
  • Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe

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

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:iwt:jounls:h051496
    DOI: 10.3390/su142113931
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. Mabhaudhi, T. & Chimonyo, V. G. P. & Hlahla, S. & Massawe, F. & Mayes, S. & Nhamo, Luxon & Modi, A. T., 2019. "Prospects of orphan crops in climate change," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 250(3):695-.
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    1. Thando Lwandile Mthembu & Richard Kunz & Shaeden Gokool & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2024. "The Use of Agricultural Databases for Crop Modeling: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-20, July.
    2. 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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