The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa

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 Afr...

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Autores principales: Chivenge, Pauline P., Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe, Modi, A., Mafongoya, P.L.
Formato: Journal Article
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: MDPI 2015
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/76725
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author Chivenge, Pauline P.
Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Modi, A.
Mafongoya, P.L.
author_browse Chivenge, Pauline P.
Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Mafongoya, P.L.
Modi, A.
author_facet Chivenge, Pauline P.
Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Modi, A.
Mafongoya, P.L.
author_sort Chivenge, Pauline P.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description 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.
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spelling CGSpace767252025-03-11T09:50:20Z The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa Chivenge, Pauline P. Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe Modi, A. Mafongoya, P.L. biodiversity sustainability semi-arid tropics climate change food and nutrition security indigenous knowledge resilience 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. 2015 2016-09-01T11:12:58Z 2016-09-01T11:12:58Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/76725 en Open Access MDPI Chivenge, P.; Mabhaudhi, T.; Modi, A.; Mafongoya, P. 2015. The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 12(6), 5685-5711.
spellingShingle biodiversity
sustainability
semi-arid tropics
climate change
food and nutrition security
indigenous knowledge
resilience
Chivenge, Pauline P.
Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Modi, A.
Mafongoya, P.L.
The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa
title The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa
title_full The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa
title_fullStr The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa
title_full_unstemmed The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa
title_short The potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub-Saharan Africa
title_sort potential role of neglected and underutilised crop species as future crops under water scarce conditions in sub saharan africa
topic biodiversity
sustainability
semi-arid tropics
climate change
food and nutrition security
indigenous knowledge
resilience
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/76725
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