Scholarlink

<p>Africa has great potential to improve food security and increase climate resilience through underutilized and neglected crops (UNCs). These crops are still underutilized despite their advantageous nutritional qualities, ability to withstand harsh environments, and cultural significance. The main obstacles to their use are examined in this review, which include a lack of research and development, a lackluster market, inadequate policy frameworks, and sociocultural choices for staple crops like rice and maize that are widely used. These barriers are further compounded by insufficient extension services and a lack of awareness. This review suggests ways to maximize the potential of UNCs, including improved value chains, focused crop breeding research, policy changes, and enhanced farmer knowledge transfer. It also covered how consumer awareness campaigns fit into national plans for food security and how to incorporate them. The UNCs can significantly contribute to the achievement of sustainable food security and the diversification of food systems throughout Africa by tackling these issues.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

The current challenges and solutions on utilizing the potential of underutilized and neglected crops for Africa's food security

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月26日

查看全文
  • Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando

摘要

Africa has great potential to improve food security and increase climate resilience through underutilized and neglected crops (UNCs). These crops are still underutilized despite their advantageous nutritional qualities, ability to withstand harsh environments, and cultural significance. The main obstacles to their use are examined in this review, which include a lack of research and development, a lackluster market, inadequate policy frameworks, and sociocultural choices for staple crops like rice and maize that are widely used. These barriers are further compounded by insufficient extension services and a lack of awareness. This review suggests ways to maximize the potential of UNCs, including improved value chains, focused crop breeding research, policy changes, and enhanced farmer knowledge transfer. It also covered how consumer awareness campaigns fit into national plans for food security and how to incorporate them. The UNCs can significantly contribute to the achievement of sustainable food security and the diversification of food systems throughout Africa by tackling these issues.