Reviving Forgotten Foods: Agronomic Performance and Economic Potential of Underutilized Indigenous Crops in Sub-Saharan Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46243/jst.2025.v10.i12.pp11-34Keywords:
underutilized indigenous crops, traditional crops, nutritional security, food securityAbstract
Crop diversification is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of global strategies for sustainable
agriculture, climate resilience, and nutritional security. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), underutilized
indigenous crops such as sorghum, millet, Bambara groundnut, fonio, and amaranth offer a unique
combination of agronomic adaptability, nutrient density, and cultural relevance. These species have
evolved under local agroecological pressures, conferring tolerance to drought, heat, and marginal soils
while contributing to dietary diversity and rural income generation. Despite their potential, indigenous
crops remain marginalized in research, policy, and markets.
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